Marina Baie des Anges: Day trip with lunch on the Lérins Islands by catamaran

The best part of this day is the balance between sailing and idleness. You spend enough time moving along the Côte d’Azur to enjoy the views, then settle into two long anchorages for swimming, paddleboarding, lunch, and sun. The Maxi Catamaran Mayba gives you room to spread out rather than trapping you on a small boat.

I especially like the freshly prepared lunch, with chicken breast strips and prawns cooked by the crew, and the calm first stop near the Lérins Islands. Captain François and his team have also shown a caring, flexible approach when wind or crowded anchorages change the plan.

The main consideration is that the exact route is not fixed. The advertised Cap d’Antibes cove may be replaced by another bay or the Golfe-Juan if wind and boat traffic make the original stop unsuitable. That is sensible seamanship, but you should book this as a relaxed sea day, not a precise sightseeing schedule.

Key points at a glance

• Two proper swimming stops: Spend time between the Lérins Islands, then stop at a cove near Cap d’Antibes or another sheltered location.
• Lunch is part of the day: Expect a buffet, an aperitif, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and Côtes de Provence wine with the meal.
• A comfortable French-built catamaran: The spacious Maxi Catamaran Mayba is designed for a full day at sea, with deck space for relaxing.
• Paddleboards are provided: You can use them during the anchorages, alongside swimming and quiet time on deck.
• Captain François and a small crew: The crew handles food, safety, and route changes, with French and English spoken on board.
• Weather shapes the experience: Anchorages and sailing routes can change to protect passengers and respect local marine rules.

A full day from Marina Baie des Anges

Your meeting point is Quai O at Port de Marina Baie des Anges, where you look for the Maxi Catamaran Mayba. Boarding is scheduled for 9:20 am, followed by a short introduction to the boat, crew, program, and safety rules.

Departure comes at 9:30 am. The timing matters because this is a full eight-hour outing, not a short harbor cruise with a quick swim attached. You return at about 5:30 pm, so keep the entire day open and avoid pairing it with another fixed afternoon activity.

Marina Baie des Anges makes a striking starting point, with its distinctive port setting and direct access to the open Mediterranean. The trip does not include a transfer from Cannes, Nice, or another resort, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina. One useful practical point is parking: long-stay parking information is not especially clear, so check local options before departure if you are arriving by car.

Sailing from the marina toward the Lérins Islands

The first crossing heads toward the Lérins Islands from Cannes. This is your chance to enjoy the Côte d’Azur from the water, with coastal views that are quite different from those seen from the road.

I like this opening stretch because it lets the day unfold at an easy pace. You are not being rushed from one attraction to another. The catamaran provides a broad platform for sitting, taking photographs, or simply watching the shoreline pass.

The boat itself is a major part of the value. A Maxi Catamaran offers more room and steadiness than a small sailing boat, which matters during an eight-hour outing. You still feel the movement of the sea, but you have space to retreat from the sun, find a comfortable seat, or move around while lunch is being prepared.

The crew gives safety instructions before leaving. Listen closely, especially if you are not used to boats. Conditions, swimming rules, and access to the water are easier to understand before the first anchorage rather than after everyone is ready to jump in.

The Lérins Islands anchorage at 10:45 am

The first anchorage is planned between the Lérins Islands at about 10:45 am. This is the centerpiece of the morning, with turquoise water around the boat and time for swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing on deck.

The location is appealing because you experience the islands from the sea rather than simply viewing them from a distant promenade. You might find the boat anchored near one island or in a nearby sheltered position, depending on wind, marine rules, and other boats.

The schedule gives you several hours here. That generous pause is important. You can swim without feeling hurried, take a paddleboard out for a short outing, or stay dry with a book and a drink. Families benefit from the choice, since a child who tires of the water can return to the boat while others continue.

The crew serves a punch planteur as an aperitif, followed by a buffet lunch. The food is described as varied and fresh, with chicken breast strips and prawns cooked by the crew during the day. That small touch makes lunch feel more like part of the cruise than a box meal handed out at a dock.

What lunch and drinks are really worth

At $175 per person, the included food and drink help explain the price. You are paying for a full day on a large catamaran, two anchorages, crew service, water equipment, an aperitif, a buffet, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks.

The beverage package includes still and sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, lemonade, coffee, and tea. White, red, and rosé Côtes de Provence AOP wine are served with lunch. Drinks come from the local Ôchwette brand through plastic-free fountains, which reduces the number of single-use bottles on board.

That is good value if you would otherwise spend money on a separate lunch, drinks, and a boat rental. It is less compelling if you do not drink alcohol, rarely eat much at lunch, or mainly want a short sailing trip. In that case, the eight-hour format may feel longer than necessary.

The meal is served against the island setting, which is part of the pleasure. Still, this is a buffet on a boat, not a formal restaurant lunch. Expect a social, casual meal with the practical limits of a moving vessel.

Sailing along Cap d’Antibes at 2:45 pm

At about 2:45 pm, the catamaran leaves the islands and heads toward Cap d’Antibes. The route passes coastal coves and large villas, giving you a different view of the Côte d’Azur than the morning crossing.

This section is less about reaching a famous landmark and more about enjoying the boat ride. From the water, the villas and coves form a changing backdrop. You might also pass near the Golfe-Juan, where one sailing day included a view of the house associated with Jules Verne’s writing.

Do not expect the captain to force the advertised route in poor conditions. On one occasion, wind and too many anchored boats made the intended cove unsuitable, so the captain continued carefully and chose the Golfe-Juan instead. That kind of decision is a positive sign: a good day at sea depends on judgment, not on sticking rigidly to a printed plan.

The second anchorage near Cap d’Antibes

The second stop is planned for about 3:15 pm in one of several bays: Anse de la Salis, Garoupe, or Olivette. You may swim, use the paddleboards, or remain on deck while the boat rests in a sheltered spot.

This later stop has a different feel from the morning. You have already eaten, sailed for several hours, and seen the island area. The second anchorage works as a quiet finish, giving you time to cool off and enjoy the sea without another major sightseeing demand.

Families should find this flexible arrangement useful. Children can paddleboard or swim, while adults can stay aboard and enjoy the view. The boat was not full on one family outing, leaving enough room to avoid a cramped feeling, though capacity can vary by departure.

Bring a towel and beachwear, since the water stops are central to the day. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, along with sunglasses. Sunscreen matters even when the wind makes the temperature feel mild, since you spend long periods exposed on the water.

The crew, language, and pace

The crew is made up of three people, and Captain François has received special praise for his care and handling of changing conditions. The crew also helped a nervous passenger feel more comfortable around the water, which is useful to know if someone in your group is uneasy on boats or uncertain about swimming.

French and English are spoken during the experience. Some content may be presented in its original language, so English-speaking passengers should feel comfortable with the main instructions but may encounter occasional French material.

The pace is relaxed rather than heavily guided. You get a presentation and safety briefing, but this is not a nonstop lecture about every coastal feature. If you want long historical explanations, this may feel light. If you prefer scenery, swimming, food, and open time, the format works well.

The crew also has to follow regulations protecting the sea, shoreline, and national park areas. Anchorages can change for weather, marine life, plant life, or local rules. That may disappoint someone hoping for one exact postcard cove, but it helps protect the places you came to enjoy.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would choose this cruise for couples, families, and friends who want one easy day on the water without arranging each detail themselves. The included drinks and lunch remove the need to pack a full picnic, while the paddleboards add a little activity between long periods of rest.

It suits you especially well if you enjoy:

• A slow, social day rather than a packed sightseeing program
• Swimming in clear Mediterranean water
• Coastal views from a stable, spacious boat
• A buffet lunch and wine served on board
• Flexible plans shaped by weather and sea conditions

It may not suit you if you want to explore the islands on foot. The program focuses on anchoring offshore, not on a land visit. It is also not the right choice if you need a guaranteed stop at one named beach or bay.

People who dislike sun, wind, or boat movement should think carefully before booking. You can spend time on deck, but this remains an outdoor sea excursion for most of the day. Conditions can shift, and the catamaran may move more than expected.

Is $175 a fair price?

For eight hours, the price is reasonable when you use the included features. A comparable day would require transport to the marina, a boat booking, lunch, drinks, and access to swimming equipment. Here, those elements are combined with a professional crew and route planning.

The strongest value comes from the length of the day. You get a morning island anchorage, a substantial lunch period, a second afternoon stop, and the sailing time between them. The trip does not feel like a quick commercial cruise built around one photo stop.

The weaker value appears if you are only interested in seeing the Lérins Islands from a distance or if you do not plan to swim. Much of the day is intentionally unstructured. That is a benefit for some people and wasted time for others.

The reserve-now, pay-later option gives you flexibility, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Still, check availability and the exact starting time before finalizing other plans.

Should you book the Mayba?

Book this catamaran day if you want a comfortable, food-inclusive escape from the Côte d’Azur, with two chances to swim and enough time to relax properly. The first anchorage near the Lérins Islands, the freshly cooked chicken and prawns, and the crew’s careful handling of wind and boat traffic are the strongest reasons to go.

I would skip it if you want an island walking tour, a private boat, or a tightly controlled route. For everyone else, $175 buys a well-rounded day on the Mediterranean, with the sensible understanding that the sea gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

Meet at Quai O in the Port of Marina Baie des Anges. The boat is the Maxi Catamaran Mayba.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts eight hours. Boarding is scheduled for 9:20 am, departure at 9:30 am, and disembarkation at about 5:30 pm.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in French and English. Some content may be presented in its original language.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A varied buffet lunch is included, with food prepared by the tour caterer. Chicken breast strips and prawns may be cooked fresh by the crew.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are still and sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, lemonade, coffee, and tea. Punch planteur is served as an aperitif, and white, red, and rosé Côtes de Provence AOP wine are served with the meal.

Are swimming and paddleboarding part of the day?

Yes. The catamaran stops at anchorages where you can swim or use the provided paddleboards, depending on conditions and local rules.

Where does the cruise go?

The planned route goes from Marina Baie des Anges toward the Lérins Islands, then to a cove around Cap d’Antibes before returning to the marina.

Can the route or anchorages change?

Yes. Weather, wind, boat traffic, marine regulations, and protection of local fauna and flora can change the route or anchorage. Possible Cap d’Antibes stops include Anse de la Salis, Garoupe, or Olivette.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.