Along the French Mediterranean coast, the first 300 metres from the water’s edge are where people swim, snorkel and paddle. That is why the rules for boats are strictest there. Knowing them takes two minutes and makes your day calmer for everyone.
5 knots within 300 metres
Inside a strip of 300 metres from the shore, registered boats may not go faster than 5 knots, about 9 km/h. The strip runs along the whole coast and also around islands, rocks, jetties and breakwaters. It applies even where there are no buoys, and it applies to every boat whatever its flag. The rule comes from the maritime prefect for the Mediterranean, order 019/2018.
In practice 5 knots means no wake. If your boat is pushing a wave behind it, you are going too fast for the strip.
Swimming zones are for swimmers only
Many beaches have a zone reserved for swimming, marked by a line of yellow buoys. Boats stay outside it. Drop anchor beyond the buoys and swim in, or use the tender if the boat has one.
Use the channel to reach the beach
Where a beach has an access channel marked by buoys, motor boats use it to come in and go out. Inside the channel you go straight through: no stopping, no mooring, and the 5 knot limit still applies unless a sign says otherwise.
Watch for divers
A red flag with a white diagonal stripe means a diver is below. Within 100 metres of that flag, slow down to 5 knots at most and keep a good lookout. Dive boats often fly the blue and white Alpha flag as well.
Local limits further out
Some busy spots have their own speed limits beyond the 300 metre strip, for example around Cap d’Antibes. Your operator covers them in the briefing before you leave the port, and the skipper knows them by heart if you book with one.
Good habits that keep everyone safe
Slow down early, well before the 300 metre line. Look behind you before you turn. Turn the engine off when people are swimming near the back of the boat, because the propeller is right there. And when you anchor, leave room for the boats around you to swing with the wind.
Ready for a quiet cove? Boats in Antibes and boats in Cannes are a short ride from some of the clearest water on the coast.
Based on order 019/2018 of the maritime prefect for the Mediterranean. Local orders can add rules, so follow the signs and your operator’s briefing.