Bonifacio: Catamaran trip with snorkeling at the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this four-hour trip is that you reach the Lavezzi Islands under sail, not simply by riding in a fast motorboat. From Piantarella Beach, a small catamaran carries you toward clear water, rocky islands, and two unhurried stops for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The sailing itself is part of the experience, not just transport.

I especially like the chance to learn a little about sailing from the skipper and the freedom to choose how you spend the stops. You can swim hard, try the paddleboards, help steer for a short time, or stretch out in the sun. The main drawback is that there is no fixed route, so weather and crowd levels decide whether you reach Lavezzi, Cavallo, or stay closer to Bonifacio’s cliffs.

Key points to know

• Two water stops: Expect time for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding near the Lavezzi Archipelago and Cavallo Island.
• Sailing, not just motoring: The crew introduces you to the basics and may invite you to help handle the catamaran.
• A small-group feel: The comfortable catamaran offers a quieter outing than a large sightseeing boat.
• Flexible route: The captain changes the plan according to wind, sea conditions, and how busy each anchorage is.
• Good value at $88: Four hours, equipment, skipper, fuel, and island visits are included.
• Plan your arrival carefully: The exact departure time arrives by text the evening before, and parking near Piantarella can take patience.

Setting out from Piantarella Beach

The meeting point is at Les Voiles de Bonifacio, on the left as you arrive at Piantarella Beach. You need to be there 15 minutes before departure, but the actual sailing time is sent by SMS the previous evening. Keep your phone handy. This is not a tour where you should rely on a printed schedule alone.

Piantarella sits at the extreme south of Corsica, close to Bonifacio and the islands offshore. There is no dedicated parking right beside the beach. You can park along the road, but summer spaces may be hard to find, and you may have a walk before reaching the catamaran. I would allow extra time, especially if you are carrying towels, water, and beach gear.

Once aboard, the first 45 minutes are devoted to reaching the island area. This gives the outing a pleasant rhythm. Instead of rushing from port to port, you have time to settle into the boat, watch the Corsican coast recede, and listen as the skipper explains what is happening.

The crew speaks English and French. Past outings have included skippers named Patrick, Silva, and François, and the strongest part of their role is the personal touch. Patrick, for example, explained the sailing process, offered choices between more sailing and more snorkeling, and invited people to take part. Another skipper allowed a participant to steer briefly. That sort of hands-on moment can turn a standard boat ride into a real introduction to sailing.

The pleasure of sailing for 45 minutes

This trip suits you if you want more than a quick ride to a swimming cove. The catamaran is powered by sail for much of the route when conditions allow, which makes the crossing quieter and more relaxed than a motorboat trip. You hear the wind and water rather than a constant engine.

The boat is described as comfortable and relatively small, giving the outing a calmer feel than a large day boat packed with passengers. You can sit on deck, watch the crew work, or ask questions about sailing. The staff’s enthusiasm is useful here, particularly if you have never handled a sailboat before.

The route is not fixed. That is worth understanding before you book. The captain may head for one of the islands in the Lavezzi Archipelago, such as Cavallo or Ratino, then choose anchorages according to wind, waves, and crowd levels. A calm bay may replace a particular beach, and an island named in the plan is not guaranteed at every departure.

I see this flexibility as a benefit for a water-based trip, since a fixed route is not always the safest or most pleasant choice. Still, anyone expecting a precise sightseeing schedule should adjust expectations. You are booking a half-day on the water, not a guaranteed checklist of every island.

First stop: the Lavezzi Archipelago

After about 45 minutes, the catamaran reaches the Lavezzi area for the first extended stop. You may have time to walk, take photographs, swim, snorkel, or use a stand-up paddleboard. The stop lasts roughly 45 minutes, although the exact plan can change with the day’s conditions.

The Lavezzi Islands are known for rocky shores and clear Mediterranean water. From the boat, you get a different view than from land, with low islands, open sea, and sheltered coves unfolding around you. This is the point of the trip for photographers and swimmers alike. The scenery is attractive without needing a packed sightseeing program.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, a sensible choice in a protected marine setting. Bring a towel, hat, water, and swimwear. You can also bring your own drinks and snacks, which helps if four hours on the water leaves you hungry.

The snorkeling conditions depend on wind and visibility. On a calm day, the clear water makes it easy to enjoy the underwater view close to the boat. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can paddle, swim, walk if the stop allows, or remain aboard and sunbathe. That range of choices makes the trip work for mixed groups, including families where not everyone wants the same activity.

One point to keep in mind is that 45 minutes passes quickly. If you want to snorkel and paddleboard, you may need to choose your order rather than attempt everything at once. The crew provides the equipment, but you still need to share it with the rest of the group.

The second stop near Cavallo Island

The itinerary then allows about an hour of sailing before a second 45-minute stop around Cavallo Island. The extra sailing time gives you another chance to watch the crew and enjoy the catamaran between swims. In good conditions, this may be the most scenic part of the route.

Cavallo is especially appealing for swimming and snorkeling. The water clarity here has been singled out as a highlight, and it is easy to see why a second stop adds real value. You are not left with one quick swim before returning to shore. Instead, you get two separate chances to enter the water, often in different surroundings.

The second stop also gives you a chance to correct your first-stop strategy. If you spent the first anchorage taking photographs, you can snorkel here. If the first water felt cool or busy, you can simply enjoy the boat and the view. The captain may adjust the balance between sailing and water activities, so speak up if your group would prefer more time under sail or more time in the sea.

Cavallo is also listed as a place for a self-guided visit, though the time available is limited. Treat the stop mainly as a water break with time for a look around, rather than a long island walk. The boat returns to Piantarella after this stop, with approximately 45 minutes of sailing back.

Snorkeling, paddleboards, and time on deck

The equipment included is simple but useful: snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards. Fuel, the skipper, sailing instruction, swimming, and the island visits are also part of the price. That saves you from renting extra gear at the beach or arranging a separate water-sports session.

I like that the activity does not force you into one style of fun. You can be active in the water, help with the sailing, or do very little beyond sitting in the sun. This is particularly helpful for families and couples with different energy levels.

The paddleboards add a playful option for people who have already snorkeled. You can stand, kneel, or simply use the board as a floating platform. The information provided does not promise a lesson, so do not expect formal paddleboard instruction. The main focus remains sailing, swimming, and enjoying the island waters.

Bring a hat and use sunscreen before boarding. A catamaran can feel breezy while under sail, but you are still exposed to strong sun for much of the four hours. Water is important, and the option to carry snacks and drinks makes the trip easier for families.

There are no pets allowed. The excursion is wheelchair accessible, though the practical ease of boarding and moving around the boat may depend on the individual wheelchair and conditions at the beach. If that matters to you, confirm the details with the operator before arrival.

What $88 buys you

At $88 per person, this sits in a reasonable range for a four-hour outing from southern Corsica. You are paying for more than a basic boat transfer. The price includes fuel, crew, sailing instruction, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, swimming time, and visits toward both Lavezzi and Cavallo.

The value improves if you plan to use the equipment and take part in the sailing. Someone who only wants to sit on the boat for four hours may find cheaper ways to enjoy the coast. Someone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, snorkeling gear, and a water activity gets a fuller package here.

The trip has also been priced well compared with some high-season operators charging around $200. Prices can change, but the difference explains why this outing appeals to visitors watching their budget. You receive a small-catamaran experience and two water stops without paying the top rate for a private charter.

The main value question is the route. If rough weather keeps the catamaran near Bonifacio’s cliffs, you may not reach Lavezzi or Cavallo. That is not a failure of the tour, but it does mean you should book it for a flexible day on the sea rather than for a guaranteed island transfer.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this excursion to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed half-day with several ways to participate. It is a strong choice for anyone who likes the idea of learning a little sailing instead of sitting passively on a motorboat.

Families can spread out their activities. Children and active adults can try snorkeling or paddleboarding, while someone else can stay aboard. A family of six has already fit comfortably into this style of outing, and the combination of a modern catamaran, friendly crew, and short water stops works well for mixed ages.

It is also a good match for visitors spending several days around Bonifacio who want a break from walking through town. The sea gives you a fresh view of the southern Corsican coast and the islands just offshore.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who needs a tightly scheduled excursion or dislikes changing plans. The departure time arrives only the evening before, and the route depends on the weather. You also need patience with summer parking at Piantarella.

The 4.6 rating from 471 ratings suggests a consistently strong experience, but the most praised features are specific: sailing under wind power, clear water at Cavallo, friendly skippers, and enough time for two swims. Those are the reasons to choose this trip, not simply the promise of a boat ride.

Practical details before you book

The exact departure time comes by text message the evening before. Check your phone and make sure the booking contact number is correct. Arrive at Piantarella Beach 15 minutes before that assigned time.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, sun hat, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and any snacks you want. You can bring drinks and food, but pets are not permitted.

The activity lasts four hours. English and French are available, and the skipper provides an introduction to sailing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

The boat may visit the Lavezzi Archipelago and Cavallo Island, but no exact route is promised. If conditions are unsuitable for the islands, the captain stays near the coast and shows you Bonifacio’s impressive cliffs instead.

Should you book the Bonifacio catamaran trip?

Book it if you want two chances to swim, a quieter catamaran ride, and a little real sailing folded into a four-hour outing. The price is fair for the included gear and the chance to reach Lavezzi and Cavallo without arranging several separate activities.

Choose a different option if you need a guaranteed island itinerary, a long shore visit, or a full-day cruise. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced way to see the water around Bonifacio, with enough flexibility for both active swimmers and people who would rather relax on deck.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip begin?

The meeting point is Les Voiles de Bonifacio at Piantarella Beach. Meet on the left as you arrive, 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts four hours.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $88 per person.

When will I learn the departure time?

The exact departure time is sent by SMS the evening before the excursion.

Does the route always reach the Lavezzi Islands?

No. The route changes with weather and crowd levels. If conditions are not suitable for reaching the islands, the catamaran stays near Bonifacio’s coast and visits the cliffs from the water.

How many swimming stops are included?

The trip includes two anchorages for swimming and snorkeling, generally around the Lavezzi Archipelago and Cavallo Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are stand-up paddleboards available?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards are included for use during the stops.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own drinks and snacks.

Is the activity available in English?

Yes. The instructor and crew provide the activity in English and French.

Is the excursion wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.