A boat day in the Calanques feels like a cheat code. You’ll glide past dramatic limestone cliffs, swim in clear water, and stop at standout spots like Riou Island and Sugiton, with gear and food covered. I love that it’s a small 24-person catamaran (so it feels more personal than crowded), and that the tour is genuinely all-inclusive from picnic to snorkeling setup. One thing to consider: parts of the route can depend on weather, so the blue cave/En-Vau stop may not always happen.

This is run by Bleu Evasion from Port de la Pointe Rouge near Marseille, and the crew keeps the day moving without turning it into a sprint. The guide team works in English and French, and if you want photos of you actually enjoying the day, the included GoPro setup helps a lot.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• 24 people max on board means you get more time at the water and less time waiting.
• All-inclusive food and drinks: home-made sandwich, dessert, rosé wine, soft drinks, and snacks.
• Snorkeling gear + wetsuits (if cold) so you’re not scrambling last minute.
• GoPro cameras included for easy, on-the-spot memories.
• Protected Calanques waters with real marine life like groupers and scorpionfish.
• Secret-leaning routing guided by a captain who knows the coastline well.

Calanques by Catamaran: Why This Day Trips Actually Feels Worth It

The Calanques are famous for a reason. But visiting them well is all about getting the boat vantage point and the right pace—fast enough to cover real highlights, slow enough to enjoy swimming time and stop-and-look moments.

This tour is built around that balance. You’re not just doing photo stops; you’re also getting into the water with snorkeling gear and a wetsuit if the temperature calls for it. And because the group is capped at 24 passengers, you get a calmer onboard vibe even when the coastline is spectacularly busy from shore.

Price-wise, $101 per person is a solid value when you break it down. You’re paying for a skipper, fuel and Calanques taxes, plus the extras that often cost extra on other tours: picnic lunch, rosé and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and GoPro cameras. If you want the convenience of having it all organized for you, this is one of the cleaner deals in this category.

Meeting Bleu Evasion in Marseille: A Sea-Day Starter That’s Straightforward

You meet at Bleu Evasion at the entrance n°3 of Port de la Pointe Rouge. That matters because it’s easy to arrive, get situated, and be on the water without the kind of wandering that can eat up your morning.

What to bring is simple: sunglasses and a towel. The tour provides snorkeling gear, and it also supplies wetsuits when the water is cold, so you don’t need to haul that heavy stuff around Marseille.

Two practical notes from the tour info:

• You must provide a telephone number for the operation.
• If you arrive late, there is no refund. So plan to show up with a little buffer.

Small-Group Comfort on a Catamaran (Seriously): 24 People, 2 Skippers, 4 Toilets

This is where the experience starts feeling different. A catamaran limited to 24 people changes the tone instantly. Less jostling when it’s time to step on or off, fewer bodies competing for the best photo angles, and generally more breathing room during stops.

You also get two skippers and four toilets. That last detail might sound boring, but on a 5–7.5 hour sea day, it can be the difference between a relaxing trip and a stressful one. Fewer lines also make it easier to keep your day on your schedule: swim when you want, snack when you want, and don’t lose time to logistics.

The boat itself is described as spacious, and you’ll feel that sea breeze on each cruise leg—exactly the kind of “I’m on vacation” feeling that makes Marseille worth doing beyond just eating and walking.

The Calanques Route: Riou Island, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, and Weather-Dependent Blue Cave

This tour is centered on the Calanques National Park coastline with dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves you’re hard-pressed to reach on foot. The captain guides you to both famous viewpoints and more confidential locations, so your day feels more curated than generic.

Also, the route direction is framed as Marseille toward Cassis, which is a great match for the vibe of this region: rugged rock, bright water, and that classic Provençal coastal texture you only really see from the sea.

Stop 1: Setting Off (Bleu Evasion)

You start on board at Bleu Evasion, and the crew gets you settled with the flow of the day. You’ll sip soft drinks and likely get that first sweep of the coastline right away, which helps you understand what the captain is aiming for before you ever put your feet in the water.

Stop 2: L’Archipel de Riou (75 minutes of photos, swimming, and snorkeling)

Riou is a strong early hit. The stop includes a photo stop and guided sightseeing, then time to swim and use the snorkeling gear. You’re given a solid chunk of time—75 minutes—which means you’re not doing the classic “in, out, hurry up” routine.

This is also a great moment to get your rhythm with snorkeling. If you’ve never snorkeled in cooler coastal water, the wetsuit setup helps you feel steadier so you can focus on seeing fish rather than shivering.

Stop 3: Calanque de Sormiou (guided time on the cliffs)

Sormiou is another Calanque that hits hard visually. Expect a guided visit with sightseeing and scenery on the way. The day keeps moving, but this stop is positioned as part of the core “see the cliffs up close” rhythm.

One drawback to keep in mind: Calanques can be visually intense, and it’s easy to want to look constantly. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, this kind of stop-and-sail schedule is something to plan for. Not everyone feels the same on boats, even when they’re comfortable.

Stop 4: Calanque de Morgiou (a short break with more guided views)

Morgiou brings a slightly different pacing: photo stop plus guided sightseeing, with a 45-minute break time included in the schedule. That break helps the day feel balanced, especially if you’re planning to swim again later.

If you want a moment to just sit and watch the rock walls and water edges, this kind of stop time makes it possible.

Stop 5: Calanque de Sugiton (snorkeling time plus free time)

Sugiton is where you’re likely to spend more time in the water again. The schedule includes a photo stop, guided sightseeing, free time, and then both swimming and snorkeling. You also get 75 minutes, which is a comfortable window to do the “look around properly” thing rather than just a quick skim.

This stop is also a good candidate if you want to slow down and really watch what’s going on underwater.

Blue cave and En-Vau beach (if weather allows)

You might also visit the blue cave and En-Vau beach depending on conditions. I like knowing this in advance because it changes how I’d plan my expectations: if you’re chasing one specific highlight, you’ll be happier if you’re also excited by the core Calanques stops, which are consistently amazing.

Even if the blue cave/En-Vau moment doesn’t happen, the rest of the route still gives you dramatic coastline + swim/snorkel time.

What You Eat and Drink on Board: Picnic in a Calanques-Worthy Setting

Lunch is part of the magic here, not an afterthought. The picnic includes a home-made sandwich, dessert, and rosé wine. You’ll also have soft drinks on board, plus a snack/drink component as the day goes on.

This matters because it keeps you from turning the trip into a constant food hunt. Instead, you’re on the boat doing what you came for, and the break is built into the experience.

I also like that the drink selection is simple and regional: rosé belongs here. And if you’d rather not drink wine, soft drinks are included too, so you still get a full experience without feeling like you must pace your day around alcohol.

Snorkeling Gear, Wetsuits, and Marine Life: What You Can Actually Expect to See

The tour includes snorkelling gear, and wetsuits are provided if the water is cold. That’s a big deal for comfort. Even in summer, coastal water can feel chilly once you’re in and moving around.

Once you’re in the protected waters of the park, the goal is straightforward: swim and take in the underwater world. The tour information specifically points to ecosystems such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs, plus fish species like groupers and scorpionfish. That means your snorkeling isn’t just about seeing your own reflection and a couple bubbles.

A captain’s guidance also helps. You get local direction for where to go and how to spend your time, which tends to make the snorkeling portion feel more productive (and less like aimless bobbing).

And yes, you’ll be able to film and photograph the best moments with the GoPro cameras included. You won’t have to guess where to mount your phone or worry about dropping it in salt water.

A Note on Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Not Enjoy It)

This cruise is a good fit if you:

• Want a boat day with multiple Calanques stops and real swimming time.
• Like structured guidance but also want some free moments.
• Care about value in an all-inclusive format rather than paying for add-ons.

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or people with back problems. If any of those apply to you, you’ll want to look for a different kind of outing that’s better matched to your needs.

Also, the day is centered on being comfortable on a boat and spending time in/near the water. If you’re not interested in swimming or snorkeling, the boat cruising and scenery still deliver, but this tour’s “main character” is water time.

Should You Book This Marseille to Calanques Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a small, comfortable catamaran day that mixes classic Calanques views with swim-and-snorkel time, and you like not thinking about logistics like gear, lunch, and drinks.

It’s especially appealing if you value:

• A capped group size (24 people) and onboard comfort.
• All-inclusive picnic + rosé and provided snorkeling setup.
• The chance to hit Riou and Sugiton, with an extra weather-dependent shot at the blue cave and En-Vau.

I’d hesitate only if you have limited flexibility around swimming time or if you’re someone who’s likely to feel uncomfortable on boats. And if you’re laser-focused on one specific cave stop, keep in mind it depends on conditions.

If you’re open to the route as a whole, this is the kind of day that turns Marseille into a real Calanques story, not just a stop on your way elsewhere.

FAQ

How long is the Calanques catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts 5 to 7.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do I meet the catamaran in Marseille?

Meet at Bleu Evasion in Port de la Pointe Rouge, entrance n°3.

What is included in the price?

It includes a skipper, petrol, Calanques tax, swimming, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, wetsuits if the water is cold, and GoPro cameras. Picnic food is also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling gear is included.

Will I have wetsuits?

Wetsuits are provided if the water is cold.

Is food and wine included?

Yes. There’s a home-made sandwich picnic, dessert, rosé wine, and soft drinks.

Are there restrictions for kids or health conditions?

Yes. It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses and a towel.