Private sailing to Sainte-Marguerite Island with picnic

Sail, swim and snorkel on your own terms in the Lérins Islands

A private sailing excursion from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island in the Lérins archipelago, lasting five to six hours. You sail on a restored vintage Jeanneau Sangria, swim and snorkel with included masks and towels, visit an underwater eco-museum, and anchor for a Provençal picnic with vegetables, homemade anchovy and tzatziki, and rosé wine. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French and welcomes children from age four. You can participate in boat maneuvers or simply enjoy the day at your own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and picnic at Sainte-Marguerite Island

• Depart from Old Port of Cannes
• Sail to Sainte-Marguerite Island
• Picnic at anchor or dock
• Visit underwater eco-museum with masks
• Walk on the island
• Swim from the boat with diving mask

The experience

What does it take to sail the Côte d'Azur without a crowd? A private boat and a skipper who knows the coastline. You depart from the Old Port of Cannes (or Théoule-sur-Mer from September 1–20) aboard an 8-meter restored Jeanneau Sangria, a vintage sailboat built for both comfort and handling. The route crosses to Sainte-Marguerite Island in the Lérins archipelago, a protected site where the water stays clear enough to see the seabed.

Once you arrive, the day splits into what you want to do. Swim off the boat with a diving mask included. The underwater eco-museum behind the island is free to explore with the snorkeling gear provided. Walk the island's creeks and paths. When hunger hits, you anchor or tie at the dock for a picnic: a cart of fresh vegetables, homemade anchovy and tzatziki sauce, and a bottle of rosé (for adults over 18). The skipper shares sailing experience and invites you to help with the boat's maneuvers if you're interested, or you can stay on deck and watch the Bay of Cannes unfold. Swimming towels come with you. The only thing to bring is your own sunscreen.

The five- to six-hour rhythm gives you real time on the water without rushing the meal or the swim. The boat takes up to a small private group, so there's no jostling at the rail or waiting for turns in the water. If seasickness is a concern, bring your own medication. The skipper can advise on the day's conditions before you leave the harbor.

What’s included

• Sailing on a restored 8-meter Jeanneau Sangria.
• snorkeling masks and swimming towels.
• access to the underwater eco-museum at Sainte-Marguerite Island.
• a Provençal picnic with fresh vegetables, homemade anchovy and tzatziki sauce, and a bottle of rosé wine (for guests over 18).
• fuel surcharge.
• a guide in English, Spanish or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Monday and WednesdayDeparts at 11:00Last departure this season: 1 Nov

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Excursion à la voile & pique-nique provençal

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to sail and swim without a set itinerary dictating every moment: the anchor time, the snorkel duration and how much you help with the boat are all yours to decide. You'll need to be comfortable in the water and have at least moderate fitness. The boat moves with the sea, and swimming is part of the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I help sail the boat, or do I just relax on deck?

You can participate in the boat maneuvers if you want the hands-on experience, or you can stay comfortable and watch. The skipper shares sailing knowledge with anyone interested in learning. It's your choice how involved you get.

What's the underwater eco-museum like at Sainte-Marguerite Island?

The eco-museum sits behind the island and is free to explore with the diving masks included in your excursion. You snorkel from the boat or wade in to see the seabed. It's a casual discovery, not a guided tour of a specific site.

Is the picnic included, and what if I have dietary needs?

Yes, the picnic is included: vegetables, homemade anchovy and tzatziki, and rosé wine for adults. The operator welcomes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free requirements. Let them know when you book so they can prepare.

What happens if I get seasick?

Bring your own medication if you're prone to seasickness. The skipper can discuss the day's sea conditions before departure so you know what to expect, and you'll spend much of the day at anchor or the dock, not underway.