Book ahead in summer
In July and August departures fill fast: book the day before or early, and arrive ahead on the quay.
The Bistrot de Nino journal
Visiting the calanques of Cassis by boat,a practical guide from the harbour
Published on
From Cassis harbour, boarding for the calanques is the star outing. Where the boats leave, which option to choose, how long, with or without swimming, and where to eat on the way back — a fully practical guide, written from the quay the boats leave from.
The essentials
Boats to the calanques leave from Cassis harbour, on Quai Jean-Jacques Barthélemy, a few metres from the Bistrot de Nino terrace. Several options exist — 3, 5, 8 or 9 calanques — from 45 minutes to nearly 2 hours, with or without swimming. Light and sea are best in the morning; book ahead in summer. On the way back, sit down facing the harbour over fresh fish.
The starting point
Where do the boats leave fromfor the calanques in Cassis?
It all starts on the harbour. The boats to the calanques leave from Cassis harbour, along Quai Jean-Jacques Barthélemy — the same quay as Le Bistrot de Nino. From our terrace, you can see the boats cast off towards the white cliffs.
The ticket kiosks are set up right on the quay, among the moored pointus and the terraces. Staff give the next departure time and the current option, and you board a few steps away on the pontoons.
On foot, access is easy: from the village car parks, walk down to the water and reach the quay in a few minutes.
To plan your arrival and parking, read our guide how to come to Cassis and where to park, then walk to the quay in minutes.
Choosing your route
The excursion options:3, 5, 8 or 9 calanques
Companies offer several routes, from short to complete. The more calanques, the longer the trip and the further west you go. Durations are indicative and vary with the sea and the boat. Ask the companies on the quay for exact prices.
- 01
The 3-calanque trip (about 45 minutes)
The shortest option, ideal with children: Port-Miou, Port-Pin and the majestic entrance of En-Vau, the most photographed.
- 02
The 5-calanque tour (about 1 hour)
A good compromise: beyond En-Vau towards the Oule and the Devenson, where cliffs plunge straight into deep water.
- 03
The 8-calanque tour (about 1 h 30)
For those who want to see further, past the Devenson to wilder, harder-to-reach calanques best seen from the sea.
- 04
The full 9-calanque loop (about 1 h 45 to 2 hours)
The most complete option, out to the most remote calanques, with sights such as the Œil de Verre, a natural rock arch.
Whatever the option, the start and finish are always the same: Cassis harbour. Longer routes simply need a calmer sea and more time.
Two ways to board
With swimmingor panoramic tour?
The classic panoramic tour stays on board: you cruise past the calanques, slow down for photos, but don't get in the water. It's the most common, quickest option.
Some trips, often on smaller boats, include a swim stop in a calanque — anchoring in turquoise water for a break. They are longer, rarer and in high demand in summer, so bring a swimsuit and check the stop is included.
If swimming is your priority, note the sea stays cool even in summer and water access depends on the weather and sea state.
The right slot
Best time and seasonfor the boat trip
The morning is almost always best: soft light on the white cliffs, turquoise water and a generally calmer sea. The first departures are also the least crowded.
The main enemy is the mistral, the north-west wind that raises the sea and can shorten or cancel the longer routes. On windy days, choose a short option and an early start.
Late spring and early autumn are ideal: superb light, pleasant water and fewer crowds than mid-summer, when trips run at full capacity.
To choose the best time of year, see our guide to the best period to visit Cassis, useful well beyond the boat trip.
Choosing well
Boat, kayak or on foot:how to choose?
The boat is the simplest, fastest way to see the most calanques, including the remotest ones — the whole panorama in one to two hours, with no effort.
The sea kayak is more sporty and intimate, slipping into coves big boats can't reach, but it needs fitness and caution with the wind.
Hiking is the most rewarding for reaching the beaches of En-Vau or Port-Pin, but needs time, good shoes and water, and is discouraged in summer heat.
Hesitating with the on-foot version? Our full guide to visiting the calanques of Cassis covers the trails and precautions, without overlapping this sea trip.
The key question
How long doesa boat trip last?
It depends on the option: about 45 minutes for three calanques, one hour for five, 1 h 30 for eight, and up to nearly two hours for the full loop of nine — plus boarding time and any swim stop.
Allow plenty of time and don't schedule the trip right before an appointment. Part of the pleasure is strolling the quay before, and lingering by the water afterwards.
Before boarding
Practical tipsfor a great outing
A few simple habits turn a good outing into a great memory. Here's the essential before boarding at Cassis harbour.
01 02 Anticipate seasickness
If prone to it, pick an early departure in calm seas and sit in the middle of the boat.
03 Sun cream and hat
The sun is strong and reflects off the water. Cream, hat, sunglasses and water are essential, even for an hour.
04 Good shoes
Non-slip soles for boarding, and a light layer in case of a breeze offshore.
05 Camera ready
The best views — En-Vau, the Œil de Verre — are only seen from the sea. Keep your phone charged and handy.
06 Plan the return
Book your table before leaving: after the sea air you'll be hungry, and harbour terraces fill quickly.
Back at the harbour
After the calanques,lunch or dinner on the harbour
Back from the boat, the ideal setting is right there on the quay. A few metres from the pontoon, the Bistrot de Nino terrace faces the harbour and its boats — the natural end to the outing, in the shade, almost feet in the water.
On the plate, Mediterranean cuisine showcases fresh fish, with a signature moment: the whole fish presented at your table before being filleted in front of you — generous and convivial, true to a harbour restaurant.
To carry on after the excursion, discover our restaurant on the Cassis harbour and its sea-view terrace, a stone's throw from the boat quay.
Good to know
Your questions about the boat trip
How long does a boat trip in the calanques of Cassis last?
It depends on the option: about 45 minutes for three calanques, one hour for five, 1 h 30 for eight, and up to nearly two hours for the full nine-calanque loop. A swim stop adds time.
Where do the boats to the calanques leave from in Cassis?
From Cassis harbour, along Quai Jean-Jacques Barthélemy. The ticket kiosks are right on the quay, a few metres from the terraces, including Le Bistrot de Nino. The quay is a few minutes' walk from the village car parks.
Do I need to book the boat trip?
In July and August it's strongly advised, as departures fill fast. Book the day before or early and arrive ahead. Off season, you can often buy on the spot the same day.
Which calanques can you see from the boat?
Depending on the option: Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau on short trips, then the Oule, the Devenson and, on longer ones, wilder calanques up to sights like the Œil de Verre.
Can you swim during the excursion?
Some trips, often on smaller boats, include a swim stop in a calanque; others are panoramic tours with no water stop. Check the swim stop is included before boarding and bring a swimsuit.
What is the best time to go by boat?
The morning, with soft light and a calmer sea, and the least crowds. Watch for the mistral, which can shorten or cancel the longer routes.
What to do before or after the boat trip?
Before, stroll the quay and find the kiosks; after, enjoy lunch or dinner facing the harbour. A few metres from the pontoon, the Bistrot de Nino terrace serves fresh fish right on Cassis harbour.
Also worth a look
Carry on the visit around Cassis harbour
To plan your sea trip and your visit to the quay, explore our pages on the harbour, the terrace, the calanques and the surroundings of Cassis.
Going further
Sitting down by the water, back from the calanques
The finest way to end a sea trip is a table facing the harbour. To book and live the experience, discover our restaurant port de Cassis: fresh fish, Mediterranean cuisine and the largest terrace in the village, facing the boats.
Book
Book your tablefacing the harbour
Fancy following your calanques excursion with lunch or dinner facing the sea? Write to us to book your table at Le Bistrot de Nino or make a group request. We reply quickly.
A table awaits youback from the calanques
Book at Le Bistrot de Nino and savour the Mediterranean, right on the harbour, on the largest terrace in the village.