REVIEW · FRANCE
Day trip on a catamaran in the bay of ajaccio
The best part of this Ajaccio catamaran day is the chance to reach wild coves that are hard to visit from land. You’ll cruise across the bay, swim in clear water, and see two of Corsica’s signature coastal sights: the Sanguinaires Islands and Capo di Muro.
I like the simple, useful setup: snorkeling gear is included, and floating noodles make time in the water easy and playful. I also like the human touch from the skipper, who shares stories about the places you pass. The main caution is that snorkeling may be modest, and one serious booking problem has been reported, so confirm your departure with the operator before you go.
Key points to know before you book

- Seven hours on the Bay of Ajaccio: This is a full day at sea, not a quick sightseeing cruise.
- The Sanguinaires Islands and Capo di Muro: You’ll see two of the bay’s best-known coastal highlights.
- Swimming in secluded coves: The stops are chosen for quiet and natural surroundings.
- Masks, snorkels, and floating noodles supplied: You need to bring only a towel and sunscreen for the water activities.
- French and English guiding: The skipper can explain the area in either language.
- Bring your own drinks and snacks budget: These are available on board but are not included in the $123 price.
A full day on Ajaccio’s clear coastal water

At $123 per person, this is a seven-hour catamaran outing designed around time on the water rather than a quick port-to-port ride. You’ll spend the day moving through the Bay of Ajaccio, with scenic sailing, stops for swimming, and time to look beneath the surface.
I would choose this trip when I wanted a slower day away from streets, cars, and tightly timed sightseeing. The bay gives you a broad view of Corsica’s coast, while the boat lets you pause at places that are difficult to reach by road.
The pace matters. Seven hours is long enough to make the journey feel like a proper day out, but it also means you should be comfortable with extended time on a boat. If you prefer short excursions with several land visits, this may feel too focused on the sea.
The meeting point is the provider’s office on the port side. Since the exact starting time depends on availability, check the departure details carefully when booking and arrive with enough time to find the office.
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Sailing toward the Sanguinaires Islands

The Sanguinaires Islands are one of the main reasons to choose a boat trip from Ajaccio. Their rocky forms and open-water setting give you a view that is different from a road excursion or a viewpoint on shore.
The catamaran approach lets you see the islands from the bay, where the relationship between rock, sea, and sky becomes the main subject. You are not simply checking off a sight. You are spending time around it, with room for photographs and quiet observation.
The name Sanguinaires is often linked to the islands’ reddish tones, especially in changing light, but the supplied details do not promise a particular sunset or lighting condition. Your view will depend on the day, the weather, and the route chosen by the skipper.
The trip is not presented as a formal historical tour. Still, the skipper shares anecdotes about the places you visit, which can give the scenery more meaning than a silent boat ride. If Stephane or Felix is working your departure, their names have been connected with the warm, good-humored crew experience.
Capo di Muro and the open views

The route also reaches Capo di Muro, a coastal point known here for its wide views. This is where you can expect the boat trip to feel especially scenic, with a broader sense of the bay and the surrounding Corsican coast.
Capo di Muro works well as a contrast to the smaller coves. At the coves, your attention turns inward toward swimming and shelter. Around the cape, the view opens out, and the ride becomes more about the shape of the coast and the distance across the water.
The information provided does not promise a long stop ashore, a walk, or a visit to a specific monument at Capo di Muro. Think of it as a coastal sightseeing point viewed from the catamaran, not a land excursion.
That distinction helps set expectations. You are booking a boat day with scenic stops, not a guided hike around every location. The reward is the route itself and the chance to see parts of the bay from the water.
Wild coves are the day’s real reward
The most appealing part of the trip is the time spent in quiet coves. These are described as wild places surrounded by nature, offering a break from the busier parts of the coast.
You can swim, float, and use the snorkeling equipment supplied on board. The floating noodles are a small but useful touch. They let you relax in the water without having to keep swimming, and they add a bit of fun for people who are not confident snorkelers.
Bring your own towel and sunscreen. You will want both after spending time in the sun and getting in and out of the water. The information does not specify changing facilities, so it is wise to keep your beach items simple and easy to manage.
The water is described as crystal-clear, but that does not guarantee a spectacular underwater world at every stop. One account found the snorkeling spots somewhat limited, with little variety in marine life. I would book this for the coves, swimming, and scenery first, then treat snorkeling as an extra rather than the central reason to go.
Same coastline, a different day on the water:
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What the snorkeling is really like

The included masks and snorkels remove one common extra cost. You do not need to pack your own equipment unless you prefer using familiar gear.
The conditions under the water will depend on the cove and the day. Clear water can make a swim feel special even when there are not many fish or other sights below the surface. If you are an experienced snorkeler hoping for extensive marine life, keep your expectations measured.
For casual swimmers, the setup sounds more rewarding. You can put on a mask, look around for a while, then switch to floating or simply enjoy the water. The trip does not promise lessons, an instructor, or a dedicated marine biology presentation.
This is also why the floating noodles matter. They make the water stops accessible to more people, including those who want to cool off without committing to a long swim. You should still bring the sunscreen and towel specifically requested by the operator.
The skipper adds stories, not just directions
A boat trip can be little more than transport with a view. Here, the skipper is expected to share anecdotes about the islands, coves, and coastal points along the way.
That makes a difference during the stretches between swimming stops. You get context while looking at the places in front of you, rather than hearing a long lecture removed from the scenery. The guiding is available in French and English, so check that your preferred language is confirmed when you reserve.
The tone appears to be informal and social rather than academic. The crew has been associated with a friendly atmosphere, with Stephane and Felix specifically named in connection with the experience. If a particular crew member matters to you, do not assume he will be working every departure.
You should also remember that the skipper controls the route and the timing. Sea conditions, safety, and the day’s practical needs may affect how long you spend at each stop. The advertised places are the main route highlights, but time at sea is not always divided into equal blocks.
What the $123 price includes
The $123 fare includes the catamaran excursion, snorkeling equipment, and floating noodles. That gives you the main boat experience and the basic equipment for the water stops without a separate rental charge.
Drinks and snacks are available on board but cost extra. This is important for a seven-hour outing. If you expect to eat or drink throughout the day, add that expense to the headline fare before deciding if the trip fits your budget.
The value depends on how you use the day. If you want several hours of coastal scenery, swimming, and a boat-based view of the Sanguinaires Islands and Capo di Muro, the price can make sense. If you mainly want a short swim and a quick look at the islands, a shorter cruise could be better value.
One price concern has been raised: a booking through a third-party platform was reported as costing about 20 euros more per ticket than the provider’s direct price. I would compare the direct Voglia di Mare rate with the booking-platform total, including any fees, before paying.
The one serious logistical warning
Most of the available feedback is positive, with a 4.4 rating from 10 reviews and repeated praise for the organization, friendly welcome, good mood, clear water, and beautiful coves. That positive pattern is worth noting, but the sample is small.
There is also one major complaint about communication. A customer reported waiting 30 minutes at the port for a reservation that had been accepted and paid for, only to be refused boarding. That is not a minor inconvenience, especially when the activity fills most of a day.
The practical answer is simple: contact Voglia di Mare directly before departure and confirm that your reservation is accepted, the meeting time is correct, and the boat will be expecting you. Do this even if your booking confirmation appears complete.
This extra check is especially sensible because the meeting point is described only as the office on the port side. Make sure you know which office and where to go before the day begins. A short confirmation call or message can protect you from losing a full day in Ajaccio.
Who will enjoy this catamaran day
I would recommend this outing to you if you want:
- A full day outdoors on the Bay of Ajaccio
- Swimming in quiet natural coves
- Scenic views of the Sanguinaires Islands and Capo di Muro
- A relaxed boat experience with some local commentary
- Equipment supplied for casual snorkeling and floating
- French or English guiding
It is also a good fit for people who enjoy a flexible day at sea more than a tightly scheduled sightseeing program. The floating equipment may suit mixed groups, since not everyone needs to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the water stops.
I would be more cautious if your main goal is rich snorkeling. The available feedback suggests that the underwater variety can be limited. I would also think twice if you dislike long boat rides, need guaranteed meal service, or want a detailed walking tour at each coastal stop.
Families and groups of friends may find the mix of swimming, floating, views, and informal stories appealing, but the data provided does not specify age rules, accessibility, boat capacity, or child pricing. Ask the operator directly about those points before booking if they matter to you.
Booking details worth knowing
You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Corsica schedule is still changing.
The activity lasts seven hours, but the exact starting time depends on availability. French and English are the listed guide languages.
Bring a towel and sunscreen. Drinks and snacks can be purchased on board, but they are not part of the excursion price. Since the day is long and the schedule is built around the sea, pack only what you can keep secure and convenient on the catamaran.
Should you book the Ajaccio catamaran day?
Book it if your idea of a good Corsica day is clear water, quiet coves, open views, and several hours away from shore. The Sanguinaires Islands and Capo di Muro give the route strong scenic targets, while the supplied snorkeling gear and floating noodles make the swimming stops easy to enjoy.
I would not choose it solely for underwater wildlife or a detailed cultural tour. I would also confirm your booking directly with Voglia di Mare, compare prices, and allow for extra spending on drinks and snacks.
With those points handled, this is a promising choice for a relaxed day on Ajaccio’s bay, especially if you value the coves and coastal views more than a packed program.
FAQ
Where does the catamaran trip meet?
The office is on the port side.
How long does the activity last?
The excursion lasts seven hours.
What places does the catamaran visit?
The route includes the Sanguinaires Islands and Capo di Muro, along with wild coves in the Bay of Ajaccio.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Masks and snorkels are included in the catamaran excursion.
Are floating noodles provided?
Yes. Floating noodles, described as floating chips, are included.
Are drinks and snacks included in the price?
No. Drinks and snacks are available on board but are not included.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel and sunscreen.
Which languages are available?
The live guide service is available in French and English.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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