Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this nine-hour catamaran cruise is its easy rhythm: a morning swim, island scenery, a long stop at Lavezzi, and another swim before returning. You are not rushed from one photo stop to the next. Sylvain, Tom, or another captain handles the boat while you settle into the day.

I like the small-group feel and the fact that lunch, drinks, snacks, fuel, and water gear are included. I also like the local touches, from coffee with canistrelli to Corsican cheese, charcuterie, Pietra beer, and a homemade aperitif. The main consideration is the price, $212 per person, and the long day on the water. If you want a quick sightseeing boat ride, this is more time and money than you need.

Key points to know before booking

• Carrataghju starts the day with a swim: You get in the water early, before the main island stops.
• Lavezzi is the main event: Plan on about two and a half hours for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and free time.
• The meal changes with the season: Low-season lunch is seafood and chicken paella; high-season dining is built around Corsican cold cuts, cheese, and salads.
• Cavallo is mainly a scenic pass: Expect a photo stop of about 15 minutes, not a long island visit.
• The boat carries useful gear: Paddles, snorkel masks, and swimming French fries are included.
• The crew gets strong marks for care: Sylvain, Tom, and crew member Noe are praised for professionalism, humor, and flexibility.

A full day on Corsica’s southern water

This is a boat day first, and a sightseeing trip second. You spend about nine hours moving between coves and islands, with several chances to swim. The pace gives you room to enjoy the water, but it also means you should be comfortable with a full day outside.

The outing is semi-private, so it aims for a more personal feel than a large excursion boat. No exact group size is provided, but the experience is designed around a comfortable catamaran, shared meals, and direct contact with the crew.

The boat leaves from Croisière Exclusive. Look for the sign with that name, with the boats directly in front of it. That meeting point matters because the start is simple: find the sign, step aboard, and get settled without hunting around a large marina.

The guides speak French and English. Sylvain is the captain most closely connected with the experience, and Tom has also led recent outings. Noe is named as a crew member on one trip. The tone is friendly and attentive, with humor mixed into the practical work of getting people safely on and off the boat.

Carrataghju makes a gentle first stop

The first sailing leg takes about 45 minutes. That gives you time to get used to the catamaran and watch Corsica’s southern coast open up around you.

The first stop is Carrataghju, described as a secret beach. The plan is simple: an early swim, coffee, and canistrelli, the crisp Corsican biscuits that pair well with a hot drink. It is a smart opening to the day. You get a taste of the water before lunch, and the coffee keeps the morning from feeling like an endurance test.

This stop is also useful for checking your gear. You can see how comfortable you are with the mask, paddles, and swimming equipment before the longer Lavezzi stop. Bring your towel and beachwear where you can reach them, rather than burying them in a bag.

The boat then heads toward the islands. You can expect about an hour of sailing before the Cavallo photo stop, so this is a good time to put on a jacket if the wind picks up. The operator specifically recommends a jacket and outdoor clothing, even for a warm-weather cruise.

Cavallo offers a short look at the island of millionaires

Cavallo gets about 15 minutes. Treat it as a scenic pause, not a full visit.

The island is known for its private villas and wealthy reputation, which explains the nickname island of billionaires. From the boat, the appeal is the clear view of the shoreline and the contrast between polished private retreats and the rougher island scenery nearby.

A 15-minute photo stop keeps the day moving, but it also limits what you can do there. You will not have time for a long walk or an extended swim at Cavallo. If your main goal is to set foot on every island, this cruise may feel too boat-focused. If you care more about seeing the coast from the water and spending time swimming, the short stop works well.

Lavezzi gives you the longest swim and meal break

The heart of the day is the Lavezzi Archipelago. The catamaran spends about two and a half hours here, making it the one stop where you can settle in rather than simply take a picture and leave.

The crew serves a homemade aperitif with an island planter, a local-style rum drink. This is followed by lunch, with the menu changing by season. In low season, you get seafood and chicken paella with fresh fruit salad. In high season, the meal is a spread of Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad.

Cold drinks are included with lunch: rosé wine, still water, sparkling water, and a local digestif. You should tell the operator about allergies or special dietary needs before the trip. The menu is generous for a boat outing, but it is not restaurant dining, and the selection depends on the season.

The food is part of what makes the price easier to assess. You are not paying $212 only for transport. The fare covers the captain, fuel, a full lunch, snacks, wine, beer, water, coffee, aperitifs, and equipment. If you would otherwise buy a separate boat trip, lunch, drinks, and water gear, the total begins to look more reasonable.

After eating, you get free time around the boat and the nearby water. Use the paddles for a little movement, try the snorkel masks, or stay aboard with a drink. The swimming French fries are included too. The supplied description does not give a detailed account of the underwater life, so book this for the chance to explore clear coastal water, not for a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Lavezzi is also where you will feel the value of staying put. A rushed stop can turn swimming into a scramble. Here, you have enough time to eat, dry off, swim again, and enjoy the view without checking the clock every few minutes.

The return route adds Porto Novo and a final snack

After Lavezzi, the catamaran spends about 45 minutes sailing along the coast toward Porto Novo. This part of the route gives you another angle on southern Corsica and a chance to rest after lunch.

Porto Novo is the final swim stop, lasting about an hour. By this point, you can choose your own pace. Swim again, use the snorkel equipment, paddle, or simply remain on the catamaran and enjoy the last stretch of open water.

The crew serves frappes and Pietra beer, along with local snacks. Pietra is a Corsican beer, so this is another small regional touch rather than a generic boat bar. The snack stop also keeps the return trip comfortable after a day built around swimming and a midday meal.

The final sailing leg takes about an hour before you arrive back at Croisière Exclusive. That makes the day feel like a proper circuit rather than a single boat ride to one beach and back.

What the $212 price really includes

At $212 per person, this is a premium day on the water. The value depends on how much you use the inclusions.

You receive:

• Captain and fuel
• Lunch
• Cold drinks, wine, aperitif, digestif, beer, and snacks
• Coffee and canistrelli
• Paddles
• Snorkel masks
• Swimming French fries
• A nine-hour route with several stops

That list removes many of the small costs that can add up during a day by the sea. You do not need to arrange a separate lunch, rent a mask, or buy drinks at each stop. The semi-private setup may also appeal to you if comfort and a calmer social setting matter more than finding the lowest possible fare.

Still, the price is not a bargain outing. You pay for the long duration, food and drinks, equipment, and a more personal boat experience. You should book it if you want the whole day organized around the sea. You should skip it if you plan to spend most of the day onshore or if you only want a short look at the Lavezzi Islands.

What the food and service are like

The meal is designed for a day outside, not for formality. A paella in low season is filling and practical. The high-season platters of Corsican cheese and charcuterie, followed by pasta salad and fruit, make more sense for a shared table on a boat.

The inclusion of rosé, water, a local digestif, and later Pietra means you can enjoy the day without carrying a cooler. You should still bring your own biodegradable sunscreen and water-friendly clothing. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested, which helps protect the water and coastal areas.

Service is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. The crew has been praised for being welcoming, professional, attentive, and adaptable. That last quality matters on a boat. People swim, eat, dry off, change plans, and need help with equipment at different times. A captain who adjusts well can make a long day feel relaxed rather than rigid.

The names attached to the experience are worth noting. Sylvain is described as warm, funny, and thoughtful, with a southern French accent. Tom has also been praised for his pleasant and professional manner. Noe is named as a helpful crew member. The actual captain on your date may vary, so think of these as examples of the service style rather than a guarantee.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a full sea day with food and drinks already handled. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like swimming but also want a comfortable place to rest between water stops.

Families may appreciate the simple sequence of activities. Swim, eat, paddle, snorkel, relax, and swim again. The boat carries equipment, so you do not need to organize every part of the day yourself. The crew’s attentive approach is another plus for a family outing.

It also fits people who want more than a transfer to Lavezzi. The route includes Carrataghju, Cavallo, Lavezzi, and Porto Novo, with different moods at each stop. You get an early beach visit, a quick look at Cavallo, a long Lavezzi break, and a final swim.

You may want to think twice if you get uncomfortable on long boat days, dislike shared meals, or prefer to choose your own beaches and schedule. The itinerary is generous, but it is fixed enough that you will spend much of the day aboard or at designated stops.

Practical packing advice for nine hours outside

Bring a towel, sandals, beachwear, and outdoor clothing. A jacket is wise because wind can make a sunny boat ride feel cool, especially during the sailing sections.

Pack biodegradable sunscreen and apply it before boarding if possible. Keep your phone or camera protected from splashes, and bring a small bag that can stay close to you on the catamaran.

You do not need to bring snorkel masks, paddles, or swimming French fries because those are provided. You also do not need to plan a separate lunch or load up on drinks. Do tell the operator about allergies or special dietary requirements before departure.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date you want before making other plans.

Should you book this Lavezzi Islands cruise?

Book it if you want Corsica’s southern coast served as a relaxed, food-filled day rather than a quick island transfer. The strongest reasons are the long Lavezzi stop, the several chances to swim, the included equipment, and a crew known for professionalism and good humor.

The price is high, but the nine-hour schedule and broad list of inclusions give it real value for an all-day outing. I would choose it for a family day, a special holiday outing, or a first visit to the Lavezzi area when you want someone else to handle the route, meal, drinks, and gear.

Skip it if you want a cheap boat ride, a quiet private charter, or extensive time ashore on Cavallo. For most people who enjoy swimming, scenic coastlines, and generous onboard hospitality, this is a well-rounded way to see the islands.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts nine hours, including sailing time, island stops, swimming, lunch, snorkeling, and the return to Croisière Exclusive.

Where does the cruise meet?

Meet at Croisière Exclusive. Look for the sign with that name, with the boats directly in front of it.

Which languages are spoken?

The live tour guide service is available in French and English.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Low-season lunch includes seafood and chicken paella followed by fresh fruit salad. High-season lunch includes Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Paddles, snorkel masks, and swimming French fries are included.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.