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 no postcard ever shows: the one from the sea. The Promenade becomes a frieze, Old Nice clings to its hill, and the Baie des Anges stretches to the airport. Boats leave from Quai Lunel, in Nice port, a stone's throw from the Port Lympia tram station. Here are the trips worth taking, and the ones to skip.
One hour at sea: the coastal trip
The best deal for families and tight budgets: €23.50 per adult (€19.50 for ages 4-10, free before) for an hour of boat between Cap de Nice, Villefranche bay and the Promenade des Anglais. You board at 11 am or 3 pm, every day except Monday, from mid-February to early November.
Local tip: take the 3 pm trip — the golden light on the facades is superb, and the afternoon is often calmer than the morning. Cap mandatory, the glare on the water is fierce.
The Lérins Islands: the day for escape lovers
At €53 per adult (€41 child), the cruise to Île Sainte-Marguerite — the largest of the Lérins Islands — is the most exotic trip: departure from Nice at 9 am, eight hours on the island, return at 7 pm. Pine forest, coves, and the famous Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask was said to be imprisoned. You walk, you picnic, you swim; the day passes without you seeing it go.
The season runs from 12 May to 20 October, with daily departures except Monday in July-August. Book: in summer, the cruise sells out several days ahead.
Monaco by sea: the golden interlude
Two ways to reach the Principality by boat:
- the day cruise (€49.50): departure 9:30 am, a 6h45 stop in Monaco, return at 6 pm — the boat version of the train to Monaco;
- the 2-hour trip (€39.50) along Cap d'Ail, Mala bay, Èze and Cap-Ferrat, departing at 4 pm. By far the most beautiful sea route on the coast — the one photos don't do justice to.
Saint-Tropez in a day
For the ambitious: €84 per adult (€71 child), departure 9 am, five hours in Saint-Tropez (11:30 am-4:30 pm) and return at 7 pm. It's a lot for one day, but it's the only way to see the famous bay without a car or tolls. If you have an extra day, prefer watching the sunset there.
From Villefranche
Another option, often overlooked: 2-hour guided sea trips from Port de la Santé in Villefranche (€35), towards Cap-Ferrat or Monaco, from April to October. Combine a visit to Villefranche with a boat trip, and skip the crowds of Nice port.
Good to know before boarding
- Booking essential: online at trans-cote-azur.com or 04 92 00 42 30 — companies turn people away every summer;
- The mistral is not an option: in strong winds, trips are cancelled or rerouted. Check the marine forecast the day before, and have a plan B;
- Bring: sunscreen, windbreaker (the sea stays cool even in August), and water for the days ashore;
- The French Riviera Pass 72h includes a free cruise, and the 24/48/72h passes give -10% on trips from Nice.
FAQ
How much does a boat trip from Nice cost?
€23.50 for the one-hour coastal trip, €39.50-49.50 to Monaco, €53 to the Lérins Islands and €84 to Saint-Tropez (2026 adult fares).
Where do boats leave from in Nice?
From Quai Lunel, in Nice port, a few minutes from the Port Lympia tram station (line 2).
Do I need to book my cruise?
Yes, absolutely, especially in July-August: online at trans-cote-azur.com or by phone on 04 92 00 42 30.
Which trip should I choose with children?
The one-hour trip (€23.50, free for under-4s) or the day to the Lérins Islands with a picnic and swimming.
Are boat trips cancelled in bad weather?
Yes: in a strong mistral, companies cancel or reroute. Check the forecast the day before and have a plan B (visits, museums).
Can I visit Monaco and Saint-Tropez by boat on the same day?
No, each cruise is a full day. Monaco, on the other hand, combines very well with Èze (see our Monaco guide).
