Marseille: boat to Le Frioul, Château d'If, and swim
About This Experience
Embark from the Mucem, at the entrance to the Old Port of Marseille, for a 2-hour excursion on a semi-rigid boat, limited to 11 participants. Accompanied by a local skipper, discover Marseille from the sea before heading to Château d'If and the Frioul Islands. From the outset, admire the Mucem, Fort Saint-Jean, the Cathédrale de la Major, and the entrance to the Old Port from a unique vantage point. Then approach the famous Chateau d'If, a fortress that became a prison and was made world famous by Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo. Your skipper will tell you the history of the site and some anecdotes about the Marseille harbor. Continue sailing around the Frioul archipelago, among limestone cliffs, wild creeks, and crystal-clear waters. Depending on the sea conditions, discover the surroundings of the islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau, the Calanque des Cambrettes, or other coves accessible only by boat. Followed by a swimming stop in a secluded cove in the Frioul. Enjoy the turquoise water to swim, relax, and explore the seabed. Masks and snorkels are available for a snorkeling session. The exact swimming location is chosen by the skipper based on wind, sea conditions, and visitor numbers to ensure the best conditions for safety and comfort. After swimming, enjoy a final panoramic view of Marseille during the drop-off at the Mucem. See more
Highlights
- Swim in a turquoise cove of the Frioul Islands
- Explore the seabed with masks and snorkels provided
- Get close to the Château d'If and learn the story of the Count of Monte-Cristo
- Admire the wild coves and cliffs of the Frioul Islands from the sea
- Enjoy a day trip in a small group limited to 11 participants
What's Included
- ✓ 2-hour boat excursion
- ✓ Professional skipper-guide
- ✓ Fuel
- ✓ Stop for swimming
- ✓ Masks and snorkels for snorkeling
- ✓ Swim ladder
- ✓ Shaded area on the boat
- ✓ Music onboard
What to Bring
- Warm clothing
- Comfortable clothes
- The customer must provide a contact phone number. Please allow for possible traffic jams and the time needed to find a parking space.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding to check in. No refunds will be issued in the event of late arrival.
- The Château d'If will be observed from the boat; there is no disembarkation or interior tour planned.
- The swimming stop is a central part of the activity. However, it may be modified or cancelled if safety conditions do not allow it to take place. Snorkeling equipment is available on board.
- We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket.
- Communication via WhatsApp only—this is essential!
Good to Know & Caveats
- Warm clothing
- Comfortable clothes
- The customer must provide a contact phone number. Please allow for possible traffic jams and the time needed to find a parking space.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding to check in. No refunds will be issued in the event of late arrival.
- The Château d'If will be observed from the boat; there is no disembarkation or interior tour planned.
- The swimming stop is a central part of the activity. However, it may be modified or cancelled if safety conditions do not allow it to take place. Snorkeling equipment is available on board.
- We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket.
- Communication via WhatsApp only—this is essential!
Meeting Point
Marseille Boat Tours Esplanade J4, 13001 Marseille ➡️ How to find us: When you arrive at the Mucem's Esplanade J4, walk all the way to the end of the promenade, passing the Cosquer Cave on your left, then the Mucem building. Our boats are located behind the Mucem, at the dock area (darse). GPS location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Nbf6eAYqhUBiNhe8 If you need assistance: +33 7 52 02 01 01 Open in Google Maps
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.6/5 by 613 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
The trip was very fun! It was the first time snorkelling for me so it was a great experience to see the fish! On the way back we passed a larger ship whose waves we sailed into (safely) which was fun as well. The only thing I missed was hearing some stories about the islands, doesn’t have to be the whole story just enough so you know what it’s all about. Other than that the trip was great!
— Ólavur, 2026-07
Great trip. Great host. Those waters are so refreshing to jump into.
— Antonio, 2026-07
Had the Best time. Dylan took us to two different swimming spots and was a lot of fun. Great experience.
— Nicole, 2026-07
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between this tour and a Calanques boat tour?
This tour focuses on the Frioul Archipelago and the famous Château d'If (the island fortress from The Count of Monte Cristo), rather than the Calanques limestone coves. You can swim at Frioul's beaches and explore the island. It's a great complement to — not a substitute for — a Calanques tour.
Where does the boat depart?
The tour departs from the J4 Esplanade, 13001 Marseille — the same departure point as the Côte Bleue tour. This is a central, easy-to-find spot a few minutes' walk from the Vieux-Port.
Can I visit the Château d'If interior on this tour?
The tour includes a stop at or near the Château d'If island. Whether you enter the château itself depends on the specific option booked and the current ticket situation — confirm with the operator if a guided interior visit is important to you.
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 2 hours including the sailing time and a swimming stop at the Frioul Islands. It's a short, efficient excursion — ideal for combining with a Marseille afternoon or as a standalone experience on a half-day.
