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

The best part of this day is the change of scene: you leave Marina Baie des Anges behind and spend the morning anchored between the Lérins Islands, with lunch served on deck and clear water around you. I like the comfortable French-built Maxi Catamaran Mayba and the easy rhythm of the day, with time to swim, paddle, or simply stretch out in the sun.

I also like that the price includes a proper buffet, wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and an aperitif rather than leaving you to pay for every bottle of water. The main consideration is flexibility: wind, boat traffic, and local regulations can change the anchorage, so the advertised cove is not guaranteed.

Key points at a glance

• Two anchorages in one day: Start between the Lérins Islands, then finish near Cap d’Antibes.
• Captain François and a three-person crew: The crew provides attentive service and can adjust the route when conditions change.
• Lunch is served on board: Expect a varied buffet, with some hot food prepared by the crew.
• Swimming gear is provided: Use the paddleboards during the stops, or bring your own snorkel equipment.
• Drinks are included: Water, juice, coffee, tea, soft drinks, punch, and Côtes de Provence wine come with the fare.
• A full eight-hour outing: Boarding is at 9:20 a.m., with return to Marina Baie des Anges around 5:30 p.m.

Why this catamaran day works so well

This is a full-day boat outing built around two things: good swimming water and long stretches of doing very little. That sounds simple, but it is exactly what makes the trip appealing. You are not being hurried from one sight to another. The boat moves in the morning, pauses for lunch, sails again in the afternoon, and gives you time to settle into the Mediterranean pace.

The $175 price is not a bargain-basement boat ride, but it covers eight hours, a large catamaran, two food-and-swimming stops, lunch, and a broad selection of drinks. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a restaurant meal, and drinks along the coast, the package makes reasonable sense.

I would choose this experience for a sunny day when you want the sea to be the main attraction. It is less suitable if you need a tightly fixed route or want a detailed guided tour of every island and cove. The crew speaks French and English, but this is mainly a relaxing sailing day rather than a history-focused excursion.

Boarding at Marina Baie des Anges at 9:20 a.m.

You meet the crew at Quai O in the Port of Marina Baie des Anges. Look for the Maxi Catamaran Mayba. Boarding is scheduled for 9:20 a.m., followed by a short presentation of the boat, the crew, the day’s plan, and safety instructions.

The early meeting time matters. This is not a late morning cruise that finishes before dinner. You will be on the water for most of the day, so arrive ready for sun, salt spray, and a long period outdoors. Bring a towel, beachwear, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Parking deserves a little advance thought. One person specifically found the information about nearby parking for a long stay unclear. If you are driving to the port, allow time to sort out parking rather than arriving at the last minute. The meeting point itself is clear, but the practical details around a full-day car stay may require extra planning.

The catamaran is described as a magnificent, comfortable vessel made in France. Its broad layout should suit a day that includes both social time and quiet time. You can sit with the group, find a place on deck, or move around as the boat sails. The exact seating arrangement and capacity are not specified, so do not assume you will have a reserved private seat.

The morning crossing toward the Lérins Islands

At 9:30 a.m., the boat heads toward the Lérins Islands from Cannes. The crossing gives you wide views along the Côte d’Azur, with the shoreline, villas, and headlands changing as the boat moves away from the port.

This part of the trip is useful for settling in. You get a sense of the boat, meet the crew, and watch the coast from offshore instead of squeezing another sightseeing stop into the morning. If you enjoy the movement of a catamaran, the crossing may be one of the most pleasant parts of the day. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels easiest for you and keep water nearby.

The route is not presented as a formal commentary tour. The crew gives the basic program and safety information, but the emphasis is on sailing and relaxation. You should expect scenic coastal views rather than a long stream of facts about Cannes or the islands.

Lunch and swimming between the Lérins Islands

Around 10:45 a.m., the Mayba anchors between the Lérins Islands. This is the central stop, and the setting is the reason the trip feels special. The boat sits in calmer water surrounded by the islands, with time to enjoy the view, swim, or use a paddleboard.

An aperitif comes first, followed by a buffet lunch. The drinks include still and sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, lemonade, coffee, and tea. During the meal, you can have white, red, or rosé Côtes de Provence wine. A Punch Planteur is also served as the aperitif.

The food appears to be more substantial than a basic packed lunch. The buffet is prepared by a caterer, and the crew has also prepared hot food during the trip, including chicken breast strips and prawns. That detail matters because food served at sea can range from forgettable sandwiches to a real meal. Here, lunch is treated as part of the experience rather than a minor extra.

You can eat with the scenery in front of you, then return to the water or the deck. The paddleboards are provided, which gives you an easy way to explore just beyond the boat without arranging separate equipment. Snorkeling is also possible, though you should bring your own snorkeling gear because only the paddleboards are specifically listed as provided.

The timing is generous. You are not rushed through lunch and forced straight back to the port. This first anchorage is intended as a long pause, so it works well for couples, families, and anyone who wants a day with fewer decisions.

Still, the exact anchorage can change. The boat must respect weather, marine life, plant life, and national park rules. Wind or a crowded anchorage can send the captain to another nearby location. That may mean you do not stop at the precise place you expected, but it is the sensible tradeoff for safety and responsible use of the area.

Sailing along Cap d’Antibes after lunch

At about 2:45 p.m., the boat leaves the islands and heads toward Cap d’Antibes. The afternoon crossing has a different feel from the morning. You pass coves and see large villas along the coast, with the water and shoreline providing a steady backdrop as the boat moves.

This is a good time to sit back after lunch. The itinerary allows the boat ride itself to be part of the day, not just transport between stops. You can enjoy the breeze, take photographs, or find a comfortable place on deck.

The route may include views toward the Gulf of Juan. One changed itinerary also passed the house associated with Jules Verne, giving the afternoon sail an extra point of interest. The exact route is not fixed, so treat such details as possible views rather than guaranteed stops.

The second anchorage near Cap d’Antibes

Around 3:15 p.m., the catamaran anchors in a cove near Cap d’Antibes. Possible locations include Anse de la Salis, Garoupe, or Olivette. Each offers the basic ingredients for a calm final stop: clear water, a sheltered setting, and time to swim or use the paddleboards.

This second anchorage is shorter than the morning stop, lasting until about 4:15 p.m., but it gives the day a useful second act. You are not simply sailing back after lunch. You get another chance to cool off, move around on the water, or enjoy the boat without a packed schedule.

The stop can also change for practical reasons. On one outing, the intended cove had too many boats and too much wind, so the captain continued carefully and chose the Gulf of Juan instead. That decision allowed the group to swim and use the paddleboards in a safer location.

I see this as a positive feature, but it is worth understanding before you book. The value is in the quality of the day on the water, not in ticking off one exact cove. If a specific beach or anchorage is your main goal, this flexible format may frustrate you.

The crew and the feel on board

Captain François receives special mention for making the day run well, and the three-person crew has been described as caring and attentive. That matters on a catamaran outing because the crew handles more than navigation. They serve the food, pour drinks, prepare hot items, explain the safety rules, and help people use the paddleboards.

The crew also appears willing to respond to different comfort levels. One passenger who felt nervous in the water received extra care from the team. That does not turn the trip into a supervised swimming lesson, but it suggests that you can ask for help if you are uneasy.

Families can also fit comfortably into the day. A family traveling with children aged 8 and 14 found enough room on the boat and appreciated that it did not feel overcrowded. Your experience will depend on the number booked for your date, since a precise group size is not provided, but the catamaran is designed for a shared outing rather than a private charter.

English and French are available. Some content may be presented in its original language, so do not book this expecting every announcement to be translated word for word.

What the all-inclusive price really covers

At $175 per person, the price includes more than the sail itself:

• Eight hours aboard the catamaran
• A buffet lunch
• Punch Planteur aperitif
• White, red, and rosé Côtes de Provence wine with the meal
• Still and sparkling water
• Orange and multi-fruit juices
• Cola and lemonade
• Coffee and tea
• Paddleboards at the anchorages
• French and English crew service

The drink service also uses local Ôchwette beverages through plastic-free fountains. That is a small but worthwhile touch, especially on a boat where disposable bottles can quickly pile up. Alcohol is included, but moderation is sensible when you are in the sun for a full day.

There is no indication that hotel pickup, parking, or snorkeling equipment is included. Plan to reach Quai O at Marina Baie des Anges on your own, and bring the personal items listed for the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Côte d’Azur plans are still moving, but the weather-dependent nature of the route remains the bigger planning issue.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A relaxed full-day outing rather than a short harbor cruise
• Time to swim and use a paddleboard
• Lunch and drinks included in one price
• Scenic views of the Lérins Islands, Cap d’Antibes, and the Gulf of Juan
• A comfortable shared boat with an attentive crew
• A family-friendly day that does not depend on constant sightseeing

You may want another activity if you dislike being on the water for eight hours, need a guaranteed route, or prefer a small private boat. The itinerary includes plenty of leisure time, so the trip rewards people who are happy to slow down.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen. I would also pack a light layer for the return sail, since conditions can feel different after a long afternoon on the water. Keep your expectations focused on swimming, food, sailing, and scenery, not a formal island tour.

Should you book the Mayba catamaran?

Yes, if you want a polished Côte d’Azur day with the practical details mostly handled for you. The strongest reasons are the spacious catamaran, the two swimming stops, the generous food and drink package, and a crew led by Captain François that can adjust the plan when wind or boat traffic gets in the way.

The honest catch is that the exact anchorage is flexible, and parking at Marina Baie des Anges may take advance planning. Book this for the overall experience of being on the Mediterranean, not for one guaranteed cove. At $175, it offers fair value for a full eight-hour day with lunch and drinks included, especially if you plan to make good use of the swimming and paddleboard stops.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

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

What time does the activity start and finish?

Boarding is at 9:20 a.m. The catamaran departs at 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to return around 5:30 p.m., for a total duration of eight hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A varied buffet lunch prepared by a caterer is included. The crew may also prepare hot items during the meal, such as chicken breast strips and prawns.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are still and sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, lemonade, coffee, tea, Punch Planteur, and white, red, and rosé Côtes de Provence wine served with lunch.

Are paddleboards available?

Yes. Paddleboards are provided for use at the anchorages. Snorkeling equipment is not listed among the included items, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Can the route or anchorages change?

Yes. The sailing route and stops can change because of weather, wind, boat traffic, marine protection rules, and conditions at the sites. Possible second anchorages near Cap d’Antibes include Anse de la Salis, Garoupe, or Olivette.