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

The best part of this outing is the boat itself: a large French-built maxi catamaran with room to stretch out, read, and enjoy the Côte d’Azur without feeling packed in. You sail from Marina Baie des Anges toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis, then stop in clear water for a swim and paddleboarding.

I like the relaxed four-hour pace and the all-inclusive drinks, served through a plastic-free fountain from local brand Ôchwette. I also like the friendly crew, especially Captain Bertrand, who has a reputation for keeping both French- and English-speaking passengers entertained. The main drawback is that the food is modest, so you should eat before boarding or bring an extra snack.

Key points to know before boarding

• A spacious maxi catamaran: The Mayba offers ample seating and deck space, a real advantage for an afternoon cruise.
• Two possible sailing areas: The boat heads toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis, depending on weather and sea conditions.
• A proper swim stop: You can relax at anchor, swim, and use a paddleboard in clear Mediterranean water.
• Drinks included: Water, juices, cola, lemonade, and Punch Planteur are served on board.
• Friendly bilingual service: The crew speaks French and English, with Captain Bertrand singled out for his warm, funny style.
• Bring food if you are hungry: The included bites are mainly olives and breadsticks, not a full meal.

A relaxed afternoon aboard the Mayba

This is a sea outing built around comfort rather than sightseeing at speed. You are not racing from one landmark to the next. Instead, you spend the afternoon on a roomy catamaran, watching the Bay of Cannes and Côte d’Azur coast slide past before stopping for a swim.

That distinction matters. If you want a boat trip with a long list of monuments and several shore visits, this will feel too gentle. If you want four hours of sun, sea, music, drinks, and easy time on deck, the format makes good sense.

The boat is the heart of the experience. It is described as a magnificent maxi catamaran made in France, and the practical reports are encouraging: the vessel is modern, clean, and large enough to provide comfortable seating without making the outing feel crowded. A family with children can spread out. A couple can find a quieter corner. You can also read on deck, which is not always possible on smaller, more tightly packed boats.

At $88 per person, the value depends on how much you use that space. You are paying for a four-hour outing, the crew, the sailing experience, the swim stop, paddleboard access, and drinks. It is not a bargain if you want a full meal or a private charter. It is a fair price for a polished half-day on a substantial catamaran, particularly if the boat is not operating at full capacity.

Finding the boat at Marina Baie des Anges

Your meeting point is Quai O at Port de Marina Baie des Anges. Look for the maxi catamaran Mayba. The marina is the practical starting point, so allow enough time to walk along the port and find the correct quay before the 1:50 pm boarding time.

Boarding begins at 1:50 pm. The crew introduces the ship, explains the afternoon plan, and gives safety instructions before departure. That short briefing is useful because the day includes movement around the deck, a swim from the anchored boat, and paddleboard use.

The boat leaves at 2:00 pm. The schedule is clearly laid out, but the route is not fixed. The crew may choose the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis based on weather, sea conditions, and the rules protecting the places visited. You should think of the destination as a flexible part of the day, not a guarantee of one exact island.

This flexibility is sensible on the Mediterranean. A pleasant route with a comfortable anchorage is better than forcing a particular stop in poor conditions. It also means you should not book this outing solely to check off one named island.

The sail toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis

Once underway, the trip becomes a moving coastal viewpoint. You can take in the Bay of Cannes and the Côte d’Azur coastline from the water, a different angle from the roads and promenades on shore.

The Lérins Islands are the more evocative option. They sit offshore from Cannes and are known for their calm waters and natural setting. Anse de la Salis offers another attractive place to stop, with the same basic promise: clear water, a protected setting, and time away from the waterfront crowds.

The cruise is not presented as a narrated history tour. The focus is on scenery and the pleasure of sailing. A live guide is available in French and English, but some content may be delivered in its original language. If you want a lot of historical explanation, ask the crew questions during the crossing. If you prefer quiet views and conversation, you can simply settle into the boat.

Music may be part of the atmosphere. One family outing included drinks, snacks, and music, which gives you a sense of the mood: social and easygoing rather than formal. The crew is also attentive. Captain Bertrand is known for speaking to mixed-age groups in both French and English and for bringing humor to the trip.

The 3:15 pm anchorage and swim stop

Around 3:15 pm, the catamaran anchors in a protected natural setting. This is the main event. You can stay on deck, swim, or take a paddleboard out from the boat.

The water is described as crystal-clear, but the depth may vary with the anchorage. Because the catamaran is large, it may anchor farther offshore than a small excursion boat. That creates a refreshing swim, but it can mean deep water and limited visibility for snorkeling. This outing includes swimming and paddleboarding, not a dedicated snorkeling program, so bring goggles only if you are happy treating them as an extra rather than a central feature.

The large boat has both benefits and tradeoffs here. There is more deck room for people who would rather sunbathe, read, or sit with a drink. The crew can also provide a more stable platform than a small boat. On the other hand, getting from the boat to shallow water is not part of the plan. If you want to stand in the sea or explore close to shore, the chosen anchorage may not suit you.

You should bring beachwear, a towel, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen. The boat stop is meant for real water time, so these items are more important than they might seem. A light layer is also sensible for the return trip. One family found the journey home cool enough to appreciate blankets from the crew.

What is actually included to drink

The drinks policy is one of the stronger practical features. You get still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade. These are offered through eco-friendly fountains supplied by the local brand Ôchwette, avoiding individual plastic bottles.

That setup works well on a warm afternoon. You can refill a drink instead of waiting for a crew member to serve every glass, and cold soft drinks are available throughout the outing. It also supports the operator’s effort to reduce plastic waste.

The alcoholic aperitif is Punch Planteur. It is included with the other drinks and served while the boat is anchored. As always, drink moderately, especially if you plan to swim or paddleboard afterward.

Do not mistake aperitif service for lunch. The food is the weak point of the outing. The included bites may be limited to olives and breadsticks, with some passengers describing them as light. I would eat before boarding if you are arriving hungry. A waterfront grocery store near the marina has sandwiches and focaccia pizza, a useful option before departure.

This is a small preparation step that can improve the whole afternoon. You will enjoy the aperitif more when it is a pleasant extra, not your only food from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.

The return to Marina Baie des Anges

At about 4:45 pm, the crew weighs anchor and begins the return run. You get one more chance to watch the coast from the water, sit in the sun, and let the afternoon wind settle.

The scheduled arrival is 6:00 pm. That makes this easy to fit into a longer Côte d’Azur day, although you should avoid booking a tight evening appointment immediately afterward. Sea conditions can affect the route and timing, and the operator’s priority is to respect local regulations, wildlife, plants, and national park rules.

One point to consider is how much sailing you want compared with time at anchor. The standard plan includes a main stop, but the boat may anchor twice depending on the route and conditions. Some people may prefer one anchorage and more time cruising toward another island or coastal area. Others will be happy to stop and relax rather than keep moving.

The experience works best when you accept that the boat is your destination for the afternoon. The views, the deck, and the swim stop matter more than collecting a precise number of locations.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most

I would recommend this for couples, families, and anyone who wants an uncomplicated afternoon at sea. Children around school age can enjoy the swim and paddleboard element, while adults can make use of the comfortable deck and included drinks. The crew’s warm approach also helps if your group includes different ages or mixed French and English speakers.

It is particularly good for:

• A family wanting a shared activity without a full-day commitment
• Couples looking for a relaxed Mediterranean afternoon
• Visitors who prefer a large, stable boat to a small speedboat
• People who like swimming but do not need a guided snorkeling tour
• Anyone ending a Côte d’Azur holiday with a calm break on the water

I would be more cautious if you need a substantial meal included, want a tightly planned island tour, or hope to snorkel over shallow reefs. You may also want to think twice if you are sensitive to motion at sea. The crew is helpful, and blankets are available when the boat feels cool, but no sea outing can guarantee that everyone will feel comfortable.

Is $88 a fair price?

The $88 price is reasonable for the package, provided you value the boat and the time on the water. The outing lasts four hours, includes a crewed maxi catamaran, the swim stop, paddleboard access, soft drinks, and Punch Planteur. You are also getting a larger vessel with comfortable seating rather than a basic short harbor ride.

The price is less attractive if you calculate it as a sightseeing ticket. The trip does not promise multiple shore visits, a meal, or an extended guided tour of the Lérins Islands. Its value comes from the atmosphere and the amount of time spent enjoying the boat.

I would budget a little extra for food before boarding. That is the most useful way to protect the value of your ticket. Once you have eaten, the included drinks and light aperitif should feel like a bonus rather than a compromise.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking easier to fit around changing plans. Availability and start times should still be checked before you commit, especially in a busy summer period.

Should you book the Mayba afternoon cruise?

Book it if you want a clean, roomy catamaran, a friendly bilingual crew, a swim in clear Mediterranean water, and four unhurried hours away from the shore. The excellent boat, attentive service, and generous drink selection are the strongest reasons to go.

Eat lunch first, bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen, and keep your expectations focused on relaxation rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. If that sounds like your ideal Côte d’Azur afternoon, the Mayba offers good value at $88. If you need a full meal, shallow-water snorkeling, or a fixed route to one specific island, choose a more specialized boat trip instead.

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

Which places does the catamaran visit?

The boat heads toward the Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis. The route and anchorage can change according to weather, sea 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.

Can I use a paddleboard?

Yes. Paddleboard use is available during the anchorage stop.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, lemonade, and Punch Planteur are included.

Is food included?

A light aperitif is included, but it is not a full meal. The food may consist of small bites such as olives and breadsticks, so eat beforehand or bring an additional snack.

What languages are spoken?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear. A light layer may also be useful for the return journey.