Sainte-Marguerite Island Catamaran Cruise: Estérel Rocks

Red rocks, clear water, and two stops between the islands and the coast

A full-day catamaran cruise from Saint-Raphaël sails to Sainte-Marguerite Island and the Estérel massif, with two anchorages where you can snorkel, paddle or rest on deck. The boat departs at 9:20 am, anchors first between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat for lunch and water time, then moves to a cove in the Estérel's red rocks for the afternoon before returning at 5:30 pm. Aperitif, buffet lunch, drinks and snacks are included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran tour to Lérins Islands and Estérel

• Board catamaran at Saint-Raphael port
• Sail along coast past Boulouris and Estérel massif
• Anchor between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat islands
• Enjoy aperitif, paddle, snorkel, and buffet lunch
• Depart first anchorage towards Estérel massif
• Anchor in peaceful cove of Estérel massif
• Paddle or relax on catamaran deck
• Sail back along coast past Golden Island
• Disembark at Saint-Raphael old port

The experience

The catamaran leaves the Old Port of Saint-Raphaël at 9:20 am and sails along the coast for nearly two hours, passing the Île d'Or, Cap Dramont, the Bay of Agay and the red rock cliffs of the Estérel massif before reaching the Lerin Islands. The route itself is the first part of the day: you watch the landscape change from sandy bays to dramatic rock formations as the boat carries you out to sea.

At 11:15 am the boat anchors between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat islands in clear turquoise water. This is where the day opens up. A punch planter aperitif is served on board, then you have free time in the water (paddle, snorkel or stay on deck) before a buffet lunch is laid out facing the sea. The crew keeps the atmosphere relaxed and unhurried. At 2:30 pm you sail again, this time toward the Estérel massif, and drop anchor a second time at 3:15 pm in a quiet cove surrounded by the red rocks. The final hours are yours to spend as you choose: another paddle, another swim, or simply watching the cliffs from the deck. The return journey begins at 4:30 pm, passing the Île d'Or one last time before docking back at Saint-Raphaël at 5:30 pm.

Everything is included on board (soda, coffee, alcoholic beverages, snacks and the full lunch), so there is nothing to buy or arrange once you step aboard. The guide speaks English and French. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

• Aperitif and buffet lunch served on board.
• snorkeling and paddle equipment available during both anchorages.
• soda, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• snacks included.
• live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 Jul 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 90

Live guideEnglish 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 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by AMC Cape Grace

Is this one for you?The boat spends most of the day at anchor rather than moving, so this suits anyone who wants to be on the water without constant motion. If you prefer to stay active, the snorkeling and paddling at both stops give you options. If you'd rather rest, the deck and the lunch service let you do that instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

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.

What can I do in the water at Sainte-Marguerite Island?

At the first anchorage between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, you can snorkel, paddle or simply relax on deck in the clear turquoise water while the boat is anchored. The crew provides the time and space for all three options during the morning stop.

How long does the boat spend anchored at each stop?

The first anchorage at the Lerin Islands lasts from 11:15 am to 2:30 pm (about three and a half hours), which includes the aperitif, free water time and the buffet lunch. The second anchorage in the Estérel cove runs from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes.

What are the red rocks I'll see on this cruise?

The red rocks are part of the Estérel massif, a coastal mountain range between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes. The boat sails past them on the way to the islands and anchors in a cove within the massif in the afternoon, so you see them both from the water and up close.

What time does the boat leave Saint-Raphaël and when do we return?

Boarding begins at 9:20 am at the Old Port of Saint-Raphaël, and the boat departs at 9:30 am. The return journey starts at 4:30 pm, with disembarkation back at the old port at 5:30 pm, making this an eight-hour outing.