The 15 France Snorkeling Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Nice: Snorkeling Speedboat Tour in Villefranche Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 638 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70Our pick

From Chango Diving in Nice, you’ll ride 10 to 15 minutes by speedboat to Villefranche Bay, then spend about an hour swimming and snorkeling with a certified instructor. Chris, Benoit, Ben, or Adrian may lead, and gear, wetsuits, and flotation aids are included.

“The guide was nice, funny and helpful. We didn’t see that many fish but we did see some so was happy but I imagine it was because it was quite busy in the area we went to. They gave us the snorkels and flippers. The water was very salty so you can just float on top of the water whilst looking for fish or swim if you’d want to. Where we went to there was a bit of shore where you could go and sit and chill for a bit before getting back in! This was my first time snorkelling and I would definitely do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Bonifacio: Catamaran trip with snorkeling at the Lavezzi Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 471 reviews · 4 hours · from $88

Set out from Piantarella Beach with a friendly English or French speaking skipper for four hours of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding near Lavezzi and Cavallo. You get two anchorages, sailing instruction, gear, and a flexible route shaped by the weather.

“Patrick our skipper was fantastic. He let everyone know what was happening during the sailing trip. He asked if we wanted to help out and give an experience to all. He gave us options of less snorkelling and more sailing or vice versa. We made the decision to sail more, we all enjoyed our half day out and sailing was perfect. Thanks Patrick”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.From Nice: French Riviera Swimming and Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 424 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Join Le Poseidon in Nice for a two-hour wooden-boat cruise to Villefranche Bay near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You get about an hour in the water, with snorkeling gear, crew supervision, and a wetsuit if needed. Raffaella has been especially kind with nervous swimmers, while the crew keeps the trip relaxed and safe.

“My family truly enjoyed the trip, the boat crew looked after us really well. They were very professional, made sure a swimming kit was the correct size for me and the kids, They stopped the boat when we spotted the dolphins. They spoke English and Spanish and I think it’s a really good sign of customer service.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Calvi: Pointe de la Revellata Snorkeling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 362 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41Best value

Meet the Hippocampe Plongée Calvi team at Port de Plaisance, collect your snorkel gear, then ride by boat to Pointe de la Revellata. You will have free time in the water with an English or French instructor nearby. Swimming ability is required.

“Activité conforme à nos attentes. Les fonds explorés regorgent de poissons. C'est top. Je recommande”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Fréjus: Sea and Creeks Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 315 reviews · from $63

From Fréjus port, you’ll cruise past the Estérel Massif and Agay Bay, visit sea caves and coves, then stop for snorkeling and swimming. French and English crew, drinks, music, and gear are included. Guides such as Lauren and Jacques have helped make the trip welcoming for international visitors.

“Well, this was the highlight of our holiday. The tourguide (Lauren if i remember correctly) give perfect explanations in English to the two Dutch groups. The boat was fast. Trip great. We loved the “snorkelen” in the sea with the swimming as well. Make sure to bring water because you get one drink (which i can understand). We highly recommend it!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Calvi : Sortie snorkeling en bateau en bordure de réserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 178 reviews · 2 hours · from $46

Meet Castille Plongée aboard Le Thalassa in Calvi harbor, change in comfort, then take a zodiac to a carefully chosen snorkeling site near the Revellata. Hugo and the English or French speaking team provide equipment and guidance. Expect one hour in the water, marine life, and sunset views.

“Organizzazione ottima, vieni accolto sulla barca base dalla tua guida che ti fornisce l'attrezzatura (essendo fine settembre muta da 6 mm, maschera, pinne) poi una volta cambiati (nei camerini appositi) si sale sul gommone per spostarsi nel punto riservato allo snorkeling o all'eventuale immersione con bombole per chi opta per questa. Io ho prenotato per lo snorkeling ma ho potuto anche apprezzare la professionalità degli istruttori nello spiegare la discesa con le bombole. Purtroppo nn ho pensato a noleggiare la gopro prima di partire nella barca base per ciò nn potrò allegare foto, ma garantisco che si ha la possibilità di vedere tantissimi pesci tanto vicini quasi da toccarli e…”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands at sunset with snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 138 reviews · 2h 30m · from $76

You’ll sail from Piantarella Beach, or Bonifacio in low season, toward the Lavezzi Islands aboard a comfortable catamaran. The route changes with the weather, with time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and learn basic sailing from the French- and English-speaking crew, including skipper François.

“Bonjour, la balade a été annulé par l’organisateur, en raison des conditions météorologiques nous proposant de décaler, étant notre dernier jour en corse je demande un remboursement. Et depuis samedi plus de nouvelles… pas très professionnel.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.From Nice: Villefranche Bay Swimming & Snorkeling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 130 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Meet the Le Poseidon team at Nice’s harbor, collect your mask, snorkel, fins, and possible wetsuit, then cruise by wooden boat toward Villefranche Bay or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You get a safety briefing and time to swim in calm, shallow water while looking for fish, octopus, starfish, and sea urchins.

“Such an amazing experience! The guides were funny and helpful, and we got to see some amazing fish :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Lérins Islands Sailing Discovery, snorkeling and paddle SUP

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 110 reviews · 3h 30m · from $100

Sail from Antibes toward Île Sainte-Marguerite with a skipper such as Valentin, hear the story of the Man in the Iron Mask, then swim and snorkel near Fort Royal. The small boat carries up to nine people, with snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, music, and a restroom on board.

“Valentin was amazing as a skipper and guide. We had so much fun swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding. 100% recommend going on this boat trip!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.La Ciotat: Calanques Afternoon Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 77 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Join L’Eden Boat in La Ciotat for a four-hour afternoon cruise through the Calanques National Park. A skipper guides you past Figuerolles, Port Pin, En-Vau, Sugiton, and Morgiou, with swimming stops, snorkeling gear, cold drinks, and room for up to 12 people.

“We had a great time. Wonderful snorkeling and boat ride. We made friends on the trip. Our boats captain was excellent.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.La Ciotat: Calanques Morning Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 61 reviews · 3 hours · from $117

Leave La Ciotat at 9:30 a.m. for a three-hour guided boat trip through the Calanques. With a maximum of 12 people, you’ll see Île Verte, Figuerolles, Port Pin, En-Vau, and l’Oule, then stop to swim and snorkel at Anse de l’Arène with mask and snorkel provided.

“Excellent explanation of the history and the area. Beautiful water for swimming”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Nice, Cap d’Ail: Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 44 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Meet at Restaurant La Pinède in Cap d'Ail, learn to handle an underwater scooter, then follow an English or French-speaking instructor along quieter coastal water. You will look for fish, octopus, and sea urchins in a group limited to six. Julien is one of the instructors who has led this outing.

“très agreable une belle expérience !!! le matin c'est revigorant l'eau est encore bonne en septembre !! le loniteur Julien super sympa”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Bonifacio: croisière guidée et snorkelling aux îles lavezzi

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 35 reviews · 5 hours · from $102

From Sant’Amanza, cruise beneath Bonifacio’s cliffs and through sea caves, then stop to snorkel at three beautiful spots, including Piantarella Beach and the Lavezzi Archipelago. A French-speaking skipper leads this small-group outing for up to nine people, with drinks, equipment, fuel, park entry, and insurance included.

“activité magnifique, skipper attentionné et ce malgré une météo et une mer agitée”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Cap d’Antibes: Kayak adventure and snorkeling, picnic or aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 29 reviews · 4 hours · from $50

Paddle from Port Mallet with guides Pierre or Axel, stopping at Plage des Ondes, the Bay of Billionaires, and Garoupe’s coves for snorkeling and swimming. You’ll get a small-group outing for up to eight people, with kayaks, masks, water, local stories, and time for a picnic or sunset aperitif.

“It was great, Pierre and Axel are great guides. The trip was fun. They do everything they advertise and go the extra mile to make the trip amazing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Calanques National Park Snorkel and Scuba Dive

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 27 reviews · 6h 30m · from $258

Meet at Aquadomia in Marseille at 9:00 am for a full day at sea. After a 20 to 30 minute boat ride, you will snorkel in a secure area, then take a personal Discover Scuba lesson to a maximum of 18 feet. English and French instruction is available.

“La journée était super . Merci encore à l’équipe d’Aquadomia pour leurs gentillesse et leurs professionnalisme. Clémentine c’est occuper de moi pour la plonger . Elle a était super. Merci à Nathan pour l’encadrement de mon copain qui lui aussi a beaucoup apprécier sa journée . On oublie pas Oliver et les autres personnes présente sur le bateau avec nous . Je recommande”

Check availability →Read our full review