From Porticcio: Speedboat Tour to Cupabia Beach with Stops

The best Corsican afternoons happen offshore. This half-day speedboat trip from Porticcio follows the southern shore of Ajaccio to Isula Piana, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent, with four chances to swim in clear, warm water. I especially like the small group of up to 12 and the mix of fast boat rides, quiet coves, and beach time. The captain also serves local charcuterie, cheese, and rosé, which turns a simple boat outing into a proper Corsican aperitif.

I like that the route is active without becoming an all-day endurance test, although the length can vary from 270 to 390 minutes. You should also know that the tour is conducted in French, hotel transport is not included, and the ride can be unsuitable for anyone with back problems, reduced mobility, certain heart conditions, or other health concerns. Pregnant women and children under six cannot board.

The highlights at a glance

• Four swimming stops: Cool off at Isula Piana, the cove of Cacao, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent, depending on the day’s route and conditions.
• A semi-rigid speedboat: You get quick bursts across open water rather than a slow sightseeing cruise.
• Corsican aperitif on board: Local cold meats, cheese, and rosé are prepared by the captain.
• Cupabia and Plage d’Argent: These sandy beaches bring the postcard views, with warm turquoise water close to shore.
• Chez Francis option: At Cala D’Orzu, you have free time near the famous hut, but drinks there cost extra.
• Intimate group size: The boat carries no more than 12 people, and a smaller departure can make the ride feel much more relaxed.

Why this boat trip works so well

This is not just a transfer to Cupabia Beach. The appeal is the rhythm of the day: speed across the coast, slow down in a sheltered cove, swim, return to the boat for food and wine, then head out again.

I like that balance. You are not sitting still for five hours, but you are not being rushed from one stop to the next either. The four swim breaks give you a chance to use the sea rather than simply look at it through a boat window.

The semi-rigid inflatable boat is central to the experience. It can move quickly between the southern shore of Ajaccio and the beaches farther south, giving you that open-sea sensation that larger excursion boats cannot match. The trade-off is comfort. A RIB has less shelter and less room than a traditional boat, so bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear, and expect wind and spray.

The setting also changes the mood. At the start, you are taking in a broad coastal panorama. Later, the route narrows into coves and beaches where the water becomes the main attraction. The final stop at Plage d’Argent adds a calm finish after the faster sections.

Leaving Porticcio for Sette Nave and Isula Piana

The trip begins near Sette Nave, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, plan your own way to the departure point and allow enough time to find it.

Once aboard, the boat heads toward Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. These early stops set the tone. You get open views along the southern shore of Ajaccio, followed by the chance to swim in water described as crystal-clear and warm.

I would use this first part to settle into the boat. Keep your belongings secure, apply sunscreen before departure, and have your towel ready. On a RIB, you will want to avoid digging through a bag every time the captain slows for a swim stop.

The cove of Cacao is particularly suited to a first swim because a sheltered inlet feels very different from the open-water ride. You can enjoy the contrast between the boat’s speed and the quiet water at anchor. If you prefer seeing the coast from the boat rather than swimming, you can still appreciate the change in scenery from one stop to the next.

Four swim breaks in clear Corsican water

Swimming is the heart of this outing. The route includes four swim breaks, with stops connected to places such as Isula Piana, the cove of Cacao, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent.

You should not expect every stop to feel identical. Some are coves where the boat pauses in clear water, while others are sandy beach areas where you can spend more time close to shore. That variety is one reason the tour feels fuller than a simple point-to-point cruise.

At each stop, the value is the time to get off the boat’s seating, cool down, and see the coast from water level. The turquoise color is most impressive when you are actually in the sea, looking back toward the rocky edges and pale sand.

There is a practical point here: four swims mean you should be comfortable getting in and out of the water several times. If you want to swim at every stop, wear a suit under your clothes and keep your towel within reach. Sunscreen matters too, because time on the water can feel cooler than it is while the sun remains strong.

Cupabia Beach, the main coastal reward

Cala di Cupabia is the central destination, and it earns the attention. Its fine sand and turquoise water give you the classic Corsican beach scene without needing a long inland journey.

I like that Cupabia is part of a wider route rather than the only stop. You get the beach, but you also see the coves and shorelines along the way. That makes the arrival feel earned, especially after the faster sections of the ride.

Cupabia is best enjoyed without overplanning. Take your time at the water, swim if conditions suit you, and use the stop to slow down. The tour’s schedule can vary, so your time at each place may depend on the day’s timing and sea conditions.

You should also keep your expectations practical. This is a boat excursion, not a full beach day with a long stretch of independent time. If your main goal is to spend hours on one beach, a land-based beach visit may suit you better. If you want to see several coastal spots in one outing, Cupabia works very well.

Cala D’Orzu and a possible stop at Chez Francis

The route continues to Cala D’Orzu, where you can spend time in the water or visit Chez Francis, a well-known hut near the beach. The opportunity to stop there is included, but drinks at the hut are not part of the tour price.

That detail matters. The boat already includes rosé, charcuterie, and cheese, so you can enjoy a drink without spending extra. If you want the Chez Francis experience too, bring a payment method and treat it as an optional add-on rather than an included meal.

Cala D’Orzu gives the outing a more social pause. You can swim, relax, or step ashore for a drink while the boat remains nearby. The choice helps make the trip flexible, especially for a mixed group where some people want more time in the sea and others prefer a break on land.

The captain’s judgment also matters here. Conditions, timing, and the group’s pace can affect how long you stay. The best approach is to enjoy the stop as part of the day rather than expect a fixed beach schedule.

The captain’s charcuterie and rosé aperitif

The food service is a real strength. The captain prepares an aperitif of locally sourced cold meats and cheese, served with rosé wine on board.

This is not a replacement for lunch. Lunch is specifically excluded, so eat beforehand if you need a full meal. The included spread is better understood as a generous snack and a taste of local food, adding a Corsican touch to the boat ride.

I like the timing of this part. After swimming and moving along the coast, sitting back with charcuterie, cheese, and rosé gives the trip a slower middle section. It also creates a chance to enjoy the view without needing to choose a restaurant or leave the boat.

The food received particularly warm praise, and that matches the structure of the experience. A basic speedboat trip can feel repetitive after a few hours. A well-timed aperitif breaks up the ride and gives you something memorable beyond the scenery.

The wine also makes this a better fit for adults than for families with very young children, although children old enough to meet the age requirement can take part. One practical note: drink sensibly. The boat still has a fast ride ahead, and the sea can feel lively after you return aboard.

The final run to Plage d’Argent

After Cala D’Orzu, the boat heads toward Plage d’Argent for the final swim. The captain may zigzag across the sea at speed, creating the most energetic part of the outing.

This is where the trip feels like a true speedboat ride rather than a floating beach picnic. You get the sensation of moving freely across open water, with the coast changing quickly around you. If you enjoy motion and sea spray, this section will likely be a highlight.

If you are prone to seasickness or dislike fast boat movement, this is the part to consider carefully. The supplied information does not promise a smooth ride, and a semi-rigid boat offers a more exposed experience than a large covered vessel. Sit where the captain directs and tell the crew about any health issue before boarding.

Plage d’Argent provides a fitting last stop. Its pale sand and clear water make an easy final swim before heading back. If the timing reaches the later part of the day, the beach and sea also offer a good setting for sunset views.

Sunset, small groups, and the human side

A maximum of 12 participants keeps the outing personal. One recent departure had only six people on a boat built for 12, which made the ride feel especially comfortable and allowed the guide to be flexible.

That small scale matters on a boat. You are less likely to feel packed in, and it is easier to hear the captain’s instructions and ask questions. It can also make the aperitif feel more like a shared outing than a catering service.

The crew’s attitude is another strong point. Baptiste was praised for his work as captain, and Bebel was singled out for being attentive and caring. Those details suggest that the crew can shape the day as much as the beaches do.

The tour guide speaks French, so you should be comfortable following instructions in French. Even if your French is limited, the key safety directions should be clear, but the experience is likely best for people who can understand the guide without relying on extended translation.

The sunset aperitif is one of the tour’s most appealing ideas. You can finish the day with local food and rosé while the sun lowers over the coast. Exact sunset conditions depend on the date and the weather, but the later timing gives the experience a more relaxed finish than a morning-only boat ride.

Price, length, and what you receive

At about $88 per person, the price is fair if you value a full coastal outing rather than only a boat transfer. You are paying for the speedboat, local guide, southern Ajaccio route, multiple swim stops, access to Cupabia and Cala D’Orzu, and the included charcuterie, cheese, and rosé.

The duration is listed as 270 to 390 minutes, or roughly four and a half to six and a half hours. That wide range means you need to check the departure option carefully. The longer version offers more time for swimming, beach stops, and the aperitif, while the shorter version may feel more compact.

Lunch is not included, so budget for food before or after the trip. Drinks at Chez Francis are also extra. These costs are easy to manage if you know about them in advance.

The strongest value comes from combining transport and sightseeing. Reaching several southern beaches by land would take more planning, while this boat connects them in a single outing. If you only want a short cruise, the price may feel high. If you want a full day on the water with food and repeated swims, it is easier to justify.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Still, the health rules are strict. Declare any relevant medical condition at booking, because the captain can refuse boarding for safety reasons if it was not disclosed.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A mix of speed, swimming, beaches, and scenery
• A small-group boat rather than a large cruise
• Several coastal stops in one day
• A Corsican aperitif with local cold meats and cheese
• A French-speaking guide and crew
• An active half-day experience with time to relax

It is especially appealing for couples, friends, and families with children aged six and older who are comfortable on a fast boat. The positive family feedback suggests the format can work for both adults and older children.

I would think twice if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, have serious mobility limits, suffer from significant back problems, or have a health condition that could make a RIB ride unsafe. The boat is also not ideal if you want a quiet, slow cruise or a full restaurant lunch.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Since hotel transport is not included, confirm the meeting point for your selected option and plan your route to Porticcio.

FAQ

How long does the Cupabia Beach speedboat tour last?

The duration ranges from 270 to 390 minutes, depending on the option and departure selected. Check availability for the exact starting time and length.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes the boat tour, a local guide, the visit to the southern shore of Ajaccio, free time at Chez Francis, and an appetizer of cold meats and cheese with rosé wine.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Drinks purchased at the Chez Francis hut are also extra.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The small group is limited to 12 participants. A departure may have fewer people than the boat’s full capacity.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Who cannot take this boat trip?

Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and children under six are not permitted. Anyone with a disability, known health issue, back problem, reduced mobility, severe disability, heart condition, or other condition that may conflict with the excursion must declare it when booking.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to make the sea the main event of your Corsica visit. The combination of Cupabia Beach, four swimming opportunities, a small RIB, and a captain-prepared charcuterie and rosé aperitif gives you much more than a simple coastal ride.

I would choose it for an active, social afternoon with a strong sense of place. Just confirm the meeting point, eat before departure, disclose health conditions, and remember that French is the tour language. If those details suit you, this is a well-priced way to reach some of southern Corsica’s finest water and beaches in one memorable outing.