Boat trips from Nice: cruises and 2026 prices
Seeing Nice from the sea changes everything: the facades line up, the bay opens up and you finally understand what all the fuss is about. One-hour cruises or full days to the islands, here are the boat trips from Nice port, 2026 prices included.
There is a viewpoint that postcards never show: the one you get from the sea. The Promenade becomes a frieze, the Old Town clings to its hill, and the Baie des Anges stretches all the way to the airport. Boats depart from the Quai Lunel, in the port of Nice, a stone's throw from the Port Lympia tram stop. Here are the outings worth taking, and the ones to skip.
One Hour at Sea: the Coastal Cruise
The bargain for families and tight budgets: €23.50 per adult (€19.50 for ages 4-10, free under 4) for one hour on the water between the Cap de Nice, the Villefranche bay and the Promenade des Anglais. Boarding is at 11am or 3pm, every day except Monday, from mid-February to early November.
Tip from experience: take the 3pm departure: the golden light on the facades is superb, and the afternoon is often calmer than the morning. A cap is a must, as the glare off the water is intense.
The Lérins Islands: the Day for Escape Lovers
At €53 per adult (€41 for children), the cruise to Sainte-Marguerite Island, the largest of the Lérins Islands, is the most exotic outing: departure from Nice at 9am, eight hours on the island, return at 7pm. Pine groves, coves, and the famous Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask is said to have been imprisoned. You can walk there, picnic, and swim; the day passes before you know it.
The season runs from 12 May to 20 October, with departures every day except Monday in July and August. Book ahead: in summer, the cruise sells out several days in advance.
Monaco by Sea: the Golden Interlude
Two ways to reach the Principality by boat:
- the full-day cruise (€49.50): departure 9:30am, 6h45 stopover in Monaco, return at 6pm, the boat version of the train to Monaco;
- the 2-hour cruise (€39.50) that runs along Cap d'Ail, the Mala bay, Èze and Cap-Ferrat, departing at 4pm. It is by far the most beautiful sea route on the coast, the one photos never quite capture.
Saint-Tropez in a Day
For the ambitious: €84 per adult (€71 for children), departure 9am, five hours in Saint-Tropez (11:30am-4:30pm) and return at 7pm. That's a lot for one day, but it is the only way to see the famous bay without a car or a toll. If you have an extra day, prefer watching the sunset there instead.
From Villefranche
Another option, often overlooked: the 2-hour guided sea trips from the Santé harbour in Villefranche (€35), towards Cap-Ferrat or Monaco, from April to October. You can combine a visit to Villefranche with a sea outing, and avoid the crowds at the port of Nice.
Good to Know Before Boarding
- Booking is essential: online at trans-cote-azur.com or by phone at 04 92 00 42 30, as the companies turn people away every summer;
- The mistral is not an option: in strong wind, outings are cancelled or diverted. Check the marine forecast the day before, and have a plan B;
- Bring: sunscreen, a windbreaker (the sea stays cool even in August), and water for days on land;
- The French Riviera Pass 72h includes a free cruise, and the 24/48/72h passes give 10% off excursions departing from Nice.
FAQ
How much does a boat trip from Nice cost?
€23.50 for the one-hour coastal cruise, €39.50 to €49.50 to Monaco, €53 for the Lérins Islands and €84 for Saint-Tropez (2026 adult rates).
Where do boats leave from in Nice?
From the Quai Lunel, in the port of Nice, a few minutes from the Port Lympia tram stop (line 2).
Do I need to book my cruise?
Yes, absolutely, especially in July and August: online at trans-cote-azur.com or by phone at 04 92 00 42 30.
Which outing should I choose with children?
The one-hour cruise (€23.50, free under 4) or the day at the Lérins Islands with a picnic and swimming.
Are sea trips cancelled in bad weather?
Yes: in strong mistral, the companies cancel or divert. Check the weather the day before and plan a backup (visits, museums).
Can I visit Monaco and Saint-Tropez by boat on the same day?
No, each cruise is a full day. Monaco, however, combines very well with Èze (see our Monaco guide).
From the Coast
Water activities in Nice: kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and sea trips departing from the Lympia port.
Renting a Boat Without a Licence: What the Law Says
In France, a boating licence is not required for boats whose engine does not exceed 6 administrative horsepower (about 4.5 kW). Beyond that, a coastal licence is mandatory.
Rental companies at the port of Nice therefore offer two options: free navigation on small boats that don't require a licence (after a safety briefing), or an outing with a skipper. Expect a card deposit, an inspection report at departure, and insurance included, which you should check in the contract.
Classic departure from the Port Lympia, heading for the Villefranche roadstead and the beaches to the east. For other sea activities (kayaking, paddleboarding, diving), see water activities in Nice.
