French Riviera · France
The French Riviera and Lérins Islands by boat
Lérins offers a genuine island day only a few miles from Cannes. That convenience attracts ferries, small boats, swimmers and superyachts. Start off-peak, keep speed calm and choose a stopping method that protects the seagrass.
- Departure
- Cannes, Golfe-Juan or Antibes
- Indicative distance
- 15 to 30 NM with an optional headland loop
- Time under way
- 2.5 to 4.5 hours under way
- Season
- April to October, busiest in summer
- Exposure
- Afternoon breeze, traffic and wake
Indicative route
Two islands, one unhurried pace
Combine Cap d’Antibes or Cannes Bay with one principal stop at Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat.
Leave before the ferry peak
An early start leaves room to read channels and select the first stop without repeated manoeuvres.
Round Cap d’Antibes only if the water agrees
The detour adds a distinct coast but also distance and exposure. Keep it optional when the breeze starts early.
Choose one island as the main stop
The islands are not compulsory boxes. One long, seabed-conscious stop is better than two rushed visits.
Return outside the main wake lines
The route back crosses busy water. Lookout and suitable speed are worth more than the minutes gained by pushing on.
Conditions
Only apparently effortless
Thermal breeze, wake and traffic often create uncomfortable afternoon chop. The water between the islands calls for particular attention to marks and swimmers.
Posidonia seagrass is protected. Check authorised anchoring areas, moorings and prohibitions before lowering an anchor.
Check before departure
- Mark channels, swimming areas and ferry lanes.
- Check authorised anchoring or mooring zones.
- Time departure and return away from the busiest periods.
- Keep a direct version that omits Cap d’Antibes.
Distances and times are planning ranges. Check official charts, notices to mariners, local regulations and a current marine forecast. The skipper remains responsible for every decision.
FAQ
Practical questions
Which Lérins island should a boat visit?
Sainte-Marguerite offers more space; Saint-Honorat is a tighter stop. Wind, traffic and the boat provide a better answer than a universal ranking.
Can Cap d’Antibes fit into the same day?
Yes when departure time, sea and crew leave margin. It should remain the first optional leg to remove.
How should Posidonia be protected?
Use authorised zones and equipment and verify where the anchor lies. Current official local maps and applications should be part of preparation.