Cruise / navigation in the Lerins Islands

The best part of this Cannes outing is its small, personal scale. Eric and Celia take you from the Vieux-Port to the Lerins Islands, then anchor in the clear water between the islands for swimming, paddling, and an easygoing afternoon afloat. You are on their 11-meter sailboat, Ulysse, not a large sightseeing vessel.

I like the chance to swim and snorkel straight from the boat, and I like the warm, family-style hosting from Eric and Celia. Drinks, rosé, and a charcuterie snack are part of the relaxed mood. The main consideration is that this is not guaranteed to be a sailing trip: with little or no wind, the boat uses its motor, and the water can be choppy.

Key points to know before booking

• A small boat with a personal feel: Ulysse carries a maximum of six customers, giving the trip a more intimate character than a large catamaran cruise.
• The main stop is between the Lerins Islands: Expect time at anchor for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, sunbathing, and enjoying the views.
• Sailing depends on the wind: Some outings make use of the sails, but calm weather means a motor-powered ride.
• Eric and Celia host from their own boat: Their friendly, informal approach is a major part of the experience.
• Water gear is supplied: Masks, snorkels, and paddles are provided, but you should bring sunscreen and a bath towel.
• Plan extra time to find the dock: The meeting point is at Jetée Albert Edouard in Cannes’ Vieux-Port, and signage can be limited.

Leaving Cannes aboard Ulysse

You meet Eric and Celia at IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, Jetée Albert Edouard. This is central Cannes, close to public transportation, but the exact dock can be confusing if you arrive without reading the directions carefully. One useful tip: allow time to get your bearings, and keep your phone handy for messages from the hosts.

Shoes come off before boarding. That is common on a private sailboat, but it can catch you by surprise if you arrive dressed like you are joining a standard harbor cruise. Wear something comfortable, and do not bring more gear than you need.

Ulysse is an 11-meter sailboat that also serves as Eric and Celia’s home. The boat has a cushioned cockpit with a table and a bimini for shade, plus space at the front for lying in the sun or watching the coast. It is a genuine sailing boat with a lived-in, family feel, rather than a polished party platform.

The maximum group size is six customers. That is a real advantage for couples, families, or small groups who want conversation and personal attention. At full capacity, though, the boat can feel busy, especially if Eric and Celia’s young child is aboard or friends stop by. If you want total quiet and a wide-open deck, a larger catamaran may suit you better.

The ride from Cannes to the Lerins Islands

The trip takes about three and a half hours in total. The ride out gives you a different view of Cannes, with the city opening behind you as Ulysse heads toward the islands. The return ride offers another chance to take in the coast from the water, often with music and a drink in hand.

The word sailing needs a small footnote. When the wind is right, Eric and Celia can raise the sails, and several outings have included a pleasant sail under good conditions. On calm days, the boat runs under motor instead. That is not a flaw in itself, but it matters if your main goal is learning to sail or spending the entire outing under canvas.

Weather can also change the feel of the ride. The sea may be smooth and glassy, or it may be choppy near the anchorage. One person in a group became unwell in rough water, so you should consider seasickness if you have never spent time on a small boat. The crew puts safety first and may cancel when marine forecasts call for unsafe wind, even if other boats later appear on the water.

That cautious approach can be frustrating if a cancellation comes late. Still, a small sailboat has less shelter and stability than a ferry or large catamaran. I would rather see the skipper make the conservative call than push ahead to protect the schedule.

Anchoring between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat

The outing’s central moment comes at the Lerins Islands, especially the water between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. The anchorage can be busy, with many boats sharing the cove, but the setting is beautiful: clear turquoise water, rocky island shores, and the Cannes coast in the distance.

This is not a hop-on, hop-off island tour. You do not spend the afternoon walking around the islands. Instead, the boat anchors offshore and becomes your base. The appeal is simple: you can swim, float, paddle, snack, talk, or sit quietly in the sun without having to keep moving.

The stop is usually long enough to feel unhurried. One description of the outing places roughly two hours at anchor, although the exact timing depends on conditions. That gives you room to settle into the day rather than rush through a ten-minute swim.

The water is the star here. Bring your bath towel and sunscreen, then use the supplied masks and snorkels to look below the surface. Several outings also included paddleboarding, and children especially enjoyed jumping from the boat and using the paddleboard. You should check conditions before getting in, since the water may be choppy even when the day looks calm from shore.

If you prefer shade, the cockpit bimini provides protection, with cushions and a table for sitting. The forward deck is better for sunbathing. The boat’s layout lets you choose your pace, although the limited space means you may need to share the best spots politely.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the easy pace

This experience works best when you treat the island stop as free time, not as a packed program. Eric and Celia provide the equipment, but they do not turn the outing into a formal lesson. You can use the mask and snorkel at your own pace, paddle near the boat, or simply keep your feet in the water.

Fish have been visible around the anchorage, and the clear sea makes even a short swim rewarding. Sightings of a distant dolphin and a moonfish have also occurred, but those are lucky extras, not promises. The dependable attractions are the water, the views, and the chance to leave Cannes behind for a few hours.

Families should find the setup appealing, especially children who enjoy swimming from a boat. Couples can use the trip as a slower alternative to a crowded beach. Solo customers may also fit in well: Eric and Celia have taken the boat out even when only one person was booked, though that depends on the day and the operator’s decision.

The social tone is friendly and informal. Music may play on board, including upbeat Latin music, and conversation is part of the experience. If you want a silent cruise with only the sound of the sea, say so early and politely. The hosts have indicated that they can adjust the music when asked, but the default mood is sociable rather than meditative.

Rosé, charcuterie, and food from the water

The food and drink help make this feel like time spent on a private boat with friends. Rosé, beer, soft drinks, and water have been offered, along with a charcuterie board or similar snack. The exact food selection may vary, so do not book this as a full meal.

Pizza boats, burger boats, and ice cream boats also operate around the anchorage. You may be able to order food delivered directly to Ulysse, which adds a wonderfully local and slightly surreal touch to lunch on the Mediterranean. That food is an extra purchase, not something to assume is included in the tour price.

The charcuterie is a useful light bite, especially if you are swimming and spending several hours outdoors. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or plan to order from one of the boats if service is available. Bring water only if you have specific dietary needs, since drinks are already part of the hosting on many outings.

Because Ulysse is also the hosts’ home, the atmosphere is personal. Eric and Celia share stories about the islands and their plans to sail around the world. Some people will love that sense of being welcomed into a real home afloat. Others may prefer a professional crew who keeps a little more distance.

What the $157.28 price delivers

At $157.28 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Lerins Islands. You are paying for a small group, the skipper and hostess, fuel, the boat, water equipment, and roughly three and a half hours on the sea. There are no listed surprise charges for the basic outing.

The value improves if you compare it with private charter prices or larger premium cruises. You get a boat that carries no more than six customers, rather than a large group packed onto a sightseeing deck. You also get swimming time, a shaded cockpit, a sun deck, and personal hosting from the owners.

The price makes less sense if your goal is simply transportation to the islands or a formal sailing lesson. You may spend much of the trip under motor, and the main activity is relaxing at anchor. In that case, a basic ferry or a different group cruise could be a better fit.

The booking pattern suggests planning ahead is wise, with reservations often made about 29 days before departure. Last-minute spaces can appear, and Eric and Celia have sometimes operated with only one customer, but you should not rely on that. The trip requires a minimum number of customers and can be canceled for poor weather or an unmet minimum.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Bring sunscreen, a bath towel, swimwear, and a light layer for the ride back. The sun can feel strong on the open deck, while the wind may make the return trip cooler.

Wear shoes that are easy to remove. You will take them off before boarding, and bare feet are the norm on the boat.

Read the meeting instructions closely. Jetée Albert Edouard is in the Cannes port, but the dock may not have a prominent sign. Messages from Celia and Eric can help, so watch for them before departure.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare carefully. The boat is sturdy, but small boats respond more to waves than large vessels do. Conditions may be calm in the harbor and noticeably rougher near the islands.

Do not assume the day will be a quiet French sailing soundtrack. Music and conversation are part of the usual mood. If you prefer less music, ask the hosts to turn it down.

This activity is accessible to most people according to the tour details, but boarding a sailboat and swimming from it require ordinary mobility and confidence around the water. The supplied masks, snorkels, and paddles are a nice touch, but you should bring any personal flotation or medical equipment you need.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window generally are not refunded, except when the operator cancels because of weather or the minimum group size.

Who will enjoy this Cannes boat trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a friendly half-day on the sea rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour. It suits couples, families, small groups, and solo customers who enjoy meeting their hosts and sharing a boat with a few other people.

It is particularly good for swimming, casual snorkeling, sunbathing, and seeing Cannes from the water. The Lerins Islands provide the setting, but the experience is really about the anchored boat and the relaxed time around it.

I would think twice if you want guaranteed sailing, complete quiet, extensive island walking, or lots of room to spread out. I would also avoid booking it on a day when you are unsure about sea conditions or have no tolerance for possible motion sickness.

Should you book Ulysse?

Book it if the thought of swimming in clear water between the Lerins Islands, eating charcuterie with a glass of rosé, and spending a few hours on a family sailboat sounds better than joining a large cruise. Eric and Celia are the heart of the experience, and their warmth is a major part of what you pay for.

Go in with the right expectations: this is a relaxed boat outing, not a guaranteed sail or a detailed island tour. If the weather cooperates and you like an informal, personal atmosphere, the $157.28 price offers a strong way to enjoy the Riviera from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Lerins Islands boat trip start?

The meeting point is IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes at Jetée Albert Edouard, 06400 Cannes, France.

Where does the activity finish?

The outing ends back at the same meeting point in Cannes.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat accepts a maximum of six customers.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and paddles are provided for use during the outing.

Should I bring anything?

Bring sunscreen and a bath towel. You should also bring swimwear and anything you personally need for comfort on the water.

Is sailing guaranteed?

No. The boat can sail when wind conditions allow, but it may use the motor when there is little or no wind.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Free customer cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.