THE speedboat whips across the glittering water, kicking up a foamy white wake as we admire the pine-forested coastline.
Laid-back skipper Laurence effortlessly navigates the boat from the pretty port of Bormes les Mimosas on France’s Cote d’Azur towards the island of Porquerolles – known as the “floating forest” thanks to its pine-covered hills, vineyards and olive groves.
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As the engine roars, I settle down at the tiny table and L-shaped sofa at the rear while the other half stashes beers and snacks in the cabin fridge.
My big kids are already lounging on the cushions at the front, taking those all-important social selfies.
And no, before you ask, I haven’t won the lottery. We’ve rented the boat for the day – with skipper Laurence – through hire firm Samboat.
Best described as Airbnb for the sea, the company links travellers with boat owners across the globe.
With more than 50,000 available, from two-man RIBs and canal barges to sleek catamarans and luxury yachts, you can opt to rent for a day, a week or more.
Seeing the island from the land and water adds to the experience.
Lisa Minot
Our boat could take ten at a squeeze – and with prices from £650, or £65pp, you can enjoy the luxury of life at sea without the fortune it would normally involve.
For those without international boat licences, or who simply want someone else to do the hard work, you can get a skipper.
And we lucked out with Laurence, who lived on Porquerolles for 25 years. We’d chosen the islands as even in peak summer they offer a quieter experience than the bustle of St Tropez and beyond.
And Laurence was perfectly placed to show us its best hidden coves, the beach bar to visit at sunset and the best place for lunch.
Porquerolles is virtually car-free, with tourists taking to two wheels to explore its verdant interior, calm bays and sandy beaches along 54km of marked trails.
Chugging round the island, Laurence pauses at Plage Notre Dame – once named Europe’s most beautiful beach – and my TikTok-obsessed daughter squeals.
She HAS to take a picture of the bay from the top of the cliffs.
Swimming to shore with her cousin, they climb the zig-zag path from the beach and are rewarded with a stunning view of the luminous waters, framed by pines and eucalyptus trees.
Pretty marina
At Plage du Langoustier on the island’s western-most tip Laurence points out its unique beaches, a sparkling strip of pure white sand to the north with a very different black sand beach to the south.
For lunch, we moor up at the island’s pretty marina and stroll to Restaurant Porquerollais overlooking the main village square.
Laurence has sorted us a table with a view and even gives recommendations for the best dishes.
After lunch we sail along the island’s southern coast, with its dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea and spectacular coves only really accessible by boat.
We anchor at Calanque du Breganconnet and take a swim and snorkel in some of the clearest waters I have seen in years.
Seeing the island from the land and water adds to the experience.
Then we power back to the mainland, grateful for the chance to experience the suite life at sea, even if just for the day.
