From Nice : Lerins Islands Boat Excursion with Snorkeling

The best part of this four-hour outing is the change of pace: leave Nice’s waterfront behind, reach the clear water around the Lérins Islands, and get time both to snorkel and to walk on Sainte-Marguerite. You are not just watching the Riviera from a boat; you can swim among the Mediterranean’s underwater statues and see a quieter side of the coast.

I like two things in particular: the small group, capped at 12, makes this feel more personal than a large sightseeing cruise, and the itinerary balances water time with an hour ashore. Masks, snorkels, life jackets, insurance, and the skipper are included in the price.

The main consideration is that this is an active boat trip, not a good fit for everyone. You must be able to swim to enter the water, there is no toilet on board, and the operator does not permit pregnant passengers, children under five, or people weighing more than 110 kilograms.

At a glance: Nice to the Lérins Islands

• Snorkel near the islands: There is about an hour for swimming and viewing the underwater Ecomuseum, with masks and snorkels provided.
• Walk Sainte-Marguerite: You have 60 minutes on the island for its scenery, gardens, vineyards, and historic sites.
• See Billionaires’ Bay by boat: The 30-minute stop brings you along a stretch of coast that is accessible only from the water.
• Travel in a small group: The boat carries no more than 12 passengers.
• Budget for extras: Bottled water and towels are not included, and tips are optional.
• Check the physical rules: You need to be able to swim to enter the sea; age, weight, and pregnancy restrictions apply.

Setting off from Port Lympia

The trip begins at Balades en mer, Boat Trips | Nissa Croisières, across from the Port Lympia tram stop at Quai Napoléon 1er in Nice. The end point is the same as the meeting point, so you return to the port rather than arranging separate transport from the islands.

A speedboat makes the islands feel close at hand. The stated navigation time is 15 minutes on the way out and 30 minutes on the return, leaving most of the roughly four-hour outing for the stops. The ride itself is part of the appeal: you get a view of the coast from the water, and the skipper can point out coastal highlights along the way.

The pace can feel lively, especially if you are not used to speedboats. One couple arrived with some nerves about the speed and found the ride safe and comfortable, but no boat can promise that everyone will find it gentle. If you are prone to seasickness or simply prefer a slower cruise, consider that before booking.

The group limit of 12 is a practical plus. It gives the outing a more intimate feel than a large boat tour and makes it easier to hear the skipper’s briefing and keep track of the group. Music is also included on board, adding a light holiday feel to the ride.

Snorkeling around the Lérins Islands

The first main stop is a swimming and snorkeling break around the Lérins Islands. You get about an hour in the water, with masks and snorkels supplied. The focus is the protected underwater environment, including the Mediterranean’s sea life and an underwater Ecomuseum featuring statues.

This stop is likely to be the trip’s high point if you enjoy swimming. Clear water and the chance to see the statues beneath the surface give you something more distinctive than a quick dip from a beach. Bring realistic expectations, though: underwater visibility and wildlife are natural conditions, not things the operator can guarantee.

The hour is a meaningful share of a four-hour tour, but it includes getting ready and moving in and out of the water. Pack your own towel, since one is not provided, and bring drinking water. Bottled water is not included, and there is no restroom on board.

The swimming rule is firm: passengers who cannot swim may not enter the water. Life jackets are provided, but they do not replace the requirement to be able to swim. If you would rather stay on the boat while others snorkel, ask the operator whether that is suitable for your needs before you book.

One hour on Sainte-Marguerite

After the water stop, the boat lands at Sainte-Marguerite for an hour ashore. That gives you time to walk among the island’s scenic surroundings, gardens, and vineyards, and to take in its history. The island stop adds a welcome change of pace after the speedboat ride and swim.

An hour is enough for a short wander, not a leisurely day of island exploration. You will need to keep an eye on the time and return to the boat promptly. If visiting a particular site is important to you, check its location and opening details in advance rather than assuming you can fit it into the stop.

There are island cafés where you can buy a local refreshment. That is useful because drinks are not included on the boat, but the short stop means you may need to choose between sitting down and seeing more of the island. Carry water with you rather than relying on a café visit for all your hydration.

The island’s past is part of its appeal, but this is not presented as a dedicated history tour. Think of the stop as a brief chance to walk, enjoy the setting, and see some of Sainte-Marguerite before returning to the boat.

A boat-only look at Billionaires’ Bay

The final listed stop is Plage de la Baie des Milliardaires, or Billionaires’ Bay. The cove is accessible only by boat, and the 30-minute visit offers views of Mediterranean vegetation and villas set among the trees.

This stop is more about seeing the coast from the water than going ashore. It gives the trip a scenic finish and a look at a stretch of shoreline that is not reached on foot. If you are hoping for another long swim or a beach visit, the stated stop is only half an hour, so treat it as a short coastal viewing break.

The bay also helps explain why a boat is the right way to see this corner of the Riviera. From the water, you can appreciate the tucked-away coves and large houses without needing a separate land excursion. The captain’s route and conditions will shape exactly what you see.

What the $120.41 price includes

At $120.41 per person, this is a half-day outing built around transport by speedboat, guided handling by a skipper, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and insurance. You also get three different settings in one trip: open water around the islands, time on Sainte-Marguerite, and a boat view of Billionaires’ Bay.

The value depends on how much you want to swim and how comfortable you are with a fast boat. If you make full use of the snorkeling stop and enjoy a short island walk, the combination can justify the price more readily than a simple point-to-point boat ride. If you mainly want a long, relaxed beach day, this schedule is likely too structured and brief.

Remember to factor in the extras. Bottled water and towels are not supplied, and tips are not included. You can buy refreshments at a café on Sainte-Marguerite, but that uses some of your hour ashore.

The captain is central to the outing. Leo has been named as a captain on this trip, and his approach has included a safety briefing, coastal highlights, and an entertaining ride. Captain assignments can vary, so do not book on the assumption that Leo will be at the helm.

Practical details before you book

The activity lasts about four hours and begins and ends at the Nissa Croisières meeting point by Port Lympia. The ticket is mobile, and the activity is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking.

The boat has no restroom. Plan accordingly, particularly if you are taking children old enough to join or have a medical need for frequent facilities. Bring a towel and water, and wear clothing suitable for getting wet, though the supplied details do not specify a dress code.

The operator sets several eligibility rules: the trip is not permitted for pregnant passengers, children under five, or people weighing more than 110 kilograms. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness, and you must be able to swim to enter the water.

Weather can affect whether the trip goes ahead, and a minimum number of participants is required. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum group size is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund or change. The cutoff uses local time, so check the time shown on your booking.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this outing if I wanted a lively half-day on the water and was happy to alternate between boat travel, snorkeling, and a short walk. It is especially suited to confident swimmers who want to see the underwater statues and have gear provided rather than arranging their own.

It also suits people who prefer a small group and want more than a straight sightseeing cruise. The stop on Sainte-Marguerite gives you a little time on land, while Billionaires’ Bay adds a coastal view that would be hard to reach on foot.

I would look elsewhere if you need an onboard restroom, cannot swim, want a long beach stay, or prefer a slow boat ride. The restrictions on age, pregnancy, and weight are also decisive, not minor details to sort out at the dock.

Should you book the Lérins Islands excursion?

Book it if clear-water snorkeling, a fast boat ride, and a brief visit to Sainte-Marguerite sound like a good use of four hours in Nice. The small group and supplied snorkeling equipment add practical value, and the route gives you several different views of the coast without requiring a full-day commitment.

Skip it if you want a gentle cruise, need restroom access, or cannot meet the swimming and eligibility requirements. Before departure, bring your own towel and water, and use the island stop efficiently. If those details suit you, this is a compact way to trade a few hours in the city for a swim and a taste of the islands.

FAQ

How long is the excursion?

The trip lasts about four hours, including the boat ride and the stops around the Lérins Islands, Sainte-Marguerite, and Billionaires’ Bay.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Balades en mer, Boat Trips | Nissa Croisières, across from the Port Lympia tram stop at Quai Napoléon 1er in Nice.

Does the tour return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at its meeting point in Nice.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with a life jacket.

Can a non-swimmer enter the water?

No. For safety reasons, passengers who are unable to swim are not permitted to enter the water.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. There is no toilet or restroom on the boat.

What is not included in the price?

Bottled water, towels, and tips are not included. Refreshments may be available for purchase at a café on Sainte-Marguerite.

Are there age, weight, or pregnancy restrictions?

Yes. The activity is not permitted for children under five, pregnant passengers, or people weighing more than 110 kilograms.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time; cancellations made later are not refunded.