Boat Trip, Swimming Stop

Nice: 3-Hour Boat Tour to Monaco, Villefranche & Swimming

★ 4.6 722 reviews

3 hours, free cancellation.

from $89.24 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Quai Entrecasteaux, 06300 Nice, France
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Black Tenders Events

Overview

This three-hour boat trip starts from Quai Entrecasteaux in Nice and runs down the coast towards Monaco, with stops along the way. After a short safety briefing, the boat heads first to Villefranche-sur-Mer, where you get 45 minutes of free time to walk the village and look around the waterfront. From there the route passes Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze, with coastal views and the seaside villas along the way.

There is a break at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with time for snorkelling, and the skipper provides masks and life jackets on board. The final approach is Monaco itself: the boat slows for a photo stop at Port Hercule, framed by yachts and the buildings above it, before the return run to Nice.

A local skipper runs the boat and shares stories and insights about the French Riviera throughout the journey. One thing to know before booking: you do not disembark in Monaco. The tour sees the principality from the water only, and any port disembarkation has to be arranged in advance with the operator, with port taxes and your own return transport at your expense.

What's Included

Included

Bottled water
Life jackets
Snorkeling masks

Not Included

Catering on board

Itinerary

Meet at Quai EntrecasteauxThe departure point is Quai Entrecasteaux in Nice. Toilets are available before departure, as there are none on the boat.
Safety briefingA five-minute safety briefing on the boat before leaving Nice.
Villefranche-sur-Mer stop45 minutes of free time to walk the streets and take in the waterfront, plus scenic views on the way.
Saint-Jean-Cap-FerratA 20-minute break with snorkelling and scenic views along the coast.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer and ÈzePass-by legs with coastal views and the seaside villas of both spots.
Port Hercule photo stop15 minutes at Monaco's harbour for photos, seen from the water. There is no disembarkation in Monaco on this tour.
Return to NiceThe boat arrives back at Quai Entrecasteaux.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this trip fits, and how to prepare for it.

Getting on and off. One reviewer found boarding and exiting the boat not the easiest, and said it would not suit people with limited mobility. The itinerary involves stepping on and off at stops. Consider this if anyone in your group has trouble with balance or steps.
The swim stop. Snorkelling masks and life jackets are provided, and bottled water is on board. The stop depends on weather and sea conditions, so it can be dropped.
What to bring. The listing recommends sunscreen. There is no catering on board, so bring anything you want to eat or drink. There are no toilets on the boat, only before departure.
Pace and seating. One reviewer described the boat as fast across the waves, though another found it a very smooth and stable ride. The review summary mentions that seating and shade details could be clearer before you go, so it is worth checking the listing for specifics on the boat before you book.
Guide and commentary. A professional local skipper runs the trip and shares stories about the coast throughout. Reviewers again and again praised the guide as knowledgeable, fun and willing to pause the boat so everyone could take in the scenery.
Children and pets. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and minors must be with a legal guardian. Pets cannot come on board. Families with children are fine as long as an adult is present.

Common issues. The itinerary and the swimming stop both depend on weather and sea conditions, and the captain can modify or shorten the trip for safety. You do not disembark in Monaco; doing so at any port requires advance arrangement with the operator, port taxes, and your own transport back. There are no toilets on board, no catering, and no hotel pickup. One reviewer flagged boarding and exiting as tricky for anyone with limited mobility, and the review summary notes that some travellers found pre-trip information about seating and shade on the boat unclear. Missed departures are neither exchangeable nor refundable.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start And Is Hotel Pickup Included?

The tour starts at Quai Entrecasteaux in Nice. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the quay.

What Is Included In The Price?

Bottled water, life jackets and snorkelling masks are provided, along with the skipper's commentary. Catering on board and hotel pickup are not included.

Does The Boat Stop In Monaco?

No. You see Monaco from the water and get a photo stop at Port Hercule, but there is no disembarkation. If you want to get off at a port during the tour, it must be pre-arranged with the operator, with port taxes and return transport at your own expense.

How Long Is The Tour And How Is The Time Split?

The tour lasts three hours. It includes a 45-minute stop in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a 20-minute break at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with snorkelling, a 15-minute photo stop at Port Hercule, and pass-by views of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you miss the boat departure itself, the ticket is neither exchangeable nor refundable.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Minors are welcome but must be accompanied by a legal guardian; unaccompanied minors and pets are not allowed. One reviewer said getting on and off the boat was not easy and would not recommend it for people with limited mobility, so judge your own situation before booking.