Visiting Collioure by sea: the complete 2026 guide

Collioure, one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte Vermeille (the Vermilion Coast), deserves more than a single visit. Its royal castle standing in the water, its Notre-Dame-des-Anges church with its lighthouse bell tower, its colourful lanes immortalised by Matisse and Derain, its typical Catalan sailing boats, its anchovy specialities and its Catalan cuisine… To see Collioure at its very best, you have to approach it from the sea. That is the perspective the Fauve painters chose back in 1905, and the one KapMer brings you today.

Why visit Collioure by sea?

Reaching Collioure by sea means enjoying an unforgettable experience from the moment you step on board. The crossing is already part of the trip: you discover the Côte Vermeille from a unique angle, while the captain shares stories along the way, before stepping ashore right in the heart of the village.

The strengths of arriving by sea:

• Only 20 minutes of crossing between Argelès and Collioure
• A magical arrival: the boat drops you off at the foot of the royal castle, right in the heart of the historic village
• A spectacular view of the Côte Vermeille throughout the crossing: ochre cliffs, wild coves, terraced vineyards
• The painters' perspective: approaching Collioure from the sea, you see the castle and the church take shape on the horizon — the very angle Matisse and Derain chose
• A guided journey by our captain, in French and English, sharing the history and stories of the coast
• An eco-friendly choice: fewer emissions than a single-car journey

The Argelès–Collioure shuttle: quick and practical

The KapMer Argelès ↔ Collioure shuttle runs every day from April to the end of September, with several round trips a day. You board at Quai Marco Polo (Port of Argelès), and 20 minutes later the boat ties up at the foot of the Royal Castle of Collioure.

The captain narrates the crossing live, in French and English depending on who is on board. You learn the history of the coast, get to see the coves few people know, and enjoy a precious moment at sea.

Prices and choice of formats

Four options to suit your plans:

What you see from the boat

The trip between Argelès and Collioure (20 min) offers views you cannot get from land. Here is what awaits you:

The Royal Castle of Collioure from the sea

Arriving from the sea gives you the most beautiful perspective of the Royal Castle. This fortress — successively occupied by the Visigoths, the Kings of Aragon, Louis XI, Charles V and Vauban — seems to float on the water. Get your camera ready: halfway across, the castle appears with the church in the background — THE postcard image of the Côte Vermeille.

The Notre-Dame-des-Anges church

Built between 1684 and 1691 on a rocky reef, its pink bell tower served as a lighthouse for sailors. From the boat, you understand why: it is the only religious building in Roussillon set directly on the sea. With its rounded dome, it has inspired hundreds of painters.

The hidden coves between Argelès and Collioure

Along the way you skirt several coves inaccessible by road: Crique de Bernardi, Plage de l'Ouille, Anse du Faubourg… Turquoise waters, ochre cliffs and garrigue scrub running down to the sea. The captain sometimes slows down so passengers can watch a passing shoal or a sunfish drifting on the surface.

Marine wildlife

This stretch of coast is rich in biodiversity. You can regularly spot:

• Sunfish (mola mola) drifting at the surface
• Bluefin tuna leaping out at sea
• Cormorants, shearwaters and gannets diving for fish
• And many other species our captain will introduce along the way

💡 Note: to observe bottlenose dolphins, which are more present further offshore, we offer our dedicated Dolphin Watching excursion — 3 hours from Argelès.

Combining shuttle + Three-Port Cruise (the most popular option)

The most popular KapMer option is the morning shuttle one way, with a return on the Three-Port Cruise in the afternoon. For just €28 you get:

• The 20-minute outbound transport, so you can enjoy your day in Collioure from 11 am
• The 1.5-hour scenic guided cruise back, taking in Port-Vendres, Cap Béar and the rocky coastline

It is the perfect option if you want to visit Collioure AND discover the Côte Vermeille from the sea on the same day — without having to choose.

Practical tips before you set sail

When to go?

• April to June: mild weather, magnificent light, fewer crowds → our favourite period
• July to August: very popular, advance booking essential, guaranteed sunshine
• September: still-warm water, calmer atmosphere, the winemakers start their harvest

How to book?

Booking is done online at reservation.kapmer.fr. Arrive at Quai Marco Polo 15 minutes before departure. Tickets are delivered instantly by email.

What to pack?

For a 20-minute boat ride, nothing special. Just remember:

• Your ticket (paper or phone)
• Sunscreen
• A cap or hat
• A light windbreaker (it is cooler at sea)
• A camera to capture the arrival

Where to park at Argelès before boarding?

The Port of Argelès has several car parks: a paid one right next to Quai Marco Polo, and several free ones a 5–10-minute walk away. In July and August, arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I plan to spend in Collioure?

Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to make the most of it: a visit to the Royal Castle, the climb up to the Saint-Vincent chapel, a stroll through the lanes, lunch or tapas on a terrace, and perhaps a swim at Boramar beach.

Can I come back by boat the same day?

Yes, several return trips are scheduled each day. You choose your return time when booking, depending on how long you want to stay in Collioure.

Are the boats family-friendly?

Yes, our catamarans (Barracuda and Aquavista) are stable, safe and welcoming for all ages. Babies under 3 travel free on the shuttle and on the sea trips.

What happens if the weather turns?

If the weather makes sailing unsafe, KapMer may cancel or reschedule the trip. You are notified by SMS, and you can choose between rescheduling or a full refund.

📚 Read also: Which KapMer cruise should you choose? The complete comparison · Full FAQ