Cannes: Kayak excursions and discovering the treasures of the Lérins Islands

A 4-hour adventure that combines kayaking across the Bay of Cannes, walking through the historic Sainte-Marguerite Island, snorkeling at the underwater museum, and relaxing on a secluded beach. This tour, provided by Sunset Paddle Club, holds a high rating of 4.9 and is ideal for those looking to experience the natural beauty and history of the French Riviera in an active, engaging way. With a small group limit of 8 participants, it promises an intimate atmosphere, guided by multilingual experts in French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Travelers should be prepared for a gentle kayak crossing from Palm Beach and enjoy a gourmet picnic facing the iconic Esterel mountains. While the tour is suitable for most, it’s not recommended for those over 95 years old or who prefer a more relaxed pace.

This experience offers a fantastic blend of outdoor activity, cultural discovery, and peaceful moments, making it perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The 4-hour duration keeps the pace lively but manageable, and the emphasis on preserved fauna, flora, and friendly atmosphere makes it a memorable excursion.

Key Points

• Guided kayak crossing from Palm Beach to Sainte-Marguerite Island
• Explore Fort Royal and learn about the Man in the Iron Mask
• Snorkeling sessions at the underwater museum and in protected coves
• Gourmet picnic served on a secret, wild beach
• Small group size, limited to 8 participants, for personalized attention
• Tour lasts 4 hours with flexible start times and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Palm Beach Parking

The tour begins at 9:00 am at the Palm Beach parking lot in Cannes, where you’ll find the distinctive green and yellow kayaks and your guide holding a paddle. The meeting is easy to spot, and the location offers quick access to the calm waters of the Bay of Cannes. This starting point sets the tone for a relaxed, scenic adventure along the coastline.

Kayaking Across the Bay of Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island

The journey kicks off with a guided kayak crossing to Sainte-Marguerite Island. The crossing takes approximately 40 minutes and is designed to be gentle and safe, making it suitable even for beginners. The turquoise waters of the bay provide a stunning backdrop as you paddle toward this famous island. The guides are attentive to safety, ensuring everyone feels confident and comfortable during the crossing.

Discovering Fort Royal on Sainte-Marguerite Island

Once ashore, the tour leads you on a walk through eucalyptus and maritime pine forests to reach Fort Royal, a site with a captivating past. The guide shares stories about the Man in the Iron Mask, who was imprisoned here, and explains the site’s significance. After exploring Fort Royal, there’s time to appreciate the untouched natural environment and take photos of the lush surroundings.

Snorkeling at the Underwater Museum and in Cove Areas

One of the tour’s standout features is the opportunity to snorkel at the Cannes Underwater Ecomuseum. Accessible even to beginners, this snorkeling session offers a close look at marine life in protected waters. The waters near the island are uncrowded and calm, perfect for observing fish and seabirds in their natural habitat. The combination of snorkeling and swimming enhances the overall experience, adding an element of adventure to the day.

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Relaxing on a Secret Beach with a Gourmet Picnic

A highlight is the picnic served on a hidden, wild beach overlooking the Esterel mountains. The artisanal and gourmet offerings include cold drinks, sweet and savory snacks, all enjoyed in a peaceful setting. The secluded beach provides space for relaxing, sunbathing, or taking a short nap after the morning’s activities. This moment of calm offers a perfect balance to the more active parts of the tour.

Exploring Marine Life and Photo Opportunities

After the picnic, the tour resumes with additional snorkeling, kayaking, and marine life viewing sessions. Stops include the Bay of Cannes, where vibrant fish and seabirds can be observed in their natural environment. The photo stops allow capturing the scenic beauty of the coastline, with the red reliefs of the Esterel adding a dramatic backdrop. The canoeing option is also available for those interested in a different water activity.

Returning to Palm Beach by Kayak

The tour concludes with a return paddle back to Palm Beach, taking about 40 minutes. The relaxed pace allows for reflecting on the day’s highlights and enjoying the calm waters as the tour winds down. Arriving back at the parking lot around 2:00 pm, participants leave with stars in their eyes after a well-rounded experience full of activity, discovery, and peaceful moments.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour is designed for convenience and comfort. Meet at 9:00 am, and it’s recommended to bring hat, drinks, flip-flops, and beachwear. As the Côte d’Azur sun can be intense during summer, covering up well is advised. Nudity is not permitted, and travelers should bring water, even though some is provided. The activity is not suitable for those over 95 years old or anyone with mobility limitations, given the physical nature of kayaking and walking.

The Experience Offered by Sunset Paddle Club

With a provider rating of 4.9, Sunset Paddle Club specializes in small-group adventures that prioritize safety, personalized guidance, and environmental preservation. The multilingual guides enhance the experience by sharing stories and knowledge about the islands and local fauna, making it both engaging and educational. The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures a relaxed environment where everyone can enjoy the scenery and activities at their own pace.

The Value of This Kayak and Island Tour

Priced affordably for a 4-hour activity, this tour combines outdoor fun, cultural discovery, and scenic beauty. It offers snorkeling sessions, a guided tour of Fort Royal, and a gourmet picnic—all included in one package. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, add to the appeal for travelers wanting a worry-free experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This experience suits active travelers who enjoy being outdoors, exploring naturally beautiful environments, and learning about local history. It’s ideal for small groups seeking a personalized touch, and those comfortable with light physical activity. The tour’s emphasis on preserved fauna and flora makes it a hit among nature enthusiasts and families with older children.

Final Thoughts on the Sainte-Marguerite Island Kayak Tour

This adventure offers a rich mix of kayaking, history, snorkeling, and relaxation in just four hours. The guided walks, marine activities, and hidden beaches create a balanced and memorable day on the French Riviera. While not suited for the very elderly or those seeking a purely leisurely experience, it appeals strongly to those eager to combine activity with cultural insight.

The small group setting ensures a friendly, engaging environment, and the high provider rating confirms the quality of the experience. For travelers looking to combine outdoor adventure with historical discovery and peaceful nature moments, this tour stands out as a well-organized, enjoyable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners in kayaking?
Yes, the kayak crossing is designed to be gentle and safe, making it accessible for beginners.

What is included in the picnic?
The picnic features cold drinks, sweet and savory snacks, served on a hidden beach facing the Esterel mountains.

How long does snorkeling last?
There are multiple snorkeling sessions throughout the tour, including at the underwater museum and in protected coves, with the total snorkeling time around the 40-minute mark.

Can I participate if I don’t swim well?
Snorkeling is accessible to beginners, and guides are attentive to safety, but swimming ability is recommended for snorkeling activities.

What should I bring for the tour?
Participants should bring a hat, drinks, flip-flops, and beachwear. Covering up well is advised due to strong summer sun.

Is there a maximum age for participants?
Yes, the activity is not suitable for those over 95 years old.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, with an option to reserve now and pay later.

Where exactly does the tour start?
The meeting point is Palm Beach parking lot at coordinates 43.535972595214844, 7.038327693939209.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for active families with older children, but not recommended for those with mobility limitations or very young children.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby