Marseille : Calanques Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Wine

The Calanques are best seen from the sea. This full-day catamaran cruise combines dramatic limestone cliffs, quiet coves, swimming stops, snorkeling, and a plancha lunch with rosé wine. I especially like the 30-person limit, which gives you more room than a large sightseeing boat, and the useful all-inclusive setup with drinks, wetsuits, snorkeling gear, and GoPro cameras.

The route includes Riou Island, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, and a less-publicized swimming stop. The spacious catamaran, large trampoline, and two skippers are appealing touches. The main concern is value: at $199 per person, this is not a cheap day on the water, and bad weather can change the experience quickly. Strong wind, rain, and rough seas have made some departures far less comfortable.

Key Points to Know

• A long day on the water: The cruise lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours, with a 15-minute check-in before boarding.
• Small shared catamaran: The boat carries no more than 30 people and has two skippers, open deck space, and a large front trampoline.
• Several major Calanques: Planned stops include Riou Island, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, and a secret swimming stop.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect grilled beef and chicken, salads, fruit, soft drinks, and rosé wine.
• Water equipment provided: Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits when the water is cold, and GoPro cameras are supplied.
• Weather matters greatly: Wind and rain can affect comfort, swimming time, and the route, so bring a towel, sunglasses, and a sensible attitude toward changing conditions.

Setting Out From Port de la Pointe Rouge

Your day begins at Bleu Evasion, located at entrance number 3 of Marseille’s Port de la Pointe Rouge. This is not a city-center departure, so leave extra time for traffic. You need to check in 15 minutes before boarding, and late arrival means no refund.

That rule matters more here than on a quick harbor cruise. This is a shared boat with a fixed departure, and the catamaran cannot wait while one group searches for the marina entrance. Keep the provider’s telephone number handy, and make sure the booking includes a working phone number for you.

Once aboard, you have a stable, modern sailing catamaran with space to spread out. The 30-person maximum is one of the strongest features of the day. You are not packed shoulder to shoulder with a large crowd, and there should be room to sit, move around, and find a good view.

The boat is described as comfortable, spacious, fast, and stable. That does not mean you will feel no motion. On a windy day, even a stable catamaran can pitch and roll, and one passenger found the rougher conditions uncomfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your own medication and take it before the boat leaves. The crew cannot provide it.

Riou Island and the Open Sea

The first major stop is the Riou archipelago, where you spend about two hours on a mix of sightseeing, photography, swimming, and snorkeling. This is a generous opening stop and gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the day.

Riou brings a stronger sense of open sea than the narrow Calanques. The boat can pause near clear water while you use the included mask and snorkel. In colder conditions, wetsuits are available. The protected waters support seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and fish such as groupers and scorpionfish, so the snorkeling is more than a quick dip beside the boat.

You will also have access to the boat’s GoPro cameras. That is a useful extra, especially for swimming and snorkeling, where a phone is awkward and risky. Ask the crew how the camera files are handled before you set off so you know what to expect.

The front trampoline is another attractive place to spend time, particularly when the boat is moving gently in calm weather. It is exposed to spray and sun, so keep your sunglasses secure and do not leave valuables loose. The advertised boat features include a large trampoline, although one disappointed passenger said it was not available or obvious during the departure. Treat it as a possible bonus rather than the main reason to book.

Sormiou’s Cliffs and the First Scenic Pause

The boat then heads toward Calanque de Sormiou for about an hour. This is primarily a scenic and photo stop rather than a long swimming session. The cliffs rise sharply around a narrow inlet, creating the classic Marseille Calanques view: pale rock, bright water, and a sheltered cove that looks very different from the open waters around Riou.

This is the kind of stop where you should put the camera away for a moment and simply watch the boat move through the coastline. The captain provides commentary in English and French, and the route is intended to show the cliffs from the water rather than send you hiking inland.

That distinction is important. You are not taking a walking tour of Sormiou, Morgiou, or Sugiton. You see the coves from the catamaran, with time for photographs and sightseeing. If your main goal is to hike into the Calanques or spend hours on a beach, this boat trip is the wrong format.

Morgiou, Lunch, and More Water Time

Calanque de Morgiou receives the longest scheduled visit, about two and a half hours. This is the center of the day, with sightseeing, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.

The meal is cooked on a plancha and includes beef and chicken, salads, fruit, and rosé wine. Soft drinks are also included, and the drinks remain available during the day. For a full-day cruise, having food and beverages built into the price is convenient. You do not need to carry a large picnic or worry about finding a restaurant in a remote cove.

Expect a casual boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. The food has been praised as tasty and enjoyable, but one poor experience described a simpler meal of rice, tuna, and grilled chicken skewers left available for a long time. The exact serving style may depend on the departure, the crew, and the day’s conditions. If fresh, carefully presented food is central to your idea of luxury, keep expectations in check.

Morgiou is also your best chance to make the most of the swimming equipment. The long stop gives you time to eat, swim, snorkel, dry off, and return to the deck without feeling hurried. If the water is cold, a wetsuit can make a real difference. Bring your own towel, since that is not listed among the supplied equipment.

Rosé is part of the experience, but it is worth remembering that this is an informal sailing lunch rather than a wine tasting. The drink is included for convenience and atmosphere. You are paying mainly for the boat, the long day, the crew, and access to the coastline.

The Secret Stop and Sugiton

After Morgiou, the boat makes a one-hour stop at a less-publicized location for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and photographs. The appeal is simple: this pause is meant to feel quieter and less programmed than the famous names on the route.

Details are intentionally limited, so you should not book expecting a particular cove or landmark. The stop can be one of the more pleasant parts of the day if you enjoy time in the water without a long list of instructions. It also gives the captain some flexibility to choose a suitable place based on sea conditions.

The final major stop is Calanque de Sugiton, with about an hour for sightseeing and free time. From the water, you get another view of the pale cliffs and enclosed coves that define the Calanques National Park. Since the stop is listed mainly for sightseeing and free time, it may not offer the same snorkeling focus as Riou or Morgiou.

The planned schedule covers a lot of coastline, but do not assume every departure will follow the same pattern minute by minute. Wind, rain, sea conditions, and sailing decisions can affect how long the boat stays in each place. One negative account felt the boat made frequent short stops and did not reach as many Calanques as expected. That concern is worth taking seriously because the advertising names several destinations, while the actual experience can depend heavily on conditions and the captain’s route.

If seeing every listed Calanque is essential, ask Bleu Evasion before booking how the route is handled on the date you plan to go. That small check can prevent a large disappointment.

What the Crew Adds to the Day

You have two skippers on board, and the guide service is offered in English and French. The crew members César and Alex received especially warm praise for their professionalism and friendly manner on one departure.

A good skipper matters here. The Calanques are not just a row of scenic stops. The captain decides where to anchor, where swimming is suitable, and how to respond when wind conditions change. Clear commentary also helps you understand what you are seeing instead of treating the cliffs as one long stretch of pale rock.

The tone may vary. Some passengers found the crew friendly and professional, while another expected more humor and energy from the guides. If you want a lively party boat, this may feel calm and understated. If you prefer a skipper who focuses on safety, navigation, and the scenery, that may suit you better.

Weather, Comfort, and Seasickness

A sunny day can make this cruise feel special. Rain and strong wind can turn the same eight and a half hours into a test of patience. One departure began with rough weather and ended with rain, wind, and passengers borrowing warm jackets from the crew. Another account described people waiting too long for warm clothing while cold on deck.

Pack for more than the forecast suggests. Sunglasses and a towel are specifically recommended, but a light waterproof layer and warm top are sensible additions. You should also protect your phone and camera from spray.

The catamaran is described as stable, but stability has limits. If the sea becomes rough, you will still feel the waves. People with back problems are advised not to take the tour, and it is not suitable for pregnant women or children under two. Pets are not allowed.

The best time to enjoy the front trampoline and open deck is calm weather. In rough conditions, you may prefer the more sheltered seating areas. Ask the crew early about available warm clothing rather than waiting until you are already cold.

Is $199 a Fair Price?

At $199 per person, this is a premium day trip. The price includes the skipper, Calanques tax, lunch, soft drinks, rosé, swimming, snorkeling gear, wetsuits when needed, and GoPro cameras. You are also buying a long day on a small shared catamaran rather than a short sightseeing ride.

That package can offer fair value if you plan to swim, eat aboard, and spend most of the day on the water. The 30-person capacity helps justify some of the premium, especially compared with a large boat where the best viewing space disappears quickly.

Still, the price leaves little room for disappointment. One passenger paid about 159 euros and felt the boat was old and basic compared with other, cheaper catamaran trips. Another noted that the price dropped by more than 40 euros the following day. Prices can change, so check the current amount before paying and compare the departure with other Marseille or Cassis boat options.

The strongest value comes when you use the included extras. Swim with the equipment, try the GoPro, enjoy the meal, and take advantage of the long stops. If you only want coastal views and do not plan to enter the water, a shorter and cheaper cruise may make more sense.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this experience to adults and older children who want a full day outdoors, enjoy swimming, and prefer seeing the Calanques from the water. It suits couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants lunch and drinks handled in advance.

It is also a good fit if you like a smaller boat but do not want to charter privately. Thirty people is still a group, but it is far more manageable than a large excursion vessel.

I would be cautious if you dislike motion, need a strict route, or expect polished luxury. The day is weather-sensitive, the meal is casual, and the boat experience may feel less refined than the price suggests. People with back problems, pregnant women, children under two, and anyone who is uncomfortable at sea should choose another activity.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but they do not protect you from arriving late at the marina.

Should You Book It?

Book this catamaran if your ideal Marseille day includes cliffs, swimming, snorkeling, a relaxed boat lunch, and plenty of time on the water. The small group, included equipment, two skippers, and stops at Riou, Sormiou, Morgiou, the secret cove, and Sugiton create a strong package when the weather cooperates.

Before paying $199, check the current price, ask how many Calanques the departure is expected to reach, and look closely at the forecast. Take seasickness medicine if you need it, bring a towel and warm layer, and arrive early at Port de la Pointe Rouge. With those precautions, this can be an excellent way to see Marseille’s coastline without spending the day on a crowded sightseeing boat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Bleu Evasion at entrance number 3 of Port de la Pointe Rouge in Marseille.

How early should I arrive?

You should be present 15 minutes before boarding for check-in. Traffic jams are possible, and there is no refund if you arrive late.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, which is about eight and a half hours.

Which places are included on the route?

The planned stops include the Riou archipelago, Calanque de Sormiou, Calanque de Morgiou, a secret stop, and Calanque de Sugiton.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with wetsuits when the water is cold and GoPro cameras for capturing your time in the water.

Who should not take this activity?

The cruise is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people with back problems. Pets are not allowed.