A day at the Frioul
Private sailboat with skipper, from 10am to 5pm.
- Up to 12 people
- Paddleboard included
from790€
per boat · catamaran from €1,490
Book the day
Frioul · Côte Bleue · Calanques · Île Verte · Embiez
Boat routes from Marseille: Frioul, Côte Bleue and Calanques
The Frioul islands and the Château d’If, the wild coves of the Côte Bleue, the calanques from Marseille to Cassis, Île Verte and a mini-cruise to the Embiez: choose your route, our skipper takes care of the rest.
From220€
- Private boat
- Professional skipper
- Tailor-made route
The map
Our boat routes departing from Marseille
Choose a route: it is drawn from Port Corbières and the starting price appears. All our boat routes are on a private boat with a skipper.
Port Corbières → Frioul islands
- Outward distance
- 9 nautical miles
- Time at sea
- ≈ 50 min by sailboat
from790€
Private boat with skipper, fuel and taxes included. Starting price for the whole boat.
See the routeFrioul
Route no. 1: the Frioul islands and the Château d’If
At the entrance to the bay of Marseille, the Frioul archipelago brings together Pomègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen. Limestone cliffs, turquoise coves and a stunning view of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde: it is our favourite route for a day of swimming from Port Corbières, less than an hour’s sail away.
On the programme
- Sailing past the Château d’If, the famous prison of the Count of Monte Cristo.
- Anchoring in a cove on Pomègues or Ratonneau, swimming and paddleboarding.
- Lunch on board or a stopover at the Frioul port.
- Return under sail, with Marseille as a backdrop.
The islands are part of the Calanques National Park: music forbidden, speed limited near the shore.
Côte Bleue
Route no. 2: the calanques of the Côte Bleue
West of Marseille, the Côte Bleue unfolds its calanques as far as Carry-le-Rouet: Niolon, Méjean, La Redonne, Grand Méjean and the viaducts of the Côte Bleue railway line built in the early 20th century. Less busy than the Calanques and sheltered from the mistral, it is the ideal route for a peaceful swim.
On the programme
- The calanques of Niolon and Méjean, a few minutes from the port.
- Swimming and snorkelling over the posidonia seagrass.
- Sailing under the viaducts of the Côte Bleue line.
- Towed ring possible, outside the National Park.
The Côte Bleue Marine Park protects two reserves, at Carry-le-Rouet and Cap Couronne, where anchoring and fishing are forbidden.
Côte Bleue boat ride
Private RIB with skipper.
- 2 hours: €220 (1 to 4 people)
- 3 hours: €320 (1 to 4 people)
from220€
per boat, 2 hours
Book the boat rideCalanques
Route no. 3: the calanques from Marseille to Cassis
From Callelongue to Cassis, the Calanques massif plunges into a deep blue sea: Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En-Vau, Port-Pin, Port-Miou. The scenery is breathtaking, but the calanques are very busy in summer and protected by strict regulations of the Calanques National Park.
On the programme
- Les Goudes and the Riou archipelago offshore.
- Sormiou and Morgiou, then Sugiton and its cliffs.
- En-Vau and Port-Pin, the most famous, at the regulation speed.
- Arrival possible at the port of Cassis.
Speed limited to 5 knots within 300 metres of the shore, music and towed activities forbidden, En-Vau and Port-Pin closed to motorboats: our skippers follow all these rules.
A day in the calanques
Private RIB with skipper, National Park.
- From 1 to 10 people
- Swimming in a calanque
from730€
per boat, 1 to 4 people
See the tripÎle Verte
Route no. 4: Île Verte and La Ciotat
The only wooded island in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Île Verte faces the port of La Ciotat, at the foot of the Bec de l’Aigle. Its coves, pine trees and small pontoon make it a charming stopover for a day of swimming, with the cliff of Cap Canaille as a backdrop.
On the programme
- Departure from Cassis or La Ciotat.
- Sailing past Cap Canaille, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
- Anchoring in a cove on Île Verte, swimming and paddleboarding.
- Lunch on board or at the island’s restaurant.
Discover our guide to the boat trip in Cassis to combine Île Verte with the calanques of Cassis.
A day on Île Verte
Private sailboat with skipper, departure from Cassis or La Ciotat.
- Up to 12 people
- Paddleboard included
from1,090€
per boat, departure supplement included
Request a dateSeveral days
Route no. 5: mini-cruise to the Embiez
To take your time, head east for two or three days: the calanques, Cassis, La Ciotat and Île Verte, then the Embiez archipelago, off Six-Fours-les-Plages, with its coves and small harbour. Nights at anchor or in port, sunsets on board, back at Port Corbières in the late afternoon on the last day.
- Morning departure from Port Corbières
- Nights at anchor or in port
- Professional skipper on board
- Sailboat or catamaran
- Meals on board or stopovers
- Return in the late afternoon
In two days, the Port Corbières – Cassis – Île Verte – Embiez loop can be done without rushing; in three days, you add a night in a calanque and a stopover at Sanary-sur-Mer or Bandol. The skipper adapts each stage to the wind and your wishes, to enjoy the best anchorages at the right time. Price on quotation depending on the boat and duration. For a week or more, discover our sailboat and catamaran charters, with or without a skipper.
Tips
How to choose your boat route
Depending on the wind
The mistral, a north-westerly wind, often blows over Marseille. When it does, the Côte Bleue and the sheltered coves of the Frioul remain pleasant, while the Calanques and the open sea get rough. With an east wind, it is the other way round: the Calanques and the bay of Cassis are more sheltered. The skipper always suggests the most comfortable route of the day, based on the forecasts from Météo-France marine.
Depending on the season
In July and August, the Calanques are very busy: the Côte Bleue and the Frioul then offer quieter anchorages. In spring and autumn, the water is cooler but the light is magnificent and the coves deserted: the ideal time to discover the Calanques.
Depending on how much time you have
Two hours are enough for a swim on the Côte Bleue, a day for the Frioul or the Calanques, and two to three days to go as far as Île Verte and the Embiez. For a transfer to a seaside restaurant, discover our sea transfer.
A tailor-made route
You have a specific idea: a birthday at sunset facing the Château d’If, a stopover at Vallon des Auffes, a swim then lunch at Les Goudes? We put the route together with you and confirm the price before the trip.
Free quote
Build your route
Quick reply, by email or on WhatsApp.
In pictures
Our routes in pictures
Why book with LOCVOILIER?
Since 2018, LOCVOILIER has organised boat trips, charters and deliveries from Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat. Our professional skippers know every cove on the coast, our boats are carefully maintained and you benefit from private, secure parking at Port Corbières. Prices are shown clearly, all taxes included, and we reply to every request quickly, by phone, email or WhatsApp.
FAQ
Boat routes: your questions
What are the most beautiful boat routes from Marseille?
The Frioul islands and the Château d’If, the wild calanques of the Côte Bleue, the calanques from Marseille to Cassis, Île Verte in La Ciotat and, for a mini-cruise, the Embiez archipelago. Each route is on a private boat with a skipper.
How much does a boat trip to the Frioul cost?
A day on a private sailboat with a skipper to the Frioul islands costs €790 for the boat, from 10am to 5pm, for up to 12 people. On a catamaran, allow from €1,490.
Can we do a short boat ride on the Côte Bleue?
Yes, on a private RIB with a skipper: 2 hours from €220 for 1 to 4 people, 3 hours from €320. A swim in a cove is included.
Can we visit the calanques by boat?
Yes, on a private RIB for the day, from €730 for 1 to 4 people, or departing from Cassis on a sailboat or catamaran. Sailing follows the rules of the Calanques National Park: speed limited, music forbidden.
Can we go to Île Verte from Marseille?
Yes, but the journey is long: we recommend departing from Cassis or La Ciotat, with a supplement of €300, i.e. a day on a sailboat from €1,090. Île Verte is a few minutes from the port of La Ciotat.
Do you offer mini-cruises of several days?
Yes: La Ciotat, Île Verte and the Embiez archipelago in two or three days, with nights at anchor or in port, departing from Port Corbières. Departure in the morning, return in the late afternoon on the last day. Price on quotation depending on the boat.
Can we create our own route?
Of course. Tell us what you would like — swimming, lunch at a seaside restaurant, a cultural stopover — and the skipper builds the route with you, depending on the day’s weather.
Which route to choose when the mistral blows?
When the mistral blows, the Côte Bleue and the sheltered coves of the Frioul islands often remain pleasant, while the open sea and the Calanques are rough. The skipper always adapts the route to the wind.
How long does it take to get to the Frioul?
About twenty minutes by RIB, a little under an hour by sailboat from Port Corbières, depending on the wind.
Where do the boats leave from?
From Port Corbières in L’Estaque, with private, secure parking, or from the ports of Cassis and La Ciotat on request.
Can we see dolphins on these routes?
It is possible, especially off the Frioul and the Côte Bleue, but not guaranteed. The skipper observes them from a distance and at low speed, respecting their peace.
Can we combine several routes in one day?
Yes, for example the Frioul in the morning and the Côte Bleue in the afternoon, or the Calanques then Île Verte departing from Cassis. The skipper suggests a realistic sequence depending on the weather and sailing time.
Can we have a picnic on board?
Yes, on a private boat you can bring your picnic and drinks: ice, glasses and a table are on board. The caterer’s lunch, from €35 to €75 per person, is also available.
Does the old discovery tours page still exist?
The discovery tours are now presented on this page: the Frioul islands, the Côte Bleue, the Calanques, La Ciotat, Île Verte and the Embiez, with the prices and details of each route.
Do we need to book well in advance?
For July and August, book two to three weeks ahead. In spring and autumn, a few days are often enough: contact us on WhatsApp for a date coming up soon.
Quick reply, no commitment
Which route appeals to you?
Tell us what you would like and the date: we put the route together with you.
Set the right course from the start!
