Pay attention to these issues when going out to sea for fishing.
People going out to sea by yacht.
In Cannes, if you want to drive a private yacht out to sea for fun, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling play two important roles. Whether it's the sense of achievement from fishing or the mysterious underwater world experienced through snorkeling, both will make your trip worthwhile. Of course, scheduling and managing your time out at sea is very important. Generally speaking, planning a 3-hour sea outing is quite suitable. Within these three hours, there are many things to keep in mind to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Deep-Sea Fishing: A Fulfilling Experience
When going fishing by yacht, you don’t need to prepare too much fishing gear yourself. The yacht provides fishing equipment, bait, and other related items, and there will be professional staff to explain how to use the gear. Additionally, if you wish, you can request a limousine to pick you up directly from your hotel to the dock, and then bring along snacks and whiskey, while also letting the yacht crew know your favorite music in advance. This way, you only need to bring your mood and leisurely head out to sea.
The marine environment is complex, and choosing a good fishing spot involves considering multiple factors, but there are several universally applicable principles. First, you should opt for deep-sea fishing rather than shallow waters. Shallow areas receive plenty of sunlight, and most fish are photophobic, usually only coming out at night or during dawn and dusk. Second, when fishing in bays, choose areas with slow-moving water, such as river estuaries, marinas, or breakwaters. These spots often have muddy or sandy bottoms, slow currents, and abundant bait, thus attracting more fish. Third, when fishing off rocky reefs, choose the side facing the ocean waves — commonly known as the "tide side." The tide side brings rich plankton, and the impact against rocks generates ample oxygen, making it an ideal fishing spot.
Going out to sea by yacht
Sainte-Marguerite Island is the closest island to Cannes. Every half hour, a ferry departs from the Cannes dock to the island, with the journey taking only about 20 minutes. The island itself isn’t very large and features the ruins of a castle, now overgrown with wild grass. The waters around Sainte-Marguerite are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Since the beaches are pebbly and the sea is full of seaweed, it’s best to wear sandals if you plan to go into the water.
Snorkeling: Get Up Close to the Wonders of the Sea
Equipment Needed for Snorkeling While Out on a Yacht
1. Diving Mask:
Allows you to clearly see the underwater flora and fauna. When you try to open your eyes underwater, everything appears blurry because water is denser than air, causing light refraction. Your eyes focus based on air light, so a mask creates an air space in front of your eyes, giving you a clear view. The main difference between a diving mask and swim goggles is that the former covers both your eyes and nose. This is essential for equalizing pressure in your sinuses to avoid injury, which swim goggles cannot do.
2. Snorkel:
When resting or floating on the surface, or looking down into the water, you can breathe through the snorkel. Also, when there are waves on the surface, the top of the snorkel is usually above the wave level, preventing water from entering your mouth. When snorkeling, a snorkel is an essential tool—you can stay face-down in the water for hours without lifting your head.
3. Fins (commonly known as flippers):
The wide surface area of fins gives you strong propulsion, eliminating the need to use your hands for swimming and freeing them for other tasks. Fins mainly come in two types: open-heel and full-foot. Full-foot fins are typically used in warm waters or for snorkeling. Open-heel fins are worn with dive boots. Large, stiff fins offer fast movement but may cause fatigue or cramps (suitable for those with strong legs); small, soft fins provide less thrust.
Issues to Pay Attention to When Diving:
1. Wind, Waves, and Tides. Without the accompaniment of a professional diving instructor, avoid diving in rough seas as it may lead to safety accidents. Also, be mindful of tides — try to avoid diving during strong incoming or outgoing tides when currents are swift, as returning to shore can be physically taxing and risky.
2. Sea Conditions. When going out to sea by yacht, you’ll often reach areas with little or no human activity. Before diving, always consult the captain or someone familiar with the area regarding potential dangers such as aggressive marine life or strong undercurrents.
3. Water Temperature. Always check the water temperature before diving. Avoid diving in very cold water to prevent cramps or other issues. If the water is comfortably cool, splash some seawater on your body beforehand to acclimate.
4. Beware of jellyfish, sea urchins, and spiny starfish. Being stung by any of these can cause
pain, itching, rashes, or in severe cases, systemic reactions. Try to avoid diving in areas with high concentrations of these creatures, and wear diving suits or reef shoes for protection.
Be cautious when you encounter jellyfish underwater.
Fins can give you powerful forward propulsion.
People snorkeling in the Luminy Bay of Cannes.
A diving mask helps you see the marine life and plants underwater.