Private boat tour · From May 11, 2027
A Lérins Islands private boat tour from Cannes
Sillages Riviera runs a Lérins Islands private boat tour from the Old Port of Cannes (Quai Saint-Pierre) for up to 8 guests, with a professional skipper, for a half day (about 4 hours) or a full day (about 8 hours). The islands are a few minutes away, and most of the trip is spent at anchor off Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat.
- Guests
- Up to 8
- Departure
- Old Port of Cannes (Quai Saint-Pierre)
- Duration
- Half day (about 4 h) or full day (about 8 h)
- Season
- May 11 to late October 2027
- Price
- On request — contact us
Which Lérins island to visit: Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat?
Both islands face the Croisette, a few minutes from Cannes, and one trip can include both.
Île Sainte-Marguerite and Fort Royal
Sainte-Marguerite, the larger island, is covered in Aleppo pine and eucalyptus. The Man in the Iron Mask was held in Fort Royal, on its north shore, at the end of the 17th century.
Saint-Honorat, the monks' island
Saint-Honorat, the smaller island, belongs to the monks of Lérins Abbey, who tend vineyards there. Their fortified monastery stands on the south shore, facing the open sea.
The Lérins Islands underwater museum
Off the south shore, six statues by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, each about 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall and modeled on Cannes residents, have rested since January 2021, 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) deep and 84 to 132 meters off the shore. Boats may not enter the museum area, so your skipper anchors as close as allowed, just outside it, and you swim out to the statues with a mask and snorkel, both on board, once the skipper gives the go-ahead. It is for strong swimmers only, with a life jacket or buoy if needed, depending on the sea and visibility.
How it runs: a Lérins Islands day trip or half day from Cannes
Times are indicative, adjusted to the weather and your wishes. A half day lasts about 4 hours, a full day about 8 hours.
Board at Quai Saint-Pierre
Your skipper (captain) welcomes you in the Old Port of Cannes, or at another harbor on request.
Cross in a few minutes
The skipper stays at the helm, with the sides of the boat (bulwarks) closed, while the roof and reverse windshield give shade.
Anchor and swim
On sand or on a mooring buoy, the bulwarks fold down into terraces at water level; masks, snorkels, fins and 2 paddleboards are on board.
Underwater museum or a walk ashore
For the museum, your skipper anchors outside the area closed to boats, as close as allowed, and you swim out to the statues with a mask and snorkel once the skipper gives the go-ahead (strong swimmers only; life jacket or buoy available). Or, on request, your skipper lands you on Sainte-Marguerite for a walk.
Lunch aboard or a slow tour
Lunch aboard at anchor, on request, then a slow tour along the coast of Saint-Honorat.
Back to Cannes
Return to the Old Port at the time set in your quote, or stay for a private sunset cruise. For a full day with Cap d'Antibes or the Estérel, see boat rental with skipper by the day.
Where does the boat anchor at the Lérins Islands?
On sand or on a mooring buoy in Sainte-Marguerite's organized mooring area: your skipper picks the spot on the day, according to wind, swell and no-anchoring zones.
Posidonia seagrass is protected
Posidonia meadows on the seabed have been protected in France since a 1988 ministerial order, and the European Union lists them as a priority habitat, so the anchor goes down only on sand.
No-anchoring zones around Sainte-Marguerite
North of Sainte-Marguerite, the city of Cannes runs an organized mooring area from May 1 to September 30, surrounded by a 43-hectare (106-acre) zone where anchoring is prohibited. To the south, the underwater museum area is also closed to boats.
Is a Lérins Islands boat trip suitable for children?
Yes. Children are welcome, with life jackets for every age, infants included, and the trip suits couples and groups of friends just as well. The full layout is on the Axopar 38 Cross Top page.
On board and on request
Your crew
A licensed professional skipper (captain), alone or with a hostess or deckhand depending on the number of guests, the length of the trip and your wishes.
On board
Masks, snorkels, fins, 2 paddleboards, towels and water; life jackets for every age, including SOLAS-certified infant life jackets. A private restroom with a hot shower and shade under the roof of the Axopar 38 Cross Top.
On request
Drinks (champagne available), meals, appetizer platters, canapés, flowers or a photographer. You can pay for them directly on board, with no obligation to buy.
Good to know
Meeting point
Quai Saint-Pierre in the Old Port of Cannes, or another harbor on request, at a supplement. During the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Régates Royales, the quay is closed and your quote names another boarding point.
What to bring
Swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light sweater for the evening.
Languages on board
Every skipper speaks at least English and French.
Weather and cancellation
Only swell, wind or confirmed rain can cancel a trip, never clouds alone. Your skipper checks the sea before every departure and has the final say; rescheduling or refunds follow our terms and conditions of sale.
Accessibility
Boarding is difficult but not impossible for guests with reduced mobility, and the restroom is not wheelchair accessible. See the FAQ and contact us before you book.
Questions
How long is the boat ride from Cannes to the Lérins Islands?
The islands are a few minutes from the Old Port of Cannes, about 5 minutes by private boat depending on sea conditions. The trip itself lasts a half day (about 4 hours) or a full day (about 8 hours), mostly spent at anchor and around the islands.
Private boat or scheduled boat to the Lérins Islands: what is the difference?
Scheduled boats from Cannes land passengers at the islands' piers on a timetable. A private trip with Sillages Riviera carries only your group, up to 8 guests, and anchors offshore so you can swim from the boat.
Can we see the Lérins Islands underwater museum?
Yes, by swimming with a mask and snorkel. The museum, off the south shore of Sainte-Marguerite, is closed to boats, so your skipper anchors just outside the area, as close as allowed, and you swim out to the statues once the skipper gives the go-ahead. It is for strong swimmers only; life jackets or a buoy can be used, depending on the sea and visibility.
Can we snorkel at the Lérins Islands?
Yes, from the boat at anchor, when your skipper gives the go-ahead. Masks, snorkels, fins and 2 paddleboards are on board.
How much does a private boat trip to the Lérins Islands cost?
The price is on request and the quote is free: one price for the whole boat, not per person, including VAT, set by the date, the duration and the itinerary. See also the private boat FAQ.
Can we visit the Lérins Islands from a cruise ship in Cannes?
Yes, as a private half day for your group: the boat leaves from the Old Port of Cannes, close to the cruise ship tender landing, and the islands are a few minutes away. Give your ship's all-aboard time in your quote request: your quote sets the return time.
Plan your trip to the Lérins Islands
Send us your date, the number of guests and your choice of half day (about 4 hours) or full day (about 8 hours). The quote is free, with a same-day reply in season.
On request — contact us
