Calanques National Park by Boat: White Limestone Cliffs of Marseille

If you're looking for a day out on the water during your Marseille trip, a boat tour to the Calanques National Park is highly recommended.

The Calanques are narrow inlets deeply carved into the coastline stretching from Marseille to Cassis and La Ciotat. Designated as France's tenth national park in 2012, it is the only peri-urban national park in Europe, set right beside a major city, and about 90% of its core protected area is sea.

This makes it particularly suitable for first-time visitors to the Calanques, as you can get close to the coves at the base of the cliffs without strenuous hikes.

Gazing Up at White Limestone Cliffs from the Boat

Boarding a boat from Marseille's Old Port or Pointe Rouge harbor, you'll head towards the Calanques National Park along the coastline. You'll pass the sheer cliffs of Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton, followed by the clear waters of En-Vau and Port Pin.

When the boat anchors in a quiet cove, you can borrow snorkeling gear to explore the transparent waters. Wetsuits are also available on cooler days, and the captain decides which coves to visit based on the day's wind and sea conditions.

A Relaxing Day Aboard a Catamaran or Sailing Boat

For a more leisurely experience on the sea, a catamaran (a twin-hulled boat) with its spacious deck is a great option. After passing the Château d'If and the Frioul Islands, you'll anchor in the Calanques area, where you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding or dive into the sea from the boat's roof.

If you wish to spend the entire day at sea, consider a traditional sailing boat tour. Departing from the Old Port at 10 AM and returning around 5 PM, the destination is set towards the Calanques National Park or the Côte Bleue, depending on the wind.

Enjoy swimming in the coves where the boat anchors, and savor lunch with a glass of Provençal rosé wine on board. Please note that the lunch menu may vary depending on the operator.

Things to Know Before You Go to the Calanques

The Calanques National Park is accessible year-round, but from June 1st to September 30th, access to the forested areas is decided day by day according to fire risk. On days when access is closed, you cannot enter by land, and while you can still visit by boat, landing on the shore is forbidden.

During the peak summer season, free advance reservations are required to enter the Sugiton and Pierres-Tombées coves on designated days. You can check the daily access status on the official national park app, 'Mes Calanques'.

Boat tour routes and swimming times can vary based on weather conditions. Please carefully check your voucher for the departure time and meeting point on the day of your booking. For the closest encounters with white cliffs and turquoise waters, set sail for the Calanques by boat.