Yacht catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands

The sea steals the show. This eight-hour catamaran trip from southern Corsica combines clear water, fish-filled coves, and a comfortable boat limited to 22 people. I especially like the spacious Bali 4.6 catamaran and the chance to swim near Lavezzi Island, plus the friendly onboard team, Nicolas and Bénédicte. The main point to weigh is the weather: the departure bay and island may change, and the ride can be lively when the wind rises.

You should also know that the tour is French-language and the meeting point is confirmed only the day before. That makes sense for a weather-led sailing day, but it means you need your own car or taxi and a little flexibility. At $188 per person, the package is not cheap, yet it includes food, drinks, equipment, fuel, crew service, and a full day on the water.

Key points to know before booking

• The route can change with the weather: You may sail from Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay toward Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island.
• The catamaran has room to spread out: The operator limits each outing to 22 people, although the boat can carry up to 38.
• Two hours of sailing come before the swim: The trip is as much about being on the water as reaching the island.
• Lunch is served at the table: Pasta with pesto, Gruyère, and Parmesan is included, with a homemade Corsican menu available for €30 more.
• Snorkeling and paddle equipment are included: Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and hat.
• The strongest praise is for the crew and comfort: Nicolas and Bénédicte receive warm marks, and one September outing sailed in winds between 20 and 32 knots while the catamaran remained stable.

A full day from southern Corsica

This is a long, relaxed boat day rather than a quick island transfer. Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., and the first part of the outing takes about two hours by catamaran.

That travel time matters. You are not simply being dropped at a beach. You get a proper sailing experience, with the coast and open water forming a large part of the day. The exact amount of sailing depends on the wind and the chosen route, but the trip is designed to make the journey part of the attraction.

The return is planned for about 5:30 p.m., after time on the island until no later than 4 p.m. Allow your whole day for this outing. It is not a good match for a tight schedule, a late lunch reservation, or an evening train.

The boat leaves from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. You receive the precise meeting point the day before arrival, since the crew chooses the calmer option based on the forecast. This is sensible for comfort and safety, but you need to check your messages and keep your morning plans open.

Why the Bali 4.6 catamaran matters

The boat is a recent Bali 4.6 catamaran with shaded seating at the stern, large sun loungers at the front, and more sunbathing space on the flybridge. That gives you choices throughout the day.

I like this arrangement because a full day in direct sun can wear you down. You can sit under shade, stretch out in the sun, or move around as the boat changes course. The limited group size helps too. The maximum capacity is 38, but only 22 people are accepted on each trip, leaving more room for comfortable seating and movement.

The catamaran design is also useful in wind. On one September trip, the wind reached between 20 and 32 knots, yet the boat was described as very stable. That does not mean nobody will feel motion, and conditions vary, but it is a helpful sign for anyone who feels unsure about spending many hours at sea.

There are a few onboard rules to note. Shoes are not worn on the boat, so choose footwear you can remove easily. Smoking is allowed outdoors. The transfer from shore to the boat takes place in the tender, so expect a short small-boat transfer before settling in.

Sailing toward Lavezzi or Cavallo

The stated route points toward Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island, with the final choice depending on the day’s weather. Lavezzi is the main focus of the outing, but Cavallo provides an alternative if conditions make that route more suitable.

This weather-based planning is one of the trip’s strengths and one of its uncertainties. You may not receive the exact island named when you book. In exchange, the crew can choose a route aimed at calmer sailing, which is a fair trade on a boat day.

The first two hours give you time to settle into the catamaran. You can use the shaded stern, take a place on the forward loungers, or head to the flybridge. If you want a particular spot, arriving ready at the start helps, though the small group size should make the boat less crowded than a large excursion vessel.

A French-speaking live guide leads the outing. Nicolas and Bénédicte handle the day onboard, and the warm response to their service is one of the clearest reasons this trip earns its 4.8 rating from 84 ratings. The experience sounds personal and family-friendly rather than formal or heavily scripted.

The cove, clear water, and fish

After the sailing portion, the catamaran anchors in a cove near the island. The water is described as crystal clear and filled with fish, making this the natural centerpiece of the day.

You can use the included snorkeling equipment to look beneath the surface, and the swimming is suitable for people who want a refreshing break from the boat. The appeal here is simple: clear water, visible marine life, and time to stay in one place rather than rushing through a short stop.

The paddle is also included. It gives you another way to enjoy the cove, though the exact time and access depend on the crew, anchorage, and sea conditions. You should treat the equipment as an added option, not as a promise of a long guided water-sports session.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and a cap or hat. None of these are supplied. A towel is specifically listed as something to bring, and the southern Corsican sun can make shade valuable even when the breeze feels cool.

Swimming is a major part of the appeal, but it is not the only activity. You also get time to walk on Lavezzi Island until about 4 p.m. The balance is good: part of the day takes place on the boat, part in the water, and part on land.

Walking on Lavezzi Island

Lavezzi Island gives the outing a change of pace. After sitting, swimming, and eating, you can get off the catamaran and walk around the island before returning to the boat.

The island visit is not presented as a long guided cultural tour. Its value is the chance to explore at an easy pace and see the cove and shoreline from land. Wear something practical for walking, but remember that shoes are not worn onboard, so you will need to manage your footwear during the transfer and boat portion.

The time ashore lasts until 4 p.m. at the latest, followed by the return journey. That leaves a useful block of time, though the exact length may change with the route and weather. If your main goal is swimming, you can focus on the water. If you prefer land time, you have room for a walk before sailing back.

Do not expect a quiet private-island experience guaranteed for the entire day. Lavezzi is a popular destination, and the cove is the main draw. The boat’s limited capacity helps with comfort onboard, but it cannot control how many other boats may be in the area.

Lunch, drinks, and the €30 Corsican upgrade

Food is included, and lunch is served at the table rather than handed over as a basic snack. The included meal features pasta with pesto, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Unlimited soft drinks are also included.

That is a practical benefit on an eight-hour outing. You do not need to pack a full picnic or worry about buying lunch on the island. The meal is one of the reasons the price feels more reasonable than a bare boat transfer.

There is also an optional homemade Corsican menu for an additional €30. It includes tomato and mozzarella salad with Corsican charcuterie, Bonifacio-style eggplant as the main course, and fresh fruit salad for dessert.

The upgrade is appealing if local food is important to you. Bonifacio-style eggplant adds a regional touch, while the charcuterie makes the meal feel more distinctly Corsican. If you are happy with pasta, the standard meal should cover the basics. Because the details describe both an included meal and a €30 optional menu, I would confirm at booking which lunch you want and how the supplement is handled.

The food is served by the hostess, and the onboard meal is part of the social rhythm of the trip. You are not eating quickly between activities. You can take your time, enjoy the view, and let the crew handle service.

What the $188 price includes

At $188 per person, this is a premium day trip. The value depends on how much use you make of the boat and included services.

Your price covers:

• Food and table service
• Unlimited soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle use
• Diesel
• Skipper and hostess service
• The catamaran trip
• Free parking a few meters from the meeting point

Fuel is worth noting. Many boat trips advertise a low base price and add costs later, but diesel is included here. The same goes for snorkeling equipment and paddle use, which can otherwise become small but annoying extras.

Free parking near the meeting point also helps if you have a rental car. There is no public transport to the meeting points, so the price does not include a shuttle. You need to drive or arrange a taxi, and that transport cost should be part of your budget.

The smaller group is another part of the value. You are paying for more than a seat on a crowded boat. You get room to sit in shade or sun, a meal at the table, equipment, and crew service across a full day. If you mainly want a short swim and do not care about sailing time, the price may feel high. If you want a complete day on a well-equipped catamaran, it is easier to justify.

Weather, language, and practical limits

Weather controls this outing. The departure bay and destination can change, and the excursion itself may be altered according to conditions. That flexibility is built into the plan, so do not book it if you need a guaranteed visit to one exact island.

The tour is conducted in French. You may still enjoy the scenery and activities without fluent French, but explanations and onboard communication will be in that language. The crew’s friendly service is a strong feature, yet language comfort remains a practical consideration.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Corsica plans depend on weather, though you should still watch the forecast and keep the day available.

The trip is best for couples, families, and small groups who enjoy a mix of swimming, casual walking, and time under sail. It also suits anyone who prefers a boat with space to move rather than a packed excursion. People who dislike boat motion, direct sun, or a full eight-hour schedule should think carefully before booking.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would choose this trip if I wanted the Lavezzi area without arranging a boat, lunch, snorkeling kit, fuel, and crew separately. The package removes much of the usual planning, while the 22-person limit gives it a more relaxed feel.

It is especially appealing if you want to swim with fish in clear water, eat onboard, and spend real time at the destination rather than taking a quick cruise past it. The excellent rating and repeated praise for the crew, comfort, meal, and stable ride support that choice.

I would hesitate if your priority is a fixed itinerary, an English-language guide, or the lowest possible price. The meeting point is not final until the day before, public transport is not available, and the route can shift with the weather. Those are not deal breakers, but they require a flexible plan.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you value comfort, space, good onboard service, and a full day built around the sea. The clear water, fish, island walk, table-served lunch, and strong crew presence make the $188 price easier to accept.

Skip it if you want a cheap transfer, a guaranteed Lavezzi-only route, or a short outing. For everyone else, this looks like a well-rounded way to experience southern Corsica from the water, especially when Nicolas and Bénédicte are running the day and the wind allows the catamaran to sail.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

It departs from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. The exact meeting point is provided the day before arrival because the choice depends on the weather.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts about eight hours. Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with a return around 5:30 p.m.

Will the boat visit Lavezzi Island?

The planned destination is Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island, depending on the weather conditions of the day. The route can change.

How many people are allowed on the catamaran?

The operator limits each trip to 22 people. The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 38, but the lower number leaves more space onboard.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Food and a meal served at the table are included. The standard meal is pasta with pesto, Gruyère, and Parmesan.

Is a Corsican menu available?

Yes. An optional homemade Corsican menu costs €30 extra and includes tomato and mozzarella salad with Corsican charcuterie, Bonifacio-style eggplant, and fresh fruit salad.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle are included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and a cap or hat. Shoes are not worn onboard, and you need to arrange your own car or taxi because public transport is not available at the meeting points.