Bonifacio: Catamaran trip with snorkeling at the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this four-hour catamaran trip is that sailing is part of the experience, not just a way to reach the Lavezzi Islands. From Piantarella beach, you head across clear southern Corsican water, learn a few sailing basics, and stop twice for swimming, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding.

I like the chance to choose more sailing or more time in the water, and I like that the crew uses a small, comfortable catamaran rather than a large excursion boat. The main drawback is the flexible route: weather and crowd levels decide whether you reach the Lavezzi Islands, Cavallo, or stay closer to Bonifacio’s cliffs.

Key points to know before booking

• Sailing is a real part of the trip: The skipper may invite you to help with the boat and explain the basics as you travel.
• Two water stops are included: You can swim, snorkel with provided gear, use a paddleboard, or relax on deck.
• Piantarella is the departure point: Parking along the road can be difficult in summer, so arrive early and expect some walking.
• The route changes with conditions: Lavezzi and Cavallo are planned destinations, but the captain makes the final call on the day.
• The trip works well for families: A family of six enjoyed the catamaran, swimming areas, and activities together.
• The price is competitive: At $88 per person, it offers a full half-day on the water with fuel, equipment, and instruction included.

Setting out from Piantarella Beach

Your meeting point is Les Voiles de Bonifacio at Piantarella beach, in the far south of Corsica. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure, but do not treat that as a suggestion in July or August. There is no parking directly beside Piantarella beach, and spaces along the road may be scarce.

The exact departure time arrives by text message the evening before. That matters because the excursion does not use one fixed departure schedule in the information provided. Check your phone, allow time to park, and plan for a walk to the beach.

Once aboard, the first stretch lasts about 45 minutes. This is a useful transition from beach mode to boat mode. Instead of racing straight to the swimming stop, you get time to settle in, watch the coast, and ask the skipper about sailing.

The catamaran is described as comfortable and small-group, though no exact passenger limit is provided. That usually means a more personal outing than a large boat cruise, but you should still expect shared space around the deck and swimming areas.

A gentle introduction to sailing

I like this trip because it gives the water journey its own purpose. The crew are passionate sailors, and the skipper can explain what is happening as the catamaran moves toward the islands. If you are curious, you may be invited to help or briefly take the helm under supervision.

Patrick is praised for explaining the sailing clearly and offering choices between more sailing and more snorkeling. Another skipper, Silva, is noted for being a friendly guide, while François helped sort out a confusing arrival time for one group. The names may change on your departure, but the operating style appears to be friendly and hands-on.

You should not book this as a formal sailing course. The introduction is informal and suited to a holiday outing. You will get a feel for how the boat works and a chance to ask questions, but the main aim is a relaxed half-day with swimming and scenery.

A major advantage is the quiet of sailing under wind power for much of the trip. One recent departure particularly valued sailing instead of traveling by motorboat. The amount of sailing depends on wind and the group’s preference, so you may spend more time under sail or use the motor when needed.

The Lavezzi Archipelago stop

The first main stop is in the Lavezzi Archipelago, reached after the opening sailing leg. The boat pauses for photos, free time, swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. You may also walk briefly if the captain chooses a spot that allows it.

The Lavezzi area is known for exposed rocky islands and clear water. Here, the appeal is not a long guided tour on land. It is the chance to see the islands from the water, get into the sea, and enjoy a quiet bay or beach away from the main Corsican shore.

You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. Paddleboards are also provided. That gives you several ways to use the stop: swim along the boat, look below the surface, paddle around the bay, or stay aboard and enjoy the sun.

The water activities are flexible rather than tightly scheduled. If you want more snorkeling, you can spend your stop in the water. If sailing is your main interest, you can remain on board or ask for more time under sail during the day.

Bring a towel, beachwear, water, a sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. You can also bring drinks and snacks. There is no promise of a meal, so pack enough for four hours if you need more than a light snack.

The Cavallo Island stop

The route then includes another catamaran leg of about an hour before a stop near Cavallo Island. The island is part of the southern archipelago area and gives the trip a second setting for swimming and snorkeling.

The Cavallo stop is especially useful because it keeps the half-day from feeling like one long pause in the same bay. You get another chance to swim, paddleboard, take photos, or make a short self-guided visit if the landing point and conditions allow.

The water clarity can be excellent here. One departure singled out the Cavallo swimming area as the clearest and most impressive swim of the day. That does not guarantee identical conditions, but it explains why the second stop is not merely a spare activity added to fill time.

The itinerary describes roughly 45 minutes at Cavallo, followed by another 45-minute catamaran ride back to Piantarella. In practice, the captain may adjust the timing to suit wind, sea conditions, and the group. The important point is that you get two separate water stops rather than one hurried swim.

If you prefer sightseeing from the deck, you do not have to snorkel. The catamaran provides a comfortable base for sunbathing and watching the rocky coast. I would still bring a cover-up, since four hours in open sun can feel long even when the breeze is pleasant.

Why the flexible route matters

This is not a fixed point-to-point ferry service. The captain chooses the final route based on weather and how busy the islands are. On a good day, you may visit the Lavezzi Archipelago and Cavallo Island. If conditions make that uncomfortable or unsafe, the boat stays closer to Bonifacio and shows you the area’s dramatic cliffs instead.

That flexibility is a strength for safety and comfort, but it is also the main tradeoff. If your heart is set on stepping onto a particular island, you cannot treat that as guaranteed. The activity description specifically allows the route to change.

The same applies to the balance between sailing and water time. Patrick is reported to have offered the group a choice, with some people selecting more sailing. A different group may choose more snorkeling and paddleboarding.

I would book this for the quality of the day on the water, not for a rigid checklist. You are paying for a sailing outing with access to the islands when conditions permit. That is a better match for the trip than expecting a timed island-transfer service.

What the $88 price includes

At $88 per person, the cost is strong for a four-hour outing in the Bonifacio area. Fuel, skipper, sailing instruction, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, swimming, and the island visits are included.

The comparison becomes more favorable in the busy summer season, when similar boat trips can cost much more. One July assessment placed other providers at more than $200, making this option look particularly good for anyone who wants a small catamaran rather than a basic transport boat.

Value also comes from the range of activities. A simple scenic cruise might leave you watching the water for several hours. Here, you can sail, learn about the boat, swim twice, snorkel, paddleboard, and take photos. You are not required to use every option, but the choice is there.

The price does not include food or drinks, so bring your own supplies. It also does not remove the practical cost of reaching Piantarella, parking, and walking to the beach. Those are small points, but they can affect your morning if you arrive late or assume the boat leaves from central Bonifacio.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups who want more than a sightseeing cruise. It suits people who enjoy being on the water but do not need a full-day sailing course.

Families can make good use of the different activities. One family with four children found that everyone had something to enjoy, from the catamaran ride to swimming and snorkeling. The activity is wheelchair accessible, though you should still confirm the practical details of boarding and beach access when booking, since the meeting point is at Piantarella beach.

It is also a good fit if you are deciding between snorkeling and sailing. The captain may adjust the day around the group’s wishes, so you can lean toward water time or keep more of the trip under sail.

You may want to choose another outing if you need a guaranteed departure time shown far in advance, a fixed island-by-island schedule, or a long guided visit on land. This is primarily a flexible boat and swimming trip, with island stops shaped by conditions.

Pets are not allowed. The listed instruction languages are English and French.

Practical advice for a smooth half-day

Watch for the text message sent the evening before. It contains the exact departure time, and one arrival experience was confused by the timing. Even though the issue was resolved, checking the message carefully will save stress.

Arrive earlier than the required 15 minutes if you are driving in summer. Parking is along the road, not directly beside Piantarella beach, and you may need to walk. Keep your belongings light and easy to carry.

Pack the basics:

• Towel and swimwear
• Sun hat
• Water and any snacks you want
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• A phone or camera protected from spray

You can bring drinks and snacks aboard. The supplied information does not mention lockers, so keep valuables secure and bring only what you need.

The trip has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Corsica schedule is still moving around, but the weather-based route remains the larger planning factor.

Should you book the Lavezzi catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a relaxed, active half-day with two swimming stops, real sailing time, and the option to snorkel or paddleboard. The combination is hard to beat at $88, especially in the high season.

I would give it extra weight if you prefer a small catamaran to a motorboat, or if someone in your group wants to learn how sailing works. The friendly skipper style, adjustable pace, and clear water around Cavallo add real value.

Skip it if a fixed route matters more than the day’s overall experience. The Lavezzi Islands and Cavallo are planned destinations, not an absolute promise. For everyone else, this is a practical way to reach some of Corsica’s finest southern waters without giving up comfort or flexibility.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The meeting point is Les Voiles de Bonifacio at Piantarella beach, on the left as you arrive.

How long does the activity last?

The excursion lasts four hours.

When will I know the departure time?

You will receive the exact departure time by text message the evening before the excursion.

Is parking available at Piantarella beach?

There is no parking directly beside Piantarella beach. Parking is allowed along the road, and you may need to walk to the meeting point. Summer parking can be difficult.

What islands does the trip visit?

The planned route includes the Lavezzi Archipelago and Cavallo Island. The captain may change the route based on weather and crowd levels.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own drinks and snacks.

What happens if the weather is not suitable for the Lavezzi Islands?

The boat may stay closer to the coast and show you the cliffs of Bonifacio instead. The captain adapts the route to the conditions of the day.