Planning a luxury day at sea between Cap d’Antibes and Cannes? Here’s a tight, skipper-approved guide to the chicest swim spots and lunch stops—no fluff, just what you need to pick the right bay, time your day, and enjoy it like a local. BedBoat Charter can arrange the yacht, skipper, and beach-club logistics—while you keep the spotlight on the sea.
The Shortlist (north-to-south)
1) Baie des Milliardaires (Cap d’Antibes)
Vibe: Rock amphitheatre, teal water, superyacht scenery
Why go: The Côte d’Azur postcard—dramatic cliffs, glassy swims, great photos
Anchoring notes: Limited space; arrive early. Watch depth and swimmers close to the rocks.
Do there: Snorkel along the cliff line; Seabob runs are top-tier.
Skipper tip: Morning is calmest. In afternoon breeze, expect chop reflecting off the cliffs.
2) Anse de la Garoupe (Cap d’Antibes)
Vibe: Pretty and practical; quick reset between swims
Why go: Clear water, easy tender runs, solid plan B if Milliardaires is crowded
Anchoring notes: Sand patches with intermittent Posidonia—drop on sand only.
Do there: SUP laps, light lunch on deck, or tender ashore for a café.
Skipper tip: If wind clocks around, Garoupe often stays workable when other coves don’t.
3) Anse de la Salis (Antibes side)
Vibe: Beach-town charm with old-Antibes backdrop
Why go: Great first swim; forgiving for mixed groups (kids, first-timers)
Anchoring notes: Sand bottom but busier traffic—set scope, post a swim watch.
Do there: Quick dip + photo pass along the ramparts before rounding the Cap.
4) Île Sainte-Marguerite (Lérins, north & west sides)
Vibe: Pine-scented island fringe, long lazy lunches
Why go: Space to anchor, classic Riviera hush between pines and sea
Anchoring notes: Mind swim zones + ferries. Keep clear of sea-grass meadows.
Do there: Tender ashore for a shaded walk; snorkel over bright sand tongues.
Skipper tip: If a light mistral sets in, the island can still offer lee—check the side.
5) Channel Between the Islands (“La Piscine”)
Vibe: Liquid-turquoise runway between Saint-Honorat & Sainte-Marguerite
Why go: Unreal color; short hops for multiple swims
Anchoring notes: Depths vary; traffic tight. Only stop if conditions are settled and you’re experienced with quick set/haul.
Do there: Short, photo-first swim stop; keep rotation respectful to others.
6) Île Saint-Honorat (south & east coves)
Vibe: Monastic calm, cypress silhouettes, Riviera minimalism
Why go: Sheltered swims and refined onboard lunches away from noise
Anchoring notes: Sand pockets among Posidonia—use a mask to confirm the patch.
Do there: Slow lunches, gentle snorkeling, tender cruise past the abbey coast.
Skipper tip: Silence is the luxury here—keep music discreet.
7) Palm Beach / Mouré Rouge (Cannes point)
Vibe: Easygoing water-sports stop near town
Why go: Quick dip before/after the islands; good for SUPs and toys
Anchoring notes: Straightforward hold in fair weather; watch kite/windsurf areas.
Do there: Fast swim + city-skyline shots; then hop to the Lérins for lunch.
Sample “perfect day” (Antibes → Lérins → Antibes)
- 09:30 Lines off from Antibes (sport cruiser or 50–60ft fly)
- 10:00 First swim at Baie des Milliardaires (photos, snorkel)
- 11:30 Glide to Sainte-Marguerite for a second dip
- 13:00 Lunch at anchor off Saint-Honorat (or beach-club tender, booking needed)
- 15:30 Easy run through “La Piscine” for a quick turquoise stop
- 16:30 Final swim at Garoupe if conditions allow
- 17:30 Return to Antibes via the Cap for golden-hour coastline views
Boat picks & add-Ons
- 12–15m sport cruisers: Agile, fun, ideal for two-to-three anchorages.
- 15–20m flybridge yachts: Comfort underway + top-deck dining.
- Power cats (40–60ft): Huge platforms, ultra-stable for families/groups.
- Nice extras: Seabob, 2–4 SUPs, snorkeling sets, light hostess service, pro photos.
Etiquette & environment (read this, keep it luxe)
- Anchor on sand, not Posidonia. If unsure, move—sea-grass is protected.
- Music down, engines off when swimmers are around.
- Tenders slow near shorelines; respect swim zones and monastery hush.
- Book beach clubs early (peak season fills fast); keep timing flexible around wind.
FAQ
- When is best? Mornings for calm; June–Sept for warmest water.
- Seasickness prone? Short hops: Garoupe → Lérins.
- Lunch plan? Onboard is most flexible; clubs require reservations + tendering.
- Departure ports? Antibes, Cannes; Saint-Tropez on request.
Plan it with BedBoat Charter (quietly efficient)
Tell us date, group size, budget range, and the vibe (zen, foodie, family, celebration). We’ll match boat + skipper, book lunch if needed, and sequence anchorages to the day’s forecast.
Enquire with BedBoat Charter:
- Antibes/Cannes departures: Request availability →
- Custom island day: Design my route →
P.S. If you only pick two: start at Baie des Milliardaires for the drama, end at Saint-Honorat for the calm. That contrast is the Riviera in one day.