Ferry from Nice to the Island Sainte Marguerite

Nice , France

Ferry from Nice to the Island Sainte Marguerite

Active

(16 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Nature lovers, hikers and explorers will love spending a day on Ile Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the Lérins Islands off the coast of the French Riviera. This round-trip ferry service makes it easy. Depart from the Nice port and enjoy Côte d'Azur views on a 1-hour ferry crossing, disembarking at Ile Sainte-Marguerite to explore independently. Hit a hiking trail full of diverse flora and fauna, wander the fishing village, check out the maritime museum or visit the former fortress prison, Fort Royal, where the so-called 'Man in the Iron Mask' was held in the 17th century.

Available options

Ferry from Nice to the Island Sainte Marguerite

What's included

Round-trip ferry ride

What you'll see

Board the ferry at Nice's port in the morning and cruise out onto the Mediterranean Sea toward the Lérins Islands. Your destination: Ile Sainte-Marguerite, the largest island in the archipelago, known for its lush vegetation, heavily wooded forests and the legendary fortress prison, Fort Royal.

Enjoy beautiful views across the French Riviera during your 1-hour crossing. Disembark on the island and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. All activities and purchases are at your own expense.

Well-marked walking trails criss-cross the entire island, taking visitors on a botanical and historical discovery. Pine and eucalyptus fragrances dominate these lovely hikes, suitable for most fitness levels.

Enter the Fort Royal, a fortress built by the Spanish in the 17th century when the islands were under their control. Legend has it that the notorious 'Man in the Iron Mask' prisoner was held here in the late 1600s. Today the Fort Royal is home to a maritime museum, whose wealth of archaeological finds includes 1st-century murals, contents from a 10th-century Saracen shipwreck and many pieces from the Roman era, offering insight into Ile Sainte-Marguerite’s ancient history.

Perhaps pay a visit to the Méditerranoscope, a marine study center dedicated to protecting the marine life beneath the waves around the Lérins Islands. Stroll to the Batéguier pond to see tons of migratory bird species, or head to the Point de la Convention, showcasing a range of unique plant species that have made a home on Ile Sainte-Marguerite.

There are two restaurants on the island for lunch and two sandwich kiosks for a light snack. In the early evening, re-board the ferry for the 1-hour cruise back to Nice.

What's not included

Guide

Commentary

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.4

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Drinks are available to purchase on board; no bathroom facilities on the ferry

Be sure to check exact ferry return times before you depart from Nice in the morning as the timetable can change according to the time of year

Important notes

Clients must arrive at the ticket office 30 minutes before departure time and that they must present their voucher / e-voucher in exchange for an actual ticket.
Departure from Nice: 9:00am
Departure from Ste Marguerite Island: 6:00pm

About Nice

Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, is renowned for its pebble beaches, vibrant markets, and charming old town. With its Mediterranean climate, stunning coastal views, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that perfectly blends relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Promenade des Anglais

This iconic seaside promenade stretches along the Baie des Anges and is a must-visit for its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.

Beach/Walk 1-2 hours Free

Vieux Nice (Old Town)

The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with markets, churches, and restaurants. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

Historical/Cultural Half day Free to explore

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

This hill offers panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean. It's a great spot for a picnic or a romantic walk.

Historical/Nature 1-2 hours Free

Musée Matisse

This museum is dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse, one of Nice's most famous residents. It's a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Musée Marc Chagall

This museum is dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall, another famous artist who lived in Nice. It's a great place to learn about his life and work.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salade Niçoise

A classic Niçoise salad made with tuna, olives, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and anchovies.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and eggs

Socca

A thin, crispy chickpea pancake, a popular street food in Nice.

Snack Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free

Pissaladière

A Niçoise tart made with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood

Ratatouille

A traditional Provençal stew made with vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mont Boron Scuba diving in the Mediterranean Beach lounging Picnicking in Castle Hill Visiting museums Exploring the Old Town Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and sunny skies. The beaches are crowded, and the city is lively with festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nice is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep your belongings secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport • 6.5 km from city center

By train

Nice Ville

By bus

Nice Airport, Nice Ville Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is modern, efficient, and a great way to get around Nice. It operates from early morning to late evening.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vieux Nice (Old Town) Cimiez Liberation Mont Boron

Day trips

Monaco

20 km • Half day to full day

Monaco is a glamorous city-state known for its luxury shopping, casinos, and the famous Monte Carlo Casino. It's a great day trip for those looking for a taste of the high life.

Cannes

30 km • Half day to full day

Cannes is a glamorous seaside town known for its luxury shopping, beaches, and the famous Cannes Film Festival. It's a great day trip for those looking for a taste of the high life.

Èze

15 km • Half day

Èze is a charming medieval village perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. It's known for its narrow streets, stunning views, and the famous Exotic Garden.

Festivals

Nice Carnival • February Nice Jazz Festival • July Fête de la Musique • June 21

Pro tips

Visit the Cours Saleya Market in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce and flowers
Take a day trip to Èze for stunning views and a charming medieval village
Explore the Old Town on foot to discover hidden gems and local shops
Try the local specialties, like socca and pan bagnat, at the street food stalls
Visit the museums in Cimiez, like the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall, for a dose of culture