Cannes Royal Regatta Catamaran cruise

Watch history race past. This Cannes catamaran cruise puts you close to the antique wooden sailboats of the Régates Royales, with a buffet lunch and a glass of Champagne included. I like the up-close view of classic yachts and the relaxed three-hour-plus ride toward the Esterel massif.

I also like that the captain comments in French and English, helping you understand what you are seeing instead of simply watching distant sails. The main consideration is wind: on a calm day, the catamaran may not get as close to the racing boats or catch them at their most dramatic.

Key things to know before boarding

• The old wooden boats are the main attraction: You follow the Régates Royales races across the Bay of Cannes rather than taking a general sightseeing cruise.
• Lunch is served at 1 p.m.: A cold buffet is included, along with a glass of Champagne during the trip.
• The cruise leaves from Cannes Old Port: Collect your ticket first at the Trans Cote d’Azur office at 20 Quai Saint Pierre.
• You board at Quai Laubeuf: The departure point is at the end of the Laubeuf car park, at Quai Laubeuf or Quai des Îles.
• Swimming is not part of the program: Bring cash for extra drinks, since there is no card machine on board.
• Wind can change the show: Calm conditions may make it harder to approach the racing sailboats closely.

Why the Régates Royales make this cruise different

Cannes is famous for its film festival, beaches, and polished waterfront. During the Régates Royales, the Bay of Cannes takes on a different role. It becomes a course for classic sailing yachts, including old wooden boats that are difficult to appreciate from the shore.

That is the reason to choose this cruise. You are not simply looking back at Cannes from the water. You are following a live sailing event and watching the boats maneuver under racing conditions.

The old yachts are the visual prize. Their wood, tall masts, and traditional sailing designs give the race a slower, more graceful character than a modern speed event. You might see them at a distance for part of the cruise, then get a closer look as the catamaran follows their route. The experience depends on the wind and the position of the races, so you should expect a moving view rather than a fixed front-row seat.

The catamaran is also a useful platform for this kind of outing. Compared with a small boat, it gives you room to sit, eat, and watch the water without making the entire trip about active sailing. You can enjoy the race at an easy pace.

Boarding at Cannes Old Port

Your first stop is not the catamaran itself. You need to visit the Trans Cote d’Azur office at 20 Quai Saint Pierre, 30 minutes before departure, to collect your tickets and receive boarding instructions.

This extra step matters. The ticket office and the actual departure point are not described as the same place. After collecting your ticket, continue to Quai Laubeuf or Quai des Îles, at the end of the Laubeuf car park. Allow enough time to make this transfer without hurrying along the port.

The scheduled boarding time is 11:15 a.m. The boat departs from the old Port of Cannes and heads into the Bay of Cannes. Since the cruise is wheelchair accessible, it may suit people who want a water excursion without needing a physically demanding activity. Still, it is sensible to confirm any personal access needs when booking because the information provided does not describe the boarding layout in detail.

The listed duration is 210 minutes. The published schedule runs from 11:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is longer than 210 minutes. Because of that difference, I would confirm the exact timing when you check availability, especially if you have a train, dinner reservation, or another afternoon plan.

Following the antique sailboats across the bay

Once the catamaran leaves the port, the focus shifts to the Régates Royales races. The route follows the sailing area in the Bay of Cannes and continues toward the Esterel massif.

The captain provides commentary in French and English. That is useful when several boats are moving at once and you are trying to understand which yacht is racing, changing direction, or positioning for the course. The commentary adds context to what could otherwise become a pleasant but confusing view of distant sails.

I would treat the captain’s explanations as a bonus rather than a full guided lesson in sailing. The supplied details promise comments about the antique sailboats, but not a detailed history of each vessel or a formal race briefing. If you already enjoy classic yachts, you may spend more time watching the boats than listening.

The best viewing position can change during the cruise. One side of the catamaran may offer a better angle for a few minutes, then the action may shift. You will want to keep your attention on the boats instead of settling into one spot for the entire trip.

Wind is the key variable. A 4 out of 5 rating from Yvan of Belgium on September 30, 2024, praised the pleasant ride and the attractive catamaran but noted that a lack of wind made it harder to approach the yachts and see them in full action. That is an honest warning. The cruise can still be enjoyable on a calm day, but the race itself may feel less exciting.

Lunch at 1 p.m. and a glass of Champagne

A cold buffet lunch is served at 1 p.m. This gives the cruise a clear rhythm: board before noon, watch the races during the first part of the journey, eat around midday, then continue following the boats before returning to Cannes.

The meal is included in the $120 price, which helps the value. You are paying for a scheduled race-viewing cruise, a catamaran ride, lunch, a glass of Champagne, and the captain’s commentary. That is a better deal for someone who wants a complete half-day outing than for someone interested only in a short boat ride.

Because the buffet is described as cold, do not book this expecting a cooked meal or a restaurant-style dining service. The information does not list the dishes, so I would avoid making the meal the main reason to reserve. Think of lunch as a practical part of the cruise that lets you stay on board while the event continues.

The Champagne is served during navigation. Extra drinks may be available for purchase, but you need cash because there is no card machine on the boat. Carrying a little money is one of the most useful tips for this outing.

The listing also advises bringing towels and swimsuits, but swimming is not included and the cruise is specifically intended for following the races. Pack those items only if they make sense for the rest of your day. Do not expect a swim stop.

Toward the Esterel massif

The route heads toward the Esterel massif, adding a scenic coastal backdrop to the sailing event. The information does not promise a landing or a stop there, so think of this as part of the view from the water.

That distinction matters. You are not booking a coastal hike, a beach visit, or a swimming cruise. The Esterel section supports the main purpose of the outing by giving you more open water and coastal scenery while the catamaran tracks the race.

For me, this makes the trip a good fit for a day when you want to slow down. You can sit with lunch, watch the classic yachts, and let Cannes recede behind you. If you prefer a packed schedule with frequent stops and activities, the long periods aboard may feel quiet.

Returning to the Old Port at 3 p.m.

The scheduled return is 3 p.m., with passengers leaving the catamaran at the old Port of Cannes. That timing gives you the rest of the afternoon for Cannes, assuming the cruise runs according to schedule.

The return point is convenient for continuing a day in the city, but hotel pickup is not included. You need to make your own way to the ticket office and port, then arrange your own return afterward. This is a self-contained activity, not a door-to-door excursion.

The cruise is available with French and English service. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those terms are helpful if the race schedule or weather forecast is still uncertain, but you should still check the exact availability and departure time before committing.

Is $120 a fair price?

At $120 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing boat. Its value depends on what you want from your time in Cannes.

The price makes more sense if you care about the Régates Royales and want to see the antique sailboats from the water. The included lunch and Champagne add practical value, while the catamaran gives you several hours on the bay rather than a quick harbor circuit.

It is less attractive if you simply want views of Cannes from offshore. A general cruise may be enough for that goal, and this experience includes a higher price because it is tied to a particular sailing event.

The biggest uncertainty is the race action. Wind, boat position, and the course can affect how close you get. You are paying for access to the viewing area, not a guaranteed close-up of every yacht. Keep that in mind before booking.

The 4.3 rating from two verified bookings is encouraging but too small a sample to treat as a final verdict. One 5 out of 5 rating described the experience as very beautiful, while the 4 out of 5 rating praised the catamaran and pleasant ride but noted the effect of weak wind. Together, those comments give a fair picture: the setting and boat can be excellent, while the racing action remains weather-dependent.

Who will enjoy this Cannes cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• People interested in classic wooden sailboats
• Visitors who want a calm half-day on the water
• Couples looking for a scenic lunch outing
• Yacht and sailing fans who value the race setting
• Anyone comfortable with a fixed schedule and several hours aboard
• People who want French and English commentary during the cruise

It may not suit you if you want to swim, choose your own route, or spend the day stopping at beaches. It is also not the best pick if you need guaranteed close contact with the racing yachts. The lack of wind can change the character of the outing.

Families and older passengers may appreciate the wheelchair-accessible format and the fact that lunch is served on board. Still, you should consider your comfort with boarding at the port and spending the full outing on a catamaran.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive at the Trans Cote d’Azur office 30 minutes before departure. Do not go straight to the catamaran without first collecting your ticket at 20 Quai Saint Pierre.

Bring cash for extra drinks. There is no card machine on board, and this is an easy detail to forget.

Pack a swimsuit and towel only if you have another use for them. Swimming is not part of this cruise, so do not reserve it as a water-activity day.

Check the forecast and keep your expectations flexible. A calm day may make the sea feel peaceful, but it can also reduce the boats’ movement and make close viewing more difficult.

Finally, allow time after the cruise. The scheduled return is 3 p.m., but the listed duration and timetable do not match perfectly. Confirm the final schedule if you have a tight afternoon appointment.

Should you book the Régates Royales catamaran cruise?

Book this cruise if the old wooden sailboats are the reason you want to be on the water. You get a dedicated view of the Cannes races, captain commentary in French and English, a cold buffet lunch, Champagne, and a route toward the Esterel massif.

Skip it if you mainly want swimming, beach time, or a guaranteed close-up of racing action. The $120 cost is reasonable for a full race-viewing outing with food, but the experience depends heavily on wind and boat position. For classic-yacht fans, that uncertainty is part of the event. For casual sightseers, it may be more boat time than you need.

FAQ

Where does the Cannes Royal Regatta cruise depart?

The boat departs from Cannes Old Port, at Quai Laubeuf or Quai des Îles, at the end of the Laubeuf car park.

Where do I collect my ticket?

Collect your ticket at the Trans Cote d’Azur office at 20 Quai Saint Pierre in Cannes.

How early should I arrive?

You should go to the ticket office 30 minutes before departure to collect your ticket and board.

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled boarding and departure time is 11:15 a.m.

What time does the cruise return?

The scheduled return to the old Port of Cannes is 3 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A cold buffet lunch is served on board at 1 p.m.

Is Champagne included?

Yes. A glass of Champagne is served during navigation.

Can I swim during the cruise?

No. Swimming is not part of this cruise. It is designed for following the Royal Regatta races.