The 6 France Bay Cruises That Earn the Fare

1.1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise to Villefranche Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,747 reviews · 1 hour · from $33Our pick

Spend one hour on a sightseeing boat from Nice’s Port Lympia, passing Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, luxury villas, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the Promenade des Anglais. Expect French and English commentary, open-air views, drinks for cash, and no shore stop.

“Really lovely way to spend an hour, the guide was really informative in both French and English. We had a nice glass of champagne whilst bobbing about in the med in the sunshine. Perfect. Just a note the boat is cash only.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Snorkeling Speedboat Tour in Villefranche Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 638 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70

From Nice’s Port, Chris, Benoit, Adrian, or another certified instructor takes you by speedboat to Villefranche Bay. You get a mask, fins, snorkel, and seasonal wetsuit, then about an hour to swim, spot fish and octopuses, and enjoy the Cape of Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

“Our diving instructor Chris was great! He gave clear instructions and individual attention. The location was beautiful, and all of the equipment was in good condition. Definitely recommend Chango Diving if you’re looking for an adventure in Nice!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sunset at sea on a Maxi Catamaran – Villefranche Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 235 reviews · 2 hours · from $81

Meet the English and French speaking crew at Nice Port for a two-hour evening sail to Villefranche Bay. Expect sunset views, a swim stop, paddleboards, music, and a Punch Planteur with soft drinks. The boat is spacious and eco-minded, but the best seats go early.

“What an incredible experience — we had so much fun! The boat is brand new, hybrid (so lower carbon footprint, which I love), and stocked with everything you could need for a swim: paddleboard, floaties, armbands, life jackets — all the fun stuff, especially great for the kids. The timing was just perfect, in 2.5 hours, we managed to do so many things — take in gorgeous views, swim right in the middle of the bay, have a lovely apéro, and even dance in front of the Negresco. The drinks and snacks were spot-on, and the crew were just the nicest people — so warm and welcoming. On the way…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.La Grande Motte: Le Grau-du-Roi Bay Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 232 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $34

Set out from La Grande Motte for a 90-minute to 2-hour French-language catamaran cruise across the Bay of Aigues-Mortes. Relax on the roof, deck, or nets, enjoy Camargue views and onboard music, and swim during the longer July and August sailing.

“La découverte du port de Camargue et l’ambiance musicale”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.La Rochelle: 1-Hour-15-Min Boat Tour of the Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 232 reviews · 1h 15m · from $21Best value

Join a French-speaking captain, including Vincent on some departures, for a 75-minute boat ride around La Rochelle’s bay. You’ll see the old harbor, Les Minimes marina, and the red-and-black Richelieu Tower from a small boat carrying up to 12 people. Bring sun and rain protection.

“c est la deuxième fois et c etait une vraie balade en bateau j ai apprécié qu il nous emmène devant le phare”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Villefranche Bay Swimming & Snorkeling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 130 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Meet the English or French-speaking crew at Le Poseidon in Nice, collect your mask, snorkel, fins, and possible wetsuit, then cruise by boat to Villefranche Bay or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Swim in calm, shallow water, look for fish and sea urchins, and return after about two hours.

“it was great! loved every second of it. Super relaxing and educational. Our guide was very helpful and organized.”

Check availability →Read our full review