The Bandol calanques are often overshadowed by those of Cassis or Marseille — yet they rival them in beauty and offer the advantage of being less crowded. Walls of white limestone plunging into the sea, water of an unreal turquoise, hidden creeks accessible only by sea.
A typical day cruises 3-4 calanques: Méjean, Port d'Alon, Le Mugel (Provençal limestone garden), Coudoulière. Plus a stop at Bendor island (10 min from Bandol) for variety. Lunch at anchor in a sheltered cove with the boat's own catering or your own picnic.
From May to October, water temperature reaches 20-25°C. Day length allows 8-10h cruise. Best in early summer or September for fewer boats and best light. We pair you with the right boat: family-friendly day-cruiser (8-10m, €600-900/day for 6 people) or larger motoryacht (12-14m, €1,500-2,500/day for 10-12 people).
Day itinerary and timing
Typical full-day cruise:
- 9am: meet at Bandol port, brief safety and itinerary chat with the skipper.
- 10am: cast off. Sailing towards Le Mugel calanque (15 min). Anchor, swim, snorkel.
- 11.30am: continue to Port d'Alon. Stop for 1h swim and snorkeling. Famous for its turquoise water.
- 1pm: lunch at anchor in a sheltered cove. Onboard catering or your own picnic.
- 3pm: continue towards Méjean and Coudoulière. More swimming.
- 5pm: optional stop at Bendor island for a quick walk or aperitif.
- 6.30pm: return to Bandol port.
Variations: full Cassis day (longer, 30 min sailing west to discover the Cassis calanques En-Vau, Port-Pin, Port-Miou). Or shorter half-day Bandol-only (4h, €400-700).
Cassis option: combine both coasts
For ambitious days:
- 30 min sail west to reach the Cassis calanques (technically in Bouches-du-Rhône department but easily accessible from Bandol).
- Cassis calanques are more famous: En-Vau (the most iconic), Port-Pin, Port-Miou. Tall white cliffs, narrow inlets.
- Combine: morning Bandol calanques + afternoon Cassis calanques. €800-1,500 for 6-8 people for the day.
- Or vice versa, depending on the wind direction.
The Cassis calanques are more crowded in summer but the scale is more spectacular.
What to bring and what's provided
For a comfortable day:
- Bring: swimwear, sun cream (waterproof), hat with chin strap, sunglasses, towels, change of clothes, water bottle.
- Optional: snorkel mask + flippers (some boats provide), camera in waterproof case.
- Provided by the boat: life jackets, basic shade (bimini top), sometimes a marine toilet.
- Lunch options: bring your own picnic, or order chef's lunch in advance (€35-80/person), or stop at a port restaurant for €40-60/person.
Pricing and booking
Three main formats:
- Shared day cruise (group of 8-12 people on a larger boat): €80-150 per person.
- Private day-cruiser (6-8 people, €600-900/day): your own boat, your itinerary.
- Private motoryacht (10-12 people, €1,500-2,500/day): more space, more comfort.
- Bandol+Cassis combined (longer day): €800-1,800 for 6-8 people.
Book 2-3 weeks ahead in season. Cancellation policy: free up to 7 days before, partial refund 3-7 days, no refund 72h before (skipper has reserved the boat).
Frequently asked questions
Difference between Bandol and Cassis calanques?
Cassis: more iconic, narrower, more visited. Bandol: more accessible (smaller crowd), pretty creeks, less spectacular cliffs but equally beautiful for swimming.
Children welcome?
Yes — the day is paced with swim breaks. Bring sun cream, hats, light snacks for the kids.
Best season?
May to early October. Best water clarity: June and September. Avoid days of strong mistral (boat rocks too much).
Lunch on board?
Yes — options range from gourmet picnic (€25/person) to full chef-prepared menu (€50-80). Drinks included or extra.
Combine with Cassis calanques?
Yes — possible on full-day cruise (30 min sailing west). Best to leave early to enjoy both.