Yacht catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this day is the chance to reach the Lavezzi Islands by sail, not by a crowded ferry. After roughly two hours on the water, you anchor in a clear cove where fish gather around the boat. I like the calm, roomy Bali 4.6 catamaran and the generous shade at the stern. I also like the deliberately small group, limited to 22 people even though the boat can carry 38.

The main consideration is the weather. The route may switch between Lavezzi Island and Cavallo Island, and the meeting bay is confirmed only the day before. You also need a car or taxi, since public transport does not serve the departure points.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat holds only 22 people on this trip, leaving plenty of room on the stern, front sun loungers, and flybridge.
• The route changes with the weather, with departures from Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay and a possible stop at Lavezzi or Cavallo.
• Swimming and snorkeling are the day’s main event, with equipment, a paddle, and soft drinks included.
• Nicolas and Bénédicte run the boat, with a French-speaking skipper and hostess service.
• Lunch is included, though the exact meal choice should be checked because the program describes both a simple pasta lunch and a 30 euro Corsican menu.
• The $188 price includes more than a boat ride, including fuel, crew, food, equipment, drinks, and free parking near the meeting point.

A full day from southern Corsica to the Lavezzi Islands

This is an eight-hour sea outing built around one simple idea: leave the shore behind, find a good cove, and spend several hours swimming, eating, and enjoying the boat. The schedule is easy to understand. You meet in the morning, transfer to the catamaran by tender, sail for about two hours, anchor near an island, spend the middle of the day in and around the water, then return in the late afternoon.

The advertised departure is 8:30 a.m., with arrival back near the starting point around 5:30 p.m. The exact bay is not fixed far in advance. You receive a precise meeting point the day before because the crew chooses the calmer sailing option based on the next day’s weather.

That extra uncertainty is worth accepting in Corsica. It means the crew is not forcing one route simply because it was printed on a schedule. If conditions favor Lavezzi, you go there. If Cavallo offers the better day on the water, the plan changes.

The two-hour sail is part of the experience

You do not spend the whole day rushing between stops. The trip includes about two hours of navigation each way, and that time matters. You are on a sailing catamaran, not just taking a fast transfer to a swimming spot.

The Bali 4.6 is a recent, spacious catamaran with covered seating at the stern, wide sun loungers at the front, and more room on the flybridge. You can choose shade, open-air seating, or a place to stretch out in the sun. That variety is useful because eight hours on a boat can feel long if everyone is pushed into one small seating area.

The boat is also designed for a smoother ride than a narrow motorboat. One September outing had wind between 20 and 32 knots, yet the catamaran was described as very stable. That does not mean the sea will always be calm, but the broad platform is a sensible choice for anyone who prefers a steadier boat.

The crew deliberately limits each departure to 22 people. That is one of the strongest features of the trip. The maximum legal or practical capacity is much higher, but the smaller number gives you space to move around and makes the meal service more comfortable.

You should still expect a proper day at sea, with wind, sun, and boat movement. If you are prone to seasickness, sit toward the middle of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and ask the crew for the best place to ride.

Reaching Lavezzi or Cavallo by weather-friendly route

The Lavezzi Islands are protected as a natural reserve, and the main attraction is the water. You anchor in a cove with clear visibility below the surface and fish around the boat. The emphasis here is not on a long guided tour of historic monuments. It is on the coast, the rocks, the sea, and time outdoors.

Lavezzi Island is the stated destination when conditions allow. You have time to swim and walk on the island until about 4 p.m. That gives you a useful mix of water time and dry land. You can use the snorkel equipment to look for fish, then take a walk when you want a break from swimming.

Cavallo Island is the alternate destination. The available information does not provide a separate sightseeing program for Cavallo, so you should think of it as a weather-based substitute for the island stop, not a guaranteed second attraction. The crew’s priority is a comfortable and safe day on the water.

The transfer to the catamaran happens in a small tender. Wear something easy to manage during the transfer, and keep your towel and personal items secure. Once aboard, shoes are not allowed, so plan to go barefoot on the boat.

Clear water, fish, and simple water sports

Swimming is the central activity. The water around the anchorage is described as crystal clear, and fish are visible near the boat. The snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately.

I would bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and a hat or cap. Sun cream and swimwear are not supplied, and the practical information specifically calls for a towel. A waterproof bag could also be useful for your phone and small items, though it is not listed as a required item.

A paddle is included as well. The information does not specify the type or provide a lesson, so treat it as an extra way to enjoy the cove rather than a formal paddleboarding session. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, or walk on Lavezzi according to your mood.

Smoking is allowed outdoors. That may matter if you want a smoke-free atmosphere, especially around the open deck. The no-shoes rule is standard for this kind of boat, but it is worth knowing before you arrive.

Lunch options, from pasta to a Corsican menu

Food is included in the day, and the meal is served at the table. The basic program lists pasta with pesto, Gruyere, and Parmesan. That is a practical boat lunch: filling, familiar, and easy to serve after a morning in the sun.

A second option is available for an additional 30 euros. This is a homemade Corsican menu with tomato and mozzarella salad, a tasting of Corsican charcuterie, eggplant prepared in the Bonifacio style, and fresh fruit salad.

There is a small point to clarify before paying for the upgraded menu. The detailed program describes the Corsican meal as optional, while recent descriptions of the day refer to a three-course meal as included. The safest approach is to confirm the current food arrangement when you book, especially if the menu matters to you or you have dietary needs.

The food received especially warm praise, and the crew’s table service adds to the relaxed feel. You are not grabbing a sandwich between boat transfers. You sit down and eat while the catamaran is anchored.

Unlimited soft drinks are included. The supplied details do not state that alcoholic drinks are included, so do not assume they are part of the price.

Nicolas and Bénédicte set the tone

The boat is operated by Nicolas and Bénédicte, who handle the skipper and hostess roles. Their names come up repeatedly in the most enthusiastic comments about the experience. That fits the type of outing this is: a small, personal day rather than a large commercial cruise.

The language is French. If you do not speak French, you should be aware that the formal live guiding is not advertised in English. Much of the day is visual and easy to follow, but meal details, safety instructions, and weather changes are clearer if you understand French.

The crew provides the navigation, meal, equipment, and onboard service. The result is a day where you can settle into the boat instead of managing fuel, route planning, parking at the island, or equipment rental.

What the $188 price really covers

At $188 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. It is also not simply an eight-hour ride. The price includes the catamaran, skipper, hostess service, diesel, food, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle use, and table service.

Free parking is available a few meters from the meeting point, which helps reduce the extra cost of a day trip. You still need to pay for your own transport to the departure area, because there is no public transport to the meeting points.

The value is strongest if you plan to spend a full day on the water anyway. A private boat rental, fuel, crew, lunch, and snorkeling gear would usually require more planning and could cost more, especially for a small party. Here, you share the boat but receive a more spacious setup than a tightly packed group cruise.

The value is less clear if you mainly want a quick swim near shore or dislike spending two hours sailing each way. In that case, a shorter beach outing may suit you better. This trip makes sense for someone who wants the sailing itself to be part of the holiday.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 84 ratings, with 95 percent awarding the transport a perfect score. The strongest praise centers on the comfortable catamaran, good food, friendly crew, and the chance to swim with fish.

The practical details that can make or break the day

Plan to arrive with your transport arranged. The departure point may be Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay, and the exact meeting location arrives the day before. Do not assume you can simply walk from a nearby hotel or catch a bus.

The tender transfer is another reason to pack light. You will move from shore to the boat in the annex, then remove your shoes once aboard. Secure loose belongings and wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water soon after anchoring.

Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sun cream
• Hat or cap
• Light clothing for the boat
• A small bag for personal items

The trip includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies are useful when the weather is still uncertain, but they do not remove the need to watch the forecast. The crew can change the route on the day to find better conditions.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most

I would choose this for couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day with swimming and sailing in equal measure. The 22-person limit is especially appealing if you dislike crowded excursion boats.

It also suits people who care about comfort. You have shaded seating, sun loungers, a flybridge, a meal at a table, and a stable catamaran. You can make the day active with snorkeling and paddleboarding, or simply sit back during the crossing.

Families should note that the schedule includes a long boat journey and a full day in the sun. The activity information does not give a minimum age or specific child facilities, so families should confirm those points before booking.

I would be more cautious if you need English guiding, dislike flexible itineraries, or want a guaranteed visit to one particular island. The guide language is French, and the destination depends on the weather.

Should you book the Lavezzi Islands catamaran trip?

Book it if your ideal Corsica day includes a spacious boat, clear reserve water, fish, a proper lunch, and enough time to relax without being packed onboard. The small group limit, steady Bali catamaran, and personal service from Nicolas and Bénédicte give this outing more comfort than a basic island transfer.

Before booking, confirm the meeting bay, the current lunch arrangement, and the language of onboard guidance. Bring your own towel, sun protection, swimsuit, and transport to the port. If those details work for you, the $188 price is reasonable for a full day that combines sailing, swimming, food, equipment, and crew service in one package.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts eight hours. Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with return to the starting point around 5:30 p.m.

Where does the boat depart?

The departure is from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. The exact meeting point is provided the day before, depending on the weather.

Does the boat always visit Lavezzi Island?

No. The route may go to Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island, depending on the weather conditions that day.

How many people are allowed on each trip?

The operator limits each trip to 22 people, although the catamaran has a maximum capacity of 38.

Is lunch included?

Food and a meal served at the table are included. The basic meal is pasta with pesto, Gruyere, and Parmesan. A homemade Corsican menu is also described as an optional 30 euro choice, so confirm the current meal arrangement before booking.

Are snorkeling equipment and water activities included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a paddle, and unlimited soft drinks are included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and a cap or hat. Shoes are not allowed on board.

Is the tour available in English?

The listed tour language is French. The skipper and hostess service is provided by Nicolas and Bénédicte.

Is parking available near the meeting point?

Yes. Free parking is available a few meters from the meeting point. You need to arrange your own car or taxi because public transport does not serve the departure locations.