A lazy afternoon at sea in the South of France. This 4-hour maxi catamaran cruise from Marina Baie des Anges mixes smooth sailing with an anchoring break for swimming, paddle time, and an on-board aperitif. I especially like the Made in France boat and how the crew makes the whole trip feel easy and welcoming. One thing to keep in mind: the main swim stop can be a bit offshore, so snorkeling is more about taking a refreshing dip than expecting perfect near-shore visibility.

You’re heading into one of the prettiest sailing areas around Cannes—think panoramic Bay of Cannes views, the coast of the Côte d’Azur, and cruising toward Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands region. If you want a simple, good-value day on the water with minimal fuss, this fits nicely. If you’re expecting a packed sightseeing day with multiple major stops, the pace is calmer and more about the anchored time than constant touring.

Key Highlights That Matter on This Catamaran Afternoon

• Made-in-France Maxi Catamaran: Big, modern, and set up for lounging without feeling cramped.
• Two possible swim settings: Lérins Islands or Anse de la Salis, picked based on weather.
• A proper anchoring break: Relax on deck, paddle around, and enjoy time in crystal-clear water.
• Aperitif and soft drinks included: Pour-yourself style via eco-friendly fountains.
• Cap d’Antibes / Lérins region views: You’ll get coastline panoramas during the sailing portion.
• Crew that handles real-life needs: From keeping things comfortable to helping if you get a little sea-sick.

A Four-Hour Escape on a Made-in-France Maxi Catamaran

This is the kind of trip that works because it doesn’t try too hard. You’re not rushing from one landmark to another. You’re on a Maxi Catamaran built in France, with enough space that you can actually find your own corner—shade if you want it, open deck if you don’t.

The afternoon flows in a way that feels natural: a short boarding window, a sailing section with coast views, then time at anchor where you can swim or paddle. The return doesn’t feel like a sprint either, which is a big deal when you’re traveling with family, on a couples trip, or when the goal is simply to end your day well.

Where You Sail: Lérins Islands and Anse de la Salis (Plus Côte d’Azur Views)

The sailing area is built for scenery. From the crossing you get panoramas of the Bay of Cannes and the Côte d’Azur coastline. Even if you’ve visited Cannes before, the perspective from the water changes the whole vibe—suddenly you’re seeing the coastline as a long, continuous stretch instead of a set of separate stops.

The key detail is that the boat chooses between two likely anchoring spots:

• the Lérins Islands area, or
• Anse de la Salis,

and that depends on conditions. So the trip is set up to keep you in good water and a protected setting, rather than forcing a fixed plan that might feel rough or inconvenient if the weather turns.

Also, this cruise is right in the zone that people talk about for Cap d’Antibes—so you’re in the right region for those iconic South of France coast views, just without needing to do any logistics beyond showing up.

The Afternoon Flow: Board at Marina Baie des Anges, Sail, Anchor, Relax

Here’s what the timing feels like in real life: it’s long enough to feel like an outing, but short enough that you’re not exhausted at the end.

Boarding: meet at Quai O, Port de Marina Baie des Anges

You’ll meet at Quai O, Port de Marina Baie des Anges aboard the Maxi Catamaran Mayba. Boarding starts around 1:50 pm, and you get a quick introduction—crew, program, and safety instructions—before you set off.

This matters more than you might think. A good safety briefing helps everyone relax faster, and it’s usually a sign the crew runs a tidy operation.

Crossing: set course toward the Lérins area or Anse de la Salis

Around 2:00 pm, the catamaran heads out. During the ride, you get that gradual shift from marina life into open-water views. The coastline scenes you pass are the main “moving” part of the day—so this is a great time to sit where you can see both sides when the boat turns, and just take in the coastline rhythm.

Anchoring stop: protected waters for swimming and paddle time

By about 3:15 pm, the boat drops anchor in a protected setting of crystal-clear water. This is the heart of the experience.

What you can do here:

• relax on deck
• swim from the anchored spot
• head out for paddleboard-style exploration

Then an aperitif is served on board while you’re in that slow, sea-breeze mode.

One practical note from how the trip plays out: because it’s a maxi catamaran, the swim stop can end up a little farther offshore than some people expect. If your plan is mainly snorkel-close-to-the-boat, you might find the water depth is noticeable and visibility isn’t always the star of the show. Still, it’s a refreshing swim and an easy break from beach crowds.

Return: weigh anchor and sail back for a last look

Around 4:45 pm, it’s time to head back. You’ll enjoy the coastal panorama one more time as you return to the marina. Disembarkation is around 6:00 pm.

On-Board Food and Drinks: Ôchwette Fountains and Punch Planteur

This trip is all-inclusive in the best, simplest way: you don’t have to think about what you’ll drink or whether the onboard option is worth it.

Soft drinks are included

You’ll have access to soft drinks like:

• still water
• sparkling water
• orange juice
• multi-fruit juice
• cola
• lemonade

And the setup is eco-minded. The drinks come from eco-responsible Ôchwette supplies dispensed through plastic-free, eco-friendly fountains. It’s a small detail, but it’s exactly the kind of thoughtful choice that reduces waste without making things inconvenient for you.

Aperitif on board

An aperitif is included: Punch Planteur. It’s a casual, social moment—less like a restaurant experience and more like a floating break where you can chat with friends (or just enjoy quiet deck time).

About the snacks

The big question people ask is usually food. Here’s the honest take: the snacks are present, but they’re not the main event. Some people find the bites on the light side, while others are fine since the drinks and the water time carry the afternoon.

My practical advice: if you’re the type who gets hungry mid-afternoon, bring something small to top you up (or eat a solid lunch before you board). That turns this from a “good drinks + swim” trip into a “fully satisfying half-day” for your body, too.

The Boat and Crew: Space, Cleanliness, and a Captain Who Keeps It Fun

The boat experience is a big reason this cruise works. A maxi catamaran gives you room to spread out, and that changes the mood instantly. When you’re not elbow-to-elbow, you can actually relax during the anchoring break.

From the way the crew runs the trip, the operation feels professional and attentive. People consistently highlight:

• a welcoming welcome on board
• staff who stay on top of needs without hovering
• help if someone feels a little sea-sick
• extra blankets when the return ride gets cooler

And there’s a named highlight worth noting: Captain Bertrand has a reputation for being funny and friendly in both French and English, and he keeps the atmosphere relaxed across ages.

If you’re traveling with kids or you want a low-stress vibe, that crew energy makes a real difference. When the staff are calm and organized, you don’t waste your vacation time trying to figure things out.

What to Bring for a Smooth Sail Day

This is a short trip, but you’ll be on deck and in the water, so pack like you mean it.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• a towel
• biodegradable sunscreen
• beachwear

The biodegradable sunscreen is worth following. The trip is run with environmental rules in mind, including respect for fauna, flora, and regulations in the sites and national parks visited. Small choices on your end help too.

Price and Value: Is $88 Worth It?

At $88 per person for about 4 hours, the value comes from bundling several things that usually cost extra on typical coast cruises: drinks, the aperitif, and a planned time at anchor with paddle options.

You’re not just buying transportation. You’re paying for:

• a comfortable maxi catamaran ride with good viewing
• an all-inclusive drinks plan with eco-friendly dispensing
• a real anchoring break in clear water
• an on-board aperitif moment

If your goal is to spend an afternoon on the water without micromanaging costs, this price makes sense. If your goal is heavy food or a long list of stops, you may feel the trip is too short and the snacks too light. But as a “sun, sea, and easy fun” half-day, it’s a strong deal.

Who This Catamaran Trip Fits Best

This is a good match if you:

• want an easy half-day on the Côte d’Azur
• like the idea of a swim and paddle stop without a complicated schedule
• prefer a calm pace over intense sightseeing
• value attentive crew service and comfortable boat seating
• are traveling as a couple, with friends, or with older kids who enjoy water time

It’s less ideal if you:

• expect lots of major sightseeing stops
• want snack-heavy dining
• plan to snorkel like you’re on a dedicated snorkeling tour

Should You Book This Marina Baie des Anges Catamaran?

Yes—if what you want is an afternoon at sea that feels straightforward and relaxing. The combo of a spacious made-in-France maxi catamaran, scenic cruising in the Bay of Cannes/Côte d’Azur region, and an anchoring break with included drinks is exactly the kind of vacation value that doesn’t require planning stress.

Before you book, think about your priorities:

• If you want time on the water more than time on land, you’ll likely enjoy it.
• If you’re picky about snacks, plan to top up with your own small food choice.
• If you care most about snorkeling visibility, keep expectations realistic for an anchored swim from a larger vessel.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Quai O, Port de Marina Baie des Anges, on the Maxi Catamaran Mayba.

What language is the guide provided in?

The live tour guide is available in French and English.

Where does the catamaran anchor?

It anchors in a protected natural setting either near the Lérins Islands or at Anse de la Salis, depending on weather conditions.

Can I swim or use a paddle onboard?

Yes. When the catamaran is anchored, you can relax on deck and take advantage of the water time. There’s also paddle-style exploration.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks are included, including still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade, plus Punch Planteur as the aperitif.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is there a cancellation option and can I pay later?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

You Might Also Enjoy

Fuerteventura: Lobos Island Catamaran Cruise with LunchCorfu: Private Yacht Cruise3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar BeachFrom Funchal: West Bays Sailing Tour with Lunch