Discovery of Sailing Porquerolles with meals included

Porquerolles is best seen from the water, and this small-group sailing day gives you two hours at Courtade Beach and two more at Notre Dame Bay. You sail past cliffs, pine forest, coves, and clear Mediterranean water instead of simply arriving at the island’s port and joining the beach crowd.

I like the small maximum of 10 people, which keeps the boat sociable without turning it into a floating bus. I also like that the price includes a homemade meal, aperitif, drinks, masks, fins, and a paddleboard. Anthony and Séverine handle the boat with warmth while still giving you room to enjoy the sea.

The main consideration is the weather. Sailing, swimming, and anchoring all depend on conditions, and the most scenic parts of the day may appeal less if you prefer exploring island trails or towns on foot. This is a boat day first, not a general tour of Porquerolles.

Key points to know before booking

• Two beach stops on Porquerolles: Spend about two hours at Courtade Beach and two hours at Notre Dame Bay, with time for swimming and quiet relaxation.
• A true small-group outing: The boat carries no more than 10 people, making it a good fit for solo visitors, couples, and families wanting a personal feel.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect an aperitif, drinks, and a substantial meal prepared by the hosts.
• Water gear comes with the day: Masks, snorkels, fins, and a paddleboard are provided for use around the anchorages.
• Friendly English support: Anthony and Séverine speak English and explain the day clearly to people with limited French.
• Weather shapes the sailing: When conditions allow, you can help hoist the sails on the return toward La Capte.

Why this Porquerolles sailing day works

This is a full day on the Mediterranean, but it is not built around rushing from one sight to another. The crossing takes about an hour, then the boat settles into a slower rhythm: anchor, swim, eat, paddle, snorkel, and let the scenery do the work.

That pace suits Porquerolles. The island is known for sandy beaches, forest, coves, and clear water, but reaching the most appealing shorelines can take time on land. From the sailboat, you see the southern part of the island from a useful angle, with cliffs and wooded slopes meeting the sea.

I especially like the way the day combines movement and rest. You get the pleasure of sailing and coastal views, then enough time in one place to actually enjoy the water. Many boat outings offer a quick photo stop. Here, the two-hour anchorage at Courtade and the two-hour stay at Notre Dame give you room to settle in.

The score is listed as 5 out of 5 from 17 ratings, and the outing is recommended by 100 percent of the people who rated it. That is a small sample, but it matches the pattern of praise: hospitality, food, equipment, comfortable sailing, and the personal attention of the hosts.

Meeting Anthony and Séverine at Ayguade Beach

The start point is Ayguade Beach, at 24 Rue de la Darse in Hyères. The activity begins at 10:30 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from Porquerolles.

One useful detail is the boarding method. The boat is reached from the beach by dinghy, rather than by walking straight onto a docked vessel. That adds a small splash of adventure to the start, but it also means you should arrive ready for a transfer between the beach and the sailboat.

Anthony is the captain, and Séverine looks after the hosting side of the day. Their approach is attentive without hovering. You get explanations about the plan, help when needed, and the freedom to choose between swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply sitting on deck.

English is spoken, which matters if your French is limited. The day can still feel local and French Riviera in character without leaving you lost during safety instructions or meal service.

The group limit of 10 is one of the strongest practical reasons to choose this trip. A small boat can feel intimate, so the mix of people matters. The atmosphere is described as welcoming for solo participants, families, couples, and teenagers. If you want a private charter, this is not the same thing, but it should feel far more personal than a large sightseeing cruise.

The crossing to Porquerolles

The trip to Porquerolles takes about an hour. During the crossing, the boat follows the peninsula and gives you views of the island’s southern side, including cliffs, forest, and small coves.

This is not a high-speed transfer. The crossing is part of the outing, so you should enjoy the motion of the boat and the changing views. When conditions allow, the crew may hoist the sails. You may even be invited to help, which gives the return journey a little more participation than a standard ride under engine power.

I would bring a light layer for the crossing, even on a warm day. The provided information does not specify a dress code or equipment list beyond the water gear, so practical swimwear, sun protection, and something to cover your shoulders are sensible choices.

The scenery is one of the reasons to pick this outing instead of simply taking transport to Porquerolles. You see the coast from offshore, and the journey itself becomes part of the day rather than time lost between two beaches.

Courtade Beach: two hours for swimming and lunch

The first main stop is Courtade Beach, the largest sandy beach on Porquerolles. It lies near the port but also borders pine and eucalyptus forest, so the setting shifts quickly from open water to wooded shore.

The boat anchors here for about two hours. That gives you time for a proper swim rather than a hurried dip. You can also use the paddleboard, try the masks and snorkels, or remain aboard with a drink while the others head into the water.

Courtade is close to the port, which makes it easy to appreciate, but it may also be busier than the more distant northern beach. The tradeoff is simple: you get a broad sandy shoreline and a convenient first stop, but not necessarily the quietest beach setting of the day.

This is also when the meal and aperitif fit naturally into the schedule. The food is described as homemade, fresh, and generous. Drinks are included, and the hosts take care of the service, so you are not trying to organize lunch from a beach kiosk or return to the port at a fixed time.

That inclusion adds real value to the price. Food served aboard a small sailboat is not just a basic snack between activities. It turns the anchorage into the center of the day and lets you keep your time on the water.

If you have teenagers, Courtade is likely to be the most active part of the day. The paddleboard and snorkeling equipment give them something to do beyond swimming. Families can also split up comfortably, with some people in the water and others relaxing on the boat.

Notre Dame Bay: the quieter second beach stop

After the meal, the boat heads north to Notre Dame Bay. The beach stretches for about 800 meters and sits among pine forest. It is farther from the port than Courtade, so it generally feels less frequented, especially toward the northeast end.

The setting is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Notre Dame has been voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, and its shallow water makes swimming pleasant. That reputation also means it is not a secret spot. You may find plenty of people there, particularly at popular times, but the boat’s position and the beach’s length give you more room than a short, crowded cove.

This second stop lasts about two hours. By placing it after lunch, the itinerary gives you a long, unhurried block for sunbathing, snorkeling, or another swim. You can also simply enjoy the contrast between the boat, the sand, and the pine forest.

I like having two separate beach stops because they give the day texture. Courtade is convenient and lively, while Notre Dame offers a more remote-feeling setting. If you care mainly about seeing Porquerolles from land, the schedule may feel restrictive because you do not get a long visit in the village or time for a major inland walk. If your priority is water and scenery, the arrangement makes sense.

Returning toward La Capte under sail

The final part of the day takes about an hour and heads back toward La Capte. This is the point when the crew may raise the sails, provided the weather cooperates.

That qualification matters. The trip is called a sailing experience, but the boat cannot promise a full stretch under sail in every condition. Wind, safety, and sea conditions control what happens. If sailing is the single reason you are booking, keep your expectations flexible.

If the conditions are right, helping with the sails gives you a hands-on moment without turning the day into a lesson. You can also sit back and enjoy the ride. The return completes the loop to the original meeting point, where the activity ends.

The timing is well suited to someone who wants a full coastal day without a late evening. You start at 10:30 a.m. and spend roughly seven hours on the water, including the crossing, beach stops, meal, and return.

What is included for $180.23?

At $180.23 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Porquerolles. The value comes from how much of the day is bundled into the price.

You are paying for approximately seven hours aboard a sailboat, a small group capped at 10 people, the crossing from Hyères, two lengthy beach stops, a meal, aperitif, drinks, and use of snorkeling and paddle equipment. You also get hosts who manage the route, anchoring, food, and equipment while you relax.

A separate beach visit might cost less if you only want to swim and bring your own food. It would not provide the same combination of transport, guided coastal views, food service, and water equipment. On the other hand, someone who dislikes boats or wants several hours to explore Porquerolles on foot may get better value from a land-based visit.

The meal matters more than it might appear at first. A seven-hour outing requires food planning, and the included lunch means you do not have to leave a good anchorage to find something to eat. The aperitif and drinks also create a social rhythm, especially for people who want a relaxed celebration or birthday outing.

This is a particularly good fit if you value personal service. Anthony and Séverine are not simply operating transport. They welcome people, explain the route, prepare food, provide equipment, and share their affection for the sea and island.

Who should book this boat day?

I would choose this for:

• Couples wanting a scenic day that mixes movement with long beach stops.
• Solo visitors who like meeting a small group in an easygoing setting.
• Families with older children or teenagers who will use the paddleboard and snorkeling gear.
• People celebrating a birthday or special occasion.
• Anyone who wants Porquerolles beaches without planning every detail independently.
• Visitors who speak English but have limited French.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed calm seas, dislike transfers by dinghy, or want to spend the day walking through Porquerolles village and inland paths. You should also be comfortable with a weather-dependent plan and the natural motion of a sailboat.

The equipment is described as suitable for snorkeling and paddleboarding, but the details do not specify sizes or styles. If you have particular gear needs, ask before booking. Most people can participate, but the provider does not describe this as an accessible boat tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Since weather can cancel the trip, a poor-weather cancellation brings either a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Porquerolles sailing trip?

Book it if you want the island through its beaches and coastline rather than through a full day of walking. The combination of Courtade, Notre Dame, snorkeling, paddleboarding, homemade food, and a 10-person limit gives you a relaxed way to see one of the French Riviera’s finest coastal areas.

The strongest reason to choose it is the human scale. Anthony and Séverine provide the boat, food, equipment, and local feel without crowding your day with a rigid program. The main compromise is that weather controls the sailing, and Porquerolles itself receives only a limited amount of time away from the shore.

For a full day of swimming, scenery, food, and easy company, I would book this well ahead. It is booked on average 24 days in advance, and the small capacity makes last-minute space less certain.

FAQ

Where does the sailing experience begin?

It begins at Ayguade Beach, 24 Rue de la Darse, 83400 Hyères, France.

What time does the activity start?

The start time is 10:30 a.m.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the original meeting point at Ayguade Beach.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes a meal, aperitif, and drinks.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Because the activity requires good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions gives you the choice of a different date or a full refund.