Nice is a fantastic place for snorkeling and boat trips. The crystal-clear waters and picturesque coastlines make it easy to find spots where you can see marine life and enjoy the Mediterranean from the water. Among the options, the Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala cave with Snorkeling really stands out for its small-group vibe and access to hidden coves, while the Nice: Mala Caves, Villefranche & Snorkeling Boat Tour offers a broader look at the coastline with more time for exploring. If exploring Monaco from the water is your goal, the Nice: Monaco & Mala Caves Boat Trip with Snorkeling combines luxury sights with swimming breaks. Each offers a different flavor of coastal adventure, so choose based on how much time you want to spend and what kind of experience appeals most.
Quick Overview
The top snorkeling tours in Nice include small-group boat trips exploring secret coves, the famous Mala Cave, and Villefranche. There are also longer excursions that include visits to Monaco and more extensive time for swimming and sightseeing. All tours include snorkeling gear and provide insightful commentary about the coastline. For more details, check out the tours here: Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala cave with Snorkeling, Nice: Mala Caves, Villefranche & Snorkeling Boat Tour, and Nice: Monaco & Mala Caves Boat Trip with Snorkeling.
1. Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala cave with Snorkeling
At number one, this 2-hour small-group tour offers a chance to see coastal secrets few visitors get to experience. Starting from Port Lympia, you’ll cruise along the French Riviera, with stops at the Mala Caves in Eze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and more. This tour is perfect if you enjoy a relaxed pace combined with snorkeling in crystal waters—gear is included, so all you need is your swimsuit and curiosity.
What makes this tour special is the access to secret coves only reachable by boat. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience. The onboard commentary covers local ecosystem details, making it educational as well as fun. The highlight is definitely the 45-minute snorkeling stop at La Réserve de la Mala, where guests swim in clear waters amid fascinating rock formations and marine life. Reviewers love the friendly captain Leo, describing him as knowledgeable and helpful, making the trip even more enjoyable. The combination of sightseeing and swimming makes this a well-rounded choice for those who want a quick, engaging coastal trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a short, fun trip with insider access to coves, excellent commentary, and a chance to snorkel in pristine waters.
2. Nice: Mala Caves, Villefranche & Snorkeling Boat Tour
Coming in second, this 3-hour tour provides a broader experience of the Riviera’s coast, combining the Mala Caves, Villefranche, and snorkeling. Starting from Port Lympia, the trip involves a comfortable semi-rigid boat cruise, with plenty of time for exploration and swimming.
This tour stands out because of its extensive stops: after a 20-minute cruise, you’ll spend about one hour at La Réserve de la Mala, where snorkeling and wildlife viewing are highlights. Then, the boat visits four scenic villages—Eze, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Villefranche-sur-Mer—each offering around 10-minute viewing cruises and 45-minute free time in Villefranche for walks or photos. The scenic views and the chance to swim in the clear waters make this trip popular; reviews mention the expert guidance from guide JB and how the boat ride is a fun, fast-paced experience.
This tour suits travelers with more time who want to mix sightseeing with snorkeling and are interested in exploring the charming coastal villages. The cost (~$85) is reasonable for the comprehensive itinerary, but note that the longer duration may not be ideal for very tight schedules.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a full Riviera experience with multiple stops, sightseeing, and swimming, all in a comfortable three-hour window.
3. Nice: Monaco & Mala Caves Boat Trip with Snorkeling
The third spot goes to the 3-hour Monaco & Mala Caves tour, which offers a taste of both luxury and adventure. Departing from Port Lympia, you’ll cruise to Monaco’s famous harbor, with a 20-minute sighting cruise, then move on to explore Monaco from the water. Afterward, the trip continues to the Mala Cave for snorkeling, with a 100-minute stop that’s perfect for swimming and underwater exploring.
What makes this tour distinctive is the chance to see Monaco’s opulence from the water, passing by its luxurious port and enjoying coastal views that are hard to beat. Plus, the cruise to Mala Cave offers a quieter, more relaxed environment for snorkeling. The reviews highlight the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, with many noting that the swimming in clear waters is a highlight. It’s a good pick for travelers who want a bit of everything—sights, swimming, and the chance to see Monaco without spending a full day.
The tour is slightly pricier (~$97), but it combines luxury, snorkeling, and sightseeing in one neat package. Ideal if you’re short on time but want to experience Monaco and the coast with a small group.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a taste of Monaco combined with snorkeling and a relaxed cruise, with the bonus of visiting the Mala Caves.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider what type of experience you prefer:
- For short but sweet adventures with insider access, go for the Nice: Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala cave with Snorkeling.
- If you want more time exploring the coast, visiting villages, and snorkeling, the Nice: Mala Caves, Villefranche & Snorkeling Boat Tour is a great pick.
- For those interested in luxury, Monaco, and underwater adventures, the Nice: Monaco & Mala Caves Boat Trip with Snorkeling offers a full experience in a shorter time.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to dedicate, and whether you want to combine sightseeing with swimming. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
In The Sum Up
Nice offers an array of snorkeling and boat tours suited for different interests and schedules. If you’re short on time but want hidden coves, the Secret Riviera tour is ideal. For a more comprehensive day combining villages, snorkeling, and scenic cruising, the Mala Caves, Villefranche tour is excellent. And for those seeking a splash of luxury along with underwater exploration, the Monaco trip is a compelling choice.
All these tours promise beautiful views and memorable swimming experiences in the clear waters of the French Riviera. Whether you’re after a quick adventure or a more leisurely exploration, booking early will help ensure you don’t miss out on these top-rated snorkeling experiences.