A classic wooden schooner makes Marseille feel like a postcard. This day trip sends you from the Old Port out toward the Calanques National Park for swimming and snorkeling, with a smooth rhythm of sailing, stops by coves, and plenty of time on the water.

Two things I like a lot: the relaxed, real-on-the-sea feel of a traditional Schooner built in 1949, and the way the itinerary builds in swim breaks that are actually long enough to matter. A possible drawback: when the wind is light, the boat may go under motor more than under sail, so keep your expectations flexible if sailing is your top goal.

What You’ll Be Doing Most of the Day

This cruise is built around a simple promise: you’ll see the coast from the deck, get at least one solid swimming session (often more), and eat well while you’re out there. The schedule runs about from 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM, returning to the Old Port.

Because it’s a sea day first, don’t plan on nonstop sightseeing. You’ll spend time cruising through areas like the Riou archipelago and passing places such as Château d’If, but the main event is the water time in and around the Calanques.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• A traditional 1949 wooden schooner instead of a modern catamaran crowding the view
• Snorkel gear included (mask, snorkel, flippers), plus optional assistance like jackets/noodles noted on board
• Lunch and rosé are part of the experience, not an afterthought
• Two Calanques-focused swim windows (about 63 minutes and 1.5 hours) when conditions allow
• Scenery stops plus cruising time through areas like Frioul and Riou, not just one cove and back

First Look at the Old Port Meeting Point and the Goélette Alliance

You start in Marseille’s Old Port area, near the ferry boarding zone. The meeting point is right by Ferry Boat pier number 2, and the trip returns you to the same spot at the end of the day. The address listed for the quay is 72 Quai du Port, which helps if you’re arriving by taxi, rideshare, or on foot.

Once you’re on board, the vibe is calm and comfortable. Multiple passengers describe the boat as well kept, clean, and spacious enough that you don’t feel glued to your neighbors. One review specifically calls out that the downstairs area works well for storing a backpack, and there’s a restroom plus a place to rinse off after salty water.

Practical tip: dress like you’re going to be on open water for hours. Even in good weather, a sea breeze can cool you down fast, and you’ll be happier if you’re not stuck in damp clothes later.

The Morning Departure (10:00 AM) and the First Swim Setup

Your day begins around 10:00 AM with the crew meeting you at the pier. You’ll get a welcome drink setup—fruit juice and coffee—while you settle in and get oriented. Then the boat crosses the harbor and heads out toward the Calanques.

Depending on weather, the cruise anchors in a sheltered cove for a swimming break. This is where the snorkeling plan starts to take shape. Masks and snorkels are provided, and flippers are included as well, so you don’t need to bring your own gear (which is a huge plus when you’re traveling light).

One nice detail: the day has a “warm start” feel. You’re not rushing straight into the water. You have time to get your bearings, then ease into snorkeling when the boat finds the right spot.

Snorkeling in the Calanques: How to Make the Most of the Gear

The snorkeling part is a real highlight for most people, and it makes sense. You’re not just doing a quick dip; the schedule gives you meaningful time. One review describes especially clear water and even notes seeing fish around during the swim. Another mentions getting a view of the underwater area from the waterline and relaxing on a net over the sea.

What I’d do on this cruise:

• Use the first swim to adjust fast. Your first minutes in the mask matter. If you wait too long, you’ll spend the best part of your time fixing fit issues.
• Bring a towel and swimwear you’re comfortable staying in. You’ll want something quick for after, especially if you get out and back on deck a few times.
• Expect a short learning curve. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, the sea motion and salt can change how your gear feels.

If you’re not the confident-swimmer type, you’re not on your own. Reviews mention equipment like noodles and jackets being available for some guests, which helps people feel steadier.

Lunch in the Calanques: Vegetarian Cold Buffet With Rosé

Lunch is a key part of why this cruise feels like a “day trip you can count on,” not just a boat tour. After the first water time and a bit of cruising, you’ll be served a vegetarian cold buffet lunch with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Included with lunch is also an aperitif plus one glass of rosé. The rosé timing is part of the fun: it’s not served as a sad little add-on. It’s described as chilled and served before lunch so you can settle into the food with the coastal scenery still in full view.

What’s typically on the table? From descriptions shared by passengers: salad-style dishes, pasta and rice options, and a dessert such as strawberry noted on some days. Even if you’re not vegetarian, this works because cold buffet meals on a boat need to be satisfying without feeling heavy.

Tip: eat a good breakfast before you board. Several reviews warn that lunch and the snack/drink flow can be filling, but you’ll still feel better if you’ve already had something before the first swim.

The Afternoon Cruise Loop: Château d’If, Frioul, Les Goudes, and Île Maïre

After lunch, the boat keeps moving along the coastline. You’re sailing (when the wind allows) and passing a cluster of sights and islands that make Marseille feel bigger than just the Old Port.

Here are the named highlights that fit into the afternoon route:

• Château d’If: a quick sightseeing moment as you pass
• Frioul archipelago: another short sightseeing window
• Les Goudes: a look from the water with a stop for sightseeing time
• Île Maïre: another scenic passing point

The way the day is paced matters. You’re not trapped indoors. You get time to stand at the rail, take photos, and watch how the coastline changes as the boat moves—especially as the boat heads deeper into Calanques territory.

And yes, the ride includes multiple “shift gears” moments: first you’re anchored and snorkeling, then you’re cruising, then you’re back in the water again (if conditions allow).

Second Calanques Stop: Photo Time, Coffee, and a Longer Swim Window

The itinerary builds in another major window in the Calanques National Park area. There’s a stop that includes photo time and sightseeing, plus coffee, followed by swimming for about 1.5 hours.

That longer second swim is where the day pays off if the water is clear and you’re having fun. It gives you time to relax instead of feeling like you have to cram snorkeling skills into a tight schedule. One review mentions the deck setup letting people rest on a net over the water, which is exactly the kind of small comfort that makes sea days enjoyable.

Also, if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to do one thing slowly, this second stop is ideal. You can swim, surface, re-adjust, and still have time left.

Sailing vs. Motoring: When the Wind Makes the Difference

This is the one part you should know up front. A sailing cruise does not guarantee you’ll sail the entire time under sail. Multiple reviews mention that when the wind is strong enough, the crew will raise the sails—and that can feel like the “main character moment” of the trip.

But when wind is light, you may travel by motor for stretches. Even in those cases, the boat still moves through some beautiful coastline and coves, and you still get the snorkeling and the lunch.

My advice: book this for the scenery + water time + food, not for a guarantee of constant sail. If you do get wind and sails up, that’s a bonus.

Who’s the Crew and What’s the Onboard Vibe Like?

The crew is a big part of the positive reviews, and it shows in small behaviors: helping guests get settled, making the process easy, and explaining what you’re seeing.

One specific name comes up: Captain Alessi is mentioned by a passenger who joined the cruise from a cruise ship, and he helped them get back on time and arrange a taxi. That’s the kind of practical support you appreciate when you’re on a tight travel schedule.

Language is handled well. The boat has crew who speak French and English (and Italian is also listed as a host/greeter language). One passenger describes two guides—one focusing on English, another French—during the day. In practice, that means you should get directions and explanations without feeling lost.

Onboard, group size seems manageable. One review puts the group at about 20 people, and other comments describe it as not crowded. That matters because you’ll want space to move between deck spots and to enjoy the views without feeling packed in.

Price and Value: Is $126 Fair for This Calanques Day?

At $126 per person, this cruise is priced like a mid-range day experience in a major tourist city—and the value is strongest in what you don’t have to plan separately.

You’re getting:

• A full boat tour for the day
• Lunch included (vegetarian cold buffet)
• Aperitif plus one glass of rosé
• Snorkel mask/snorkel/flippers included
• Multiple Calanques-area swim opportunities, including a longer second swim

Could you do swimming and sightseeing cheaper on your own? Sure, but you’d be piecing together boat rental or transfers, paying for your own snorkeling gear, and coordinating meal plans while juggling timing. Here, the day is packaged so you can show up and just follow the rhythm.

If you’re someone who values time on the water, not just photos from land, this price feels more reasonable. And since it’s a one-day trip that returns you to the Old Port, it also fits well into a short Marseille stay.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

This is not a “show up in formal wear” kind of outing. The cruise is water and wind, so pack for comfort.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Weather-appropriate clothing for sea air

Skip heavy items you won’t use. You’ll likely want your hands free for photos and deck time, and you’ll be happier with a light day bag.

If you have sunscreen, bring that too, even though it isn’t listed here—it’s still a practical move for sun + reflection on water.

Should You Book This for Your Marseille Trip?

I think this is a smart booking if:

• you want snorkeling plus a proper meal in one day
• you like seeing the Calanques from the water instead of just looking up at them
• you’d enjoy a classic wooden schooner style of cruising, with a calm onboard feel

I’d reconsider if:

• you’re purely chasing sailing with sails up the whole time (wind controls that)
• you hate being out on open water for several hours, even with breaks

For most people, it’s the best kind of day trip: clear focus, good included food, and enough time in the water to feel like it wasn’t just a quick stop.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The cruise runs for a full day, starting around 10:00 AM and returning to the Old Port by about 5:00 PM.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet next to the Ferry Boat boarding area at pier number 2, at the door of the pier or directly at the boat. The quay address given is 72 Quai du Port.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is a vegetarian cold buffet served onboard.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkel, mask, and flippers.

Is rosé included?

Yes. There’s an aperitif onboard and one glass of rosé included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Final Call: Book It or Pass?

Book it if you want a classic wooden schooner day with real swimming time, included snorkeling gear, and lunch plus rosé without extra planning. Pass only if your top requirement is constant sailing under sail regardless of wind, because the crew may have to motor when conditions aren’t right.