A Sea Excursion for the Whole Family
An authentic sea tour aboard a traditional electric pointu boat, offering a unique way to discover Marseille from the water. A gentle, friendly and eco-responsible experience combining heritage, scenery and local stories.
Book your ticket
Choose your time slot online and book your ticket (or several) at a reduced group rate. The booking process is quick and easy.
Arrive at the boarding point
On the day of your tour, come to the meeting point a few minutes before departure. You’ll be welcomed on board the traditional Marseille fishing boat and introduced to the tour.
Enjoy Marseille from the sea
For about one hour, relax and enjoy a smooth coastal cruise. Discover the Old Port, iconic landmarks and hidden spots, while listening to stories and local insights from the captain.
Ticket Purchase
Start at Marseille’s Old Port, on the Town Hall square, and board our boats in small groups. These beautiful wooden sailing boats are fully electric.
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Duration 75 minutes : Check availability to see start times
- Skip-the-line access to ticket counters
- Guide : French, English
- Wheelchair accessible
- Small pets authorized
Itinerary
75 minutes authentic, accessible and responsible experience offering a new perspective on the city:
- Welcome and boarding at the Vieux-Port - 10 minutes
- Cruise inside the Vieux-Port: history, landmarks and maritime life - 20 minutes
- Sailing along Marseille’s bay and coastline - 20 minutes
- Guided commentary by the skipper: traditions, anecdotes and local stories - 15 minutes
- Time to relax, observe and enjoy the scenery - 10 minutes
Traditional Marseille Boats
Your sea tour takes place aboard traditional Marseille fishing boats, known as pointus. These iconic wooden vessels were once used daily by local fishermen and are a strong symbol of Marseille’s maritime heritage. Their distinctive shape, close connection to the water and human scale offer a very different experience from standard tourist boats.
Practical Information
- Suitable for: Families, children, adults, visitors and locals
- Group size: Small groups under 12 for comfort and quality
- Departure times: 9:00 · 10:30 · 12:00 · 13:30 · 15:00 · 16:30 · 18:00 · 19:30
- Reduced rate for children & babies
- Professional and experienced skipper
- Certified boats compliant with maritime safety regulations
- Life jackets available for all passengers
The Spirit of the Marseille Boat Tour
An authentic Marseille experience
Sail aboard traditional pointu boats — the iconic vessels of the Vieux-Port — and discover Marseille the way it was meant to be seen: from the sea.
The most beautiful viewpoint of the city
Enjoy uninterrupted views of Marseille’s coastline and landmarks without the crowds: the Vieux-Port, MuCEM, Fort Saint-Jean, the Pharo Palace and the Vallon des Auffes.
A gentle, friendly and accessible sea tour
Small groups, calm navigation and a relaxed atmosphere make this tour perfect for families, couples, visitors and locals alike.
Live storytelling by a passionate skipper
Discover local anecdotes, fishermen’s stories and Marseille’s maritime history, shared in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
A strong ecological commitment
100% electric boats, zero emissions, silent navigation and respect for the marine environment.
An Eco-Friendly, Silent and Responsible Boat Tour
The Marseille Boat Tour is a sea excursion aboard a traditional barquette marseillaise — the small, iconic boats of the Vieux-Port once used by local fishermen. It offers a simple, authentic and accessible way to experience the city from a different perspective.
For approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, you will cruise along the coastline departing from the Vieux-Port and admire Marseille from its most beautiful viewpoint: the sea. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the port’s façades, the MuCEM, Fort Saint-Jean, the Pharo Palace, and, weather permitting, as far as the Vallon des Auffes.
On board, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The pace is gentle, the navigation quiet, creating the perfect setting for observation, conversation and discovery. The captain shares anecdotes, historical insights and little-known stories about Marseille’s coastline — all presented in an accessible and engaging way.
Local community that support us
Traditional Marseille Boats
You will sail aboard traditional Marseille “pointus”, iconic wooden boats that have shaped the city’s maritime history. These elegant and authentic vessels were once used daily by local fishermen and remain a strong symbol of Marseille’s coastal heritage. Carefully maintained and fully electric-powered, they offer a smooth, silent and comfortable navigation, ideal for a relaxed and immersive experience. Their small size allows for an intimate atmosphere in small groups, bringing you closer to the sea, the coastline and the stories shared on board. Sailing on these traditional boats is more than a tour — it is a journey into the living maritime heritage of Marseille.
Marius is a 1968 traditional boat, carefully restored in respect of traditional marine carpentry skills. Its layout has been designed to welcome passengers comfortably while preserving the soul of the original vessel. Quiet and elegant, Marius offers smooth navigation, ideal for coastal observation and attentive listening to the captain’s stories.
Coco is another historic Marseille boat, also restored with great care. Known for its stability and warm atmosphere, it perfectly reflects the spirit of traditional seaside outings. On board, passengers quickly feel connected to the sea, the coastline and the local stories shared during the tour.
La Bonne Mer completes the fleet. True to its name, this boat invites guests to sail peacefully along the coast. Built in wood and designed for coastal navigation, it is perfectly suited for small-group experiences. Simple, welcoming and deeply rooted in Marseille’s maritime culture, La Bonne Mer embodies authenticity at sea.
Questions / Answers
FAQ – Marseille Boat Tour
How long does the tour last?
The guided boat tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.
The pace is calm and comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and the experience.
Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from the Old Port of Marseille, at Hôtel de Ville Square.
You will board in a small group on traditional Marseille wooden boats, fully electric.
What is the itinerary?
The tour offers a unique discovery of Marseille from the sea:
- The Old Port and the Panier district
- Post-war buildings, La Canebière and the fish market
- Forts Saint-Jean, Saint-Nicolas and Entrecasteaux
- The Palais du Pharo (Napoleonic era) and the commercial port
- La Major Cathedral, the Mucem, and Villa Cosquer
- The Pharo gardens, Catalans beach and sea wall
- The Vallon des Auffes, the highlight of the tour, with its small fishing port under the arch and timeless atmosphere
The return journey is peaceful and silent, ideal for relaxing and asking questions.
Are babies and children allowed?
Yes, babies and children are welcome.
Please inform us in advance if you are coming with a baby.
Curious children may even have the opportunity to steer the boat, under supervision.
Yes, all types of disabilities are welcome.
Yes, all types of disabilities are welcome.
Please inform us in advance so we can provide the best possible assistance.
Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women:
- experiencing strong nausea
- or close to their due date
If in doubt, we recommend seeking medical advice.
Please inform us in advance if you are pregnant.
Are pets allowed on board?
Small pets are allowed, as well as assistance animals.
Please inform us in advance especially for assistance animals.
What will the captain share during the tour?
Throughout the cruise, the captain shares:
- Captivating historical anecdotes
- Fishermen’s secrets
- Stories of local life
- Maritime traditions and the evolution of Marseille
These moments of exchange allow you to truly experience the soul of Marseille.
What are the prices?
From June 1st to August 31st
€49,50 / adult
€29,50 / child
€4,50 / baby (0–1 year)
In March, April, May and September
€44,50 / adult
€22,50 / child (under 12 years old)
€2,50for babies (0–1 year)
What is included in the price?
✅ Included:
- 75-minute guided boat tour
- Captain & guide
- Small group experience
- Traditional electric boat
❌ Not included:
- Food
Hot drinks, cold drinks and bottled water are available for purchase on board.
Food is allowed on board (except alcohol).
What type of boat is used?
You will sail on traditional Marseille “pointus” boats:
- Wooden and authentic
- Part of the city’s maritime heritage
Electric-powered for a quiet and relaxing experience
Why choose this experience?
- Discover historic traditional boats
- Enjoy a calm and scenic cruise
- Learn through local stories and fishermen’s secrets
- Admire Marseille from the sea
- Small-group experience
- An authentic, cultural and outdoor activity
A tour powered by Capitaine Coco
Capitaine Coco is a boat tour company based in Marseille’s Old Port, offering sea trips on two traditional electric boats: COCO 1969 (a pointed sailboat with 10 seats) and MARIUS 1968 (a gaff-rigged sailboat with 12 seats). These lovingly restored boats allow passengers to discover unspoiled Mediterranean coves, far from the hustle and bustle, in an eco-friendly and authentic setting.
Visitor reviews are very positive, with several 5/5 ratings highlighting the friendly atmosphere, cheerful service, delicious food (particularly Comorian cuisine), and beautiful scenery. Customers particularly appreciate the quiet, pollution-free sailing, accessibility for people with disabilities, as well as the warm welcome and tailor-made activities such as brunches or dinners at sea, private events, and sailing lessons.
Marseille Boats Tour is an experience powered by Capitaine Coco. We offers tailor-made experiences to suit all tastes: romantic getaways, bachelorette parties, team building, photo shoots, and even outings with dogs on board. Sea trips take place throughout the year, including in winter, and can be booked via the website or by phone.
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Front of the City Marjor, Marseille Old Port
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