2 Islands Cruise: Porquerolles & Port Cros Review

Thinking about taking a boat tour to Porquerolles and Port Cros? So, I get it, the idea of hopping between a duo of lovely French islands has that draw, right? I’ve been lucky enough to do just that, and I’m very happy to share my take on the whole experience, what’s solid, what could get a bit better, that kind of stuff. Very happy to provide some insights to help you sort out if this kind of adventure could maybe be right up your alley, you know? Hopefully my experiences and advice are of use as you ponder your travels.

What’s the Big Deal about Porquerolles and Port Cros?

So, why would somebody want to hit up these specific islands in the first place, you wonder? That is something worth getting into, it is indeed. First up, there is Porquerolles. That place is rather known for those beautiful beaches, places like Plage Notre Dame come to mind, so picture yourself chilling on what appear to be strips of almost white sand, crystal clear, rather turquoise sea gently lapping the shore. Then there is the village itself; it gives off this super relaxed, almost rustic kind of feeling, and you will probably see folks cycling around. Then, Port Cros; a slightly different vibe altogether is that. It is more or less a National Park, a refuge that features loads of trails for hikers. Because it’s protected, there is lots of marine life that lives near the shore, so that makes it attractive to folks that like snorkeling or just enjoy being in places where wildlife has taken hold. In short, we have got ourselves a party that mixes beach bumming with outdoor exploring – a little something for loads of travel styles, that is the hope!

Picking the Tour That Could be Right for You

Loads of boat tour choices are heading that way, that is to be expected, and choosing the ‘correct’ one can feel like quite the task, very understandably. So, you will often find that tours do things differently. Some are focused very heavily on speed, or how much you manage to actually cram in. Others decide that they want you to properly loosen up and maybe, that depends on the sort of vacationer you tend to be. Is getting to loads of places in a single day your vacation jam, or maybe would you rather move slowly and soak up the place? Another thing: does lunch and maybe refreshments coming included actually matter all that greatly? Think a bit on your spending comfort. Because a more inclusive package is almost certainly going to ding you for more up front, even if it possibly saves some stress and expense further along. And read recent reviews that some people have written; that goes almost without mentioning! What they feel about the boats, the staff, where they actually went. All that really paints more of a true to life image. If loads of folks seem to agree on some points, positive or negative, then pay a ton of attention, right?

On Board: How’s the Cruise Feel?

Ok, let’s consider the time once you have made your choice and are literally on the boat, setting sail for these islands. Very many cruises set off from places nearby, like Hyères, say. This is what I spotted at a recent time in my life; first, a bit of sea breeze! Basically it just is one thing. But as the vessel makes that getaway from land, that air changes up and things start. So the boats vary somewhat, from something that reminds you of an efficient ferry to fancier yachts that cost some money, very naturally. Regardless, you will hopefully wish to secure yourself a comfortable perch from which to take in the gorgeous Mediterranean scenery, arguably. If the tour boasts some kind of guide, and quite frequently it really does, their quality very possibly makes all the difference. So find a person with a decent attitude. They’ll point out various items, dropping trivia regarding shorelines or just plain offering some comic remarks, maybe. Basically, listen to whether they’re boring you, actually!

First Stop: Glorious Porquerolles

The initial stop that most people make seems to involve Porquerolles, apparently, where one frequently finds themselves quite content just ambling on off the vessel to roam, you understand. Loads like to get straight to those tempting beaches I did talk a bit about at an earlier point. Plage Notre Dame really does look superb and provides some top shots, that has been noted. But very possibly take that into consideration – that because it’s somewhat renowned, you will share all that sand with tons of other folks, probably. So you can also scoot somewhere else. You could, hypothetically, get your exercise in and see places. Otherwise, just soak the atmosphere up. Take the time that you want at beaches, chill somewhere along the water. Buy a small meal at an area restaurant. Really take it all in; one is on vacation after all.

Port Cros: Getting in touch with nature

Following that up, then Port Cros can offer almost the direct opposite, arguably. No beach-lounging quite as impressive, arguably! Port Cros is more centered on hikes and having a close encounter, say, with what mother earth has delivered, as that is the general thought. So get yourself into walking attire – that’s what I did. Some trails have some intensity, some don’t do too badly at all. The breeze, the warmth… you will probably find some really pretty lookouts for some fantastic landscape pics. Another thing to keep in your thoughts; take what you might desire in terms of beverages with you. Because civilization and commerce will not be so nearby on this particular chunk of land, naturally. Or at a minimum do some shopping ahead of arriving. All said, Port Cros could be that spot for seeing all types of things that France can proudly put on show – more so rather than specifically the cities.

Snorkeling and Swimming: Mediterranean dips

Something quite valuable and quite shared: boat tour stop offs frequently present time allotted for some sea swimming, so that would usually come rather very welcome, one might suggest. Depending on the vessel you pick, you could hop into water very nearby, or the team could cart everyone somewhere really well shielded. So one word for folks that like viewing the underwater scene: grab goggles, ok? All around Port Cros notably, water clarity enables watching underwater activity minus difficulty, in reality. So if one has no stuff of their own, several groups will very commonly rent stuff. Watch those tender toes – the marine wildlife appreciates these lands being unharmed.

Munchies and drinks: Sustenance on the go

So, let’s hit up perhaps just what people could do if all goes wrong with respect to feeding themselves! Certain boat tour alternatives will offer a proper meal within the purchase. It’s rather almost never knock your socks off quality eats, perhaps. But they get the task complete. On the other hand, one will probably bring their own individual material along and knock it down on one of these chunks of land that are involved. Now you could purchase something; but on places such as Port Cros options might turn out less copious, possibly; which I suggested a tiny while previously. One definite wise move is basically to take lots of hydration and protect your skin from the sunlight, and all of us remain very glad. Really good to remember. Really vital, because quite heated temps can zap any one, very rapidly!

Anything that did not impress me…

Not every excursion turns out the very top. Let’s not be too surprised if crowds come at you; a portion of such journeys wind up somewhat well favored; that means added people, particularly when thinking of the middle part of summer months! That said, there will turn out to be occurrences if certain persons behaving unpleasantly, and so one feels slightly less happy as a outcome, sadly. Something like listening to loud chatter, say. One tip may revolve around thinking of some less commonplace date to travel upon to sort of eliminate this factor of added tourists. Very possibly it might turn out worth consideration?

Worth it? Figuring it out.

Should some person spend their dollars upon the Porquerolles/Port Cros adventure? With all that said and completed? Actually it will simply depend just upon what they most seriously aspire towards within such travel, very simply. So if the aim incorporates easily chilling out on truly majestic shores while taking simple strolls around small but cool towns — Porquerolles, perhaps that simply suits some persons effectively! At minimum. But supposing one really does hunger simply for the open spaces in terms of going, perhaps? Next that Port Cros element alone begins providing a considerable sales angle also!