“Oh my boat oh oh oh! You are the most beautiful boat and you guide me on the waves! ” Hey travelers, how about renting a boat without a license to explore Cannes and the Lérins Islands?
If you’re coming to the Côte d’Azur on vacation and don’t really know what to do around here, you should know that there are a variety of interesting activities to experience around here.
In fact, I invite you to take a look at all our articles on accommodation and activities for couples, friends and families in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region:
- My unforgettable encounter with the Mercantour wolves
- What to see and do in Cannes, discover my must-sees
- Cannes, a must-try guesthouse in the city center
- Discover Marseille and its calanques by boat
- The new Tohapi mobile homes in the hinterland
- The Monts d’Azur reserve for unusual accommodation and wildlife watching
You want to rent a boat with your family or friends, but you don’t think it’s possible because everything on the Côte d’Azur is so expensive! What’s more, everything is fully booked at the height of the season and you don’t have your boating license. Well, you won’t have to say that sentence again, because yes, there is an alternative to motorboats! I’d like to introduce you to a little nugget I’ve been looking forward to testing: the license-free, solar-powered boat also known as Solar Boat. Rendezvous in Cannes harbor (port Canto) to climb aboard and discover the Lérins islands in a different way (Sainte marguerite island and Saint Honorat island) in the bay of Cannes.
For our first experience, it was Antoine who volunteered to drive the boat (which suited me because I wanted to get a tan). Nicolas, the boat owner, will accompany you on board to explain the basic rules (starting, stopping, moving forward and reversing) and give you a quick workout in the harbour. I assure you, it’s a shot in the dark.
As the name suggests, the solar boat has an electric motor and solar panels to power the batteries. No need to fill up on fuel or go into debt, everything is eco-friendly and easy to use! This company, which has been in existence since 2016, is entering its third season and is enjoying great success on the Côte d’Azur, the Var and Corsica. You’ll find these boats in Cannes, Saint Raphael, Beaulieu, Hyères , Sanary, Porto (2A) and Ile Rousse (2B). Rather practical, isn’t it?
How does it work? Once on board, this 7-seater mini-boat speeds from 4 to 6 knots, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the craft, enjoy the panoramic views and cruise along the coast and islands. Its autonomy is 7 hours, so it’s up to you to control your speed: the faster you go, the more you consume!
If, like us, you’d like to go to the Lérins Islands, you’ll reach the first island in 15 minutes and will be able to sail around the island in 1 hour to anchor.
What’s on board? All you need to know about this boat without a license:
- vests and safety equipment
- a bath ladder
- a large sunbathing area
- a sun awning
- a large table for your lunches and aperitifs on the water (indispensable and rather practical)
Why did we like this concept?
✖️ It’s ECOLO : and yes, think of the environment and minimize our impact thanks to its electric propulsion and solar panels! Surf without polluting
✖️ The CONVIVIAL and very COMFORT : since no license is required, anyone can pilot the boat, even grandma and grandpa! Its on-board comfort and silent operation make it a very user-friendly boat
✖️ The ACCESSIBLE in terms of price: no more full tanks and €800 boat rentals
✖️ It’s THOUGHT for all: the boats are equipped with PRM access and a large space at the stern of the boat!
PRACTICAL INFO | Boat rental without licence
- Morning rates 9am to 12pm → €140 (low season) to €160 (high season)
- Afternoon rates from 2pm to 6pm → from 170€ (low season ) to 200€ (high season )
- Day 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. → €240 (low season) to €290 (high season)
- Prices for sunsets (7pm-9pm) and fireworks → from €95 (low season) to €120 (high season)
- I’ll have you know that there’s already been a proposal of marriage on one of these boats – I’m just saying!
- Don’t forget your picnic. We advise you to buy this picnic basket from la chaise longueand visit the Forville market in Cannes for fresh, appetizing local produce.
- You must show up 20 min before departure time to complete the charter contract and attend the navigation and safety briefing. Regarding the price, it’s the same throughout the rental network. There are low and high season rates, of course!
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KAYAK
By kayak, you’ll set off on a relaxing day of discovery, all within easy reach of Cannes and the starting point.
➡️ Check availability and book kayaks in advance
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THE CATAMARAN
You’ll set sail on a modern, fully-equipped catamaran for a cruise around the Bay of Cannes, taking advantage of stops to swim or explore the seabed. Count on a good half-day with lunch served on board.
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DISCOVER THE STATUES OF THE LÉRINS ISLANDS
If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast, check out this unique underwater exhibition by world-renowned artist Jason Decaire Taylor. This amazing new eco-museum can be discovered underwater with your mask and snorkel, at depths of between 3 and 5 meters. A unique moment to experience, and a feeling of being somewhere else!
BON PLAN | DÉCOUVREZ LA BAIE DE CANNES ET SES ILES EN BATEAU
Si vous souhaitez plus d’intimité, que vous êtes en famille ou entre amis et que vous souhaitez privatiser un bateau au départ de Cannes avec ou sans skipper, vous aurez l’embarras du choix en cliquant ici sur cette plateforme: bateaux à moteurs, voiliers, yachts, bateaux sans permis, avec ou sans skipper, c’est vous qui voyez. N’oubliez pas de réserver assez longtemps à l’avance car tout est plein en été et sur la haute saison et vous aurez beaucoup de mal à trouver votre bonheur.
➡️ Vérifier les disponibilités des différents bateaux et réserver maintenant
(sans minimum d’achat et réservations illimitées)
Alors que pensez-vous de cette expérience ? Est ce que vous y penserez la prochaine fois ? J’attends vos retours en commentaires.
Avant de partir, je vous invite à consulter tous nos articles sur les hébergements et les activités à faire en couple ou en familles dans la région Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur:
- Ma rencontre inoubliable avec les loups du Mercantour
- Que faire et que voir à Cannes, découvrez mes incontournables
- Cannes, une maison d’hôte à tester absolument dans le centre ville
- Découvrir Marseille et ses calanques en bateau
- Les nouveaux mobil-homes Tohapi dans l’arrière pays
- La réserve des Monts d’Azur pour un hébergement insolite et observer des animaux sauvages
N’oubliez pas d’épingler l’article sur Pinterest pour le retrouver plus facilement 🖤
