An island day with time to swim and explore

Give the island stop enough time

Around Lérins, distinguish three wishes: swimming from the yacht, looking at the island coast and stepping ashore. Tell the operator which matters most. The anchorage, access arrangements and time allowance must fit that choice; one attractive island photograph cannot settle all three.

For a group attending a Cannes event, protect the return time first. A short gap between meetings may suit a compact cruise better than an activity session with changing, instruction and lunch. Vieux Port and Port Canto should be checked against the yacht’s actual berth before guests are sent directions.

Ask what the yacht carries

Request a current list of any paddleboards, masks, fins or other equipment, together with quantities and suitable sizes. A toy shown in an older photograph may no longer be aboard. For children and inexperienced participants, discuss supervision and properly fitted flotation equipment before selecting an activity.

Water access deserves as much attention as equipment. Ask for a photograph of the ladder or bathing platform on the yacht being offered. A broad stern looks inviting in a brochure but does not tell you how easily each guest can climb back aboard or where wet equipment will be kept.

Let the permitted stop shape the session

Cannes publishes coastal orders covering navigation, anchoring, diving and powered water sports. The skipper and activity provider should check the current restrictions for the exact area, rather than relying on a general promise of water toys around the islands. Local traffic and the conditions that day also affect the choice.

A towable, a powered board or a jet ski involves more than storage space on a yacht. Identify the supplying operator, the permitted operating area, the supervision and any transfer involved. Keep a swimming session separate from powered equipment use in the programme; let the crew establish how the activities can be conducted.

• City of Cannes — maritime and coastal orders

Keep the meal and the activity in balance

Tell the crew whether lunch should follow the water session or be the main event. Dry seating, towels and a place to change matter when some guests swim and others remain dressed for a meal. Mention dietary requests separately so the dining plan does not disappear into a long equipment wish list.

Before confirming, ask which items are included, which need advance booking and what happens to their charges if conditions prevent use. A clear Cannes request names the activity, participant numbers and experience, preferred duration and return deadline. The actual equipment and operating plan belong in the written offer.