FAQ

Foire aux questions pour votre sortie en bateau

We answer the most frequently asked questions about Bruine Beer and our Calanques expeditions.

1) What are we going to see ?

Our itineraries are adapted to weather conditions to ensure safe and pleasant sailing. Depending on the weather, we can explore the heart of the Parc National des Calanques, between spectacular cliffs and crystal-clear waters. We will also have the opportunity to discover the majestic calanques of the Blue Coast Marine Park, with their unspoilt landscapes and unique biodiversity. Finally, we'll sail around theFrioul, where wild coves and remarkable fauna will amaze nature lovers.

During our cruise, we'll also discover an exceptional marine and historical heritage. Leaving from and entering the Old Port, you'll marvel at the sight of the fortresses (Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean), the Mucem museum and the Palais du Pharo. You'll be able to admire emblematic national monuments such as the Château d'If, the Caroline Hospital and enjoy the breathtaking view of Marseille from the sea, dominated by the majestic basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the “Good Mother”. This panorama is a true privilege and an unforgettable experience.
Below is a list of the main calanques you can discover :

Heart of the National Park :

Calanque de Marseilleveyre
Calanque de la Mounine
Calanque de Podestat
Calanque de l'Escu
Calanque de la Melette
Calanque de Queyrons
Calanque de Brès
Calanque de Cortiou
Calanque de Sormiou
…

Riou Island

Calanque de Monasterio
Calanque des Trois Grottes
Calanque de la Vesse
Calanque du Trou de la Lune
Calanque de Fontagne
…

Island of Maïre :

Calanque du Marégraphe
…

Jarre Island :

Calanque de la Jarron
Calanque du Jas
…

Island of Plane :

Calanque de l'Establon
…

Frioul Archipelago

Island of Pomègues :

Grande Calanque
Calanque de l'Œil de Verre
Calanque des Cambrettes
Calanque du Mauvais Pas
Calanque des Éoures
Port de Pomègues
…

Island of Ratonneau :

Calanque de Saint-Estève
Calanque de Morgiret
Calanque de la Crine
Calanque du Cap de Croix
Port de Banc.
Calanque de l'Éoube
…

Blue Coast Marine Park

Calanque de Niolon
Calanque de la Redonne
Calanque de l'Establon
Calanques du Jonquier
Calanque de l'Everine
Calanque de Figuerolles
Calanque de Méjean
Calanques des Anthénors
Calanque de la Vesse
Calanque des Eaux Douces
…

2) What happens in the event of bad weather ?

If the weather is too bad
At sea, your safety and comfort our out top priorities.
This is why only the captain can decide if the outing can take place and under what conditions. He knows the sea, our boats, and local weather paterne. - So you can trust his judgment.

1) If the weather allows sailing but requires modifying the program :

For exemple : the swell do not allow to enter the heart of the calanques national park.
In this case, we can propose a different itinerary, still beautifull and adapted to the weather

You accept the change -> the trip goes ahead with a different itinerary (No full/partial refund afterwards). afterwards.

You prefer not to change the program -> you can reschedule your cruise (subject to availability) or receive a refund..

Our goal : make the best of the day, but with security and safety.

2) If the conditions make sailing impossible or dangerous :

When the weather come to make the saiiling impossible or dangerour, the cuise is cancelled before the departure..
In this case :

We will offert you an other date,if possible
Or a full refund

No bad suprise : you'll get the full refund or be rescheduled if we cannot sail

Why this rule ?
Because we must respect the sea.
Our crew is professional and with experience. : They know whent is it possible to set sail and when is it not. They also are able to manage the itinerary for the best experience. Their decision is about your security and the ship's.

3) Food Allergies & Special Dietary Requirements

We place great importance on the confort and food safety of our passengers.
However, meals served on board are prepared by external catering,which involves certain limitations.

Group Cruises (meals included)
Meals are not made to be order..
They are :
- Vegetarian
- with a least a part of the buffet gluten free

unfortunately we are not able to adapts menus to specific dietary requirements or individuals food allergies.
If you have food allergie, please inform us before the cruise. :
We will then check with the catering if some of the dishes contain identified allergens..

⚠️ Important notice : As meals are prepared by external providers, we cannot guarantee the complete absence allergen traces (cross-contamination)
For severe allergies or strict dietary requirements,we strongly recommend that you bring your own lunch/dinnerin order to enjoy the cruise with complete peace of mind.
Private Charters

For private charter, the ship is reserved exclusively for your goup.
We will ask that you inform us in advance of all dietary requirements and food allergies.

We will do our best with the caterer, to accomodate specific requests.
However, despite our commitment, we cannot guarantee guarantee tath all dietary requirements can be fully met, particulary in case of severe allergies.
Your well being is our priority..

If in doubt, the best approche is to contact us before booking : we will take the time to discuss your needs and guide you toward the most suitable solution

4) Where is the boarding point ?

Boarding takes place on the Quai d'Honneur in front of Marseille City Hall (right bank). Gate PH2.

GPS coordinates: 43.295866, 5.370181

Bus : 32, 41, 54, 83, BM1A

Metro : Ligne 1, arrêt Vieux-Port

Parking : QPark hôtel de ville https://www.q-park.fr/fr-fr/villes/marseille/vieux-port-htel-de-ville/

Taxi : arrêt des Canotiers

5) What about delays / late arrivals ?

We operate like other transport service :.
Like airplane, train, ferry... departure are on time to respect the schedule, other passenger, and weather constraints. in order to respect our schedule, the other passengers… and the weather.

This is why delays or late arrivals are not possible.
Please allow enough time to come to the meeting point
The boat will leave with or without you, for late arrivals your ticket(s) cannot be refunded..

To find us :

The exact adress of boarding point are in your tickets and our website
Our boats have their name on them in our colors
Our advisors are available by phoneduring the opening hours

However, once the departure time has come, we have to leave the pier :
at this moment, we cannot wait for you,neither help you find your way on the port.

We know that mishaps can happen : sickness, traffic jam ...
Unfortunately, likewise the late arrivals, no show passengers can't be refunded. The crew and the boat are ready for departure, and the other passenger as well.

If you let us know early enoughwe will do our best to help you :
We'll put back you ticket in sale, and if it's bought,you'll get a full refund.

Our goal is simple :
Let everyone be able to fully enjoy the cruise, respecting the time and the enjoyment of all

6) I am afraid of sea sickness

We do eveything we can to make your cruise comfortable from the beginin to the end.
Our boats are stable and we will always adapt our sailing to maximize your comfort and safety.
However some people are more sensitive to the sea
To enjoy the cruise
here are a few simple and efficient reflex

Come rested
Avoid alcohol before departure
Eat something light in your stomac
Stay oustide, on the deck and focus on the horizon
Move around and take deep breaths go for a swim.
And above all : talk to the crew when you arrive—they’ll help you find the most comfortable spot. as soon as you arrive.

We will be sure to offer you the most comfortable seat and look after you if you're not feeling at ease.
If you are prone to seasickness
If you already know that you are prone to seasickness appropriate medication can be usefull.
Ask a pharmacist or a doctorfor advise the right product and the right dosage.

Anti nausea treatment are usually helpfull when taken before boarding following the doctor prescription
We cannot give any medecine on board, and cannot give medical advise
it's always best to ask the advice of a specialist for your comfort.

7) Can someone else take my place on the trip ?

Yes, no problem at all.
If someone cannot attend, you can send someone else in their place, as long as you notifiy us in advance.

This allows us to update the passenger list and prepare the welcome under the best possible conditions.

Children / Adults

Replacing an adult with a child is possible, but no refund will be issued for the price difference. : the change is possible, but no refund can be issued.
Replacing a child with an adult is possible; you will only pay the difference. : the change is possible, and we will simply ask you to pay the difference in price.

It essential for us to have the right informations before departure.
In case of doupt, feel free to contact us : we'll answer as soon as possible

8) Use and validity of gift vouchers

Giving a boat trip means giving an unforgettable memory
Our gift voucher are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase
To use them, it is easy :

Choose your trip
Indicate the voucher code when making the booking

If a trip has to be cancelled because of the weather condition the validity of the voucher will be extende if necessary - No questions of "losing" the gift

For the vouchers SMARTBOX or GROUPON : Please contact us by email with the gift voucher number and confirmation code, your first and last names, a phone number, and your preferred date. We will take care of registering your booking.

If you encounter any difficulty during your booking, contact us : we are here to help you a pleasure, from start to finish.

9) Minimum number of passengers

This is what allows us to mobilize the crew, the boat, the fuel, and the entire organization around your adventure.

If this minimum is not reached :

We will propose to reschedule as a priority
If fthat does not suit you you'll get a full refund

Our goal is simple : to make sure you enjoy a great experiencein a freindly group without unpleasant suprises.

10) Are dogs allowed ?

In general, animals are not allowed onboard during shared tours.

This applies to al animals, whether they are small or big companions.

Assistance and service animals (guide dogs, support dogs, etc.) are, of course, welcome on boardin accordance with regulations.

This rule is primarily intended to ensure:

The comfort of other passengers
And above all animal well being themselvesfor whom a cruise can be long, stresfull and not always suitable

Private tours

During a privatization, the boat is entirely booked for you.
In this context, animals may be accepted only: only :

During short cruises (half-day or sunset)
Provided we are sure the animal can remain calm and safe onboard

However, animals are not allowed during full day cruise (7 hours)to ensure their confort and safety

If you are unsure or you have specific situation please contact us before booking :
We will always take time to discuss with you to find the best possible solution, with respect for everyone

11) What to bring with you ?

To make the most of your trip, all you need to bring is a few essentials :

Sun protection (sunscreen + cap or hat)
Swimsuit and towel
A bottle of water and possibly a small snack
Clothes that are easy to remove for swimming
A warm layer if the trip ends in the evening

Depending on the planned activities, masks and snorkels may be provided :
this information is indicated at the time of booking, and you can of course ask us before boarding.

12) Can we board somewhere other than Marseille's Vieux-Port?

Ticketed trips (shared cruises)

No. Departures and arrivals for ticketed trips take place exclusively from our location at Marseille's Vieux-Port. No boarding or disembarking at any other port is possible for this type of service.

Boat privatization

As part of a boat privatization departing from Marseille, boarding or disembarking at another port may be considered, under certain conditions.
This possibility is subject to:

to favorable weather conditions,
to theprior agreement of the relevant port authorities,
to the payment of the port taxes in effect (at the customer's expense),
as well as a transfer of the vessel and its crew, billed separately.

The transfer corresponds to moving the empty boat from Marseille to the port chosen for boarding or disembarking. Its cost depends on the distance and the port concerned.

Example: boarding in Cassis
Marseille - Cassis transfer: 1 000 €
Port tax: not included
2025 fee set by the Cassis harbor master's office
€ 4.89 excl. tax per passenger, in accordance with Article R.5321-34 of the French Transport Code

Rate subject to change according to current regulations

13) Can the schedule be changed ?

Ticketed trips (shared cruises)

No. The times are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
Departures and returns take place at the times indicated at booking, with an operational margin of approximately ±10 minutes.
If you have commitments before or after the trip, please take them into account when booking.

Boat privatization

Yes, this is possible as part of a private outing, subject to feasibility.
When requesting a privatization, please let us know your preferred times. We review each request to determine what is feasible depending on the season, the duration requested and our schedule.

High season
A time slot request falling between two of our usual time slots (for example between a day trip and an evening trip) generally involves billing at the day + evening rate, even for a shorter duration.
This type of schedule prevents us from offering the vessel on all our usual time slots, both for ticketing and privatization.

Low season
The scheduling flexibility is greater, and we can more easily adapt the times to your project.