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Hiring a boat in Cassis means treating yourself to direct access to the most beautiful coves of the Calanques, where the road ends.
Before setting sail, there are two important questions to consider: do you need a licence, and what rules must you follow in the National Park?
The answer boils down to a few simple points. No licence is required for small engines; a licence or a skipper is needed for larger engines; and you’ll always need a green sticker to enter protected areas. Our campsite near Marseille provides you with all the information you need to make the most of your day at sea.
Key points to remember
| Formula | Who is it for? | Note that |
| Without a licence | Beginners, families | Engine with a maximum power of 6 CV, 8 people on board. |
| With a licence | Experienced boaters | A coastal licence is compulsory for vessels over 6 CV. |
| With a skipper | No experience | A professional is at the helm of the boat. |
| Access to the Park | All packages | A green sticker is required in restricted areas. |
| Anchorage | All packages | Anchoring is prohibited in Posidonia beds. |
With or without a licence: which option should you choose?
In Cassis, there are three different boat hire options, depending on your comfort level at sea. The right choice therefore depends on your experience and the number of passengers. Here’s how to find the one that suits you:
- If you’re a beginner, opt for a boat that doesn’t require a licence: the law allows engines of up to 6 CV, with a maximum of 8 people on board.
- Choose the package that includes a coastal licence as soon as the engine power exceeds this threshold, to gain greater range and speed.
- If you’re not very experienced, opt for a boat with a skipper: a professional will take the helm whilst you enjoy the scenery.
As our team points out, the best boat isn’t necessarily the most powerful one, but the one that suits your ability and the size of your group.
Boating in the National Park: the rules you need to know
The Calanques National Park imposes strict restrictions on boating to protect the fragile coastline. According to the Calanques National Park, any motorboat hire within the heart of the park requires authorisation, in the form of a green sticker issued to approved hire companies.
Anchoring is also subject to specific rules. It is forbidden to drop anchor on Posidonia seagrass beds, as this protected marine plant is home to a rare diversity of species.
Around the Port-Miou cove, mooring is therefore only permitted at the designated buoys. Once on the water, look out for the markings: yellow buoys indicate areas where motorboats are prohibited, whilst white buoys indicate areas where they are permitted.
Our tips: set off from the port of Cassis early in the morning, before the mistral picks up and the coves fill up. The light is softer there, the water calmer, and you’ll find it easier to secure a mooring at Port-Pin. Don’t forget to pack your mask and snorkel: the rocky seabed at En-Vau is well worth a visit, provided you’ve got the equipment to explore it.
Which calanques can you visit from the port of Cassis?
From the port of Cassis, the boat takes you to coves that are often overlooked by the throngs of hikers.
- Port-Miou, the only calanque belonging to the municipality of Cassis, marks the starting point.
- Port-Pin déroule ensuite sa petite plage bordée de pins, avant le clou du spectacle : En-Vau et ses falaises blanches plongeant dans une eau turquoise.
- Difficult to reach on foot, En-Vau is well worth the effort, as our guide to the En-Vau calanque shows; by boat, you can drop anchor there in just a few minutes.
Ready to swap the hiking trails for the choppy waters of the Calanques? Book your stay at the Youcamp Marseille campsite and set off to explore Cassis and its coves with a boat hire from first light.
FAQ – Boat hire in Cassis
Can you hire a boat in Cassis without a licence?
Yes, you can hire a boat in Cassis without a licence, provided you choose one with a motor of 6 CV or less. These boats can carry up to 8 people and can reach the first calanques entirely under their own power.
How much does it cost to hire a boat in Cassis?
The cost of hiring a boat in Cassis depends on its size, engine power and the duration of the hire. Expect to pay from around €290 per day for a rigid-hulled inflatable boat that doesn’t require a licence, with fuel often included. A half-day hire is cheaper.
Do you need to book your boat in advance?
Yes, it’s best to book your boat in advance, especially during the high season. Booking early ensures you get the time slot and model you want. You can book online or through the boat hire companies at the harbour.
Which calanque should you visit first from Cassis?
From Cassis, head first to Port-Miou, the nearest village, then on to Port-Pin and En-Vau. En-Vau, which is more difficult to reach on foot, is best explored by sea.
Sources :
- Calanques National Park, Boat trips: no hire without authorisation : https://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/fr/actualites/visite-en-mer-pas-de-location-sans-autorisation
- Calanques National Park, Regulations at Sea (updated leaflet) : https://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/fr/actualites/reglementation-en-mer-la-plaquette-actualisee-est-desormais-disponible
- Cassis Tourist Office : https://www.ot-cassis.com/