Nice : Afternoon at sea on a Maxi Catamaran – Cap Ferrat

The Côte d’Azur looks best from the water. This four-hour afternoon cruise from Nice takes you along the coast toward Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with time to relax at anchor, use a paddleboard, and enjoy the views from a French-built maxi catamaran. I especially like the easy half-day timing and the fact that drinks, a punch aperitif, and light snacks are included rather than added later.

The crew also earns credit for being friendly and efficient, according to the available feedback. The boat has still and sparkling water, juices, soft drinks, and an onboard toilet. The main consideration is that the anchorage and route depend on weather, so you cannot count on one exact bay or a fixed swimming location.

Key points at a glance

• French-built maxi catamaran: A broad sailing boat gives you open views and plenty of room to enjoy the ride.
• Two classic coastal destinations: The route heads toward Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, depending on conditions.
• A relaxed afternoon schedule: Boarding is at 1:50 pm, with return to Nice planned for about 6:00 pm.
• Paddleboarding at anchor: You can take a paddle excursion during the stop, subject to the conditions and available equipment.
• Drinks included: Water, juices, cola, lemonade, and a Punch Planteur are served onboard.
• Simple booking flexibility: Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Setting out from the Port of Nice at 1:50 pm

You meet the crew at Quai Amiral Infernet in the Port of Nice. Look for the maxi catamaran named Mayba. Boarding is scheduled for 1:50 pm, giving the crew time to welcome you aboard, explain the boat, introduce the program, and cover basic safety instructions before departure.

That short briefing matters. This is not simply a sightseeing boat that stays close to the harbor. The catamaran sails along the coast, anchors in a bay, and may offer paddleboarding, so you want to know where to move and how the afternoon will run.

The location is practical if you are already in central Nice or visiting the port area. You do need to arrive at the correct quay, since a marina can contain several piers and boats. Allow enough time to find Quai Amiral Infernet instead of arriving at the last minute.

The boat itself is one of the main attractions. A maxi catamaran usually gives you a more open ride than a standard enclosed excursion boat. You can watch the coast from the deck and move around as the boat sails. On a sunny afternoon, bring sunglasses and a hat if you have one. The listed essentials include sunglasses, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.

Sailing beside Villefranche and Cap Ferrat

At about 2:00 pm, Mayba leaves Nice and follows the coast toward the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The route is chosen according to weather conditions, so the experience has some flexibility built into it.

This stretch of coast is especially pleasant from sea level. You see steep cliffs, small coves, and villas set along the shoreline. From a road or a town viewpoint, you get a fixed picture. From the catamaran, the scene changes as you move past each headland.

Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a broad, sheltered bay framed by hills and old waterfront buildings. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has a more secluded feel, with rocky edges and clear water around the peninsula. You may visit one or the other, not necessarily both. That distinction is important if you have your heart set on a particular location.

The route is also a good fit if you want more than a short harbor ride but do not want to spend an entire day at sea. The sailing portion gives you a proper coastal outing, while the four-hour length leaves room for dinner or evening plans in Nice.

Do not expect a narrated coastal lecture at every turn. The listed languages are French and English, and a live guide is provided, but the focus is on the boat ride, scenery, and time at anchor rather than a long historical presentation. If you prefer a quiet afternoon, that is a plus.

Anchoring around 2:45 pm

The catamaran drops anchor at around 2:45 pm in the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer or near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This is the slowest part of the outing, and for many people it will be the best part.

You can stay on deck, enjoy the water and sunlight, or simply let the boat rest while the coast surrounds you. The description promises an unspoiled setting, but the exact feel depends on the chosen anchorage and conditions that day. The crew gives priority to local regulations, wildlife, vegetation, and protected areas.

A paddle excursion is available during the stop. The supplied information does not give details about the number of paddleboards, duration, or whether everyone can use one at the same time, so consider it an optional activity rather than the main reason to book. If you mainly want to paddle, ask the crew about availability when you board.

The stop is also the time to use your towel and beachwear. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, which reflects the need to limit harm in coastal waters. Apply it before the boat leaves if possible, then reapply as needed while respecting the crew’s guidance.

One point worth keeping in mind: the boat may not stop at the same place every afternoon. Wind, sea conditions, and local rules can alter the sailing route and anchorage. This flexibility protects the outing, but it means the schedule should be treated as a plan rather than a guarantee.

The onboard aperitif and drinks

Around 4:00 pm, the crew serves an aperitif while the catamaran remains at anchor. Punch Planteur is the listed alcoholic drink, and moderation is advised. Still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade are also included.

The drinks come from the local brand Ôchwette through plastic-free fountains. That is a useful touch on a boat, where disposable bottles can quickly pile up. If reducing single-use plastic matters to you, this setup will appeal.

The afternoon is described as all-inclusive, but read that phrase carefully. It covers the listed beverages, the aperitif, and light snacks served onboard. It does not promise a full lunch or dinner. Eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal, especially if you plan to spend much of the time swimming or paddling.

The onboard setup is modest but practical. Feedback specifically praises the crew as friendly and efficient, and notes that the women’s toilet had feminine supplies. There is also a toilet onboard, which makes a real difference during a four-hour sailing trip.

The best way to think of the food and drink service is as a pleasant extra, not a floating restaurant. You get something to sip, a small bite, and time to talk or watch the coast. The value comes from the whole package rather than from the snacks alone.

Returning to Nice around 5:15 pm

At about 5:15 pm, the catamaran leaves the anchorage and begins the return to Nice. This final sailing gives you another view of the same coast from a different angle. Light and weather may have shifted since the outbound trip, and the return can feel calmer after the stop.

The planned arrival is around 6:00 pm. The stated duration is four hours, while the schedule from the 1:50 pm boarding time to the 6:00 pm disembarkation is a little over four hours. Treat the listed timetable as approximate, especially since sea conditions can affect the return.

That timing works well for a summer afternoon. You avoid committing your entire day to a boat trip, yet you have enough time to settle into the rhythm of sailing. You can book this as the main activity between lunch and dinner, with a little flexibility around the end time.

What the $88 price gives you

At $88 per person, this is not a bargain harbor cruise. It is also more than a simple transport ride. The price includes a four-hour coastal sailing, the maxi catamaran, crew, guided assistance in French and English, an anchorage, paddle access, soft drinks, and a Punch Planteur.

I see the strongest value in the amount of time on the water. A short cruise may give you a few photographs from the bay, but this outing includes a proper sail, a long stop at anchor, and a return journey. The included drinks also make the final cost easier to understand.

The value is less convincing if you want a structured sightseeing tour with detailed commentary or a full meal. The route can change, and no detailed meal menu or fixed stop at both Villefranche and Cap Ferrat is promised.

I would compare the price with what you want from the afternoon. For a scenic boat day with a relaxed mood, the package is fairly priced. For someone who only wants to see the coastline quickly, a shorter and cheaper cruise may be enough.

Who will enjoy this afternoon most

I would choose this outing if you want a break from city sightseeing and prefer a calm afternoon outdoors. Couples, families, and small groups looking for time on the water should find the format appealing.

It also suits people who like a little activity without signing up for a demanding excursion. You can paddle at anchor, but you can also remain on deck and enjoy the view. That choice makes the cruise more flexible than an outing built entirely around swimming or watersports.

Beachwear and a towel suggest that getting wet is part of the plan, but you are not required to make the paddle stop your main event. If you dislike open water, strong sun, or a boat that may move with the swell, this may not be the right afternoon for you.

The tour is less suitable for anyone who needs a fixed destination. You may be sent toward Villefranche-sur-Mer or Cap Ferrat based on the weather. That is good seamanship, but it can frustrate someone who booked specifically for one bay.

Practical advice before you board

Wear clothes that work for sitting on deck and getting near the water. Bring beachwear, a towel, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen. A light layer may also be useful, but the supplied information only requires the listed beach essentials.

Arrive at Quai Amiral Infernet in the Port of Nice and look for Mayba. The meeting point is specific, so check the quay carefully rather than assuming every boat leaving the port uses the same boarding area.

Keep the afternoon open until the planned 6:00 pm arrival. The route and anchorage can change with weather, and boat schedules are not as rigid as land-based tours.

If you do not drink alcohol, you still have several included choices: still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade. The Punch Planteur is an option, not the whole refreshment service.

Booking is made easier by free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies are useful when your Nice schedule is still shifting.

Should you book the Mayba catamaran afternoon?

Book it if you want a scenic, low-pressure half-day on the Côte d’Azur, with a good chance to relax at anchor and enjoy included drinks. The friendly, efficient crew and practical onboard comforts add to the appeal.

Skip it if you need a fixed route, a full meal, or a highly detailed history tour. The strongest reason to choose this cruise is not a particular landmark. It is the combination of sailing, clear coastal water, time at anchor, and a gentle return to Nice.

For most people who want to see the Riviera from the sea without giving up an entire day, the $88 price is reasonable. Just arrive ready for the route to change, bring your beach gear, and treat the paddleboard and aperitif as welcome extras within a relaxed afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The meeting point is Quai Amiral Infernet at the Port of Nice. The catamaran is named Mayba.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding is scheduled for 1:50 pm. Departure is planned for 2:00 pm after the boat presentation, program information, and safety instructions.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is four hours. The planned schedule runs from boarding at 1:50 pm to disembarkation at about 6:00 pm.

Which places will the catamaran visit?

The route goes toward the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The crew chooses the sailing route and anchorage according to weather conditions.

Is paddleboarding included?

A paddle excursion is available during the anchorage stop. The provided information does not specify how many paddleboards are available or how long each person may use one.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included soft drinks are still water, sparkling water, orange juice, multi-fruit juice, cola, and lemonade. Punch Planteur is also served as the alcoholic aperitif.

Is food included?

An aperitif and light snacks are served onboard. A full lunch or dinner is not specified.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in French and English. Some content may be presented in its original language.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear. You should also arrive at the Port of Nice meeting point with enough time to board at 1:50 pm.