If you're on vacation in the South-East of France, one of the must-do activities during the summer season is a boat excursion through the Estérel calanques from Saint-Raphaël. An iconic gem of the Côte d’Azur, these coves are known for their magical, sun-drenched atmosphere and vivid colors. You could spend hours simply admiring the stunning scenery!
These wild coves, where the sea takes on a deep blue hue, can be explored in many ways thanks to the options available on our website. From half-day boat trips to sunset cruises along the Estérel massif with drinks on board – explore this part of southern France like never before!
Departing from the town center of Saint-Raphaël, enjoy a sea excursion that’s perfect for families with young children. These gentle and educational tours are available at great prices and offer an ideal way to discover the calanques.
You can bring a stroller onboard, and the layout is safe and easy to navigate. You’ll enjoy an audio-guided tour and get up close to the coastline. This is a great way to explore in under 2 hours. Note: no swimming stop is included in this tour.
You can choose between open-air upper deck seats to soak in the Riviera sun (long clothing recommended in the afternoon as seats may be hot), or stay cool on the lower deck while still enjoying breathtaking views. Audio commentary is broadcast on both decks, sharing fun facts about the Estérel. These tours are available throughout the summer, especially in early afternoon.
Looking for a unique and exciting experience on the Mediterranean coast? Perfect for families with children aged 5 and up, or a small group of friends, these 12-person boats are fast and available for private bookings. You'll cruise in a small group, skimming past secret caves and cliffs. The skipper will take you to hidden spots inaccessible by land.
Thanks to their small size, these boats can slip through the famous Estérel sea caves (like the Smugglers’ Cave) – the ultimate escape!
Our passionate captains will share stories about the colorful coves.
Admire the Île d’Or, Cap Dramont, and the Bay of Agay.
A swimming break is included, with drinks served during the stop. An unforgettable moment in the heart of the Estérel’s red rocks and turquoise waters. Snorkeling gear (masks and snorkels) will also be available to explore the underwater world. Thrills guaranteed on the return journey – all in complete safety.
Become the captain of your own boat and explore the coves in full freedom. Rent a license-free or license-required boat from Agay, Fréjus or Cannes.
Our providers will give you a simple and safe route to follow, so you can sail stress-free through an accessible area.
With family, friends or your partner, you can rent a boat for a half-day with a maximum of 5 or 6 people on board.
Choose from morning, afternoon or sunset cruises – pick the experience that suits you best. Our catamarans will take you sailing across the Mediterranean in a relaxed atmosphere, with drinks served at your leisure. Enjoy the stunning colors of the coastline in total tranquility – whether you're with a partner, family, or friends.
From Cogolin
On our website, you’ll find exclusive offers on boat excursions, some with promotional prices. For groups of 10+ people, you can request a custom quote by filling out [this form].
The Estérel massif is famous for its red volcanic rock, which gives the landscape its ochre tones and the water its turquoise shades. It formed over millions of years through various geological processes.
Around 120 million years ago, the region was covered by a shallow sea, where sediment deposits formed thick limestone layers. Tectonic shifts then pushed these layers above sea level, exposing them to erosion. Rivers carved deep valleys, and rainwater created fissures and caves in the rock. During the ice ages, the sea level dropped, letting rivers carve deeper. About 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last glacial period, sea levels rose again, flooding the valleys and forming the calanques. Marine and wind erosion continue to shape these cliffs and landscapes today.
You’ll find all available boat tours on our website. You can also book other activities like kayak or paddle rentals from Le Dramont in Saint-Raphaël.
Yes, absolutely! Take full advantage of the beautiful setting and dive in!
The word “calanque” has Indo-European roots from kal, meaning “stone.” The Ligurian word became callum in Latin, meaning “hardness,” related to culmen, meaning “summit.”
Yes, you’ll find many other boat tours with a variety of destinations such as the Lérins Islands, Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Monaco.
With the Blue Boats or maxi-catamarans from Saint-Raphaël, there’s no minimum age. On semi-rigid boats, children can join from age 5.
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