The Lérins Islands by Private Boat:
A Riviera Escape Between Two Green Shores
Sainte-Marguerite, Saint-Honorat and the Mediterranean between them. Discover a different kind of Riviera destination on a westbound private charter from Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Trade the Riviera waterfront for two green islands
Between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, the setting changes. Low island shorelines, Mediterranean trees and open water take the place of towns rising beneath steep mountains.
Cannes is nearby, but the immediate surroundings feel quite different from the Croisette. Look toward rocky coves, planted shores and the changing colors of the water between the islands.
For guests prepared to spend more time cruising west, the Lérins Islands deserve to be the focus of the day rather than an extra stop added at the end.
Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat
Together, the two main islands offer a distinctive mix of natural scenery and history. A boat visit gives you a coastal perspective, while any time ashore can be discussed separately.
Sainte-Marguerite
Sainte-Marguerite is known for its wooded landscape, pine and eucalyptus-lined paths, and the Fort Royal.
The fort is associated with the story of the Man in the Iron Mask. Around the island, coves and rocky shorelines give the landscape a character beyond its history.
From aboard, enjoy the contrast between the low green island and the Mediterranean around it.
Saint-Honorat
Saint-Honorat remains home to the Abbey of Lérins and a living monastic community. Its vineyards are part of the island’s distinctive landscape.
The island combines a long spiritual history with the everyday work of the monks who live there.
If you would like to visit ashore, discuss the practical arrangements in advance and respect the character of the site.
The Lérins Islands are more than another place to drop anchor. They are a destination in their own right.
Why the island setting feels different
There are no steep mountain slopes immediately behind the beaches. The islands sit low, allowing the trees, shoreline and water to define the view.
In suitable light, the shallower areas can take on beautiful turquoise tones. Darker patches and changing depths add variety to the scene. The exact colors depend on light, weather and water conditions.
Low green shores
Look toward trees and coves rather than a dense waterfront. The islands give your boat day a noticeably different backdrop.
Time to swim and explore
Consider swimming and snorkeling where conditions and local rules allow. Make time to enjoy the destination after the journey west.
A day built around the islands
Leave room for a relaxed pause, lunch and the return cruise. A focused itinerary lets the setting become the main experience.
Swimming and snorkeling around the Lérins Islands
The archipelago is known for its coves, attractive swimming areas and snorkeling opportunities. Tell us if time in the water is your main reason for visiting.
Your skipper chooses a suitable permitted stopping place according to the conditions. The best position may be between the islands or elsewhere around their shores.
Snorkeling equipment is aboard L’Esquinade if you would like to look beneath the surface. Water clarity, wildlife sightings and the suitability of a particular spot naturally vary.
You can also stay aboard, enjoy the view and share the pause without getting into the water.
Turquoise shallows are scenery, not a boat-access promise
Shallow water, marked swimming areas, navigation routes and protected habitats influence where the boat can go. We do not promise a particular position in the passage.
Your skipper considers wind, swell, traffic, depth and local restrictions before choosing where to stop.
Anchoring must respect Posidonia seagrass and the rules applying at the exact location. The islands can be popular, especially during the summer.
Lunch and island visits
A relaxed lunch aboard can fit naturally into an island-focused day. Discuss your plans beforehand; L’Esquinade has dining space, refrigeration and kitchenette facilities.
If you would prefer a restaurant or time ashore, tell us before booking. Access, reservations, opening arrangements and any additional costs need to fit the full itinerary.
Visiting the island waters does not automatically include landing on either island, museum entry or an abbey visit.
Swimming, walking or a long lunch?
Each takes time. A walk through the island, a restaurant meal and several swims cannot all be treated as quick additions.
Share your priorities, and we can discuss what is practical within your charter hours. Any visit to Saint-Honorat should respect the island’s monastic setting.
Discuss Your Island PlansVisiting the Lérins Islands from Beaulieu-sur-Mer
The islands are close to Cannes, but this charter departs from Beaulieu-sur-Mer near Nice. Your journey is considerably longer than a short crossing from Cannes itself.
Discuss the route, charter duration, fuel estimate and expected time around the islands before reserving. Conditions along the full journey matter as well as the weather at the destination.
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Make the islands the focus
Tell us whether swimming, snorkeling, lunch or going ashore is most important. Build the day around those priorities.
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Depart Beaulieu for the western Riviera
Meet your skipper and confirm the conditions and agreed route. Enjoy the coastal journey as part of the experience.
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Explore the island waters
Take in Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. Your skipper selects appropriate permitted positions for cruising and any stops.
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Allow time for the return
Balance your island time with the full journey back to Beaulieu. Keep the itinerary realistic rather than adding too many mainland stops.
A dedicated direction, rather than an extra stop
The Lérins Islands belong to a western itinerary. They should not be treated as an addition to a day exploring Monaco and Menton. Choose the coastline you most want to experience.
Explore aboard L’Esquinade
Our Sunseeker Portofino 35 is reserved for your group of up to six charter guests, with an English-speaking skipper.
Tell us who is joining you and how your group feels about a longer cruising day. We can discuss whether an island itinerary suits your plans.
- Departure from Beaulieu-sur-Mer near Nice.
- Personal itinerary planning.
- Complimentary water, French rosé and towels.
- Snorkeling equipment and floats aboard.
- Dining space, refrigeration and kitchenette facilities.
Confirm the hours and fuel estimate
A longer route affects both the cruising time and overall cost. Ask us to discuss the complete island itinerary, including the return journey.
Confirm charter hours, estimated fuel and any restaurant, transfer or shore arrangements before booking.
Read the Charter Cost GuideVisiting the Lérins Islands by private boat
Where are the Lérins Islands?
The archipelago lies offshore from Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are its two main islands.
Does this charter depart from Cannes?
No. The charter described here departs from Beaulieu-sur-Mer near Nice. The journey is longer than a crossing from Cannes, so the full route must be planned in advance.
Can we stop between the two islands?
A stop may be possible at a suitable permitted location. Your skipper considers depth, conditions, traffic, local restrictions and the seabed before choosing a position.
Can we swim and snorkel?
Swimming and snorkeling can be part of the day where appropriate. Snorkeling equipment is aboard, but visibility and conditions vary.
Are the island waters always calm and quiet?
No. Wind, swell and boat traffic affect the experience. Popular areas can be busy in summer, and no particular anchorage is guaranteed.
What is Sainte-Marguerite known for?
The larger island is known for its wooded landscape, Fort Royal and the story of the Man in the Iron Mask.
Do monks still live on Saint-Honorat?
Yes. Saint-Honorat remains home to the Abbey of Lérins and a monastic community. Vineyards form part of the island’s working landscape.
Can we go ashore on the islands?
Ask us before booking. Landing arrangements, time ashore and any visits or reservations need to be planned separately. They are not automatically included in a coastal boat visit.
Can we combine the islands with Cap d’Antibes?
Both can be discussed within a western itinerary. The number and length of stops must fit the available hours, fuel arrangements and conditions.
What if conditions do not suit the journey?
Your skipper will discuss the appropriate options under your charter arrangements. Safety and conditions along the full route take priority over reaching the islands.
Plan the experience around your group
Make the Lérins Islands your destination
Tell us your dates, number of guests and what you would most enjoy around the islands. We will help discuss a private western charter from Beaulieu-sur-Mer.