Nice isn’t just a pretty city on the Côte d’Azur — it’s a fantastic spot for exploring the waters with a snorkel or paddleboard. The calm, clear Mediterranean Sea offers excellent visibility and a variety of marine life, making it a top choice for aquatic adventures. We’re particularly fond of the From Nice: French Riviera Swimming and Snorkeling Cruise, which combines sightseeing with a refreshing swim in Villefranche Bay. It’s a great way to combine the beauty of the coastline with some underwater exploration without needing to be a seasoned diver.
For those who want a more intimate look at a secret cave, the Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala Cave with Snorkeling offers a memorable experience. Or if you’re looking for a family-friendly, laid-back outing, options like the Villefranche Bay boat tours will give you plenty of time to relax in shallow waters. Whatever your style, Nice’s waters are waiting to be explored.
1. From Nice: French Riviera Swimming and Snorkeling Cruise
At number 1 on our list, this French Riviera swimming and snorkeling cruise offers a balanced blend of sightseeing and aquatic fun. Starting from Poseidon Diving & Snorkeling in Nice, this 2-hour boat trip takes you along the stunning coastline to Villefranche Bay. The highlight is the chance to snorkel or swim in a picturesque setting near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with marine life viewing opportunities in calm, shallow waters.
What makes this tour stand out is its simplicity and scenic value. The boat cruise itself offers excellent views of the French Riviera, and the 1.5 hours of snorkeling give ample time for exploration. The safety briefing at the start ensures even beginners feel comfortable. Reviewers appreciate the smooth ride and the ability to enjoy the coastline from the deck as well as underwater. The price is reasonable at $56 per person, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a short, memorable aquatic escape.
Bottom Line: If you want a quick, scenic, and gentle introduction to snorkeling in the French Riviera, this cruise hits the sweet spot.
2. French Riviera Villefranche Bay Snorkeling Tour from Nice
Coming in at number 2, this snorkeling tour takes you from Nice to Villefranche Bay, a favorite for its crystal-clear, shallow waters. It’s just under 2 hours, but packed with marine discovery, including a safety briefing and gear fitting that ensures everyone is ready to go.
What’s special here is the personal attention from guides, who point out the best spots for marine life watching and snorkel gear selection — including wetsuits, masks, and fins. While some reviews note the marine life can be sparse (“not many fish, mostly grey and brown”), many guests find the experience highly enjoyable, especially if they’re new to snorkeling. It’s an excellent value at $55.15, and the cruise offers panoramic views of the coastline along the way.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners or families wanting a relaxed, guided introduction to the Mediterranean’s underwater world.
3. From Nice : Secret Riviera Boat Tour to Mala Cave with Snorkeling
Ranked third, this Secret Riviera boat tour is a standout for its focus on a stunning, lesser-known location: Mala Cave. Departing from Nice, the tour’s best feature is reaching this hidden gem accessible only by boat. The emerald waters and dramatic rock formations create a postcard-perfect scene, perfect for relaxing and snorkeling.
Snorkeling gear is provided, and guests enjoy a swim break in the crystal-clear waters of Mala Cave, which is framed by towering cliffs. Afterward, the boat glides past Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s wild coastline, where untouched marine environments and luxurious villas provide a scenic backdrop. The tour’s 2-hour duration offers a good balance between exploration and relaxation, and guests consistently praise the guide’s local knowledge and the unique scenery. At $77.14, it’s the most premium experience on our list, but one that delivers a truly special underwater and coastal experience.
Bottom Line: For those wanting to see one of the Riviera’s most exclusive spots and explore underwater at a relaxed pace, this tour is top-notch.
4. Boat tour guided from Nice to Monaco with snorkeling
Number 4 is a full 3-hour journey from Nice to Monaco, combining coast-hopping with underwater discovery. This guided tour offers the chance to see Monaco’s famous harbor, luxurious yachts, and the pristine waters around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
What makes this trip unique is the seamless blend of sightseeing and snorkeling, with stops at the Mala caves and along the Riviera’s most glamorous coastlines. The guide’s commentary adds context to the stunning views — guests particularly praise Leo’s humor and knowledge. The underwater portion includes exploring flora and fauna along a designated trail, perfect for those who want more than just a swim. At $100.88, it offers a premium experience for travelers seeking a longer, more comprehensive outing.
Reviewers highlight the breathtaking coastline and the opportunity to relax, swim, and learn all in one trip. It’s ideal for travelers with a bit more time and a love of both scenery and marine life.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive experience that combines sightseeing, snorkeling, and luxury, best suited for those wanting a taste of Monaco’s glamour.
5. From Nice: Villefranche Bay Swimming & Snorkeling Boat Tour
Ranking fifth, this Villefranche Bay tour offers a relaxed 2-hour experience with a focus on swimming and snorkeling in calm waters. Starting from Poseidon Diving & Snorkeling in Nice, it’s similar to the first but emphasizes the bay’s beauty.
Guests typically enjoy the shallow, clear waters ideal for marine observation, making it a good choice for families or beginners. The boat cruise provides good sightseeing opportunities with about 30 minutes each for traveling to and from the bay. The included snorkel gear makes underwater exploration easy. Priced at $56 per person, it’s a solid, straightforward option that emphasizes comfort and simplicity.
Bottom Line: A good pick if you want a calm, shallow-water experience with easy access to the coastline and marine life.
6. Boat trip and snorkeling in Villefranche – sur – Mer
This boat trip in Villefranche-sur-Mer is rated highly for its flexibility and fun factor. It lasts around 2 hours and includes instructions on how to use your snorkeling gear, along with commentary on local marine species.
Guests rave about the beauty of the waters and the ease of swimming in the protected harbor. The tour offers the freedom to get on and off the boat as you please, making it ideal for casual explorers. The guide, Chris, is praised for being caring and attentive. At $69.66, it’s a slightly higher price but includes the added benefit of a relaxed, customizable experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a flexible, easygoing day on the water with plenty of swimming.
7. Stand-Up Paddle & Snorkeling with local Guide
Number 7 is a different kind of adventure — a stand-up paddleboard and snorkeling trip that combines physical activity with underwater discovery. It lasts roughly 3 hours, with more than two hours of paddleboarding, and includes a scenic picnic with local wines.
The tour is ideal for active travelers with some paddleboarding experience or those willing to learn. The guide provides full instruction and ensures everyone feels comfortable on the board. Guests love the personalized small-group setting, often mentioning the friendly guides and the beautiful views. The $115.68 cost reflects the longer duration and more personalized attention.
Reviewers note the peacefulness of floating over the water and the fun of exploring a secluded cove. It’s best suited for active couples or small groups wanting a mix of exercise, scenery, and local flavor.
Bottom Line: For adventurous travelers who want to combine paddling with underwater exploration, this tour delivers both.
8. Nice : VIP sea tour with snorkeling & discover scuba
Finally, at number 8, this exclusive VIP sea tour offers a luxurious 3-hour experience with top-of-the-line equipment and expert guidance. It includes a combination of snorkeling and an introduction to scuba diving, making it ideal for those eager to try something beyond basic snorkeling.
The tour’s highlight is its focus on comfort and quality, from the fridge and sun cover to the carefully selected dive sites between Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The guide shares professional insights, and the equipment is state-of-the-art. Reviews are glowing, with a strong emphasis on the memorable encounters underwater. The $252 price tag reflects its premium status, perfect for travelers seeking a high-end experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for experienced snorkelers or those ready to try scuba in style, with the comfort of a VIP setting.
How to Choose the Best Snorkeling Experience in Nice
Picking the right tour depends on your budget, time, and interest level. If you want a quick introduction with scenic views, the French Riviera Swimming and Snorkeling Cruise offers great value. For a more exclusive, adventure-focused outing, the Secret Riviera Boat Tour or the VIP sea tour are perfect. Families or beginners should consider the Villefranche Bay tours, which emphasize calm waters and easy access.
For active travelers wanting more than just floating, the stand-up paddle and snorkeling combines exercise with underwater wonders. And if you’re curious about exploring beneath the surface with a touch of luxury, the VIP experience is unmatched.
Book early, especially in summer, to secure your preferred date and time. Most tours operate year-round, but the warm weather months from late spring to early fall provide the best conditions for snorkeling.
Final thoughts
Nice offers a wide range of snorkeling adventures for every type of traveler — from quick scenic cruises to immersive, guided explorations of caves and underwater trails. If you’re new to snorkeling, the guided tours with gear fitting and safety briefings will give you confidence. For those seeking a little more thrill, paddleboard excursions and VIP diving trips provide memorable ways to enjoy the water.
Two or three options stand out: For a budget-friendly, scenic intro, the French Riviera Swimming and Snorkeling Cruise is hard to beat. Want a private, upscale experience? The VIP sea tour will satisfy. And for a truly unique underwater adventure, don’t miss the Secret Riviera Boat Tour — it’s a splash of magic in a beautiful corner of France.
No matter which you choose, remember that these waters tend to fill up quickly in summer, so booking early is your best bet for a smooth, stress-free trip. Dive in and enjoy the clear, inviting waters of Nice!