Cassis : Calanques National Park Standup Paddleboarding Tour

Cassis: Calanques National Park Standup Paddleboarding Tour

Imagine gliding over the calm, clear waters of the South of France, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. For about three and a half hours, with a friendly guide named Vanina, this paddleboarding experience takes you through three of the most iconic Calanques: Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau. Priced at $56 per person, this tour is designed for beginners and seasoned water lovers alike, offering a chance to see some of France’s most breathtaking scenery from a unique perspective.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines easy access to spectacular landscapes with the comfort of professional equipment and prepared boards—no need to worry about inflating your own paddleboard. Plus, Vanina’s local knowledge adds a layer of cultural storytelling that makes the experience richer than just a paddle. On the flip side, if you’re not in great shape or prone to rough seas, this might not be your best fit.

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed yet active discovery of the Calanques, enjoying the outdoors, scenic views, and a splash of adventure. It’s perfect if you want a manageable half-day activity with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and learning about this protected landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: The tour is suitable for those new to stand-up paddleboarding, with instructions provided.
• Expert Guide: Vanina, a local and certified instructor, offers insightful commentary on the Calanques’ natural and cultural highlights.
• Includes All Equipment: Paddleboards, paddles, safety jackets, and waterproof bags are prepared in advance, making setup hassle-free.
• Multiple Stops for Swimming: The tour features three stops where you can jump into crystal-clear waters.
• Scenic and Cultural: Along with stunning views, you’ll get snippets of heritage and local stories.
• Weather Dependent: Tour cancellations may happen in bad weather, so flexibility is key.

A Deep Dive into the Calanques Paddleboarding Experience

The Starting Point and Ease of Access

The adventure kicks off at the Tennis et Padel Club presqu’île, where you’ll find the “Marseille Calanques Passion” truck awaiting you. The meeting point is straightforward—just next to the club—making it easy to find. You’ll meet Vanina, who will have all your equipment pre-inflated, so your only concern is to arrive on time and ready to go. Arriving 10 minutes early is a good idea, especially if you want to get comfortable with the gear and hear some safety instructions.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Port-Miou (30 minutes): Your paddleboarding adventure begins here. This calm inlet sets the tone for the trip, offering a gentle start with easy waters to get used to balancing on your board. Many reviews mention the stunning scenery and the tranquility of this sheltered spot, which makes it perfect for beginners or those wanting a relaxed start.

Calanque of Port-Pin (Navigation & Photo Stop): After a paddle around Port-Miou, you’ll move on to Port-Pin. This stop is often highlighted for its beautiful cove and opportunities for a quick photo. You only get about 10 minutes here, but it’s enough to snap some pictures and admire the lush cliffs that surround you.

En-Vau (Paddle & Swim): The star of the tour—En-Vau—is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. You’ll paddle here for about 30 minutes, with a swim break that many reviewers find the highlight. One guest said, “The tour guide was so welcoming and gave fun facts along the way,” emphasizing how Vanina’s commentary adds to the experience.

Free Time at En-Vau: After paddleboarding, you’ll have a solid 30 minutes to relax, sunbathe, or jump into the water. The reviews note that this stretch offers plenty of opportunity for photos and simply soaking in the scenery.

Return Paddle & Wrap-up: The return leg takes about an hour, giving you time to reflect on what you’ve seen while enjoying the peaceful glide back to the starting point.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The most praised aspect is Vanina’s local expertise—she grew up among these cliffs—and her passion shines through as she shares stories and tips. Multiple reviews note her knowledgeable guidance and friendly attitude, making the trip both informative and enjoyable. As one reviewer puts it, “With Vanina, you won’t have to inflate your board, all the equipment will be prepared in advance!” This small touch saves time and hassle, especially for first-timers.

Another big plus is the scenic variety: from sheltered coves to open-water paddling, the tour offers a good mix for those interested in natural beauty and light adventure. The crystal-clear water invites swimmers, and many reviews mention how the water quality is a highlight—refreshing, clean, and perfect for a dip.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

The activity is geared toward beginners, but you should be in good physical condition to enjoy it fully—especially on windy days or rougher seas, which can make balancing more challenging. Participants are advised to bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable. Since drinks and food aren’t included, packing a snack and some hydration is wise.

The waterproof bag provided is handy for keeping your phone, camera, or valuables dry, but many guests also appreciate bringing a waterproof phone pouch for easier access and peace of mind. Reviewers mention that bringing a waterproof pouch enhances the experience, allowing easy photography without worry.

The Price and Value

At $56 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck: guided paddleboarding, all necessary gear, scenic stops, and swimming opportunities. Compared to other water activities in the region, this half-day adventure is quite reasonable, especially considering the personalized guidance and convenience of pre-inflated boards. If you love outdoor adventures and beautiful landscapes, this tour provides a memorable, manageable way to explore the Calanques without the stress of planning your own boat or kayak trip.

A Word on the Weather

Weather can significantly affect your experience. Tours may be canceled or postponed in bad weather, particularly if the seas are rough or winds high. That means it’s wise to be flexible with your schedule and keep an eye on the forecast. Most reviews suggest that on calm days, the experience is smooth and enjoyable, but on windy days, paddling can become a bit harder, and safety instructions become even more critical.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This paddleboarding trip is perfect for active travelers who enjoy outdoor water activities and want a relaxed but scenic way to see the Calanques. It’s especially suited for those with a basic level of fitness and comfort in water. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a small-group, personalized experience will appreciate Vanina’s attentive guidance and the chance to take home plenty of photos. If your idea of fun includes crystal waters, dramatic cliffs, and a splash of adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Final Thoughts

This Calanques paddleboarding tour offers a wonderful balance of scenic beauty, gentle activity, and expert guidance. You’ll get to see France’s jewel-like coastline from an intimate perspective, feeling both relaxed and energized. The well-organized setup, with pre-inflated boards and detailed safety instructions, makes it accessible even if you’ve never stood-up paddled before.

The variety of stops, especially En-Vau, combined with Vanina’s local insights, elevates the experience from a simple water adventure to a memorable exploration of one of France’s most stunning natural areas. The water quality, scenic views, and opportunities for swimming make it a refreshing escape—perfect on a warm sunny day.

If you’re seeking a balanced, authentic experience that combines nature, activity, and culture with great value, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to see the Calanques without the fuss of complicated logistics and prefer a guided, safe environment to learn and enjoy.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed for beginners, with instructions and equipment provided. Vanina, the guide, is a certified instructor who helps ensure everyone is comfortable and safe.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. A waterproof phone pouch is recommended if you want to take photos easily, as the waterproof bag provided is included but might be less convenient.

How long is the paddleboarding portion?
The total paddleboarding time is approximately 2 hours, divided into three stops at Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau, with some free time at En-Vau.

Can I take my phone with me?
Yes, a waterproof bag is included to keep your valuables dry, and many guests bring a waterproof phone pouch for ease of photography.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if weather conditions look unfavorable.

How many people are in each group?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, reviews suggest it’s a small, intimate group, allowing personalized attention.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The activity may be canceled or postponed in case of bad weather, so check the forecast and stay flexible.

Is transportation provided?
No, you need to meet at the designated starting point next to the Tennis Club Presqu’île.

Are food and drinks included?
No, you’ll need to bring your own water and snacks, as they are not provided.

How physically demanding is this activity?
It’s accessible for those in good physical condition, but rough seas or wind can make paddling more exhausting. If you’re concerned about fitness levels, check the weather forecast and your comfort in water.

Final Words

For anyone eager to see the stunning Calanques from a new vantage point, this paddleboarding tour offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, light adventure, and expert guidance. It’s a suitable choice for those who want to balance relaxation with activity, especially if you’re new to paddleboarding but curious about the natural wonders of Cassis.

You’ll leave with not just photos but also a sense of achievement and a fresh appreciation for this protected landscape. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, this experience will likely leave a lasting impression—an authentic, fun way to explore one of France’s most beautiful coastlines.

You can check availability for your dates here: