Cruise of the 2 Islands: Porquerolles & Port-Cros with stops

Two islands, one well-planned day. This cruise from Bormes-les-Mimosas offers an easy way to see both Porquerolles and Port-Cros without arranging separate ferries, and I especially like the small 50-passenger boat and the chance to travel partly under silent electric power. The close-to-shore route also gives you fine views of coves, cliffs, beaches, vineyards, and Mediterranean woodland.

I like the useful mix of guided sailing and free time. You get commentary about the islands while on the water, then several hours to explore Porquerolles on your own and a shorter stop at Port-Cros. The main drawback is the timetable: 4.25 hours on Porquerolles can feel short, especially if you want to cycle, visit the Carmignac Foundation, reach a beach, and eat lunch before returning to the dock.

Key points to know before booking

• Two famous islands in one day: See Porquerolles and Port-Cros without changing ports or planning separate boat connections.
• A smaller hybrid vessel: The boat carries up to 50 passengers and uses electric propulsion for quieter sections of the trip.
• Porquerolles gets most of your time: Plan on about 4.25 hours for the village, beaches, cycling, vineyards, or the Carmignac Foundation.
• Port-Cros is a brief introduction: The 85-minute stop suits a short walk around the port and nearby streets rather than a full island hike.
• French commentary with several written translations: English, German, Dutch, and Italian translations are available on your smartphone.
• Budget about $72 per person: Food, drinks, bicycles, beach gear, and entrance fees are extra, so the value depends on how much you do independently.

Why this cruise works well from Bormes-les-Mimosas

The excursion begins at the Latitude Verte ticket office near the entrance to the port of Bormes-les-Mimosas, La Favière, or directly at the boarding dock in front of the boat. That makes the port the practical base for a full day among the Îles d’Or.

The appeal is simple: you do not need to coordinate a morning ferry to one island and an afternoon boat to the other. The crew handles the crossings, the timing, and the commentary, while you choose how to spend your hours ashore.

The boat’s maximum capacity of 50 passengers matters. It is not a huge sightseeing vessel with a crowd spread across several decks. You should get a more personal feel on the water, and the crew’s commentary is easier to follow than it would be on a large ferry.

This is still a boat trip, not a private charter. On a windy day, the ride can become choppy. One October outing had strong winds and noticeable waves, although the stops stayed on schedule. Bring motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness, and sit where you are most comfortable during the crossings.

The hybrid boat and the coastal route

The vessel combines a combustion engine with electric propulsion. During some parts of the route, it can travel in near silence under electric power, which is a pleasant change from the steady rumble of a standard motorboat.

The environmental benefit is one reason to choose this particular excursion, but the quiet also improves the sightseeing. You can listen to the captain, watch the shore, and take in the sea without constant engine noise during those silent sections.

The boat stays close enough to the coast for the journey to feel like part of the tour rather than just transport. You will see rocky cliffs, small coves, pale beaches, vineyards, and stands of Mediterranean trees along the shores of the Îles d’Or.

Commentary is given live in French. Written translations are available in English, German, Dutch, and Italian on your smartphone. If you do not understand French, you can still follow the main information, but you should be ready to read rather than rely on a full live narration in your own language.

Porquerolles: four hours and fifteen minutes to choose your own plan

The first major stop is Porquerolles, reached after a sightseeing cruise of about 70 minutes. The approach gives you a broad view of the island’s northern coast and its white sandy beaches before you go ashore.

Porquerolles is the more flexible stop of the two. You have roughly four and a quarter hours, enough time for a relaxed visit to the village or a more active outing if you plan carefully.

The village is the easiest choice. You can walk through its streets, stop for food, and get your bearings without needing transport. This option suits families, anyone who wants a slower day, and people who prefer not to turn the island visit into a race against the clock.

Bicycles offer a better way to cover ground. Cycling is not included, so you will need to arrange rental equipment separately on the island. If your goal is the famous Notre-Dame beach, a bicycle can make the outing more practical than walking, particularly when you also want time for lunch and the village.

The beach is one of Porquerolles’ main attractions, with pale sand and clear water. You will need to bring or rent your own beach equipment, since it is not included in the cruise. The same applies to any other equipment you may want for a day by the sea.

Another option is the Carmignac Foundation, a cultural space combining contemporary art with gardens and nature. Entrance is not included and can depend on the season. It is a good choice if you want your island day to include art as well as beaches and walking paths.

A vineyard is another possible stop, although the available time means you should choose your priorities before leaving the boat. You can see much of Porquerolles in one visit, but you cannot give every attraction equal attention in 4.25 hours.

That time limit is the central issue on this cruise. Four hours sounds generous when you book, but it passes quickly once you add the walk from the dock, a meal, bicycle arrangements, and any beach or cultural visit. I would decide before boarding between a village and beach day, a cycling day, or a culture and scenery day.

Port-Cros: a shorter stop with a wilder feel

After Porquerolles, the boat crosses to Port-Cros in the early afternoon. The sightseeing cruise lasts about one hour, with commentary focused on the island’s wild shores and its place within the National Park.

Port-Cros has a different character from Porquerolles. It is known as the heart of the National Park, a status it has held since 1963, and the stop feels more like a brief visit to a protected natural setting than a conventional beach outing.

You have about 85 minutes ashore. That is enough to stroll around the small port, follow the flower-filled streets, and take a short walk toward Fort du Moulin, a historic lookout on the heights.

It is not enough time for a long island walk. If you want to explore Port-Cros in depth, this combined cruise will feel restrictive. The stop works best as an introduction, giving you a taste of the island’s quiet port and wooded surroundings before you return to the boat.

I like the contrast between the two stops. Porquerolles gives you more choice, including beaches, bicycles, art, vineyards, and village time. Port-Cros gives you a shorter and simpler pause, with more emphasis on protected nature and the small harbor.

Timing, comfort, and what the day feels like

The cruise leaves Bormes-La Favière in the morning and returns in the late afternoon. The schedule includes about 70 minutes to reach Porquerolles, 4.25 hours ashore, an hour of commentary while heading toward Port-Cros, 85 minutes on Port-Cros, and about 35 minutes for the final ferry ride back.

That is a full day, but it is not an exhausting march from one attraction to the next. Much of the time is yours to control. You can walk, eat, sit by the water, rent a bicycle, or visit a cultural site, depending on your priorities.

The crew has a useful job here: keeping the boat moving on time while sharing information about the coast and islands. A French captain received particular praise for the quality of the commentary and the friendly welcome. The exact crew can vary, but the experience depends heavily on clear timing and a pleasant explanation of what you are seeing.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which makes the cruise itself more approachable. You should still consider the practical conditions ashore, since the activity may involve walking through ports, streets, and natural areas. The supplied information confirms access on the boat but does not give detailed terrain information for each island.

The weather matters. The cruise operates subject to weather conditions, and strong wind can produce waves even when the schedule continues normally. Check the forecast, bring a jacket for the open water, and keep motion sickness prevention in your day bag.

What the $72 price includes

At about $72 per person, the price is reasonable if you want both islands in one organized outing. You are paying for the hybrid boat, the crew, the guided coastal cruise, the two island stops, and the convenience of returning to the same port.

The value is strongest for visitors staying near Bormes-les-Mimosas who would otherwise need to compare ferry schedules and pay for separate crossings. The boat also provides sightseeing commentary, so the transport is part of the experience rather than a simple transfer.

The price does not include transport to La Favière. Food and drinks are also extra, whether you buy them on the boat or on the islands. Bicycle rental, beach equipment, and entrance fees such as the Carmignac Foundation are not included either.

That means your final cost can rise if you want a bicycle, a cultural visit, or a fully equipped beach day. On the other hand, you can keep spending under control by walking, bringing what you need, and treating the cruise as a scenic island introduction.

I would consider the price good for a first look at both islands, but less attractive if your main goal is a long hike or a slow beach day. The schedule is designed for breadth, not complete exploration.

Who will enjoy this island day most

I would recommend this trip to families who want a simple structure without spending the day managing boat connections. The free time keeps the outing from feeling like a guided group walk, and each person can choose a pace that suits them.

It also works well for people who enjoy coastal scenery but do not want to commit to a full day of hiking. You can spend your time in the village, take a short walk, or simply enjoy the shoreline.

Cyclists and people interested in snorkeling or other water activities may find Porquerolles especially rewarding, but they need to organize equipment independently and watch the clock. The islands offer more for active visitors than the brief schedule can fully cover.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or want to explore one island in detail. The wind can make the crossings rough, and Port-Cros is too short a stop for serious hiking.

Practical tips for making the most of the stops

Before departure, choose your Porquerolles plan. Trying to combine the beach, a long bicycle ride, the foundation, the village, and a leisurely meal will likely leave you watching the clock.

Bring motion sickness prevention if you need it. The route can be windy, and calm conditions are not guaranteed.

Keep your phone charged for the written translations. The available languages are English, German, Dutch, and Italian, but the information is presented in writing on your smartphone rather than as live commentary in all those languages.

Pack for more than one setting. You may want sun protection and comfortable walking shoes ashore, plus an extra layer for the boat. Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead rather than assuming every need will be covered during the day.

At Porquerolles, decide if you want to rent a bicycle before you arrive. At Port-Cros, keep expectations realistic. Enjoy the port and a short walk, but do not plan a long circuit within 85 minutes.

The cancellation policy is flexible, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging a larger South of France itinerary around weather and availability.

Should you book the Porquerolles and Port-Cros cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, well-organized introduction to both islands, appreciate coastal scenery, and like having several hours to explore independently. The small hybrid boat, quiet electric sections, French commentary, and written translations add real value to what could otherwise be a basic ferry ride.

Think twice if you want a relaxed full-day visit to Porquerolles or an extended walk on Port-Cros. For those goals, visiting one island on its own would give you more time and fewer compromises.

For most people staying near Bormes-les-Mimosas, this is a strong one-day choice. Go in with a clear plan, accept that Porquerolles will be a sample rather than a complete visit, and treat Port-Cros as a short introduction to the National Park. That is when the $72 price makes the most sense.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Latitude Verte at the port of Bormes-les-Mimosas, La Favière. You can meet at the ticket office near the port entrance or at the boarding dock in front of the boat.

How long does the experience last?

It is a full-day activity. The exact departure time depends on availability, and the boat returns to Bormes-La Favière in the late afternoon.

How much time is available on Porquerolles?

You have approximately 4.25 hours, or about four hours and fifteen minutes, of free time on Porquerolles.

How much time is available on Port-Cros?

The stop at Port-Cros lasts approximately 85 minutes, or about one and a half hours.

Is the commentary available in English?

The live commentary is in French. Written translations are available on board in English, German, Dutch, and Italian through your smartphone.

Is the boat environmentally friendly?

The boat uses hybrid propulsion, combining a combustion engine with electric propulsion. Some sections are operated silently in electric mode.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks on the boat or on the islands are not included in the price.

Are bicycles included on Porquerolles?

No. Bicycle rental is not included. You will need to arrange and pay for a bicycle separately if you choose to cycle.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Detailed information about accessibility on the islands is not provided, so you may want to confirm the conditions for your planned shore activities before booking.