Kayaking & Snorkeling in Saint-Raphaël: Best Spots
In Saint-Raphaël, the best place for kayaking and snorkeling is the Esterel coast east of town: the sheltered Agay bay, perfect for beginners; Cap Dramont, facing Île d'Or; and the coves of Anthéor out to Cap Roux, where fishing has been banned since 2003. Go in the morning, on a calm sea, and stay close to the coast.
The red rocks of the Esterel aren't just a pretty sight from the road. Underwater, tumbled blocks of porphyry make shelters for fish, and from a kayak you can reach coves you only glimpse from the coast road. Here are the areas to know, what you'll see there, and how to explore them safely.
Agay bay: the place to start
Agay bay is the most sheltered in the area. Framed by Cap Dramont to the west and Pointe de la Baumette to the east, it often stays calm when the open sea is rough. It's the ideal spot for your first time in a kayak or on a paddleboard: several rental outfits operate on Agay's beaches, particularly around La Baumette and L'Oratoire .
By kayak, follow the eastern shore toward Pointe de la Baumette: the coast turns rocky and red, with little coves where you can stop for a swim. For snorkeling, the rocky edges of the bay are more interesting than its sandy center.
Cap Dramont and Île d'Or: the iconic trip
Paddling around Cap Dramont, with Île d'Or and its red tower in your sights, is the most photogenic outing in the area. From Agay or from Camp Long beach, you reach the cape by following the coast. Agay's dive centers also list Le Dramont and Île d'Or among their dive sites.
Things to watch out for:
- Île d'Or is private property: you can circle it at a distance, but don't land.
- The tip of the cape is more exposed to wind and swell than the bay. Only round it when the sea is calm.
- The Dramont rocks and the Rochers Cathédrale are flagged as dangerous for swimming and jumping.
At Plage du Débarquement, the tourist office mentions canoe rentals on site . To combine your paddle with a walk, see our article on the Cap Dramont and Île d'Or hike.
Anthéor and Cap Roux: snorkeling heaven
Île des Vieilles and the coves of Anthéor
East of Agay, the coast gets properly wild: Calanque des Anglais, Île des Vieilles, Calanque d'Anthéor beneath its viaduct, Petit Caneiret, Saint-Barthélémy. Several operators run guided kayak trips from Anthéor or Agay beach in season . From the sea, red cliffs plunge straight into water that's often crystal clear.
The Cap Roux fishing reserve
The Cap Roux area is a no-fishing zone created in 2003 at the initiative of Saint-Raphaël's local fishermen's council: all forms of fishing are banned. As a result, fish are more plentiful and less skittish than elsewhere, making it a favorite with snorkelers. In summer, the zone is marked with buoys at sea. The rules for swimmers and boats inside the perimeter are .
What you'll see underwater
On the Esterel's rocky seabed, look out for Posidonia seagrass meadows (a protected plant, not seaweed), sea urchins and starfish on the rocks, schools of salema and white seabream, and with a bit of luck a grouper tucked into a crevice. Look, but don't touch or take anything.
Planning your outing
When to go
The season runs roughly from May to October, with the most pleasant water in summer and September. Morning is almost always the best time: the sea is calmer and the light reaches the seabed. In the afternoon, the sea breeze often picks up. For more on this, read our article on the best time to kayak on the French Riviera.
Safety at sea
- Check the marine forecast before you go. If there's a steady east wind or mistral, stay inside Agay bay or call it off.
- Wear the life vest provided by the rental and stay close to the coast.
- In summer, the coastal strip is buoyed: respect the swimming-only zones and the boat access channels.
- When snorkeling, use a surface marker buoy if you venture away from the shore, and never go alone.
Gear
- A well-fitting mask and snorkel, plus water shoes for pebbly entries.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a UV shirt and a hat.
- At least 1 liter (about a quart) of water per person in a dry bag.
Getting there without a car
The Agay and Anthéor-Cap-Roux train stations (TER regional line) are a few minutes from the beaches, and bus lines 8 and 21 run along the coast road as far as Le Trayas. Parking along the coast is very limited in summer. All the details are in our guide to getting to Saint-Raphaël without a car.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I snorkel in Saint-Raphaël?
The best areas are the rocky seabeds around Cap Dramont and Île d'Or, and the coast between Anthéor and Cap Roux, where fishing has been banned since 2003.
Can I rent a kayak in Agay?
Yes, several outfits rent kayaks and paddleboards on the beaches of Agay and Anthéor in season. Check opening hours and prices with them directly.
Do I need to be able to swim to go kayaking?
Yes, you need to be comfortable in the water. A life vest is mandatory, but it's no substitute for confidence in the water — especially if you're combining kayaking and snorkeling.
What's the best time of day to kayak in Saint-Raphaël?
The morning, before the breeze picks up. The sea is flatter and the water clearer.
Kayak with Azurkay
To explore the Esterel by kayak with a guide, our Esterel Massif tour leaves from Théoule-sur-Mer, on the same TER train line as Saint-Raphaël, at the other end of the coast road. Four hours beneath the red rocks, in a small group of 16 people max, with a state-certified instructor who knows the coves and adapts the route to the day's weather. A great complement to paddling on your own in Agay bay.
