Sea Kayak Day to the Lérins Islands from Cannes

Pointe Croisette, Your Starting Point

Your day begins at Pointe Croisette, the eastern tip of the famous seafront of Cannes, where La Croisette ends among pine trees, small beaches and the yacht harbour of Port Canto. It is the closest point on the mainland to the Lérins Islands, which you can see lying low and green just offshore. The staff welcome you, check your equipment and give a clear safety briefing on paddling technique, wind and the route across.

Because the islands are so close, this is one of the easiest and safest sea kayaking crossings on the Riviera, suitable for beginners in good physical condition. Getting here is simple: the point is a pleasant stroll of about 30 minutes along La Croisette from the Festival Palace, or a short taxi or bus ride, and there is a car park on site.

Crossing to the Lérins Islands by Kayak

The crossing to Sainte-Marguerite takes about 20 minutes at a relaxed pace, over a stretch of sea that is usually calm in the morning. As you paddle, Cannes slowly shrinks behind you: the hill of Le Suquet, the Festival Palace and the palm-lined curve of the bay, framed by green hills and, on clear days, the distant Alps.

Many travellers ask how to get to the Lérins Islands and assume the ferry is the only option. Arriving by kayak is far more rewarding: you land on a quiet beach of your choice rather than the busy jetty, and you can move along the coast freely. The islands are part of a protected natural area, with no cars and a coastline of rocky points, pine woods and small sandy coves.

Sainte-Marguerite's Wild Coves

Sainte-Marguerite is the larger of the Lérins Islands, about 3 kilometres long and covered with Aleppo pine and eucalyptus forest crossed by shady footpaths. On its northern shore stand the walls of Fort Royal, a 17th-century fortress that once served as a state prison and now houses a museum of the sea, and you can admire it from the water or pull up nearby to visit (entry not included).

The real treasure for kayakers is the southern and western coastline, where tiny coves of white pebbles and sand open onto water so clear that you see the bottom metres below. Pull your kayak up on a beach, swim, rest in the shade of the pines or follow a coastal path. The channel between Sainte-Marguerite and the smaller southern island, home to a monastic community, is especially beautiful.

Snorkelling in the Lérins Sea

Snorkelling equipment is included, and the waters around the Lérins Islands are among the best on this stretch of coast for it. Large meadows of Posidonia seagrass cover the sandy bottom, keeping the water clear and sheltering a rich marine life: bream, wrasse, colourful damselfish, starfish and, with luck, an octopus hiding among the rocks.

The shallow, sheltered coves are ideal for a first experience with mask and snorkel, and children who swim well love exploring them. Please respect the protected seabed: do not stand on the seagrass or take anything from the sea. The water is warmest from late June to September, at around 23 to 26 degrees, while in May and October a light wetsuit or rash vest is welcome.

Planning Your Kayak Day

The best time to visit the Lérins Islands by kayak is from late May to early October, ideally in the morning when the sea is calmest and the beaches emptiest. A full day gives you time to circle part of Sainte-Marguerite, picnic and snorkel at leisure; a half day is perfect for a crossing, a swim and a beach stop.

Lunch and drinks are not included, so bring a picnic and plenty of water in a dry bag; the island has a few seasonal snack bars near the ferry jetty but none on the wilder shores. Halal options on the island are essentially non-existent, so we suggest preparing your own food in Cannes, where halal shops and restaurants are easier to find. The staff monitor the weather, and the activity may be rescheduled if the wind is too strong.