Board a 1949 schooner at Marseille's Old Port for a seven-hour voyage into the Calanques National Park. Swim, snorkel, eat a local organic lunch and get an introduction to traditional sailing on this shared day cruise.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The scent of diesel and sea-spray fades as the Alliance slips away from the Old Port, sails filling on a course toward the limestone teeth of the Calanques. Passengers settle on wooden benches while the crew serves coffee and fruit juice; below, Marseille's harbor recedes and the cliffs of the national park sharpen into jagged white against blue.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to step on/off a small gangway and swim in open water.
Wildlife
History
The schooner Alliance was built in 1949; Marseille's Vieux-Port has been a maritime hub since at least the Roman era, and the Calanques were later designated a national park to protect their unique coastline.
Conservation
The Calanques are a protected national park—respect swimming areas, avoid anchoring on seagrass meadows (posidonia) and follow crew guidance to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Sailing day in the heart of the Calanques today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate and bring a refillable bottle
Bottled water is provided, but bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated during swims and sun exposure.
Protect yourself from the sun
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and UV sunglasses—white limestone reflects intense sunlight on deck and in coves.
Prevent seasickness
If you are sensitive to motion, take an anti-nausea remedy before departure and sit midship where motion is less pronounced.
Footwear for deck and shore
Wear non-slip deck shoes or sandals with grip for moving on wet wood and rocky shorelines when boarding and disembarking.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine life from chemical sunscreens while spending hours on deck and in shallow coves.
summer
Non-slip deck shoes
Provide traction on wet wooden decks and when climbing onto rocky shorelines.
Light wind layer
A breathable windbreaker keeps you warm on the open crossing when the Mistral or sea breeze picks up.
spring
Personal snorkel mask
Snorkel equipment is provided, but a personal mask ensures better fit and comfort in the water.
summer