Seen from the sea, the Emerald Coast looks completely different: forts perched on islets, pink cliffs, villas overlooking the waves. Good news: most cruises leave from Dinard itself, a few minutes' walk from the Bella Cruz apartment. Here are our favourite trips, from a 10-minute crossing to a full day on an archipelago.
Where to board in Dinard
Compagnie Corsaire boats leave from the landing stage on the Clair de Lune promenade, near the Yacht Club, below the Grand Hôtel. From the apartment, you walk there along the seafront. In high summer, and sometimes depending on the tide, some departures leave from the Cale de la Vallée, 5 minutes away: check the boarding point on your ticket.
The sea bus to Saint-Malo · 10 minutes
The simplest, and most beautiful, way to reach Saint-Malo: a 10-minute crossing, very frequent departures in season, and an arrival facing the ramparts. No traffic jams, no hunting for a parking space. Children love it, and it is an ideal first trip at sea for the little ones.
The bay forts cruise · 1 hr 30
A guided loop around the bay of Saint-Malo, among islets, lighthouses and forts built to protect the corsair city. You pass Fort National, the Grand Bé and the island of Cézembre while hearing tales of corsairs. The right format for a family with young children: long enough to feel far away, short enough not to get bored.
Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte · 2 hrs 30
Our favourite. The boat follows the coast to the pink sandstone cliffs of Cap Fréhel, nearly 70 metres high, then passes beneath Fort La Latte, a medieval castle on its rocky spur. Seabird colonies nest in the cliffs: bring binoculars. No stop, straight back to Dinard.
Up the Rance to Dinan · 2 hrs 45
A gentle cruise along the Rance estuary: through the lock at the tidal dam, past fishing villages such as Saint-Suliac and malouinière manor houses hidden in the woods, arriving at the port of Dinan, below the medieval town. You go out by boat; you can come back by coach. The timing depends on the tide, so plan this trip ahead.
A day on the Chausey islands · 1 hr 10 crossing
The Chausey archipelago, off Granville, is one of the largest in Europe: white sand beaches, turquoise water and dozens of islets that appear at low tide. The crossing takes about 1 hr 10 and you have the whole day there. Perfect with teenagers: picnic, swimming and exploring.
And also
- Cézembre island, 20 minutes from Saint-Malo: a sandy beach facing the town and a path among Second World War remains.
- The bay of Cancale and Pointe du Grouin, on a 2 hr 30 guided cruise in summer.
- Sea fishing, a morning offshore with equipment provided: an unforgettable memory for teenagers, in July and August.
Our tips for a great trip
- A windproof jacket for everyone, even in midsummer: at sea, the wind cools you down fast.
- Seasickness: for sensitive children, choose short trips (sea bus, forts cruise) and a seat in the open air.
- Prices range from about €6 for a crossing to around €40 for the longest cruises, with reduced fares for children. Check current prices when you book.
