A Complete Guide to the Mandelieu-la-Napoule Private Boat Cruise with Your Children
If you’re planning a family trip along the French Riviera, this private boat cruise from Mandelieu-la-Napoule offers a fantastic way to enjoy the Mediterranean’s beauty in comfort and style. This six-hour adventure takes you through the Gulf of Napoule, around the Lérins Islands, and along the coast of Cannes, all aboard a well-equipped boat designed for small groups. One of the most appealing aspects? It’s perfectly tailored for families, with plenty of options for swimming, snorkeling, and fun water toys.
Two things I particularly like about this experience are the personalized nature of the cruise—you’re not stuck with a large tour group—and the quality of the boat itself, which features a sunbathing area, a secure saloon, and onboard amenities like a fridge, shower, and toilets. The flexibility to choose your stops and activities makes it feel less like a cookie-cutter tour and more like a custom day on the water.
However, a possible consideration for families with very young children or non-swimmers is that the skipper fee of €350 must be paid in cash on the day. While this is common for private charters, it’s an extra cost to plan for. Also, the water toys and snorkeling equipment are optional extras, so if your children are eager for those, expect additional fees.
This experience seems like a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and sight-seeing—ideal if you want to explore the Côte d’Azur from the water with a private touch. The boat’s calm cruising speed of 7 knots ensures a smooth ride, and with a knowledgeable skipper explaining the region, you’re likely to learn more about this stunning coastline than from a standard boat tour.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Private, customizable experience designed for families or small groups
- Comfortable boat with sunbathing deck, saloon, and onboard amenities
- Flexible itinerary including stops at Théoule-sur-Mer and the Lérins Islands
- Water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and underwater scooter available for extra fees
- Skipper fee of €350 payable in cash required for a private guide
- Includes detailed regional explanations by an experienced skipper
- Ideal for those seeking relaxed, scenic exploration with options for swimming and water play
- Not suitable for non-swimmers unless comfortable with water-based activities
The idea of cruising along the Mediterranean coast on a private boat is tempting enough—add in the chance to share this experience with your children, and it becomes a memorable family highlight. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll notice how well the boat is equipped to cater to both comfort and safety, which makes a big difference when traveling with kids.
Start Point: Convenient Meeting & Parking at Av. Marcel Pagnol
You’ll begin your adventure at the free parking near the Ibis hotel, a spot that’s easy to find and convenient. The boat departs from the yacht location, where you’ll meet your skipper, who will explain the day’s plan and safety rules. This initial briefing often includes useful tips on how to make the most of your time on the water, especially if you plan to swim or snorkel.
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The Itinerary: A Balance of Sightseeing and Relaxation
The cruise kicks off with a 20-minute passage across the Siagne River, offering a quick taste of the region’s waterways. Once underway, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise at 7 knots, giving you ample time to soak in the stunning landscapes.
Your first stop might be the wild coves near Théoule-sur-Mer, known for their rocky inlets and clear waters—perfect for quick dips or exploring from the boat. Then, you’ll head towards the Lérins Islands, a highlight of the trip. Here, you can take a break for an aperitif, swimming, and snorkeling, or try your hand at paddleboarding or underwater scooters for an additional fee.
The four hours spent at the Lérins Islands are the heart of this experience, giving you plenty of time to relax, explore, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Many reviews mention how the atmosphere is “relaxing” and “family-friendly,” with kids especially loving the water toys and the chance to swim in the calm Mediterranean.
Water Activities: Fun for All Ages
Along With swimming and snorkeling—which you can rent equipment for on board—the optional extras include jet skis and underwater scooters, perfect if your children are eager for extra adventure. The water toys are explained by the skipper, who also teaches safety rules, making it easy for parents to relax while kids have a blast.
Comfort & Onboard Facilities
The boat itself is designed with families in mind. There’s a shaded saloon with tables and benches for snacks or rest, plus a refrigerator to keep drinks cold. The sunbathing area at the front offers a perfect spot for suntanning or simply relaxing while cruising past Cannes and the Lérins Islands. And with onboard showers and toilets, you’re not stuck with the usual hassle of finding facilities ashore.
End of the Day & Return
After a full day of exploration and fun, you’ll cruise back to Mandelieu-la-Napoule, arriving at your starting point with plenty of memories—that is, if the kids aren’t already happily napping. The trip’s relaxed pace means you’re not rushed, and the skipper’s regional knowledge adds a layer of interest to the scenery and history.
Who is This Experience Best Suited For?
This private boat trip is especially suited for families seeking a relaxed, personalized day on the water. If your children enjoy swimming and water toys, they’ll love the option to paddle, snorkel, and play with underwater scooters. It’s also an excellent choice for parents wanting to avoid the crowds of larger tours, offering a quieter, more intimate experience.
However, if you have very young children or non-swimmers, consider the water activities’ optional costs and safety considerations. The experience’s flexibility means you can tailor the day to your family’s comfort level, making it a worthwhile investment in your Côte d’Azur holiday.
Price & Logistics: What to Expect
The overall cost includes the boat rental, the services of a professional skipper, and onboard amenities, which offers good value considering the private nature of the tour. The obligatory €350 skipper fee must be paid in cash at the start—an extra cost that travelers should budget for.
Since the trip lasts six hours, you’ll want to plan for snacks, sunscreen, and water, which you should bring along. The meeting point is straightforward, with free parking nearby, which makes logistics easier. The activity is also flexible—check availability for different starting times, but expect the tour to be a full, satisfying half-day or full-day adventure.
Final Thoughts
This private boat cruise in Mandelieu-la-Napoule offers a fantastic way to see the French Riviera from the water, combining comfort, flexibility, and a touch of adventure. It’s especially well-suited for families wanting a custom, intimate experience with plenty of options for swimming, water toys, and local sightseeing.
The boat’s amenities, combined with the knowledgeable skipper’s explanations, help turn an ordinary day into a memorable family outing. Although there is an extra fee for the skipper and some water toys, many families find the overall value to be excellent, given the privacy and personalized service.
If you’re thinking of exploring the coast with children and want to avoid the busier, more commercial tours, this private cruise is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your essentials—sunscreen, hats, swimsuits—and prepare for a day filled with sunshine, sea breezes, and smiles.
Can I join this tour with non-swimmers? The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers unless they are comfortable in the water. The water activities are optional, but the tour involves swimming and snorkeling, which require some confidence in the water.
How long is the cruise? The total cruise lasts about six hours, including stops at the Lérins Islands and other scenic points.
What is included in the price? The boat, a professional skipper, onboard amenities like a saloon, shower, toilets, and regional explanations are included. Water toys and snorkeling equipment are available for an extra fee.
What should I bring? Pack essentials such as sunglasses, hats, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, water, snacks, and comfortable clothes for a day on the water.
Is the price flexible or can I pay later? You can reserve now and pay later—booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip.
Where do I meet the boat? The meeting point is at the free parking near the Ibis hotel, at the yacht location.
Are the excursions private? Yes, this experience is for private groups, making it ideal for families or friends wanting a personalized adventure.
What if I want to add extra activities? Extras like jet skis, underwater scooters, and paddleboarding are available for additional fees, explained and supervised by the skipper.
What about safety? The skipper provides safety instructions and explains rules for water toys and swimming, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all.
This private boat cruise from Mandelieu-la-Napoule is a refreshing way to see the coastline, swim in the Mediterranean, and enjoy a flexible, family-friendly adventure. Whether you’re after sightseeing, water play, or simply relaxing in the sun, it’s a worthwhile addition to your French Riviera itinerary.