Marseille: Sailboat Cruise with Lunch, Swim & Organic Wine

Marseille’s Eleanor Mary sailing yacht gives you a full day on the Mediterranean without packing your own picnic, snorkel gear, or paddleboard. You’ll sail toward either the Calanques National Park or the Calanques of the Côte Bleue, then stop in a quiet cove for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and wine.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which keeps the boat friendly rather than crowded. I also like the fresh vegetarian buffet and the chance to help with the sails when conditions allow. The main catch is that the captain chooses the sailing area each day, so you won’t visit every calanque, and little or no wind can turn a sailing trip into a motor-assisted cruise.

Key Points

• Two possible cruising areas: The captain chooses between the Calanques National Park and the Côte Bleue according to the weather.
• Seven hours on the water: The cruise runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with time for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and relaxing.
• Small-group sailing: Eleanor Mary carries a maximum of 12 people, making this more personal than a large sightseeing boat.
• Lunch and wine included: Expect a fresh, mostly vegetarian buffet, organic white wine, organic rosé, and Marseille biscuits with the welcome drinks.
• Water activities supplied: Snorkeling equipment, swim belts, and a shared paddleboard are provided.
• Weather shapes the day: Strong wind can make the sailing exciting, while calm weather may mean less time under full sail.

Starting at Pier 2 in Marseille’s Old Port

Your day begins at Pier 2, directly in front of Marseille’s city hall. This is a useful meeting point if you are already exploring the Old Port, but leave enough time to find the correct pontoon. The boat is called Eleanor Mary, an authentic sailing yacht rather than a large excursion vessel.

The cruise lasts seven hours, normally from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. That is a long stretch on the water, and that matters when you compare it with short harbor cruises. You are not simply taking a quick look at the coast and returning for lunch. The schedule gives the crew time to reach a swimming area, prepare the meal, and let you enjoy the sea without rushing from stop to stop.

The crew speaks French and English. The experience is designed for a small group, with a maximum of 12 people. That size should make it easier to ask questions, find a comfortable place on deck, and get help with the swimming equipment.

At the start, you receive hot and cold drinks along with navettes, the traditional Marseille biscuits. It is a modest welcome, but a practical one. You can settle in with coffee or tea before the boat moves away from the port.

Sailing Toward the Calanques, With the Captain Choosing the Route

The route is not fixed in the way a bus tour route is fixed. The captain decides whether to head toward the Calanques National Park or the calanques of the Côte Bleue, based on wind, sea conditions, and the safest and most enjoyable place to anchor.

That flexibility is both a strength and a limitation. It lets the crew choose the best water conditions for the day, rather than forcing the same route in rough seas. At the same time, you should not book this expecting a checklist tour that visits every famous inlet. The crew clearly treats the cruise as a day of sailing and swimming, not as a complete tour of each calanque.

When the wind is right, the crew may raise the sails and let you experience traditional sailing. One particularly appealing part of the trip is the chance to help sail the boat. You will not simply sit behind glass while a guide points at the coast. The sailing itself becomes part of the day.

Do keep your expectations realistic. On a calm day, there may not be enough wind to sail properly. That happened on one departure, but the outing still continued toward the Côte Bleue with swimming and lunch. If sailing under full canvas is your main reason for booking, weather always makes that part uncertain. If your main goal is a relaxed day at sea, calm conditions may be perfectly pleasant.

The boat ride can also be rough when the sea is active. Some people will find that exciting, while others may feel uncomfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and stay aware that this is a real sailing trip, not a smooth ferry crossing.

Stopping for Swimming and Snorkeling in Clear Coastal Water

The main stop gives you time to swim and snorkel with the cliffs and coves of the Calanques as your backdrop. The exact place depends on the day’s route. You may anchor in the Calanques National Park, or the crew may choose the Côte Bleue.

The provided snorkeling gear and swim belts make this easy for you. You do not need to bring fins or a mask, though you should bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. A shared paddleboard is also available, giving you another way to spend time on the water.

This is a good setup for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel or paddle, while less confident swimmers can use a belt and remain close to the boat. Families, couples, and groups of friends can each shape the stop around their own comfort level.

The tradeoff is that the swimming area is chosen for conditions, not guaranteed scenery. The cruise does not promise a particular cove or a set number of stops. You may get one long, generous swimming break, or the crew may arrange two stops when the route and weather make that sensible. The important point is that swimming is a central part of the day, not a quick extra squeezed between sightseeing stops.

The itinerary also mentions swimming around sunset in the Frioul Islands, but the main schedule runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For booking purposes, treat the listed seven-hour daytime cruise as the reliable plan. Do not assume that every departure will include a late sunset stop unless the provider confirms it for your date.

A Fresh Vegetarian Lunch Served on Eleanor Mary

Lunch is prepared by the onboard chef and served as a fresh, mostly vegetarian buffet. That format works well on a boat. You can take a manageable portion, return for more, and eat when you are ready rather than waiting for a formal course service.

The meal has been a major strength of the experience. The food is described as tasty and satisfying, with desserts included on at least some departures. Organic white wine and rosé are also provided, and the crew is generous with it.

You should still think about your own dietary needs before booking. The meal is mostly vegetarian, not described as fully vegan or designed around every possible allergy. The crew has accommodated a passenger with allergies by offering separate food, which is encouraging, but you should tell them your requirements in advance rather than rely on a last-minute solution.

Lunch with wine is especially valuable because you are spending seven hours on the boat. A shorter cruise might get away with only a snack, but a full day requires proper food and drinks. Here, the welcome biscuits, buffet, wine, and cold drinks mean you do not need to organize a separate packed lunch.

Alcohol is part of the experience, so plan accordingly. You are on a moving boat, under the sun, with swimming and snorkeling included. Pace yourself, drink water, and do not treat the generous wine service as a challenge.

What the Small Group Changes

The maximum of 12 people is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. On a large boat, swimming stops can feel like a queue, and lunch can become a hunt for an empty seat. Eleanor Mary offers a more social, personal day.

You can expect to share the boat with other couples, families, or friends. The small group makes it easier for the crew to keep an eye on swimmers, explain the sailing, and respond to individual needs. It also means you will spend the day in close quarters with the same people, so this is not the right pick if you want complete privacy.

The crew is described as attentive and capable, and the captain may involve you in sailing when conditions permit. Past departures have included Ben and Leah among the crew, while other dates may have different staff. The important practical point is that the crew is part of the experience, not just there to steer the boat and hand out equipment.

The atmosphere sounds informal and welcoming. That works well for people who want to meet others and share a table, a paddleboard, or a story over lunch. It may be less appealing if you prefer a quiet private charter.

What Is Included and What You Need to Pack

The price is $159 per person. For seven hours, that includes a substantial list of extras: the welcome snack, lunch, organic wine, cold drinks, snorkeling gear, swimming belts, access to the shared paddleboard, and a professional crew.

I consider that a fair value for a full-day outing, especially because food, drinks, and water equipment are already covered. You are paying for the boat, crew, fuel or sailing time, meal service, and a small-group format in one package. A cheaper short cruise may not include the same amount of time or food.

Pack light. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and baby strollers and pets are also prohibited. Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• A light layer if you get cold on the water

High heels are not allowed. That is sensible on a sailing yacht, where stable footwear matters. Chewing gum is also not allowed.

Pregnant passengers need to discuss the trip with their doctor before going to sea. If you are more than six months pregnant, the crew may refuse boarding if the sea is swollen. This is a safety rule worth taking seriously, especially on a day when conditions can change.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants a full Mediterranean day rather than a quick coastal photo stop. It suits couples looking for a relaxed outing, friends who want swimming and wine, and families with children comfortable around open water.

It is also a good choice for people who care about the feel of a traditional sailing boat. The chance to sail under full sails and help with the boat gives the cruise more character than a standard motorized sightseeing trip.

You should think twice if you need a guaranteed route. The captain may choose the National Park or the Côte Bleue, and the boat will not visit every calanque. You should also reconsider if you dislike shared activities, rough seas, or a long day in direct sun.

The cruise is not mainly a history tour or a guided walk through the Calanques. You are buying time on the water, swimming, food, sailing, and the company of a small group. That focus is exactly what makes it appealing.

Practical Booking Advice for a Seven-Hour Day

The cruise has a 48-hour cancellation policy, meaning you can cancel up to two days in advance for a full refund. That gives you some flexibility, but it is wise to watch the weather forecast as your departure approaches.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if that is convenient. It saves time when the boat reaches the swimming stop. Keep your belongings in a small soft bag, since large bags are not accepted and deck space is limited.

If you are traveling with children, make sure they are comfortable with swimming belts, shared equipment, and a full day on a boat. The paddleboard is shared with other people, so it is not a private family activity.

For non-swimmers, the cruise can still be enjoyable because of the scenery, lunch, and sailing. Still, swimming and snorkeling are major features. If you have no interest in getting in the water, a sightseeing cruise with more continuous coastal commentary may suit you better.

Should You Book the Eleanor Mary Cruise?

Book it if you want a small-group sailing day with swimming, a proper lunch, and wine already included. The 4.7 rating from 109 bookings reflects a consistently strong experience, and the most praised parts are clear: the crew, food, views, swimming stops, and relaxed hospitality.

The $159 price makes sense for a seven-hour outing with a chef-prepared buffet, organic wine, equipment, and a small crew. Just remember that the route and sailing time depend on weather. If you can accept that uncertainty, this is one of Marseille’s more enjoyable ways to spend a summer day.

FAQ

Where does the Marseille sailboat cruise depart?

The boat departs from Eleanor Mary at Pier 2, directly in front of Marseille city hall in the Old Port.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts seven hours, normally from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Which Calanques will the boat visit?

The captain chooses between the Calanques National Park and the Calanques of the Côte Bleue based on weather and sea conditions. The cruise does not visit every calanque.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a fresh, mostly vegetarian buffet prepared by the onboard chef.

Are wine and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Organic white wine and rosé, snorkeling equipment, swimming belts, and access to a shared paddleboard are included.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable shoes, and comfortable clothing. High heels, large bags, luggage, baby strollers, chewing gum, and pets are not allowed.