Marseille : Calanques Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Wine

The best part of this day is simple: you see Marseille’s Calanques from the water, where the pale cliffs and narrow coves make far more sense than they do from a road or crowded viewpoint. The catamaran heads for Riou Island and the famous coves of Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton, with time set aside for swimming and snorkeling.

I like the 30-person limit, which gives you room to stretch out on the large front trampoline instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder. I also like the all-inclusive setup: lunch, fruit, rosé, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, wetsuits when needed, and even a GoPro are part of the day.

The main caution is weather. Wind, rain, and rough water can change the mood quickly, and one September outing became cold and uncomfortable before warm clothing was handed out. At $199 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride, so you should book it for the full sailing-and-swimming experience, not just a quick look at the cliffs.

Key points at a glance

• A full 510-minute sailing day: You leave from Port de la Pointe Rouge and return there after a long route through the Calanques.
• Only 30 people on board: The catamaran has two skippers, generous open space, and a large trampoline.
• Several major Calanques: The route includes Riou Island, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, and an additional stop chosen by the crew.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect plancha-style beef and chicken, salads, fruit, soft drinks, and rosé wine.
• Swimming equipment is supplied: Snorkeling gear and wetsuits in cold water are included, along with GoPro cameras.
• Weather affects comfort: Wind and rain can make the return ride rough, and people prone to seasickness should plan ahead.

Why this catamaran day is different

Most boat outings around Marseille give you a short look at the Calanques. This one uses nearly the whole day, allowing the crew to move between scenic coves and swimming spots rather than rushing back to port after a single circuit.

The catamaran is designed for comfort and stability. It is spacious, modern, and fast, with two hulls that generally make it steadier than a small single-hull boat. That does not mean you will feel nothing in rough weather. One outing became noticeably choppy when the wind rose, and even a stable catamaran moved enough to make some people seasick.

The 30-person maximum matters. You can spread out, find a place in the sun or shade, and move around during the long day. The front trampoline is the obvious place to enjoy the breeze and the view, though the exact equipment and layout may not match every promotional detail. One person specifically expected paddle equipment and a trampoline and found the equipment presentation less clear than expected.

The crew includes two skippers, and César and Alex received particular praise for their friendly, professional handling of the day. The tour operates in English and French. You should expect commentary as the boat moves through the Calanques, but the tone may depend on the crew and the mood of the group. This is not a theatrical entertainment cruise.

Leaving from Port de la Pointe Rouge

Your day begins at Bleu Evasion, at entrance number 3 of the Port de la Pointe Rouge in Marseille. You need to arrive 15 minutes before boarding for check-in. Do not cut this close. Traffic around Marseille can be slow, and the operator states that late arrivals will not receive a refund.

The port is the practical starting point for a full day along the southern coast. Once the catamaran leaves, you can settle in with a drink while the city gives way to cliffs, open sea, and small coves. The boat is shared, so this is a social outing rather than a private charter.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, bring sunglasses and a towel, and keep a light layer handy. Wetsuits are provided when the water is cold, but the delay in handing out warm clothing during poor weather was a problem on one September departure. A waterproof bag for your phone is sensible, although that item is not listed as included.

Riou Island: the first major swim

The Archipelago of Riou receives about two hours, making it the longest early stop. This is where the day shifts from sightseeing to active time on the water. You can swim, snorkel, take photos, and listen to the crew explain the area.

Riou Island is part of the protected Calanques setting, where underwater habitats include seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and fish such as groupers and scorpionfish. The supplied snorkeling gear means you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Wetsuits are available if the water feels cold.

The GoPro cameras are a useful touch. You can capture short underwater clips and swim shots without risking your personal phone. Ask the crew how the camera is shared and how the footage is collected, since the supplied information does not specify the exact delivery method.

Two hours gives you time to swim without feeling hurried. If you do not want to get in the water, you can stay aboard and watch the cliffs from the deck. That flexibility helps, but much of the value of this tour comes from using the swimming stops.

Sormiou and the shape of the Calanques

The boat then reaches Calanque de Sormiou for roughly an hour. Sormiou is one of the best-known coves in the area, marked by steep limestone walls and a narrow inlet. From the water, the scale of the cliffs becomes clear, and the boat gives you angles that are hard to find on foot.

This stop is listed mainly for sightseeing, photos, and a guided visit. It may be less about a long swim and more about seeing the cove properly. Have your camera ready as the boat approaches, but also look up from the screen. The contrast between white rock, dark blue water, and low Mediterranean vegetation is the main attraction.

A practical point: the tour does not promise that you will go ashore at each Calanque. The experience is a boat-based visit, with stops for viewing, swimming, and snorkeling rather than a walking tour through the coves.

Morgiou: lunch beside the cliffs

Calanque de Morgiou gets about two and a half hours, the longest stop of the day and the place where lunch is served. This is the tour’s main pause. You can eat, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the setting without constantly checking the time.

Lunch is prepared on a plancha and is described as beef and chicken with salads, followed by fruit. Rosé wine and soft drinks are available. The meal is casual and suited to a day on a boat, not a restaurant-style dining experience. One account described the food as basic, so you should set your expectations accordingly. The value lies in having a hot meal and drinks included while you are out on the water, not in fine dining.

The rosé is served as part of the open drink offering. If wine is not your preference, soft drinks are included. Keep in mind that drinking alcohol and swimming in the sun can leave you tired, so pace yourself during the long afternoon.

Morgiou is a good place to use the snorkeling gear again. The protected waters can reveal fish and plant life below the surface, though visibility and marine life will vary with weather and water conditions. Do not expect a formal guided snorkeling lesson. You are given the equipment and the chance to explore on your own under the crew’s supervision.

The secret stop and Sugiton

After Morgiou, the crew makes an additional stop selected for the day. It receives about an hour for photos, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. The exact location is not fixed in the information provided, which is part of the appeal but also means you cannot plan around a specific cove.

The extra stop gives the skippers room to respond to conditions. Wind, sea state, and local access can affect where a boat pauses. This flexibility can produce one of the quieter moments of the day, but you should not book the tour expecting a named landmark at this stage.

Calanque de Sugiton follows with about an hour of free time and sightseeing. Sugiton is known for its dramatic rock walls and clear water, and viewing it from a catamaran avoids the effort of reaching it by land. The stop may feel short after the longer sessions at Riou and Morgiou, but it rounds out the route with another distinct section of the coast.

The itinerary includes several stops close together, and the boat may spend time moving short distances between coves. One dissatisfied account felt the catamaran stopped too often instead of covering more ground. That is worth considering: the day is built around repeated pauses, not a nonstop cruise along every major Calanque.

Food, drinks, equipment, and comfort

The all-inclusive format is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing. You do not need to arrange a separate lunch, buy drinks in a cove, or rent snorkeling equipment. The package includes:

• Plancha lunch with beef and chicken
• Salads and seasonal fruit
• Rosé wine and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Wetsuits when the water is cold
• GoPro cameras
• Two skippers
• Swimming time and the Calanques tax

The spacious deck is a real advantage during an eight-and-a-half-hour outing. You will want to move between shade, sun, the seating area, and the front trampoline. A smaller boat might feel more exciting for a short ride, but this amount of time calls for room.

Comfort has limits. The catamaran may be stable, but it is still at sea. In stronger wind, waves can be felt, especially on the return to Marseille. If you often get seasick, bring your preferred medication in advance. The crew cannot provide seasickness tablets, and one account recommends taking medication about two hours before departure.

The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant people, or those with back problems. Pets are not allowed. These restrictions make sense for a full day on a moving boat with swimming stops.

Is $199 a fair price?

At $199, this is a premium day trip. You are paying for duration, a limited group size, a catamaran rather than a basic sightseeing boat, two skippers, lunch, drinks, equipment, and access to several parts of the Calanques.

The price is easier to justify if you plan to swim and snorkel, use the GoPro, eat aboard, and spend most of the day at sea. It is harder to justify if your main goal is a quick look at the cliffs. A shorter boat trip will likely suit you better in that case.

Price can also vary. One booking was made at €159 per person, followed soon after by a much lower advertised price, which left the customer unhappy. Check the current rate before confirming and compare it with other full-day catamaran outings. The 4.8 rating from 54 ratings and the 89 percent perfect transport score suggest strong overall satisfaction, but the experience is not immune to weather or service differences.

Weather is the biggest variable

A sunny Mediterranean day can make this outing memorable. Rain and wind can turn the same route into a cold, rough ride. A September departure had strong wind and rain, with people waiting for warm clothing while they became chilled. The meal and equipment were still useful, but poor weather changed the entire feel of the day.

Check the forecast before you go, and bring a dry layer even if the morning looks warm. The listed essentials are sunglasses and a towel, but a light jacket is practical. The crew may have some warm clothing aboard, yet you should not rely on that for every person or every condition.

Swimming can also be affected by the weather. If the sea is rough, the crew may adjust the timing or location of stops. This is normal for a boat-based activity, but it means the exact experience cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Who should book this day

I would choose this tour if you want a full day outdoors, enjoy swimming, and prefer a small shared group to a large sightseeing vessel. It suits couples, friends, and active families with older children who can manage a long day at sea. The spacious boat also works well if you want time to relax between swims.

It is less suitable if you want a polished luxury cruise, a restaurant-quality meal, or a detailed walking visit to each Calanque. It is also a poor fit if you dislike wind, motion, or changing weather.

The best way to approach it is as a relaxed day on the water with several scenic stops. You will see more than on a short cruise, but you may spend less time moving along the coast than you expect because the route is built around swimming and repeated pauses.

Should you book it?

Book it if the combination of small group sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and included food is exactly what you want. The route covers Riou Island, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, and another stop, giving you a broad look at the Calanques without arranging several separate activities.

Think twice if $199 feels high or if you mainly want sightseeing from a dry seat. Also check the weather closely, arrive early at Port de la Pointe Rouge, and bring a warm layer and seasickness medication if you need it. On a calm, sunny day, this can be a generous and enjoyable way to spend a full day along Marseille’s coast. In poor weather, the same long duration becomes the main drawback.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or eight and a half hours. It begins and ends at Bleu Evasion in Marseille.

Where does the tour depart?

You meet at Bleu Evasion at entrance number 3 of the Port de la Pointe Rouge in Marseille. You should arrive 15 minutes before boarding.

Which Calanques are included?

The route includes the Archipelago of Riou, Calanque de Sormiou, Calanque de Morgiou, Calanque de Sugiton, and one additional stop chosen by the crew.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes plancha-style beef and chicken, salads, and fruit. Rosé wine and soft drinks are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and wetsuits are supplied when the water is cold.

What languages are available?

The live tour is offered in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.