For those seeking a tranquil day trip from the French Riviera, the ferry to Ste Marguerite Island off the coast of Cannes provides a convenient and scenic escape. The short 15-minute crossing whisks passengers away to a 17th-century fort, hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching and independent exploration. While onboard amenities are limited, the round-trip fare grants access to this peaceful island, leaving visitors to discover its natural beauty and historical significance at their own pace. Whether seeking a moment of solitude or an active outdoor adventure, the ferry to Ste Marguerite offers a unique day trip worth considering.
Key Points
- The ferry ride from Cannes to Ste Marguerite island takes approximately 15 minutes each way, with the boarding location being the Laubeuf carpark in Cannes.
- No PCR or health pass is required to board the ferry, and the round-trip fare provides access to the island.
- The island offers natural attractions, such as hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities, as well as historical sites like the 17th-century Fort Royal prison.
- Onboard amenities are limited, with only drinks available for purchase during the 15-minute crossing, and no snacks or bathroom facilities.
- Visitors can explore the island’s dining options, including one large restaurant requiring advance booking and smaller eateries for casual dining.
Island Overview
Île Sainte-Marguerite is a natural oasis 15 minutes off the coast of Cannes, offering visitors a chance to explore its serene landscapes and historical attractions.
The island is home to the 17th-century Fort Royal, a former prison that visitors can tour for an additional fee.
Hiking, birdwatching, and independent exploration are popular activities on the island.
The ferry ride to and from the island takes approximately 15 minutes each way, allowing travelers to easily spend a day exploring the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor recreation, or simply soaking in the stunning coastal scenery, Île Sainte-Marguerite provides a delightful escape from the bustle of Cannes.
Ferry Logistics
The ferry ride from Cannes to the island of Ste Marguerite takes approximately 15 minutes each way, allowing visitors to easily access this natural oasis off the coast.
Travelers can board the ferry at the Laubeuf carpark in Cannes, and should check the seasonal departure times to ensure they don’t miss the return trip. No PCR or health pass is required to board the ferry.
The round-trip fare provides access to the island, where visitors can explore independently, hiking, birdwatching, or visiting the 17th century Fort Royal prison. Private tours of the fort are available for an additional cost, offering a more in-depth look at the island’s history and attractions.
Onboard Amenities
Drinks can be purchased on board the ferry, but there are no bathroom facilities available for passengers during the 15-minute crossing. The on-board amenities are limited, yet sufficient for the brief journey.
| Amenity | Availability |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Yes |
| Snacks | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
While the ferry doesn’t offer extensive on-board services, the focus is on the natural beauty and activities waiting at the island destination. Passengers can relax and enjoy the scenic views during the short trip across the waters.
On-Island Amenities
Once on the island, visitors have access to a range of on-site amenities to enhance their experience. There’s one large restaurant that requires advance booking, as well as a smaller eatery for more casual dining.
Plus, several snack spots provide convenient refreshment options throughout the island. While bathroom facilities aren’t available on the ferry, the island does offer restrooms for visitors’ convenience.
For those looking to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, the island’s scenic trails and birdwatching opportunities make for a delightful day trip from Cannes. Whether you’re seeking a formal meal or a quick bite, the on-island amenities cater to a variety of preferences and needs.
Accessibility Information
This activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing visitors of all abilities to explore the island. Service animals are also permitted on the ferry and throughout the island.
While the ferry itself doesn’t have bathroom facilities, the island does offer restrooms for visitor convenience.
The activity has a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and uncrowded experience.
Whether you’re looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply soak in the island’s natural beauty, the ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite caters to travelers of all ages and mobility levels.
With its stunning vistas and historic fort, this oasis off the coast of Cannes is an accessible and enriching day trip.
Seasonal Closures
Seasonal changes impact the availability of certain amenities on the island of Île Sainte-Marguerite. During the off-season, from November to April, some of the island’s restaurants may be closed, requiring visitors to plan accordingly.
The fort and museum on the island are closed on Mondays during the off-season.
Some eateries on the island may be shuttered from November through April.
Visitors should check seasonal ferry departure times to ensure they don’t miss the return trip.
It’s important to book the island’s larger restaurant in advance, as it may be the only option during the colder months.
Activity Capacity
The ferry trip from Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite has a maximum capacity of 200 travelers. This limit helps ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
With this reasonable cap in place, the ferry and island activities never feel overcrowded. Whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or exploring the historic fort, you’ll have ample space to move around freely and soak in the natural beauty of this enchanting island oasis.
The ferry’s capacity is closely monitored to maintain an ideal atmosphere, allowing you to fully learn about the tranquility and charm of Île Sainte-Marguerite without feeling cramped or overwhelmed by large crowds.
Guest Reviews
With the ferry’s capacity ensuring a comfortable experience, reviewers have eagerly shared their impressions of the trip to Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Visitors rave about the stunning views, praising the opportunity to fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty without feeling overcrowded. The activity has earned a Badge of Excellence from Cannes, France, with 165 reviews highlighting:
- Excellent snorkeling opportunities
- Enjoyable day trip experience
- Beautiful landscapes and wildlife
- Delightful dining options on the island
Reviewers have emphasized the island’s tranquil atmosphere and the ease of exploring its various attractions, making the ferry trip a must-do for those seeking an enchanting escape from the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Ferry?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the ferry. The ferry has no restrictions on passengers bringing their own provisions for the trip.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Ferry?
There are no publicly advertised discounts or package deals for the ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite. However, visitors may be able to find combined ticket options or special offers through their hotel or local tourism agencies.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Bags or Luggage I Can Bring?
There is no specific limit on the number of bags or luggage passengers can bring on the ferry. However, bringing only what is necessary is recommended, as storage space on board may be limited. Large or bulky items may need to be left behind.
Can I Take the Ferry to the Island at Any Time of the Day?
The ferry to the island runs on a seasonal schedule, so travelers can’t take it at any time. They’ll need to check the departure times to ensure they don’t miss the return ferry back to Cannes.
Is There an Option to Cancel or Reschedule My Ferry Booking?
There’s typically no option to cancel or reschedule ferry bookings. However, visitors should check the ferry’s seasonal schedule and departure times to ensure they don’t miss the return trip back from the island.
Recap
The ferry from Cannes to the island of Ste Marguerite offers a quick and easy way to explore this historic site.
With no health requirements and a round-trip fare that includes access to the island, it’s a convenient option for visitors looking to hike, birdwatch, and discover the 17th-century Fort Royal.
Though onboard amenities are limited, the short 15-minute crossing provides a scenic start to an independent adventure.
