Nice: Lerins Islands Boat Tour With Snorkeling

Nestled along the picturesque French Riviera, the Lerins Islands offer a serene escape from the bustling city of Nice. This 3.5-hour boat tour promises an immersive experience, where visitors can discover the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant marine life. From a sightseeing cruise to a self-guided exploration of Sainte Marguerite Island and a guided tour of Antibes, this tour caters to a wide range of interests. With live commentary, provided snorkeling equipment, and an intimate group size, it’s an opportunity to explore the Cote d’Azur’s hidden gems in an engaging and personalized manner.

Key Points

• A 3.5-hour small-group boat tour departing from Nice, with a maximum of 12 participants.
• Includes a 30-minute sightseeing cruise, a 1-hour break on the Lerins Islands for activities like swimming and snorkeling, and a 1-hour exploration of Sainte Marguerite Island.
• Guided tour and 30-minute boat cruise in Antibes, with live commentary in English and French.
• Provides snorkeling equipment (masks, snorkels, and life jackets) for exploring the marine life in the Lerins Islands.
• Not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, those with back/mobility issues, or individuals over 110kg.

Tour Overview

This boat tour of the Lerins Islands departs from Nice, offering visitors a 3.5-hour small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.

The itinerary includes a 30-minute sightseeing cruise, followed by an hour-long break on the Lerins Islands for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.

Guests will then spend an hour exploring Sainte Marguerite Island at their own pace.

The tour continues with a guided tour and boat cruise in Antibes, and concludes with another 30-minute sightseeing cruise.

Throughout the journey, live commentary in English and French provides insights and local tips, while included equipment like masks, snorkels, and life jackets ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour commences with a 30-minute sightseeing cruise, offering visitors breathtaking views of the French Riviera coastline.

Guests then disembark at the Lerins Islands, where they’ll enjoy a leisurely hour exploring the islands’ natural beauty, swimming in the glittering waters, and spotting fascinating marine life through snorkeling.

Following this, the group will visit Sainte-Marguerite Island, where they can explore the island at their own pace.

The tour then heads to Antibes, where guests will enjoy a guided tour and a 30-minute boat cruise.

The experience concludes with another 30-minute sightseeing cruise, providing one last opportunity to soak in the stunning scenery of the Mediterranean.

Sightseeing Cruise

The tour begins with a 30-minute sightseeing cruise, offering guests breathtaking panoramic views of the French Riviera coastline.

From the boat, they’ll admire the stunning scenery as the vessel glides across the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. The crew provides live commentary, sharing fascinating insights about the region’s history and natural beauty.

Passengers can sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning vistas of the rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and picturesque villages that line the Côte d’Azur.

This initial cruise sets the tone for the rest of the tour, whetting the appetite for the adventures to come on the Lerins Islands.

Lerins Islands Exploration

After the sightseeing cruise, the tour heads to the picturesque Lerins Islands, where participants enjoy a multifaceted experience exploring the archipelago’s natural wonders.

They’ll break from the boat to freely roam the islands, taking time to snap photos of the stunning scenery and observe the diverse marine life up close through snorkeling in the Ecomuseum’s underwater realms.

This hour-long segment provides ample opportunity to take in the islands’ serene ambiance, taking in the sights and sounds of this protected natural haven.

Whether it’s marveling at the vibrant coral formations or spotting curious fish swimming by, the Lerins Islands exploration promises an unforgettable glimpse into the captivating marine ecosystem of the French Riviera.

Sainte Marguerite Island

Following the exploration of the Lerins Islands, the tour next ventures to Sainte-Marguerite Island, where participants enjoy a dedicated hour to freely explore this captivating locale at their own pace. Visitors can stroll along the scenic trails, discover historic sites like the 17th-century Fort Royal, and soak in the island’s tranquil ambiance. The table below highlights some of the key attractions and activities visitors can experience on Sainte-Marguerite Island:

Attraction	Description
Fort Royal	17th-century fortress with a fascinating history
Trails	Scenic walking paths offering stunning views
Beaches	Pristine, secluded beaches perfect for relaxation
Monastery	Remnants of a former monastery to explore
Marine Life	Opportunities to spot diverse marine wildlife

Antibes Guided Tour

Next, the tour concludes with a guided exploration of the charming coastal town of Antibes. Participants embark on a 30-minute boat cruise, affording them captivating views of the French Riviera’s stunning landscapes as they approach the historic city.

Upon arrival, a knowledgeable guide leads the group on a walking tour, highlighting Antibes’ rich cultural heritage and architectural gems. Visitors marvel at the well-preserved old town, adorned with narrow streets, quaint shops, and vibrant plazas. The guide shares fascinating stories about Antibes’ past, from its ancient Greek and Roman origins to its role as a renowned artists’ haven.

As the tour draws to a close, participants are left with a deeper appreciation for the allure of this picturesque Mediterranean destination.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a skipper to navigate the boat, music played on board, masks and snorkels for participants, live commentary in English and French, and a life jacket for each guest.

However, the cost of food, drinks, tips, and hotel pickup/drop-off are excluded from the tour price.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

• Children under 5
• Pregnant women
• People with back or mobility issues
• Individuals over 110kg

This ensures the safety and comfort of all participants during the boat tour and exploration of the Lerins Islands.

The inclusions and exclusions are clearly defined, allowing travelers to make an informed decision about the best tour option for their needs and budget.

Who Can Participate

The Lerins Islands boat tour caters to a wide range of participants, though certain restrictions apply to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort during the excursion.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with back/mobility issues. Plus, guests over 110kg may not be able to join.

However, the small group size of up to 12 participants provides an intimate and personalized experience. With snorkeling gear provided, adventurous travelers can explore the underwater Ecomuseum and witness the vibrant marine life up close.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the water or an active exploration of the islands, the Lerins Islands boat tour offers an engaging and memorable experience for adults of all ages and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment on this tour. However, the tour provides masks and snorkels for those who don’t have their own, so it’s not necessary to bring personal gear.

Is There a Restroom on Board the Boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board the boat. The tour operator provides access to a restroom facility for passengers’ convenience during the boat tour. This allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration on the Islands?

Unfortunately, customers cannot extend the tour duration on the islands. The tour itinerary is fixed at 3.5 hours, with specific time allotted for each activity. Extending the time on the islands would disrupt the schedule and impact the overall tour experience.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that dries quickly. Sturdy water shoes or sandals are recommended for exploring the islands and getting in and out of the boat.

Are Cameras and Phones Allowed on the Boat?

Cameras and phones are generally allowed on the boat for this tour. Guests can bring their personal devices to capture photos and videos of the sights and activities during the excursion, as long as they don’t interfere with the tour.

Recap

This Lerins Islands boat tour from Nice offers a comprehensive and immersive experience along the picturesque French Riviera.

Participants can enjoy a scenic cruise, explore the islands, go swimming and snorkeling, and discover the charming town of Antibes, all while benefiting from live commentary, snorkeling equipment, and a small group size for a personalized adventure.