3H30 Explore the south shore of the bay of Ajaccio Catamaran

The best part of this 3.5-hour catamaran trip is the chance to reach coves that you cannot get to by road or foot. You sail out from Ajaccio, follow the south shore, and stop in calm water for swimming, snorkeling, and a little paddleboarding.

I like the mix of wild anchorages and easy water time, and I like that masks, snorkels, and floating fries are provided rather than left for you to arrange. The main drawback is that the guide speaks French only, and the excursion is not suitable for people over 70.

Key points at a glance

• Secluded south-shore coves: Stop at one or two anchorages that are inaccessible from land.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Masks and snorkels are available for exploring the seabed.
• A playful way to relax: Floating fries let you lounge in the water without swimming hard.
• Sanguinaires Islands from offshore: See one of Ajaccio’s best-known coastal sights from the sea.
• French-speaking guidance: Commentary comes from a live guide in French.
• Useful half-day length: At 210 minutes, you get a proper outing without losing the whole day.

Setting out from Ajaccio toward the south shore

This excursion gives you a different view of the Gulf of Ajaccio from the first minutes on board. Instead of simply looking out at the water from a promenade, you move along the coast and see the shoreline from offshore, with Corsica’s rocky coves and open stretches of coast unfolding beside you.

The trip heads toward the south shore of the gulf. The exact sailing route can vary, but the plan is clear: cruise along the coast, listen to commentary from the French-speaking guide, and make one or two swimming stops before returning to port.

That rhythm matters. You are not signing up for a fast sightseeing run with constant announcements. You get time to sit, look around, and let the boat carry you between stops. If you like your excursions active but not packed minute by minute, the 210-minute schedule should feel well judged.

The guide’s commentary is in French, so basic French will help you follow the coastal information. If you do not speak French, the central parts of the outing still make sense through the scenery and activities, but you should not expect detailed explanations in English.

What makes the wild anchorages special

The main reward is the stop at a secluded cove. These are described as wild anchorages that cannot be reached from land, which gives the outing a purpose beyond simply taking a boat ride. You are being taken to water access that would not be available on a normal beach day in Ajaccio.

Expect one or two swimming stops. The number is not fixed, so the time spent at anchorages may depend on the conditions and the day’s schedule. That flexibility is useful at sea, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed list of several named coves.

At the stop, you can swim in clear water, sit in the sun, or use the available equipment to look below the surface. The seabed and local underwater life are part of the experience, though the information provided does not promise a guided snorkeling session or a particular marine species.

I would treat the snorkeling as casual and self-directed. You receive the mask and snorkel, then explore at your own pace. That suits confident swimmers who like freedom, but it may feel limited if you want an instructor in the water or a formal marine-life tour.

The floating fries add a slightly silly but useful touch. These are floating supports for people who want to relax in the water rather than swim continuously. They can make the stop more comfortable for a mixed group, especially when one person wants to snorkel and another prefers to float and enjoy the sun.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in calm water

The water stops are not only for looking. You can get in, swim, and try stand-up paddleboarding when conditions are calm. Paddleboarding gives you another way to see the cove and move across the surface without needing a long, demanding activity.

The word calm matters here. Stand-up paddleboarding is offered as an option in sheltered water, not as a full lesson or open-sea challenge. If you have never tried it, you may find the cove a more forgiving place to make your first attempt than exposed water.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. You should also pack sun cream and a cap, since the boat and the stops put you in strong sun for much of the outing. These are not minor details. A three-and-a-half-hour trip can feel much less comfortable if you are wet, sunburned, or missing something to cover your head.

You may want to bring your own water bottle as well. The boat sells drinks, but outside drinks are not accepted, with the exception of water bottles. Sodas and beer cannot be brought on board. The simplest approach is to carry water and plan to buy anything else from the boat’s drinks service.

Seeing the Sanguinaires Islands from the water

The Sanguinaires Islands are one of the best-known sights around Ajaccio, and this trip gives you an offshore viewpoint. Seeing them from a catamaran changes the scale of the scene. You are not just looking toward the islands from the coast. You are out on the gulf with open water around you and the islands forming part of the wider coastal view.

The islands are listed as a highlight, but the precise amount of time spent near them is not stated. Think of them as part of the sailing scenery rather than a separate island landing or walking visit. There is no indication that you get off the catamaran there.

That distinction helps set expectations. This is a coastal sailing and swimming outing, not an island tour with time ashore. If you want to walk on the Sanguinaires Islands, you will need a different activity. If you want a relaxed boat view of them combined with a cove stop, this route fits better.

The last part of the journey returns to Ajaccio by boat. It is a useful chance to chat with the guide and other people on board, compare favorite parts of the outing, and enjoy the final coastal views before reaching port.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon near Ajaccio. The value depends on how much use you make of the boat access and included equipment.

You are paying for a 210-minute catamaran excursion, a live guide, transport along the coast, access to secluded anchorages, and use of snorkeling equipment and floating supports. Stand-up paddleboarding is also available, according to the activity highlights. Put simply, the price covers both sightseeing and water activities rather than only a seat on a boat.

The strongest value comes from the coves. If you are already planning to visit ordinary beaches, the main extra benefit is reaching swimming spots inaccessible from land. That makes the price easier to justify for anyone who wants the sea to be the center of the day.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a short cruise or if you dislike swimming. Much of the appeal lies in getting into the water, using the equipment, and enjoying time at anchor. Someone who plans to remain seated for the entire trip may not get as much from the fare.

The rating is 4.9 from four reviews, and the clearest praise focuses on a very pleasant morning and a recommendation to take the outing. That is encouraging, but the sample is small. I would treat it as a strong early signal, not a guarantee that every departure will feel identical.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups of friends who want a relaxed sea day with several ways to enjoy the water. It works especially well for people who like a little activity but do not want a full-day sailing program.

You should be comfortable with a boat-based excursion and swimming stops. The activity information does not give a group size, boat layout, or details about shade, so do not assume a private or luxury experience. You are booking a shared catamaran outing with a live guide.

The trip also suits you if you want to see Ajaccio’s coast from a new angle without spending the whole day away. At 210 minutes, it leaves room for another activity, a meal in Ajaccio, or time at your accommodation.

It is less suitable if you need English commentary, want a guided snorkeling lesson, or prefer to avoid water activities. The language is French only, and there is no promise of a particular snorkeling route, marine species, or number of coves beyond one to two planned stops.

The stated age restriction is important: people over 70 should not book this activity. The information does not explain whether that restriction relates to swimming, boarding, or the operator’s general safety policy, so it is best to take it literally rather than assume an exception.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Pack the basics:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sun cream
• Cap
• Water bottle

You do not need to pack snorkeling gear, since masks and snorkels are supplied. Floating fries are also available, so you do not need to bring a personal float.

Leave sodas and beer behind. The boat has a drinks sales service, and outside drinks are not accepted except for water bottles. If you have specific dietary or drink needs, the supplied information does not say what the onboard selection includes, so carry water and plan around the available service.

Sun protection deserves special attention. A boat trip can feel breezy, which may hide how much sun you are receiving. Reapply sun cream after swimming, and use your cap during the sailing portions.

Timing, language, and cancellation flexibility

The excursion lasts 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. Starting times are available according to the date you choose, so check the schedule before booking rather than assuming a morning departure. The experience description refers to a half-day outing, and one verified booking from July 17, 2025 described it as a very pleasant morning.

The live guide speaks French. That is the only language specified. You can still follow the basic flow of the trip if you do not speak French, but commentary about the coast will be harder to understand.

The operator is Voglia di Mare. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Those policies are useful if your Corsica plans may change, though you should still check the exact starting time and availability before committing.

My call: book it if the cove stop matters

Book this catamaran trip if you want secluded swimming water, simple snorkeling, and a relaxed coastal cruise in one half-day. The chance to reach coves inaccessible from land is the real reason to choose it, while the Sanguinaires Islands add a strong sightseeing element.

Think twice if you need English guidance, dislike getting wet, or want a detailed guided underwater tour. Also skip it if anyone in your party is over 70, since the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for that age group.

For the right person, $94 buys more than a boat ride. It gives you time offshore, equipment for the water, and access to parts of the south shore you cannot reach on foot. That is a fair trade if swimming in a quiet cove sounds better than another afternoon on a crowded beach.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran excursion?

The excursion lasts 210 minutes, or three and a half hours.

Where does the boat sail?

The catamaran sails from Ajaccio toward the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio.

How many swimming stops are planned?

One to two swimming stops are planned during the outing.

Can I swim during the excursion?

Yes. You can swim in the clear water at a secluded cove.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Is stand-up paddleboarding available?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is available in calm water.

Can I see the Sanguinaires Islands?

Yes. The route includes views of the Sanguinaires Islands from the sea.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks French.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not listed as included. The boat offers drinks for sale, and outside drinks are not accepted except for water bottles.

Can people over 70 take this excursion?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people over 70.