Whale-watching by boat and snorkelling at Cap d’Antibes, Côte d’Azur

Off the coast of the Côte d’Azur, the deep waters of the Pelagos Sanctuary are home to exceptional pelagic biodiversity, where dolphins and seabirds cross paths with sailors at daybreak. Setting off on a whale-watching excursion from Villeneuve-Loubet allows you to immerse yourself directly in this unspoilt marine reserve, just a few miles from the Baie des Anges. The Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected area established through a tripartite agreement between France, Monaco and Italy, provides a prime habitat for over 8,500 Mediterranean species off the coast of Cap d’Antibes. It is against this spectacular seascape, framed by the magnificent panorama of the Alps plunging into the Mediterranean, that this maritime adventure begins, setting sail from the Baie des Anges Marina.

The morning begins at the Espace Maurice Aubert, where you’ll be kitted out with fins, a mask, a snorkel and a neoprene wetsuit. Once aboard the fast rigid-hulled inflatable boat, the qualified instructor, certified by HQWW (High Quality Whale Watching), sets course for the open sea for a careful cruise. Keep your eyes peeled: bottlenose dolphins, blue and white dolphins, bluefin tuna and Scopoli’s shearwaters are regularly spotted. The experience continues along the unspoilt coastline of Cap d’Antibes for a guided snorkelling excursion. As you explore the Posidonia seagrass beds and the rocky coastal seabed, you’ll spot starfish, sea urchins and a multitude of colourful fish. The return journey takes you past the historic ramparts of Antibes and the sumptuous villas along the coast, before heading back to the marina for a thorough rinse at the centre’s facilities.

Suitable for children aged 6 and over, this excursion is aimed at all marine life enthusiasts who are in reasonably fit condition. The small group format ensures personalised guidance and a respectful approach to wildlife. All snorkelling equipment and lifejackets are provided by the BeFree2Dive centre. Participants enjoy maximum comfort thanks to access to changing rooms and showers on site at the end of the snorkelling trip.

Book your whale-watching trip in Villeneuve-Loubet now to explore the Mediterranean Sea and Cap d’Antibes from the Baie des Anges Marina!