Marseille: Boat Tour to the Calanques of the Blue Coast

Marseille’s stunning Calanques, carved into the rugged Mediterranean coastline, beckon visitors to discover their natural beauty. A 4.5-hour boat tour provides an eco-friendly way to take in this captivating region. Departing from the Old Port, the catamaran cruise takes passengers to breathtaking locations like Calanque De Méjean and Calanque de l’Erevine, where swimming and exploration await. With a knowledgeable skipper guiding the journey, travelers can sit back, relax, and take in the scenic vistas. What secrets do these Calanques hold?

Key Points

• This eco-friendly catamaran cruise showcases the natural beauty of the Calanques along the Blue Coast near Marseille.
• The 4.5-hour tour departs at 1:00 PM from the Old Port of Marseille and includes stops at Calanque De Méjean, Calanque de l’Erevine, and Calanques des eaux salées.
• Guests can enjoy 45-minute breaks for swimming and exploration at each stop, along with scenic views of Marseille’s coastline.
• The small group experience is led by an experienced skipper who provides insights, and complimentary refreshments are included.
• No upfront payment is required to reserve a spot, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The boat tour to the Calanques of the Blue Coast offers an immersive experience along Marseille’s stunning coastline.

Priced from $92.44 per person, the 4.5-hour tour departs at 1:00 PM and returns at 5:30 PM. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The small-group eco-friendly catamaran cruise showcases the region’s renowned natural beauty, with stops at picturesque calanques and hidden coves.

Led by an experienced skipper, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Marseille’s breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Itinerary and Highlights

This 4.5-hour boat tour departs from the Old Port of Marseille, 1 Esp. J4.

The itinerary features stops at several picturesque calanques, or coves, along the Blue Coast.

This boat tour features stops at several picturesque calanques, or coves, along the beautiful Blue Coast.

Key locations include:

1. Calanque De Méjean – A 10-minute boat cruise.

2. Calanque de l’Erevine – A 45-minute break to explore this hidden cove.

3. Calanques des eaux salées – A 45-minute break at this stunning series of turquoise inlets.

Along the way, guests can enjoy the scenic views of Marseille’s dramatic coastline and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Key Locations Explored

As the boat cruises along the coast, the first stop is at Calanque De Méjean, a picturesque cove that can be explored during a 10-minute boat ride.

Next, the tour takes guests to Calanque de l’Erevine, where they’ll enjoy a 45-minute break to swim and relax.

The boat then heads to Niolon, another scenic location with a 45-minute break.

After, it’s on to Port de la Redonne for a 30-minute respite.

The final stop is Calanques des eaux salées, where guests can spend 45 minutes taking in the stunning views before returning to the Old Port of Marseille.

Ecological and Small Group Experience

Boasting an eco-friendly catamaran, this boat tour provides a small group experience for an intimate exploration of Marseille’s stunning coastline.

Led by an experienced skipper, guests embark on a guided journey, gaining insights into the region’s natural wonders. The tour’s ecological approach is evident in its commitment to sustainability, minimizing environmental impact.

Key features of the experience include:

1. Relaxation and discovery of hidden coves along the picturesque Calanques.

2. Complimentary refreshments, including a glass of lemonade, to enhance the overall experience.

3. Accommodations for non-French speakers, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

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Departure and Amenities

The tour departs from the Old Port of Marseille, near the MUCEM museum, where guests gather at the designated meeting point, Les Barquettes.

Guests board an eco-friendly catamaran captained by an experienced skipper who shares guided insights throughout the journey. The boat is equipped with amenities, including a complimentary glass of lemonade.

Passengers are advised to bring swimsuits, hats, sunscreen, and towels to fully enjoy the scenic views and opportunities to swim in the hidden coves along the Calanques coastline.

The itinerary may adjust slightly due to weather conditions.

Recommended Items to Bring

Visitors are recommended to bring a few essential items to fully enjoy their boat tour to the Calanques. A swimsuit is a must, as the tour includes exploring hidden coves and stopping for swimming breaks.

Plus, a hat or cap and sunscreen are advised to protect against the sun’s rays during the 4.5-hour cruise.

Finally, bringing a camera is highly recommended to capture the stunning coastal scenery and picturesque landscapes.

• Swimsuit

• Hat or cap

• Sunscreen

Important Information

Passengers will meet at the designated spot, Les Barquettes on Esplanade J4 in the Old Port of Marseille, to board the eco-friendly catamaran for their boat tour.

They’ll want to bring a swimsuit, hat or cap, sunscreen, bath towel, and camera to make the most of the experience.

The itinerary may change due to weather conditions, so flexibility is key.

The knowledgeable skipper will provide guided insights throughout the scenic cruise along Marseille’s coastline.

With a glass of lemonade included, travelers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the hidden coves and ecological wonders of the Calanques.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive reviews praise the boat tour to the Calanques, with an overall 5/5 rating based on 12 customer evaluations.

Reviewers highlight three key aspects:

1. The friendly and knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary throughout the cruise.

2. The scenic beauty of the coastline and the opportunity to swim in the hidden coves.

3. The tour’s accommodating nature for non-French speakers, with staff ensuring a seamless experience.

Customers also note the complimentary snacks and drinks, contributing to the overall satisfaction with the Calanques boat tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages guests to pack a picnic lunch and snacks to enjoy during the breaks at the various calanque locations.

What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?

The tour is conducted primarily in English, though the guides are also fluent in French and can provide assistance in both languages as needed. Non-French speakers can expect an accommodating and informative experience on the tour.

Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age or mobility restrictions. Passengers of all ages and abilities can participate, as the catamaran and guides are equipped to accommodate guests’ needs. Visitors should bring appropriate attire and be prepared for some light walking.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour takes place on a boat, and there are opportunities to swim in the calanques if one chooses, but it’s not a requirement to enjoy the scenic tour.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour is a small group experience, though the maximum group size isn’t specified. The overview mentions it’s a "small group experience", suggesting an intimate setting for exploring the calanques along Marseille’s Blue Coast.

The Wrap Up

The Marseille boat tour to the Calanques of the Blue Coast offers a breathtaking glimpse into the region’s natural beauty. Departing from the Old Port, the eco-friendly catamaran cruise takes visitors to stunning locations along the coastline, where they can enjoy swimming and exploring. With a knowledgeable skipper and complimentary refreshments, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to experience the picturesque landscapes of Marseille.

You can check availability for your dates here: