Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with a Boat Tour of the Calanques from Marseille!
This full-day catamaran cruise aboard the Samba is truly one of the most unforgettable boat trips you can take in Marseille.
Setting sail from the Old Port, you'll spend a delightful eight hours discovering the stunning calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton, before dropping anchor in the serene Riou Archipelago nature reserve.
While you swim, paddle, or simply soak in the breathtaking views, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, refreshing aperitifs, and drinks served right on deck.
Duration: 8 Hours
Meeting Point: Old Port of Marseille
Departure Location: Marseille (boarding 10 minutes before departure)
Destination: Calanques & Riou Archipelago
Activity Locations: Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, Riou Archipelago, Mediterranean coves
Price From: 149€ per adult
Group Size: 80 pers max on boat
Languages: French, English
What’s Included:
Catamaran cruise aboard the Samba
Buffet lunch on board
Aperitif and drinks
Swimming stops
Paddle equipment
Navigation through the Calanques National Park
Stop in the Riou Archipelago nature reserve.
Sun cream, hat/cap, sunglasses
Swimming suit, beach towel
Shorts/vests for children
9:20 am - Boarding at Marseille's Old Port
The crew welcomes you aboard the catamaran Samba. Presentation of the team, the program and safety briefing before departure.
9:30 - Departure
Navigation along the coast, between Fort Saint-Jean, Fort Saint-Nicolas, Cap Croisette and Île Maïre. The scenery unfolds: sculpted relief, deep blue sea, unique Mediterranean light.
11:00 am - Calanque de Sormiou
Stop at one of the park's jewels. Clear waters, steep cliffs, unspoilt cove... Enjoy the calm, explore the bay by paddle or relax on deck.
Aperitif served on board, followed by a buffet lunch prepared by our caterer.
13:30 - Sailing to Morgiou and Sugiton
Morgiou and its little hidden port, its mythical underwater grotto. Then Sugiton, and its coves lined with vertiginous cliffs. A wild and spectacular setting.
3:00 pm - Set course for the Riou Archipelago
Protected nature reserve, accessible only by sea. An unspoilt haven for seabirds and aquatic species.
3:30 pm - Second anchorage: Calanque de Monastério
A moment of relaxation in an unspoilt environment. Farniente, paddle, explore, swim or simply contemplate.
16:15 - Return sailing
Return to the Old Port along the islands of Jarre and Maïre.
17:30 - Disembarkation
End your marine escapade, eyes full of images and mind soothed.
A fresh, tasty meal served on deck, prepared with care by our caterer:
Pure butter tart base & Gassin black olive tapenade
Various salads: Italian, Greek, crunchy (cabbage and carrots)
Gambas flambéed with Pastis à la plancha
Chicken aiguillettes with herbes de Provence
Grenaille potatoes with garlic and herbes de Provence
Cheese selection: comté and brie
Fresh fruit salad and red fruit crumble muffin
Handcrafted bread
Softs : still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multifruit, cola, lemonade, coffee, tea
Aperitif: punch planteur
Wines (AOP Côtes de Provence): white, red, rosé
Drinks are offered via plastic-free ecological fountains - local brand Ôchwette.
Boarding 10 minutes before departure with your electronic ticket (QR code to be presented).
No delay will be taken into account. In the event of absence, no reimbursement will be made.
Itinerary subject to adjustment according to weather or attendance.
Respect for the regulations of the Parc National des Calanques guaranteed.
Consult the National Park's rules at sea here:
calanques-parcnational.fr/reglementations-en-mer
The Calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton are stunning limestone inlets with cliffs that soar up to 200 meters above the sparkling turquoise waters, shaped by freshwater erosion over millions of years.
Taking a boat trip to the Calanques gives you the perfect vantage point to appreciate their intricate geological formations, where you can spot fossilized corals and layered rock strata that tell a tale much older than humanity itself.
As the Samba glides along at a leisurely pace, you have plenty of time to soak in the unique charm of each calanque, from the expansive bay of Sormiou to the narrow, hidden gem of Sugiton.
When the anchor is dropped for a swim and paddle break, you really get a sense of the grandeur of these white-gold cliffs, a feeling that’s even more special since the most pristine coves can only be reached by water.
Based on 3 Reviews
Calanques marseillaises
paysages grandioses, on a très bien mangé!
Samba catamaran
Catamaran confortable, déjeuner buffet et boissons compris.
Parc national
Site exceptionnel du littoral marseillais.
Official website
Partner of local tourist offices
Best Prices
Free of charge and surcharge
Activities tested
By our advisors
Payment
100% secure - 3DS2
Yes, visiting the Calanques by boat from Marseille is one of the best ways to discover this exceptional natural site. From the Old Port, you can embark on a day-long catamaran cruise that will take you to the calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou and Sugiton, as well as the Riou archipelago.
Catamaran cruising is the most comfortable and enjoyable way to discover the Calanques from the sea. It allows you to sail smoothly, enjoy the scenery, swim in creeks accessible only by boat, while enjoying lunch and a moment of relaxation on board.
The calanque of Sormiou is one of the most emblematic and accessible from Marseille. On this day cruise, you'll discover it from the sea, before continuing on to the more confidential but equally spectacular Morgiou and Sugiton calanques.
Yes, this catamaran cruise is perfectly suited to families with children as well as physically fit seniors. The boat is stable, spacious and safe, making it easy to move around on board.
A large shaded area is provided for everyone's comfort: tables and chairs are set up sheltered from the sun so you can sit comfortably and enjoy the sailing in the best conditions.
These outings have been thought out for the whole family: everyone finds their place on board to experience a beautiful day at sea departing from Marseille, in the exceptional setting of the Calanques National Park.
Yes, several swimming breaks are planned during the cruise, particularly when anchored in the Riou archipelago. You can swim in crystal-clear waters, paddle or simply relax on board the catamaran.
In the event of bad weather conditions not allowing safe navigation, the outing may be cancelled. In this case, you will be informed in advance and offered a solution of postponement or refund.
Yes, you can bring your own cooler and drinks on board. However, an aperitif, buffet lunch and drinks are already included in the service.
It's highly recommended to book your catamaran cruise in advance, especially in high season. Places are limited and this activity is in great demand for discovering the Calanques from Marseille.
There are several public parking lots close to Marseille's Vieux-Port, including the Indigo Vieux-Port Mucem parking lot or the Q-Park Estienne d'Orves. We advise you to arrive early to allow time for parking and to reach the boarding area.
It is not compulsory to know how to swim to board the catamaran. However, to fully enjoy the swimming moments, it is preferable to be comfortable in the water. Life jackets are available on board if required.
We advise you to bring: a towel, a swimsuit, sun cream, a hat or cap, sunglasses, a light windbreaker, and possibly a waterproof bag for your personal belongings.
The catamaran is accessible to people with reduced mobility for boarding and sailing. However, as the toilets are located on the lower deck, they are not wheelchair accessible. For this reason, we do not recommend a day trip for wheelchair users, and instead recommend shorter cruises, such as those in the morning or at sunset.
