Snorkeling in Cannes: Private Boat to Lérins Islands

Seven hours on your own boat, no crowds, just the lagoon and the statues underwater

Half-day and full-day private snorkeling trips depart Cannes aboard a dedicated skipper's boat bound for the Lérins Islands. You choose the timing (morning, afternoon, or evening into the Cannes fireworks), and the captain handles everything else: fuel, navigation, six sets of masks and snorkels, paddleboards, towels, water and ice. Swim and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat islands, then descend to the underwater ecomuseum where Jason deCaires Taylor's statues sit on the seafloor. The boat carries up to six people, so you travel with whoever you bring.

The experience

The boat leaves Cannes and heads straight for the Lérins Islands, a pair of protected islands with turquoise water and no tour-boat congestion. Your captain anchors in the lagoon between the two islands. The swimming and snorkeling happens here, in water shallow enough to see the sandy bottom and the statues below. Six masks and snorkels are aboard, along with paddleboards if you want to explore the coves under your own power. The underwater ecomuseum is the draw: deCaires Taylor's sculptures sit on the seafloor and have become a reef, so you're swimming above art that has become habitat.

The day unfolds at your pace. Swim when you want, snorkel when you want, paddleboard or sunbathe on deck with cold drinks and music. Your captain takes care of the boat, the navigation and the logistics: fuel is included, towels are aboard, water and ice are yours to use. If you want to stay until sunset and catch the Cannes fireworks from the water, ask your captain. The evening option is built for exactly that. Half-day departures run in the morning or afternoon depending on the season. Full-day trips give you the whole stretch of daylight.

Infants travel on an adult's lap. The boat is small enough that you're never far from the water, and the captain knows the lagoon and the ecomuseum well enough to point out what you're seeing below. Service animals are welcome. If you have cardiovascular concerns, check with your doctor before booking. The snorkeling itself is gentle, but the boat ride and the entry into the water are part of the day.

What’s included

• Six masks and snorkels.
• stand-up paddleboard.
• bottled water, ice and ice cubes.
• six bath towels.
• captain's fees.
• and fuel.

Options for this experience

6 options

Half Day AprilAvailable from 1 Apr 2027Duration: 4 hours, as a half day in the morning (9am to 1pm) or afternoon (2:30pm to 6:30pm), starting from 4am

Half day in May and JuneAvailable from 1 May 2027Duration: 4 hours, as a half day in the morning (9am to 1pm) or afternoon (2:30pm to 6:30pm), starting from 4am

Half day in July and AugustAvailable from 1 Jul 2027Duration: 4 hours, as a half day in the morning (9am to 1pm) or afternoon (2:30pm to 6:30pm), starting from 4am

See 3 more options

Half day SeptemberAvailable from 1 Sep 2027Duration: 4 hours

Evening Fireworks CannesAvailable from 1 Jul 2027See the magic of the Cannes Pyrotechnic Festival from the front row!

Private boat trip to the Lerins Islands with Chris Skipper CannesAvailable from 1 May 2027

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Chris Skipper Cannes Boat Rental & Private Tours

Is this one for you?Book the half-day option if you want to snorkel and paddleboard without sacrificing the rest of your day in Cannes. Choose the full-day trip or the evening fireworks departure if you want the lagoon and the underwater statues to be the whole outing.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 is the underwater ecomuseum at Lérins Islands?

The underwater ecomuseum is a collection of sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor that sit on the seafloor between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat islands. The statues have become a reef over time, attracting fish and marine growth, so you're snorkeling above art that has transformed into living habitat.

Can I choose between a half-day and a full-day snorkeling trip?

Yes. Half-day options depart in the morning or afternoon depending on the season you book. Full-day trips run the entire daylight stretch. An evening option is also available if you want to stay until the Cannes fireworks light up the water.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring?

You don't need to bring anything. Six sets of masks and snorkels are aboard the boat, along with towels, water and ice. If you have your own gear and prefer to use it, bring it with you.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat carries up to six passengers, so you travel with whoever you book with: no strangers, no other groups.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. A stand-up paddleboard is available on board if you want to explore the coves on your own. Your captain will show you how to use it.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The lagoon between the two islands is shallow and calm, and your captain is there to help. Snorkeling doesn't require swimming ability. You float on the surface and breathe through the snorkel. If you're nervous, tell your captain and stay in the shallows where you can stand.