Water sports on the Herault coast

The Étang de Thau lagoon, fifteen minutes from Florensac, is where most people learn to kitesurf around here. No waves, shallow water, steady wind off the Marseillan shore. At Cap d’Agde, the volcanic seabed makes for decent diving: drop-offs, arches, and grouper if you’re lucky. The port at Agde has kayak and paddleboard rental for those who want something simpler.

All of this is within 20 minutes of the village. Here’s what’s on offer and what level each activity requires.

Kayak and paddleboard

This is the most accessible activity. You hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for an hour or two and follow the coastline. At Cap d’Agde, several rental outfits are set up right on the beaches (Richelieu beach, La Roquille beach).

The most interesting spot for kayaking is the tour of the volcanic cliffs at Cap d’Agde. You follow the black rocks, discover tiny coves that you can’t reach on foot, and the water is often turquoise at the base of the cliffs.

The Etang de Thau lagoon is also good for paddleboarding. The water is calm (no waves), and you can see the oyster beds from the water. You can set off from Marseillan or Bouzigues.

• Price: 15 to 25 euros per hour for a kayak or paddleboard
• Level: beginners welcome, even for the cliff tour (calm water in fair weather)
• Season: April to October

Scuba diving

Cap d’Agde is a well-known diving spot. The volcanic seabed creates drop-offs, caves and arches underwater. Visibility is decent (5 to 15 metres depending on the season), and you may see grouper, octopus and sea bream.

Several dive clubs operate at Cap d’Agde. They offer discovery dives (a first accompanied dive, no certification needed) and dives for certified divers at all levels.

The best-known site is Les Tables, a rocky plateau a few minutes by boat. For more experienced divers, there are accessible wrecks.

• Discovery dive: around 50 to 65 euros (30 min underwater)
• Exploration dive: 35 to 50 euros with equipment
• Season: May to October (water temperature 16-24 degrees depending on the period)

Sailing and catamaran

The ports at Cap d’Agde and Marseillan have sailing schools. You can take catamaran, Optimist (for children) or dinghy courses. The Etang de Thau lagoon is an ideal spot for beginners: no waves, steady wind.

For more experienced sailors, the schools offer sea outings on dinghies or keelboats. The Herault coastline gets fairly reliable wind from May to September (Marin or Tramontane).

• Introductory session: 40 to 60 euros for 2 hours
• Week-long course: 200 to 300 euros (5 sessions)
• Catamaran hire: available for qualified sailors (sailing licence or equivalent)

Kitesurfing and windsurfing

The Herault is a windy department. Good news for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The main spots:

Marseillan beach (Etang de Thau side): the learning spot for kitesurfing. Flat water, shallow, steady wind. Several schools on site.

The Sete Lido: for experienced riders. Waves and wind, more demanding conditions. Also a reputed windsurf spot.

La Tamarissiere: when the Tramontane blows, this is a good kitesurf spot. But not necessarily suited to beginners.

• Kitesurf lesson: 80 to 120 euros for a 2-3 hour session
• Windsurf lesson: 40 to 60 euros per session
• Season: April to October, best winds in spring

Jet ski and towable rides

At Cap d’Agde, water sports centres offer jet skiing, towable inflatables and water skiing. It’s more “holiday thrills” than sport, but it goes down well, especially with teenagers.

• Jet ski: 50 to 80 euros per half hour (with licence, or supervised without one)
• Towable ride: 15 to 25 euros per go

Boat trips

If you prefer being on the water without getting wet, boat trips run from the port of Cap d’Agde. Cruises along the volcanic coast, sunset outings, dolphin trips (in season, dolphins are regularly spotted offshore).

• Coastal cruise: 20 to 35 euros per person (1 to 1.5 hours)
• Sunset trip: 30 to 45 euros
• Booking: directly at the port or online

Which sport for whom?

• Families with children: kayak, paddleboard, towable rides
• Beginners who want to try something: discovery dive, sailing course on the lagoon
• Active types: kitesurfing, exploration diving, windsurfing
• A quiet time on the water: paddleboard on the Etang de Thau, boat trip

After a day on the water, our B&B in Florensac is a good base to come back to. Quiet, ten minutes from everything. Discover our rooms.