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The Calanques of the Esterel by boat

Discover the Calanques of the Estérel by boat

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The Calanques of the Esterel by boat

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!


What types of boats can you take to discover the Estérel coves?

With the Blue Boats:

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.


Semi-rigid Boat Excursions – Comfort & Adventure!

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.


License-free Boat Rentals:

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.


Catamaran & Maxi-Catamaran Cruises:

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.


What sights can we expect to see on these tours?

  • The Corniche d'Or – and it truly lives up to its name! Between Théoule and Saint-Raphaël, it lies between sea and mountains, resembling a Corsican landscape. A wild coast with a stunning blue gradient as far as the eye can see – a real treasure!
  • Anthéor and its viaduct
  • Cap Dramont
  • Île d'Or, off the D-Day Beach
  • Île des Vieilles, off the coast of Anthéor – inaccessible by land and a must for swimming when at sea
  • The Bay of Agay, a well-known district of Saint-Raphaël

Where are the departure points for Estérel boat excursions?
 

  • From the Old Port in downtown Saint-Raphaël
  • From Port Santa Lucia in Saint-Raphaël
  • From Port Fréjus
  • From Cannes la Bocca
  • From Mandelieu la Napoule
  • 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].

How were the Estérel rocks formed?

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.

How can I get to the Estérel calanques?

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.

Can you swim in the Estérel coves?

Yes, absolutely! Take full advantage of the beautiful setting and dive in!

Why is it called a "calanque"?

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.”

Are there other boat trips along the French Riviera?

Yes, you’ll find many other boat tours with a variety of destinations such as the Lérins Islands, Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Monaco.

From what age can my child go on a boat tour in the Estérel?

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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