Cannes Lerins Islands: Sailboat Day Trip with Swimming & Snacks

4.85

(145 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto Ulysse just after breakfast, shoes off and sunscreen half-rubbed in. Eric was already fussing with the ropes — I liked how he greeted us like old friends, not customers. Célia handed out coffee in little cups (strong, French), and the boat felt lived-in but cared for. The wind was kind that morning, so we actually sailed most of the way from Cannes toward the Lerins Islands. I kept glancing back at the city shrinking behind us — it’s funny how quickly you forget traffic noise when all you hear is water slapping the hull.

Anchored between the islands, everything slowed down. The water was clear enough to see our toes dangling off the side. Célia laughed when I tried to pronounce “Sainte-Marguerite” — honestly, I still don’t know if I got close. They had snorkels and paddleboards ready (I wobbled a lot more than I’d admit), and Eric pointed out where monks still live on one of those islands — it’s wild thinking people choose that kind of quiet. Lunch was simple: fresh bread, cheese, fruit. Maybe it was just being out there in the sun, but it tasted better than any café sandwich.

At some point I stretched out on the deck cushions and let myself just listen — seagulls overhead, someone’s kid giggling somewhere below deck. There wasn’t any rush to do anything except maybe reapply sunscreen (which I forgot). On the way back to Cannes I caught myself wishing we could drift a bit longer. It’s not really about sightseeing; it’s more like borrowing someone else’s peaceful day for a while.