Marina Baie des Anges: Lazy afternoons at sea on a Maxi Catamaran

The best part of this outing is the boat itself: a large, modern French-made maxi catamaran with room to stretch out while the Côte d’Azur slides by. You sail toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis, then stop in clear water for a swim, paddleboarding, and an onboard aperitif.

I like the generous deck space and the warm crew, especially Captain Bertrand, who keeps the mood lively in both French and English. I also like the simple four-hour format: long enough to feel like a real afternoon at sea, but short enough to fit neatly into a Riviera stay.

The main consideration is food. Drinks are included, but the snacks are light, usually more aperitif-style than lunch. If you arrive hungry, eat first or bring extra food if permitted.

Key points to know before you book

• A spacious maxi catamaran: The Mayba has ample seating, open deck space, and a clean, modern feel.
• Two possible sailing areas: The route can reach the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis, with the final choice based on weather and local conditions.
• A proper swim stop: You anchor for roughly an hour and a half, with time to swim, relax, or use a paddleboard.
• Drinks are included: Water, juices, cola, lemonade, and Punch Planteur are served from a plastic-free drinks setup.
• The crew is a major strength: Captain Bertrand is known for a friendly, funny welcome in French and English.
• Bring food if you need a meal: Breadsticks, olives, and small snacks may not satisfy a hungry family.

Why this catamaran afternoon works so well

The French Riviera can be tiring in the best possible way. You walk old streets, climb viewpoints, search for parking, and squeeze past waterfront crowds. This trip gives you four hours when your only job is to sit down, watch the coast, and let the boat do the work.

That matters more than it may sound. A boat trip is not just another sightseeing ride. From the water, Cap d’Antibes and the Côte d’Azur appear as a broad coastal view rather than a series of streets and buildings. You get a different sense of the area, with the shoreline spread out in front of you and the sea setting the pace.

I especially like the scale of the Mayba. A small boat can feel intimate, but it can also leave you fighting for a seat or feeling every movement of the water. This maxi catamaran offers more places to sit and move around. One family found it comfortably uncrowded, and another visitor described the seating as ample and comfortable.

That space is useful for groups with different plans. You can sit near the action and listen to the music, find a quieter place to read, or stay close to the children. It also gives you room to get up and walk around without constantly brushing past other people.

The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht with a formal meal service. It is better understood as a relaxed shared sailing experience with a polished boat, friendly hospitality, and time in the water.

From Marina Baie des Anges to open water

You meet at Quai O in the Port of Marina Baie des Anges. Look for the Maxi Catamaran Mayba and allow enough time to find the correct quay before boarding. The afternoon begins at 1:50 pm, with departure scheduled for 2:00 pm.

The crew gives you an introduction to the boat, outlines the program, and covers basic safety instructions. That short briefing is useful, especially if you are traveling with children or have not spent much time on a catamaran.

The port itself sets up an attractive beginning. Marina Baie des Anges has an unmistakable Riviera feel, and once the boat leaves the harbor, the built-up waterfront gives way to wider coastal views. I would choose a seat early if you have a strong preference, then move around during the trip rather than staying in one spot for all four hours.

The crew speaks French and English. Captain Bertrand has received particular praise for being funny, friendly, and comfortable with different age groups. That kind of presence can make a shared boat trip feel easy rather than stiff.

You should also expect music and a social atmosphere. This is not a silent sailing lesson. The mood is designed for a pleasant afternoon with drinks, conversation, and time outside.

Sailing toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis

At about 2:00 pm, the catamaran heads toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis. The exact route depends on the weather, sea conditions, and the rules protecting the places visited.

The Lérins Islands are a strong destination for a boat outing because they place you near open water and protected natural areas while keeping the focus on scenery rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. Anse de la Salis offers another attractive setting near Antibes. You should think of these as possible anchorage areas, not guaranteed stops with a fixed shore visit.

This distinction matters. You are not booking a walking tour of the islands. The catamaran takes you through the coastal area and anchors in a suitable spot. The pleasure comes from the crossing, the views, and the time spent in the water.

I like that the route can change for practical reasons. A captain who adjusts the plan to weather and local regulations is making a sensible choice. You may not get the exact place you pictured, but you are more likely to get a comfortable and responsible afternoon at sea.

The crossing also gives you a chance to settle into the rhythm of the trip. You can take in the Bay of Cannes and the Côte d’Azur from offshore, watch the shoreline shift, and find the place on deck that suits you best. Bring sunglasses, and use biodegradable sunscreen as requested. The sun can feel stronger on the water than it does along the waterfront.

The 3:15 pm anchorage and swim stop

Around 3:15 pm, the Mayba anchors in a protected natural setting. This is the heart of the experience.

You can stretch out on deck, take a swim, or use a paddleboard. The stop lasts until roughly 4:45 pm, so you have enough time to do more than take a quick dip. You might swim first, dry off in the sun, then spend the rest of the stop with a drink and a view.

The water is described as crystal clear, but there is an important detail for swimmers and snorkelers. Because the catamaran is large, it may anchor some distance from shore, where the water is fairly deep. One visitor enjoyed the swim but found that the depth made snorkeling less rewarding, with little to see below.

That is not a flaw for everyone. If you want a refreshing swim, floating time, or a paddleboard outing, the anchorage should suit you well. If your priority is shallow water, a visible seabed, or a strong snorkeling site, keep your expectations modest.

Bring a towel and beachwear. A swimsuit under your clothes will make the afternoon easier, since changing options on a shared catamaran may be limited. Sunglasses with a secure fit are also useful once the boat gets moving again.

The paddleboard is a nice touch because it adds a little activity without turning the trip into a sports excursion. You can use the stop actively or do nothing at all. That flexibility is one reason I would recommend the outing to mixed-age families and couples who do not all want the same kind of afternoon.

What the included drinks and snacks really mean

The drinks are included, and the selection is broader than a single bottle of water. You can have still or sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade. The drinks come from eco-conscious fountains supplied by local brand Ôchwette, with no plastic bottles used for the service.

That setup is practical on a boat. You can refill without creating a pile of disposable containers, and cold soft drinks are available during the afternoon. One visitor specifically appreciated the self-service soda fountain.

The alcoholic option is Punch Planteur, served as an aperitif. It fits the relaxed Riviera mood, but it is not a bar service or a cocktail-focused cruise. Drink in moderation, especially if you plan to swim or use the paddleboard.

The food needs a clearer explanation. The outing includes aperitif snacks, but not a full lunch or substantial dinner. Expect light items such as olives and breadsticks, with some visitors also finding the food bites limited.

I would eat before boarding. A grocery store near the waterfront has been useful for sandwiches and focaccia pizza, so you can arrive prepared. Check current rules before bringing food aboard, but do not count on the included refreshments to replace a meal.

This is one of the few areas where the $88 price needs careful thought. The value is in the boat, the crew, the sailing time, the anchorage, the paddleboard, and the included drinks. If you expect a generous buffet, the price will feel less attractive. If you see it as a half-day boat experience with drinks and a swim stop, it makes more sense.

The return sail and the feel of the afternoon

At about 4:45 pm, the crew raises anchor and begins the return to Marina Baie des Anges. The final stretch gives you another chance to watch the coast from the water, take photographs, and settle into the catamaran’s open-air space.

This part can feel pleasantly unhurried. You have already had the main swim stop, so there is no pressure to do anything. Sit with a drink, listen to the music, or find a sheltered place if the breeze picks up.

The water can feel cooler on the return, especially after swimming. One family appreciated that the crew offered blankets when the homeward leg became chilly. If you are prone to seasickness, tell the crew early. The staff has helped passengers who felt unwell, though no boat trip can remove the possibility of motion sickness.

The Mayba returns to Marina Baie des Anges at about 6:00 pm. That timing works well for dinner plans, though I would leave a little breathing room if you have a fixed reservation. Sea conditions can affect the schedule.

One point to consider is the amount of sightseeing while underway. The boat makes an anchorage stop rather than visiting several places in a fast sequence. If you want to see more than one island or spend more time moving along the coast, this may feel too relaxed. One visitor felt that anchoring twice reduced the time available for touring farther afield.

For me, that is a matter of choosing the right trip. This is designed around rest, not a packed route.

Who will enjoy this four-hour sailing trip

I would recommend the Mayba outing to:

• Couples wanting an easy afternoon away from the waterfront crowds
• Families with children who enjoy swimming and open-air time
• People who prefer a roomy catamaran to a small, tightly packed boat
• Visitors who want coastal views without a full-day commitment
• Anyone looking for a calm final afternoon before leaving the Riviera

The boat’s size and comfortable seating make it a good choice for families. Children aged 10 and 11 enjoyed the activity, and the crew was helpful when sea sickness and cooler weather became issues.

It also works well for a group with mixed energy levels. One person can paddleboard while another reads. Some people can swim while others remain on deck. You do not need to be an avid sailor to enjoy the outing.

I would be more cautious about booking it if your main goal is a full meal, serious snorkeling, or a detailed tour of several islands. The snack service is limited, the anchorage may be in deep water, and the route changes with conditions.

This is also not the best match if you want an all-day sailing adventure. Four hours passes quickly once you include boarding, the crossing, the anchorage, and the return.

Practical details that make the day easier

The price is $88 per person, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Riviera schedule is still moving around.

The stated duration is four hours, with boarding at 1:50 pm, departure at 2:00 pm, and return around 6:00 pm. Confirm the available departure time when booking, since start times can vary.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Extra food if you need more than light snacks

The meeting point is Quai O at Port de Marina Baie des Anges, beside the Maxi Catamaran Mayba. French and English are available, and some content may be presented in its original language.

The route and anchorage are not fixed. Weather, sea conditions, national park rules, and protection of local plants and animals all guide the final plan. That flexibility is worth accepting because it allows the crew to choose a suitable and responsible place to stop.

Should you book the Mayba?

Book this catamaran if you want a comfortable half-day at sea, a spacious boat, a friendly crew, included drinks, and a real swim stop near the Lérins Islands or Cap d’Antibes. At $88, the outing offers fair value for four hours, especially if you use the paddleboard and enjoy the open deck.

Eat before boarding, and treat the food as light aperitif fare rather than lunch. Also accept that the boat may anchor in deep water and that the route may change.

For a relaxed family afternoon, a couples’ outing, or a gentle way to finish a Côte d’Azur holiday, I would choose it. For island hopping, serious snorkeling, or a full meal at sea, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

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

How long is the outing?

The experience lasts four hours. Boarding is at 1:50 pm, departure is scheduled for 2:00 pm, and disembarkation is around 6:00 pm.

Where does the boat go?

The catamaran heads toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis. The route depends on weather conditions and local regulations.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a natural setting with clear water, and you can swim during the stop. You can also relax on deck or use a paddleboard.

What drinks are included?

Included soft drinks are still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade. Punch Planteur is included as the alcoholic aperitif.

Is a meal included?

No full meal is provided. The outing includes light aperitif snacks, so you should eat before boarding or bring additional food if allowed.

What languages are available?

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