Marseille is a city that always pulls me toward the sea. You can walk its backstreets, eat bouillabaisse in the Old Port, or climb up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, but at the end of the day, the Mediterranean is the city’s soul.
On my last trip, I dedicated an entire day—well, truthfully, more than a day—to sailing out of Marseille. I wanted to feel the sea spray on my face, see the rugged limestone cliffs of the Calanques from the water, and experience Marseille the way sailors and fishermen have done for centuries.
I’ll share three activities I actually did myself and then four more that I strongly recommend, based on local advice, research, and trusted traveler experiences.
So let’s set sail.
⛵ My Own Sailing Experiences
- Morning Cruise to the Frioul Islands
📍 Departure Point: Vieux-Port (Quai des Belges)
💶 Cost: €12 return with Frioul-If Express
⏰ Duration: 20–25 minutes each way; I spent 3 hours on the islands
🕘 Ferry Times: Every 30–45 minutes in summer, fewer in winter
📲 Booking: Tickets bought directly at the kiosk, or online via Frioul-If Express website
The first boat I took was the ferry to the Frioul Islands. The ride itself was short, but what an introduction to sailing in Marseille! As the boat pulled out of the Vieux-Port, the city looked like a theater backdrop—cranes, churches, and crowded terraces—slowly shrinking behind me.
The sea that day was playful. Waves slapped against the hull, and spray misted my glasses. Families with beach bags sat beside me, while teenagers ran to the bow to film TikToks with the wind in their hair.
My Experience on Frioul
I disembarked at Port Frioul, the small marina. From there, I walked up toward Plage de Saint-Estève, a gorgeous cove with turquoise water. I swam for half an hour, then lay on the rocks, drying off like a lizard.
I also hiked inland a bit to see the abandoned hospital buildings—creepy but fascinating. From the cliffs, the view back toward Marseille was stunning: the city shimmering under the Provençal sun, with Notre-Dame de la Garde perched like a guardian.
Services & Facilities
• Restaurants and cafés around Port Frioul (prices €15–20 for a main)
• Public beaches with lifeguards in summer
• Hiking paths with clear signage
Pros & Cons
✔️ Cheap and easy escape from the city
✔️ Swimming in clear waters without leaving Marseille
✔️ Stunning views of city + islands
❌ Crowded in summer (especially weekends)
❌ Limited shade—bring sunscreen and water
- Half-Day Sailing Trip in the Calanques
📍 Departure Point: Vieux-Port, Pier J4 near MuCEM
💶 Cost: €65–€75 per person (4–5 hours)
⏰ Operator I used: SailEazy Marseille
📲 Booking Platform: Directly on GetYourGuide (super smooth)
If there’s one experience in Marseille that I’ll never forget, it’s the sailing trip into the Calanques National Park. This was a proper sailboat—not a ferry—with about 10 passengers, a skipper, and a sense of adventure.
My Experience
We left around 10am. As the sail unfurled, the engine cut, and suddenly there was only the sound of water rushing under us and the wind filling the canvas. I felt a rush of freedom—it’s cliché, but it’s real.
We passed Cap Croisette and headed toward Calanque de Sormiou. Seeing the Calanques from the sea is a revelation: jagged white limestone plunging into turquoise coves, inaccessible except by boat or long hike.
We anchored at Calanque d’En-Vau, where I dove into the sea. The water was cold, but the thrill of swimming under those cliffs is unmatched.
The skipper also let me take the helm for a few minutes. My hands shook slightly as I tried to keep the sail aligned with the wind, but I felt alive—connected to centuries of sailors before me.
Services & Facilities
• Included: snorkeling gear, water, and soft drinks
• No toilets on board (small boat!)—worth noting
• Professional skipper with good English
Pros & Cons
✔️ Unforgettable scenery of the Calanques
✔️ Small group, not overcrowded
✔️ Chance to swim in hidden coves
❌ Higher price compared to ferries
❌ Motion sickness possible (bring medication!)
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Around Marseille Bay
📍 Departure Point: Quai du Port (Vieux-Port)
💶 Cost: €90 per person (includes dinner)
⏰ Duration: 3 hours (7pm–10pm)
📲 Booking: Viator – easy cancellation policy
For my final sailing adventure, I treated myself to something more indulgent: a sunset dinner cruise.
My Experience
The boat was a comfortable catamaran with about 40 passengers. As we set off, the sun dipped lower, turning the sky gold. The crew served Provençal tapas—olives, anchovies, tapenade—paired with rosé wine from Cassis.
We sailed past Île d’If, famous for the Château d’If from The Count of Monte Cristo. Lit by sunset, the fortress looked both romantic and foreboding.
Dinner was a buffet of seafood: shrimp, mussels, and grilled fish. I ate with strangers who became instant friends—one couple from Lyon, another solo traveler from Canada. There was laughter, shared wine, and the sea rocking us gently.
The highlight was watching Marseille’s lights come on as we returned: the Ferris wheel at the port, the basilica glowing on the hill. I felt like I was sailing back into a dream.
Services & Facilities
• Full dinner buffet + drinks included
• Large, stable catamaran (less seasickness)
• Live commentary about landmarks
Pros & Cons
✔️ Romantic and festive atmosphere
✔️ Good value considering food + cruise
✔️ Perfect for photos
❌ Less intimate than smaller boats
❌ Music onboard can be loud if you want quiet
🚤 Recommended Sailing Activities
Here are four more options that I researched and would suggest for travelers, even though I didn’t personally try them this time:
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Calanque de Sormiou
📍 Departure: From Port de Sormiou
💶 Cost: €25–€40 for half-day rental
📲 Booking: Decathlon Activities or local providers
Why I Recommend: Perfect for active travelers who want to explore smaller coves at their own pace. - Catamaran Cruise to Cassis and the Calanques
📍 Departure: Vieux-Port
💶 Cost: Around €65–€80 per person
⏰ Full day, includes lunch stop in Cassis
Why I Recommend: Combines two highlights—sailing AND time in the charming port of Cassis. - Private Yacht Charter (Luxury Option)
📍 Departure: Vieux-Port or Pointe Rouge
💶 Cost: €500–€800 for half-day, up to 8 people
📲 Booking: Click&Boat or SamBoat
Why I Recommend: Ideal for groups or families who want privacy, swimming, and a tailor-made itinerary. - Fishing Excursion with Local Sailors
📍 Departure: Port de l’Estaque
💶 Cost: €70–€100 per person
📲 Booking: Local co-ops or platforms like GetYourGuide
Why I Recommend: For travelers who want a hands-on cultural experience, not just sightseeing.
🔑 Practical Tips & Booking Platforms
• Best Season: May–October (July & August busiest).
• Weather: Always check Météo France marine forecasts. Sudden winds (mistral) can cancel trips.
• Booking Platforms:
o GetYourGuide – easy interface, reliable reviews
o Viator – flexible cancellation, wide selection
o Click&Boat – best for private charters
o SamBoat – peer-to-peer rentals, good deals
Tip: Book 2–3 weeks in advance in summer. For shoulder season, you can often book the day before.
🌅 Why Sailing in Marseille Stays With You
When I look back at my time in Marseille, it isn’t just the bouillabaisse I tasted in the Old Port, the climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde, or the lively hum of La Plaine’s markets that come to mind—it’s the sea. Sailing allowed me to step out of the city’s rhythm and into something timeless. The Mediterranean is a mirror, reflecting both the restless energy of Marseille and the serenity of nature’s beauty.
Each sailing experience left a different mark on me:
• The Frioul ferry gave me simplicity and freedom, reminding me that beauty doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated.
• The Calanques sail offered adventure and awe, pushing me to feel small yet exhilarated against cliffs carved by millions of years.
• The sunset dinner cruise wrapped it all up with camaraderie, food, and the poetry of twilight.
And while I didn’t try every single option, just knowing that Marseille offers fishing trips with locals, kayaking through hidden inlets, or private yacht charters made me realize something important: the Mediterranean belongs to everyone. You don’t need to be a sailor, a millionaire, or even particularly adventurous—you just need curiosity and a willingness to step onto a boat.
A Note on Practicality
Travelers often ask me: “Is sailing in Marseille worth it if I only have a couple of days?” My answer is always yes. Even two or three hours on the water will give you a perspective that no amount of walking through the city streets can offer. The cliffs, the islands, the light—it all looks different from the sea.
For me, that lingering moment was standing barefoot on a sailboat, hair tangled by salt wind, watching the sun disappear behind Marseille’s skyline. I didn’t take a photo. I didn’t need to. The memory is carved into me, as vivid as any picture.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
If Marseille is your destination, make space in your itinerary for sailing. Skip one museum if you must, shorten one market stroll if necessary, but don’t skip the sea. Whether it’s a humble ferry ride or a luxurious private charter, sailing is Marseille’s most honest invitation to understand it—not as a tourist, but as a temporary Marseillais.
In the end, Marseille taught me this:
On land, you visit the city. On water, you feel it.
So, when you plan your trip here, remember—don’t just walk through Marseille, don’t just eat Marseille, don’t just photograph Marseille. Sail Marseille.