Catamaran day cruise - Calanques & Riou from Marseille

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Catamaran day cruise - Calanques & Riou from Marseille

Leaving from Marseille's Old Port, come aboard our maxi-catamaran Samba for an exceptional day at sea in the heart of the Calanques National Park.
Aperitif, buffet lunch and drinks included.



On the programme

Sail from Marseille's Vieux-Port for a day of escapism to discover the wonders of the Parc National des Calanques.
Cape the turquoise waters of the calanque de Sormiou, before exploring the unspoilt coves of Morgiou and Sugiton.
Enjoy an idyllic anchorage in the Riou archipelago, a wilderness setting accessible only by sea.
Lounging on deck, swimming, exploring by paddle or contemplating the spectacular scenery: this cruise has it all.
Aperitif, buffet lunch and drinks included on board for a moment of total pleasure.

 

The program for your Day at Sea:

Boarding and sailing along the coast

  • 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.

First anchorage in Calanque de Sormiou

  • 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.

Exploration of two mythical calanques

  • 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.

Anchoring in the Riou Archipelago nature reserve

  • 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.

Return to Marseille

  • 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.

 

Buffet lunch on board:

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

Drinks included:

  • 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.

 

What's included in your cruise:

  • 8-hour maxi-catamaran excursion

  • 2 anchorages in exceptional sites

  • Access to paddles

  • Aperitif and full buffet lunch

  • Drinks (soft drinks, wine, coffee, tea)

 

Practical information:

  • 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.

 

To bring in your bag:

  • Sun cream, hat/cap, sunglasses

  • Swimming suit, beach towel

  • Shorts/vests for children

 

Consult the National Park's rules at sea here:
calanques-parcnational.fr/reglementations-en-mer


Activity location

Address

Vieux Port de Marseille

Marseille


Activity provider : AMC CAPE GRACE


Official website

Partner of local tourist offices

Best Prices

Free of charge and surcharge

Activities tested

By our advisors

Payment

100% secure - 3DS2


Can you visit the Calanques by boat from Marseille?

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.

What's the best way to discover the Calanques from the sea?

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.

Which calanque to visit first from Marseille?

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.

Is the sea trip suitable for children or the elderly?

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.

Are there any swimming areas during the cruise?

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.

Is the cruise cancelled in case of bad weather?

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.

Can I bring my own cooler or drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own cooler and drinks on board. However, an aperitif, buffet lunch and drinks are already included in the service.

Do I need to book my Marseille boat trip in advance?

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.

Where can I park near Marseille's Vieux-Port before departure?

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.

Do I need to be able to swim to join the cruise?

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.

What should you bring for a day at sea?

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.

Is the catamaran accessible to people with reduced mobility?

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.