Cannes Cruises: Island, catamaran & sunset experiences
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Quick overview
Island escape: Take a round-trip ferry from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite and explore the island independently, including Fort Royal and its natural trails.
Short adventure: Choose a 30- or 60-minute jet ski experience if you want your time on the water to be the main event.
Half or full day:Catamaran options from Marina Baie des Anges combine coastal sailing with anchoring, snorkeling, paddling and relaxation.
Sunset sailing: The standard sunset catamaran lasts 2 hours and includes an anchorage near the Antibes coastline, paddleboarding, snorkeling and an aperitif.
Special evenings: Selected catamaran tours add festive entertainment or Cannes fireworks, with longer evening schedules and dinner options.
Boarding points: Cannes is used for the Sainte-Marguerite and jet ski experiences; the catamaran experiences depart from Marina Baie des Anges.
Best pick: If you want the most complete time-at-sea experience, choose the full-day Lérins Islands catamaran; if you want a short activity, choose the jet ski.
Your experience begins in either Cannes or Marina Baie des Anges, depending on the ticket. Check the selected product before setting out, as these are different departure points.
Choose your pace on the water
Go for a quick 30- or 60-minute jet ski ride, spend a few hours on a catamaran, or make a full day of the Lérins Islands.
Explore Sainte-Marguerite independently
The ferry drops you at Sainte-Marguerite Island, where you can follow forest trails, visit Fort Royal and discover the island at your own pace.
Swim, snorkel or paddle
Catamaran experiences include time at anchor for snorkeling, paddleboarding and relaxation, with the exact stop adapting to sea and weather conditions.
Watch the Riviera at sunset
The sunset cruise heads along the coast towards the Antibes area before anchoring for panoramic sunset views, an aperitif and time on the water.
Add a special evening
Festive and fireworks variants turn the sunset sail into a longer evening with music, dinner and, on selected dates, views of the Cannes fireworks from the sea.
Things to know before booking a Cannes cruise
Check the departure point
Not every experience departs from Cannes. The Sainte-Marguerite ferry and jet ski experience are Cannes-based, while the catamaran options depart from Marina Baie des Anges.
Pick the experience by time commitment
The jet ski is the shortest option at 30 or 60 minutes. The standard sunset catamaran lasts 2 hours, while Lérins Islands catamaran options extend to half-day or full-day formats.
Decide whether you want an island visit or boat time
The Sainte-Marguerite ferry is primarily about exploring the island. The catamaran experiences put more emphasis on time at sea, swimming, snorkeling and relaxing at anchor.
Sunset cruises are seasonal
The standard Marina Baie des Anges sunset cruise operates from May to September, with published timings changing in September.
Special-event cruises have fixed dates
Fireworks and festive sailings are date-specific. The Cannes fireworks dinner cruise, for example, runs on selected July and August dates and lasts 5 hours.
Routes can change with conditions
Catamaran routes and anchorage locations may be adapted according to weather, sea conditions and site capacity.
Bring swimwear for water-based options
Catamaran experiences include time at anchor for swimming, snorkeling or paddleboarding. Practical requirements and included equipment can differ by variant, so check the selected ticket.
Arrive before boarding
The Marina Baie des Anges catamaran operator advises boarding 10 minutes before departure.
Your Cannes cruise boarding points explained
Use for: Sainte-Marguerite ferry and Cannes jet ski experience.
Sainte-Marguerite ferry: The ferry starts from the Horizon ticket office at Laubeuf car park, opposite the Radisson Hotel at the Port of Cannes. Look for the “Îles de Lérins” sign.
Jet ski: The jet ski experience is based in Cannes. Use the exact meeting point shown on your selected ticket/voucher before travelling, as the precise meeting location should not be inferred from the wider Cannes cruise assortment.
Famous for: Cannes’ waterfront, La Croisette and easy access to the Lérins Islands.
Recommended tickets:
Round-trip ferry ride
Jet ski experience
Address: Quai O, 06270 Villeneuve-Loubet, France
Use for: Lérins Islands catamaran and sunset catamaran experiences.
Getting there: Allow time for parking and follow the selected ticket's meeting-point instructions. The catamaran operator identifies Quai O at Marina Baie des Anges as its departure point.
Famous for: A large marina and convenient starting point for catamaran trips along the Riviera, towards the Lérins Islands, Cap d’Antibes and the Antibes coastline.
Recommended tickets:
Half or full-day catamaran cruise
Sunset & illuminations catamaran cruise
Cannes cruise route map
Note: The catamaran routes are weather-dependent, so the exact anchorage may change. The fireworks experience is designed to position the catamaran in the Bay of Cannes for the display.
All Cannes cruise routes explained
What you’ll see on your Cannes cruise
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Sainte-Marguerite Island
The largest of the Lérins Islands combines forested paths, Mediterranean coves and historic Fort Royal. The island visit is self-paced, so you can decide how much time to spend exploring.
Fort Royal
Set on Sainte-Marguerite, Fort Royal is one of the island’s defining sights. It is also associated with the story of the Man in the Iron Mask.
Lérins Islands
The islands provide a natural backdrop for catamaran stops, with clear Mediterranean waters suited to snorkeling, swimming and paddleboarding.
Cap d’Antibes
On selected catamaran routes, the coastline around Cap d’Antibes becomes part of the journey, with preserved coves, waterfront scenery and views from the water.
Antibes old town
The sunset route anchors facing the ramparts of Antibes’ old town, creating a strong viewpoint as the coastline catches the last light of the day.
Anse de la Salis
The sunset catamaran heads towards Anse de la Salis before anchoring for relaxation, paddleboarding, snorkeling and sunset views.
Bay of Cannes
On the fireworks experience, the catamaran heads towards the Bay of Cannes to position itself for views of the fireworks from the water.
French Riviera coastline
The catamaran journeys themselves offer changing views of the Riviera shoreline, with golden-hour light making the sunset departures especially suited to scenic photography.
Plan your cruise in Cannes
Check your ticket for the exact departure point: Cannes or Marina Baie des Anges.
Sainte-Marguerite ferry: follow the ticket-office instructions at the Cannes port.
Catamaran cruises: arrive at the Marina Baie des Anges meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure.
Jet ski: follow the exact meeting-point instructions provided on your ticket.
Keep your booking confirmation accessible when checking in.
Jet ski tours: The Cannes jet ski experience is available in 30- and 60-minute options, making it suitable for a quick activity or a longer ride along the coast.
Lérins Islands catamaran: Half-day and full-day options are available. Choose the longer sailing if you want more time for swimming, snorkeling, paddling and relaxing at anchor.
Sunset cruises: The standard sunset catamaran lasts around 2 hours and is timed around sunset. Exact departure times vary with the season and sunset time.
Fireworks cruises: The Cannes fireworks catamaran experience lasts around 5 hours, combining an evening sail with dinner and views of the fireworks. These cruises operate only on selected festival dates.
Seasonality: Catamaran and sunset experiences are seasonal, with schedules varying throughout the year; May to September being the best time to visit.
Best time of day: Daytime cruises are better suited to swimming, snorkeling and longer time on the water, while sunset departures offer softer light and coastal views.
Booking tip: July and August are the busiest summer months. If you want a specific departure time or date, book ahead, especially for sunset and special-event cruises.
Catamarans: onboard seating and access to water activities.
Snorkeling and paddleboarding equipment is included on selected catamaran options.
Sainte-Marguerite ferry: boat transport between Cannes and the island.
Jet ski tour: jet ski and required safety equipment included.
Check your selected ticket for vessel-specific facilities.
Sainte-Marguerite ferry is listed as wheelchair accessible.
Catamaran accessibility can vary by vessel and boarding conditions.
Jet ski experiences may have activity-specific restrictions.
Accessibility facilities are not uniform across this collection.
Contact the operator before booking if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Popular inclusions:
Full-day catamaran options include brunch or buffet-style food.
Selected options include an aperitif, soft drinks, coffee, tea and punch.
Sunset cruises include an aperitif and soft drinks.
Fireworks cruises include dinner and drinks.
Drinks: Bring water for longer sailings. If a drink is included, it should be clearly listed on your voucher.
Crew tip: Food and drinks are not included across all experiences, so check your selected ticket.
Tips & guidelines
Check the departure city before booking. Two experiences leave from Cannes, while the catamaran experiences depart from Marina Baie des Anges.
Match the duration to your itinerary. Jet ski rides take 30–60 minutes; sunset cruises take around 2 hours; Lérins catamaran options can occupy half or a full day.
For sunset cruises, arrive at least 10 minutes before departure for boarding.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen and sun protection for catamaran experiences with swimming, snorkeling or paddleboarding.
Keep your schedule flexible around weather. Catamaran routes and anchorage locations can change with sea conditions.
For the Sainte-Marguerite ferry, carry a valid photo ID matching your booking and check the final boarding instructions.
If you want a special-event cruise, check the exact date before booking. Fireworks and festive sailings are not daily departures.
Frequently asked questions about Cannes cruises
It depends on what you want to do. Choose the Sainte-Marguerite ferry for an island escape, jet skiing for a short adventure, a Lérins catamaran for snorkeling, or a sunset catamaran for an evening on the water.
No. The Sainte-Marguerite ferry and jet ski experience depart from Cannes. The Lérins Islands and sunset catamaran experiences depart from Marina Baie des Anges in Villeneuve-Loubet.
There is no single duration. The jet ski experiences last 30 or 60 minutes, the standard sunset catamaran lasts 2 hours, and Lérins Islands catamaran options are available in half-day and full-day formats.
Yes. The round-trip ferry takes you from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island, where you can explore independently before returning to Cannes.
No. The ticket provides a self-paced visit to the island. Guided tours and attraction entry tickets are not included.
Yes. The Lérins Islands and sunset catamaran experiences include time at anchor for snorkeling, while the exact activities and equipment depend on the selected option.
Yes. The sunset catamaran departs from Marina Baie des Anges and sails along the Riviera coastline before anchoring near the Antibes area for sunset views.
Yes. Selected Marina Baie des Anges cruises are timed around the Cannes International Fireworks Festival and include sunset sailing, dinner, water activities and fireworks views from the sea.
The 30-minute jet ski is the shortest experience in this collection. The standard sunset catamaran is the next compact option at around 2 hours.
Choose the full-day Lérins Islands catamaran. Full-day tours run around 8 hours and can include two anchorages, snorkeling, paddling, lunch, aperitif and drinks.
Yes. The operator states that routes and anchorage locations may be adapted according to weather, sea conditions and site attendance.
More reads
Sainte-Marguerite Island
Route: Cannes → Sainte-Marguerite Island → Cannes
Sites covered: Fort Royal, island trails, Batéguier Pond and Pointe de la Convention.
Duration: Flexible island visit
Ideal for: Travelers who want an independent island escape rather than a long onboard cruise.
Cannes jet ski
Route: Cannes → French Riviera waters → Cannes
Sites covered: The coastline and Mediterranean waters around Cannes.
Duration: 30 or 60 minutes
Ideal for: Travelers who want a short, active experience on the water.
Lérins Islands catamaran
Route: Marina Baie des Anges → Lérins Islands → Marina Baie des Anges
Sites covered: Lérins Islands, with Cap d’Antibes included on full-day formats.
Duration: Half day or full day
Ideal for: Travelers looking for snorkeling, paddling, swimming and a longer Mediterranean escape.
Sunset catamaran
Route: Marina Baie des Anges → Antibes coastline / Anse de la Salis → Marina Baie des Anges
Sites covered: Antibes coastline, Anse de la Salis and surrounding Riviera views.
Duration: 2h - 5h
Ideal for: Couples, friends and travelers looking for a relaxed sunset experience.
Cap-Ferrat sea scooter
Route: Guided sea-scooter snorkel route with short coastal transfers and water time.
Sights: Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Saint-Hospice Peninsula.
Duration: ~2 h.
Good for: snorkeling-focused outings with scenery along the way.
If you want to stay in Cannes, choose the Sainte-Marguerite ferry or jet ski experience. For a longer catamaran day, snorkeling trip or sunset sail, head to Marina Baie des Anges. Check your selected ticket carefully for its exact boarding location before booking.
From Cannes: Jet Ski Tour
Race through the open Mediterranean on a jet ski with a certified instructor to guide you.
Starting point: Depart from Cannes port for a guided ride along the coast.
Everything you get: Ride a jet ski for up to 2 people (30 mins or 60 mins), with a certified instructor, full safety gear and a pre-ride briefing along the French Riviera.
Sights covered: Depending on your route, pass Côte d'Azur, Cap d'Antibes, the Lérins Islands, Sainte-Marguerite, Billionaires Bay, and the underwater sculpture trail.
Options: Choose between a quick 30 minutes thrill or a full hour to explore the french coastline.