Snorkeling on the French Riviera: Private Catamaran Cruise

A morning of sailing, then anchor in turquoise water for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and lunch.

A private catamaran cruise on the French Riviera carries up to 20 people through sparkling waters off Antibes for a full day of snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. The boat anchors between Fort Carré and Billionaires' Bay for a 1.5-hour swim stop in turquoise water. Lunch with salads, cold meats and fresh fruit is included, along with wine, soft drinks and all water equipment; a guide speaks English or French, and transport to and from the boat is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and swim stop

• Sail toward Cap d’Antibes and Fort Carré
• Anchor for swim stop at Billionaires’ Bay

The Experience

The catamaran leaves from Antibes and sails for about 45 minutes toward Cap d'Antibes and Fort Carré, one of the region's most photographed sites. Once anchored in the turquoise water between the fort and Billionaires' Bay, you have 1.5 hours to snorkel, paddleboard or kayak. The boat carries two paddleboards, one kayak, fins and snorkels for everyone, so you don't need to bring your own gear or figure out what works.

Lunch happens on board—a spread of salads, cold meats, cheese, bread and fresh fruit—along with local wine, punch and soft drinks throughout the day. Coffee and tea are available too. The full day runs 5 to 8 hours depending on conditions and your group's pace; a half-day option includes a snack instead of the full meal. A guide in English or French is with you the whole time, and a van picks up your group at a meeting point, takes everyone to the boat and returns you at the end of the day.

The boat holds up to 20 people, so it stays small enough that the anchor spot doesn't feel crowded. Everything from transport to equipment to food is arranged in advance, which means the day unfolds without anyone hunting for a rental shop or figuring out logistics once you arrive.

What’s included

• Snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking equipment.
• lunch with salads, cold meats, cheese, bread and fresh fruit.
• local wine, punch, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
• van transport to and from the meeting point.
• English or French-speaking guide for the full day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for back problems

Operated by Smartour Riviera

Is this one for you?Book the full day if you want the afternoon to unfold without stopping for lunch logistics; the half-day option works better if you're splitting time between land and water or traveling with young children who do better with a shorter outing.

Top questions

What's the water like where we'll be snorkeling off Antibes?

The snorkeling happens in turquoise water anchored between Fort Carré and Billionaires' Bay, one of the most beautiful stretches on the French Riviera. You have 1.5 hours in the water, and the boat provides fins and snorkels.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or can I rent it?

Snorkels, fins, paddleboards and a kayak are all on board and included. Bring a swimsuit and a towel; everything else is there.

Is lunch included, and what if I book the half-day option instead?

The full-day cruise includes a lunch of salads, cold meats, cheese, bread and fresh fruit, plus wine and soft drinks all day. The half-day option includes a snack on board instead of the full meal.

How does transport work—do I need to get to the boat myself?

A van picks up your group at a meeting point, takes everyone to the catamaran, and returns you to the same spot at the end of the day. The pickup and drop-off are included.

Can we book this for a group, and how many people can fit?

The catamaran is private for your group and holds up to 20 people. A guide speaks English or French throughout the day.