From Nice : Lerins Islands Boat Excursion with Snorkeling

Speedboats and snorkeling, in 4 hours. I love how this outing from Nice gets you to the Lérins Islands by speedboat, then provides masks and snorkels for the protected Mediterranean waters. One practical catch, there is no toilet on board, so you need to plan ahead.

I also like the small-group feel, max 12 people, and the energy from the skipper, captain Leo. You’ll get a real island break too, not only water time, before finishing with the boat-access-only scenery of Baie des milliardaires.

Quick highlights

• Short, punchy timing: about 15 minutes out to the islands, then time on land at each stop, plus about 30 minutes back.
• Snorkeling gear included: masks and snorkels, along with a life jacket and insurance.
• Lérins Islands underwater Ecomuseum: swim in protected waters with Mediterranean fauna and flora.
• Two island walks: about 60 minutes on Lérins and about 60 minutes on Ile Sainte-Marguerite.
• Baie des milliardaires by boat only: villas hidden among trees, seen from the water.
• Music on board: a fun, relaxed vibe while cruising.

Getting to Lérins by speedboat from Port Lympia

This is the kind of tour I like for the French Riviera, fast enough to feel like a real experience, but still short enough that you do not lose your whole afternoon. The meeting point is right by Tramway Port Lympia, Quai Napoléon 1er, and the dock area is across from Balades en mer, Boat Trips, Nissa Croisières. You will get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

What makes the ride itself part of the value is that the schedule is built around time on the water and on the islands. There is about 15 minutes of navigation to reach the Lérins area and about 30 minutes navigation to return. Add boarding and transition time, and the total experience comes in at roughly 4 hours.

I also appreciate the comfort basics are handled for you. You get a life jacket for the trip, plus insurance and a skipper who runs the day. Music plays on board, which sounds small, but it helps you feel like you’re on a proper outing rather than just commuting by boat.

One more practical point, if you want to avoid stress, show up a bit early. You are heading to water and snorkeling, so you want time to get your gear sorted, use the restroom before you leave, and do any quick clothing adjustments while you still have dry ground.

Lérins Islands stop: Ecomuseum snorkeling plus island walking

The first big moment is Lérins Islands, where the tour mixes coastline walking with in-water snorkeling. You get about one hour here, which is enough time to do both if you keep a steady pace.

On the water side, the highlight is the protected underwater environment around the islands, including the underwater Ecomuseum. The point is not just to see fish. You are swimming in an area designed for the Mediterranean’s fauna and flora, and you can also experience underwater statues (this came up in multiple accounts). If you like structure, this is a good place to snorkel because you are not just scanning randomly, you have a defined underwater stop.

Snorkeling equipment is included, specifically masks and snorkels, plus you are provided a life jacket. That matters for value because you would otherwise spend time and money finding the right gear. It also keeps the day from turning into a checklist. You show up, get the kit, and go.

On the land side, you also get time to walk around. This is not only a drop-in swim stop. You get that short island wandering window, which is great if you want both experiences in one outing.

A few notes that can affect your comfort:

• For safety, if you cannot swim, you will not be permitted to enter the water.
• The tour uses a speedboat, so it can feel a bit energetic. If you tend to get unsettled on boats, consider bringing motion-sickness basics, and keep your eyes on the horizon when you can.

Also, snorkeling is the kind of activity where gear fit matters. If the mask feels off, say something right away so you can fix it before you get into the water.

Ile Sainte-Marguerite: gardens, vineyards, and a 60-minute break

After the Lérins stop, you head to Ile Sainte-Marguerite for about 60 minutes. This is your chance to slow down. Lérins is the water-and-snorkel phase, Sainte-Marguerite is the legs-and-wander phase.

What I like about this timing is that it gives you a break from constant movement in the sun. You can stretch, walk around scenic areas, and take in island gardens and vineyards. The tour includes time for that slower kind of sightseeing, not just photo stops.

You also have the option to grab local refreshments at an island cafe. The tour does not include bottled water, so if you want a drink during your time off the boat, plan on buying it on site. This stop is also where a towel might come in handy later, because after the boat and water time, you will want something to dry off with.

This is also a nice reset if you are with someone who prefers “a little less water time.” You still get the sea experience, but you are not locked into snorkeling again.

Since there is no restroom on board, this stop is also your time to catch a bathroom break, if you need one. It is one of the best reasons to take this tour when you can do it without rushing.

Baie des milliardaires cruise, villa views from the water

The final scenic piece is the Baie des milliardaires, a stretch of coastline that is only accessible by boat. You get about 30 minutes here. Think of it as the coast-view payoff, not a long on-land exploration.

From the water, you get a different angle on the area, with lush Mediterranean vegetation and magnificent villas hidden among the trees. Even if you do not care about celebrity-property lore, the view itself is why this stop exists. It is a chance to see the Riviera style of coastline from a place you cannot easily replicate from the shore.

This portion works well because it is not too long. After snorkeling and island walking, you probably want something that feels relaxing. A short cruise segment does that.

It also helps the pacing of the whole day. Your afternoon ends with scenery and calm, instead of arriving back already tired and drained.

What you pay, what you get, and what to bring

At $120.41 per person for about 4 hours, this is not a budget activity. But when you break down what is included, it starts to look like good value for what you are actually doing.

Here is what the price covers:

• Skipper
• Insurance
• Life jacket
• Masks and snorkels
• All fees and taxes
• Music on board

What it does not cover:

• Bottled water
• Tips
• A towel

For me, the strongest value points are the snorkeling kit and the safety basics. Gear and life jackets are often the first things people end up paying extra for on boat tours. Here you get them already, which makes it easier to plan a lighter carry day.

What you should bring anyway:

• Sunscreen and a hat (the sun on a boat is real, even if it feels breezy)
• A towel, especially since there is water time and you’ll want to dry off
• A refillable water bottle if you like, since bottled water is not included
• Basic swimwear and a change of clothes for after

Also, because there is no toilet on board, it helps to treat this like a half-day excursion. Use the bathroom before you arrive at the dock, and plan your water breaks around the island stop.

If you are traveling light, you still need the towel. Without one, the end of the day can feel uncomfortable.

Safety and comfort: swimming rules, no restroom, small group

This tour is clearly built for a straightforward group day out, and that comes with a few rules you should take seriously.

The big safety rule is simple: passengers who are unable to swim are not permitted to enter the water. That matters because the Lérins snorkeling portion depends on getting into the water. If you want snorkeling for the wow factor, you need to be comfortable enough to swim at least briefly.

The day also has fitness and weight considerations. You should have moderate physical fitness. There is a weight limit of 110 kg. The tour is prohibited for pregnant women, and not allowed for children under 5 years old. These are not “nice to have” details. They change who the tour is designed for.

Now the comfort part: the biggest practical issue is that there is no toilet or restroom on board. That one detail is worth planning around. You’ll want to schedule bathroom time during the island stops, and you will want to avoid arriving hungry with no plan for water, especially because bottled water is not included.

The good news is the group size is capped at 12 travelers, which tends to make the day feel less chaotic. With smaller groups, it is easier to manage equipment distribution, get everyone oriented, and keep the snorkeling flow smooth.

Finally, speedboat rides can feel intense if you are not used to them. The flip side is they make this tour efficient. You spend less time traveling slowly, and more time actually enjoying the islands.

Who this boat outing fits best

This is a smart choice if you want a classic Riviera mix in one half-day: sea views, a snorkeling session, and a couple island breaks. It also works well for people who like an organized plan, because everything from gear to safety basics is handled.

I think it fits best for:

• Couples and small groups who want snorkeling without dealing with gear rentals
• People who want two islands and a coast cruise without committing to a full day
• Travelers who prefer small-group energy, max 12, and a fun skipper-led vibe

It is not the right fit if:

• You cannot swim or you are not comfortable entering the water
• You strongly need restroom access on the boat
• You fall under the tour’s eligibility limits (pregnancy, age under 5, or weight over 110 kg)

If you love meeting people, this kind of tour can deliver that social warmth too. With a small group and time spent together on the water, the day naturally creates conversation.

Also, the skipper, captain Leo, is a standout part of the experience. Multiple people appreciated his entertaining style and his guidance for seeing the coastline highlights. When a captain gives good orientation, you enjoy the scenery more, even on a short schedule.

Should you book this Lerins Islands excursion?

Book it if you want a compact, well-rounded Riviera outing: speedboat fun, included snorkeling gear for the Lérins Ecomuseum area, time to walk on the islands, and a boat-only cruise past Baie des milliardaires. For $120.41, the value is strongest when you would otherwise pay for snorkeling equipment and a boat crew for a short half-day plan.

Skip it if the lack of a restroom on board will make your day stressful, or if you are not confident swimming for safety reasons. Also, if you know you get overwhelmed by speedboat motion, consider whether this pace is your style.

If you match the basic requirements, this is the kind of experience that leaves you with photos from islands, memories from snorkeling, and a final coastal-view payoff, all without needing to organize anything yourself.

FAQ

How long is the boat excursion?

The duration is about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Balades en mer, Boat Trips, Nissa Croisières, across from the Tramway stop Port Lympia, Quai Napoléon 1er, 06300 Nice, France.

What stops are included?

You visit the Lérins Islands, Ile Sainte-Marguerite, and the Plage de la Baie des Milliardaires.

How much time is spent at each stop?

Lérins Islands: 1 hour. Ile Sainte-Marguerite: 1 hour. Baie des Milliardaires area: 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Can I enter the water if I cannot swim?

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 board for this activity.

What should I bring since some items are not included?

Bottled water, tips, and a towel are not included, so you should plan accordingly.

What if the weather is bad?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

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