FRANCE · ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 13 island hopping tours in France worth the money, each with its per-head price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you pay.
Cruise from Ajaccio to the Sanguinaires Islands for sunset views, a swim, Corsican charcuterie, rosé, and polyphonic music.
“Attention, on vous vend un petit sunset apéro alors qu’il s’agit d’un speed boat a sensations … Dans notre bateau, personne n’était au courant que c’était vraiment ça l’activité ! 😭”
Review of Marseille’s Frioul Islands boat tour, with Château d’If, swimming, snorkeling, Vallon des Auffes, and a small-group format.
“luckily booked on with nice friendly couples and the guide's parents. Swimming beside Chateau d'if and seeing all the surrounding islands. Would recommend”
Explore Corsica’s Cerbicales, Cavallo, Lavezzi, and Piantarella on a small-group boat tour with snorkeling and coastal views.
“Activité parfaite, Cédric donne de très bonne explication et il est très sympathique. Je recommande à 100%”
Review of Marseille’s 3-hour sunset cruise to Frioul, with Old Port views, Château d’If, swimming stops, guides, comfort, and value.
“The boat ride was amazing! We had a wonderful skipper called Arnaud, who made sure our trip was great fun. I would definitely recommend this trip. Our time in Marseille wouldn’t have been half as good if we hadn’t gone on this boat trip.”
Sail Brittany’s Glénan Archipelago by stable catamaran, with island stops, two aperitifs, scenic views, and picnic advice.
“Journée très très agréable ! Journée ensoleillée, assez de vent pour bien naviguer, paysages superbes, dauphins à l'horizon, bons cocktails !Bref chouchoutés par un équipage au top Fred et Nicolas. Journée détente, je conseille vivement !”
Sail from Marseille to the Frioul Archipelago for a six-hour catamaran day with swimming, a seasonal buffet, drinks, music, and sea views.
“Had a great day. We sailed for an hour to get to a quiet bay of crystal clear water. Once there we stopped for 4 hours to eat and swim, then set off back home. If you’re a fussy eater like myself, you should bring your own lunch. The buffet wasn’t to my taste but as I am more fussy than most. It contained beef, cheeses, salad and potatoes. The bar and drinks (especially unlimited soft drinks) were great. The staff were very friendly and chatty, the obviously love the job. The atmosphere was communal and positive. There was a range of families, couples and young adults.Read more”
Explore Molène from Camaret-sur-Mer with seals, dolphins, lighthouses, seabirds, and a two-hour island stop in Brittany.
“balade en mer exceptionnel avec un guide pationné qui prend le temps de vous montrer chaque endroit exptionnel”
Cruise from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Porquerolles and Port-Cros on a small hybrid boat with island stops and French commentary.
“Bonjour, C’était une très belle excursion. À refaire avec plaisir parce que visiter l’île de Porquerolles en 04h30 c’est trop juste. J’ai hâte d’y retourner.”
Cruise from Nice to the Lérins Islands for snorkeling, underwater sculptures, Sainte-Marguerite Island, and Riviera views in a small group.
“The whole trip/ experience was great. The boat leader, Leo was amazing and knew everything about the sights we passed. He always joined us on the guided snorkeling swim. 10 out of 10.”
Review of Marseille’s Frioul Archipelago catamaran cruise, with Château d’If views, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, rosé, and practical port tips.
“Absolutely amazing experience. Thomas was our captain and took excellent care of us. We loved the boat ride before anchoring at Calanque de Morgiret for the day. The anchorage was absolutely pristine. The waters clear and full of fish. We used all the toys and loved jumping off the catamaran. The food and drinks were good also! Thomas treated us greatly. The catamaran is very spacious and we loved the VIP experience. We would love to come back and sail with Thomas again.”
Review of the Nice Lerins Islands boat trip, with snorkeling, Sainte-Marguerite, Billionaires’ Bay, pricing, timing, and practical tips.
“This was one of the highlights of our trip to the French Riviera. The bay and islands are unbelievable and snorkeling in the clear blue ocean was a once in a lifetime experience. My wife was a little nervous about the speed of the boat pre-trip but it was very safe and comfortable. The captain did a great job of giving us the highlights of the coast and he was very entertaining throughout the trip.”
Sail from Marseille to Frioul on a 1947 yacht with a fresh Mediterranean brunch, organic wine, swimming, snorkeling, and zero-fuel sailing.
“Un très beau moment en mer dans un très beau voilier. Le capitaine et son équipage se sont montrés vraiment sympathiques et n'ont pas hésité a sortir les voiles sur le retour alors qu'il n'y en avait pas l'obligation techniquement. Il faut dire que les conditions météo étaient ideales. Le brunch était bon et copieux. Je recommande !”
Review of the Sanguinaires Islands sunset boat trip from Tiuccia, with Corsican food, swimming, lighthouse views, and practical tips.
“Notre guide Guillaume était très sympa, il nous a expliqué avant de partir le déroulement de la sortie. Nous sommes arrivés les premiers sur les iles sanguinaires puis nous sommes répartis pour prendre l'apéro et se baigner dans un petite crique loin de la foule et ça vraiment c'était super. Guillaume prend soin de ses touristes. Nous étions ravis de notre sortie.”
Every kind of island day we have been out on.
