BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Lerins islands no-licence from Cannes and Golfe-Juan

Reaching the Lerins islands by no-licence boat from Cannes or Golfe-Juan: Sainte-Marguerite, Saint-Honorat, easy anchorages and the easterly wind.

The Lerins islands, barely a mile off Cannes, are the perfect no-licence outing: a short crossing, clear water and two islands with opposite characters. From Cannes or Golfe-Juan, a 6 hp boat is ample for a fine day. Boat-Comparator helps you compare local offers while being affiliated with no platform; here is how to make the most of it without any nasty surprise.

A short, easy crossing

French no-licence boating is capped at 6 hp (4.5 kW), by day, within a zone set by the operator. At 5 knots the Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite crossing takes a short half hour, within a beginner's reach in calm seas. From Golfe-Juan, the western approach to the archipelago is just as reachable. Stay in the coastal lane, watch the shuttle and day-boat traffic, and always keep an eye on the way back and on the clock.

Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat

Sainte-Marguerite, the larger island, is ringed by sandy anchorages on its north side facing Cannes: turquoise water, shaded eucalyptus paths, the Man in the Iron Mask fort to visit. The Grande Passe between the two islands is a classic for swimming and snorkelling. Saint-Honorat, the monks' island, is more for cruising past than landing — anchorages are more limited and sometimes regulated. Approach gently, as the spot is busy and the bottom shoals fast near the rocks. Plan lunch on board: the two islands have only a few eateries, often packed in high season, and nothing beats a quiet pause at anchor with the water almost to yourselves.

Wind and anchoring

An easterly can raise an unpleasant chop on the way out and make the northern Sainte-Marguerite anchorages uncomfortable; if so, seek shelter on the south side. In a westerly mistral it is the reverse, so tuck in to the east. Anchor on clear sand, never on the protected posidonia seagrass, and pay out enough chain to hold. Most operators cap the zone to the archipelago and the Cannes shoreline, the ideal space for no-licence boating.

Boating in September at the Lerins

Early autumn is an excellent time for this outing: the Mediterranean sits at its warmest temperature of the year in September, the Sainte-Marguerite anchorages free up after the August peak, and the rates we see from no-licence operators in Cannes and Golfe-Juan generally drop 25 to 35% below August prices — with slots still bookable 2 to 4 weeks ahead rather than at the very last minute. It is also the month when the easterly chop settles down most often, a real plus for the crossing to the islands. Our guide to the last cheap window before autumn 2026 breaks down the price gaps zone by zone, and our overview of no-licence spots on the French Riviera ranks Cannes and Golfe-Juan among the best starting points on the coast.

Booking at the right price

Set off early to grab an anchoring spot before the midday crowd, and bring a mask and snorkel. Pack water, a picnic and sun protection: days in the Lerins are hot and shade on board is scarce, so plan accordingly. To go further, read our guide to boat trips in Cannes and the Lerins, which covers timing, moorings and the best swim spots in more detail. On budget, expect 100 to 250 EUR a day for no-licence, with a 10 to 25 percent spread for the same boat between platforms. Compare through Boat-Comparator — gathering Boataround, SamBoat, Click&Boat and GlobeSailor with no affiliation — and browse all no-licence rental in Cannes. Always check the cancellation policy, which varies by operator.

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