Marseille: Sailing Day Cruise with Lunch

Marseille: Sailing Day Cruise with Lunch – An Authentic Day on the Water

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the wind in your hair aboard a beautifully maintained sailing yacht while taking in some of Provence’s most scenic coastlines, this Sailing Day Cruise with Lunch from Marseille might just be your ideal escape. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed information paint a picture of a well-balanced day that combines relaxation, stunning scenery, and authentic hospitality.

Two things I especially like about this experience are the quality of the guides and crew—many reviewers mention how knowledgeable and fluent in English the crew is—and the delicious, fresh lunch paired with organic wines. It’s clear that this isn’t just about sailing but about savoring a complete, luxurious day in the Mediterranean. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the uncertainty around exact routes—the itinerary varies depending on weather and sea conditions, which might mean not hitting every spot you hope to see.

This cruise offers a fantastic balance of adventure and comfort, making it perfect for those wanting an authentic sailing experience without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Sailing Experience: You’ll be aboard the Eleanor Mary, a genuine sailing yacht operated by a capable crew that makes you feel like a guest on a friend’s boat.
• Flexible Itinerary: The route is weather-dependent, meaning you might explore La Côte Bleue, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or the Frioul archipelago, each offering unique scenery.
• Excellent Food and Drink: Included is a fresh vegetarian buffet made on board, paired with organic white wine and rosé, which many reviewers find to be a highlight.
• Snorkeling and Paddle Time: The experience includes snorkeling gear and a shared paddleboard, offering a chance to cool off and get closer to the water.
• Comfort and Practicality: Travelers should wear comfortable clothes, shoes suitable for a boat, and bring essentials like sunscreen, hat, and towel.
• Value and Cancellation Policy: At $171 per person, the trip is considered good value, especially given the included food, drinks, and activities. The 48-hour cancellation policy adds flexibility.

An In-Depth Look at This Marseille Sailing Day Cruise

Setting Sail from Pier #2 in Marseille

Your adventure begins at the Eleanor Mary docked at Pier #2, right in front of the city hall. The location is straightforward to reach, whether you’re coming from the city center or nearby accommodations. The meeting point is simple, and the crew is prepared to greet you with a warm welcome. Expect to start your day with a welcome coffee and local biscuits—a delightful Marseille touch that sets the tone.

What You Can Expect During the Day

The 7-hour cruise offers a mix of sailing, swimming, and relaxing. The crew, highly praised for their English fluency and knowledge, will adapt the day’s route based on the weather, so flexibility is key. You might find yourself anchored in the Calanques of La Côte Bleue, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or even near the Frioul archipelago — all of which boast clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.

One of the defining features of this cruise is the balance of active and leisure moments. You’ll get to snorkel in the pristine waters using provided gear, paddle around on a shared board, or simply lounge on deck soaking up the sun and views. The captain and crew are often described as friendly and attentive—many reviews mention how they keep everyone comfortable and engaged.

The Food and Drink

A highlight for many is the onboard lunch. The chef prepares a fresh vegetarian buffet, which is satisfying and thoughtfully presented. The food isn’t just a side note but a genuine part of the experience, as many guests comment positively on the quality. Plus, the bottomless organic white wine and rosé truly elevate the occasion, making the entire day feel like a special celebration without breaking the bank.

Authenticity and Comfort

Despite the luxurious feel, this is a relaxed, authentic sailing trip, not a scripted tour. The crew’s professionalism and casual approach allow you to feel like you’re on a friend’s boat rather than a commercial excursion. Many reviewers have remarked how the crew made everyone feel like part of the family, with one saying, “We felt like we were all family.”

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Dress comfortably in suitable clothes and shoes (avoid high heels or heavy footwear).
• Remember your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and towel to enjoy the sun and water.
• The trip isn’t designed as a comprehensive tour of the Calanques—it’s more about the experience of sailing and relaxing in beautiful spots.
• If you’re pregnant or have specific health concerns, check with the crew beforehand, as sea conditions can vary, and they reserve the right to deny boarding in cases of sea swell or pregnancy beyond six months.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience suits travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic day on the water with beautiful scenery, good company, and excellent food and wine. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends wanting a balanced mix of adventure and leisure. It’s also a good choice if you want to avoid overly commercialized tours but still enjoy a well-organized, memorable outing.

Who Might Want to Think Twice

If you’re after a detailed, in-depth exploration of the Calanques or strict sightseeing agenda, this cruise might feel a bit too flexible. Also, if you’re sensitive to sea conditions, be aware that the route can change based on weather, which might limit certain expectations.

Why This Experience Delivers Real Value

For the price of around $171 per person, you’re getting a 7-hour sailing trip with snorkeling gear, paddleboards, a generous buffet, and unlimited organic wine. Many reviews emphasize how the quality of guides and crew really makes the day special. The personal attention and relaxed vibe create a memorable experience that feels both exclusive and accessible.

What makes this cruise stand out is the combination of stunning scenery, authentic sailing, and excellent hospitality. It offers a genuine taste of Provence’s coast with minimal fuss—just bring your sunscreen, a hat, and your sense of adventure.

Final Thoughts

This Marseille sailing day cruise stands out as a superb way to unwind and soak up the coastal beauty without the rush of typical tours. If you’re looking for a comfortable, authentic, yet adventurous day on the water, I believe you’ll find this experience well worth the investment. The crew’s friendliness, the quality of the food and drinks, and the chance to snorkel in clear waters make it a high-value outing for a wide range of travelers.

Perfect for those who appreciate good company, stunning views, and a laid-back vibe, this trip embodies the spirit of Provence’s coastal charm—simple, beautiful, and memorable.

FAQ

What is included in the cruise?
The cruise includes a welcome coffee with local biscuits, a fresh vegetarian buffet lunch, organic white wine and rosé, snorkeling gear, and a shared paddleboard. The entire experience spans about 7 hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?
It begins at Pier #2 in Marseille, in front of the city hall, and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

Is the route fixed or flexible?
The route depends on weather conditions. The captain will choose the best spots, which could include La Côte Bleue, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or the Frioul archipelago.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, shoes suitable for a boat (no high heels), sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. Water shoes are recommended for swimming and snorkeling.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for pregnant travelers?
Travelers above six months pregnant should check with the crew beforehand, as sea conditions may lead to denial of boarding.

In all, this sailing day cruise offers a delightful slice of Provence’s coast with a good dose of relaxation, good food, and authentic sailing charm. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a beautiful day at sea without the crowds and with plenty of comforts along the way.