Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this nine-hour catamaran cruise is its easy rhythm: a quiet morning swim at Carrataghju, a leisurely sail toward the Lavezzi Islands, a proper lunch at anchor, then more time in the water. Sylvain leads the day with humor and care, while Tom and Noe have also helped run recent outings.

I like the semi-private feel and the fact that food, wine, water, snacks, paddles, and snorkeling gear are already covered. I also like the range of stops, from the discreet Carrataghju beach to the rocky Lavezzi Archipelago. The main thing to consider is the price, $212 per person, and the long nine-hour schedule. If you want a quick sightseeing boat ride, this is more time and money than you need.

Key points to know before you sail

• Carrataghju starts the day with a swim, coffee, and canistrelli, giving you a gentle start before the longer crossing.
• Cavallo Island is mainly a scenic stop, lasting about 15 minutes, so treat it as a photo opportunity rather than a full visit.
• Lavezzi gets the longest stop, about two and a half hours for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and time on or around the boat.
• Food changes with the season, with seafood and chicken paella in the low season and Corsican cheese, charcuterie, and pasta salad in high season.
• The boat carries useful water gear, including paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming noodles.
• The day finishes at Porto Novo, with a final swim, frappes, and Pietra beer before the return to port.

A full day on the water, not a quick boat trip

This outing is built for people who want a whole day at sea rather than a short transfer between beaches. You leave from Croisière Exclusive and return to the same place after about nine hours, with the captain, fuel, meals, drinks, and water equipment included.

The semi-private setup matters. You are not simply being ferried from one landmark to another. There is room for conversation, food, swimming, and the small decisions that make a boat day feel relaxed. One recent outing included two other families, which gives you a useful sense of the scale without promising a fixed passenger count.

Sylvain is the central personality of the trip. His southern French accent, humor, and attentive approach help give the cruise its character. Tom has also served as captain, and Noe has worked as a crew member, so the exact crew may vary. The consistent theme is a friendly and professional service style.

The tradeoff is that this is a social day. You share the boat, the meal, the swimming areas, and the schedule with other people. If you need complete privacy or want to choose every stop yourself, a private charter would suit you better, though it would likely cost more.

Carrataghju gives you a soft start

The first major stop is the secret beach of Carrataghju, reached after roughly 45 minutes on the catamaran. This is where the cruise settles into its pace.

You can take a morning swim, enjoy coffee with canistrelli, and spend time near the boat. That small breakfast touch is useful. It means you do not begin the longer sailing section hungry, and it gives you time to get comfortable with the boat before lunch.

Carrataghju is also a good first water stop because you have several ways to enjoy it. You can swim, try the snorkeling equipment, use a paddle, or simply stay on deck. The description does not promise a guided beach walk, so do not book this expecting a shore excursion. Think of it as a calm opening swim with a scenic setting.

Bring a towel and beachwear where you can reach them quickly. Sandals are useful around the boat, and biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested. A jacket also belongs in your day bag because conditions can feel cooler while the catamaran is moving.

Sailing toward Cavallo Island

After Carrataghju, you continue by catamaran for about an hour toward Cavallo Island. This section is part of the pleasure of the day, but it is worth setting expectations: the cruise is as much about being on the water as it is about standing on land.

Cavallo is known here as the island of billionaires, and the stop is brief, about 15 minutes. You will have time for photographs and a look at the coast, but not a full island visit. That short stop works well for anyone who wants a glimpse of an exclusive island setting without making it the main event.

If you prefer long periods on shore, Cavallo may feel too quick. I would treat it as a scenic pause between the morning swim and the main Lavezzi stop. Keep your camera ready, but do not pack away your swim gear.

Two and a half hours around the Lavezzi Archipelago

The Lavezzi Archipelago is the centerpiece of the day. The boat spends about two and a half hours here, which is long enough to make the stop feel substantial rather than rushed.

At anchor, Sylvain serves a homemade aperitif with an island planter. This is one of the nice details that separates the cruise from a basic boat transfer. You get a drink and a moment to settle in before lunch, with the rocky Corsican setting around you.

Lunch depends on the season. In the low season, the meal is seafood and chicken paella followed by fresh fruit salad. In high season, the spread includes Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad. Cold drinks accompany both versions, including rosé wine, still and sparkling water, and a local digestif.

This is a generous package for a full-day cruise, especially because you are not paying extra each time you want water or a glass of wine. Still, the meal is served in a boat setting, not a restaurant. If you have allergies or special dietary needs, tell the operator in advance. That is particularly important with seafood, cheese, charcuterie, and mixed salads.

After lunch, the water equipment comes into play. You can use the paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming noodles to explore nearby water or relax alongside the boat. The equipment makes the long Lavezzi stop more flexible. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while less confident swimmers can use the noodles or stay aboard.

The cruise description does not promise a naturalist talk or a guided snorkeling lesson. You should expect self-directed water time, with the crew providing the gear. That suits people who want freedom, but it may disappoint anyone looking for structured instruction.

Porto Novo finishes the swimming day

After Lavezzi, the catamaran runs along the coast for about 45 minutes before reaching Porto Novo. This final stop lasts around an hour and gives you one more chance to swim and snorkel.

Porto Novo is a smart ending. By this point, you may not want another long shore visit or complicated activity. A final swim, followed by frappes and Pietra beer, lets the day wind down without pressure. Local snacks are also served, so you have something to eat before the last hour-long return sail.

The closing sail is long enough for you to dry off, talk with the crew, and enjoy the changing views. If you are prone to feeling cold after swimming, use the jacket you packed. The return leg is still part of the experience, not just a practical ride back.

What the $212 price really covers

At $212 per person, this is not a budget boat outing. The value comes from how much is bundled into the nine-hour day: captain and fuel, lunch, wine, water, aperitif, snacks, a local digestif, paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming noodles.

You are also paying for time. The trip includes several separate sailing legs and roughly four hours of stops at Carrataghju, Cavallo, Lavezzi, and Porto Novo. A shorter cruise may cost less, but it will not offer the same long stretches for swimming and meals.

I think the price makes the most sense if you plan to use the whole package. Swim, snorkel, paddle, eat lunch, and enjoy the drinks. If you only want photos from the boat and do not care about water activities or a full meal, the value is weaker.

The high rating of 5 from 43 recorded ratings reflects a consistent pattern of praise for the crew, comfort, scenery, food, and drinks. Specific comments highlight Sylvain’s professionalism and kindness, the comfortable boat, and the way the crew adapts to the group. That does not remove the usual risks of a boat day, such as changing sea conditions or a group pace that does not match your own, but it does point to strong attention to the human side of the outing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this day to couples, families, and small groups who want scenery with plenty of time in the water. It is especially good for people who appreciate an all-inclusive feel and do not want to organize lunch, drinks, or snorkeling equipment separately.

Families should like the choice of activities. One person can paddle while another snorkels, and someone else can remain on the boat with a drink. The swimming noodles also give you another option if you are not comfortable staying in deeper water.

Food-focused visitors will enjoy the seasonal Corsican touches, especially the cheese, charcuterie, Pietra, and local digestif. The low-season paella provides a heartier meal, while the high-season platters sound better suited to a hot day at sea.

I would think twice if you dislike being on a boat for long stretches, need a fully private setting, or want extensive time walking on the islands. Cavallo is a short photo stop, and the main Lavezzi visit centers on anchoring, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and relaxing rather than a long land excursion.

Practical details that make the day easier

The meeting point is simple. Look for the sign marked Croisière Exclusive; the boats are directly in front of it. Check the available starting time when you book, since the exact departure time is not fixed in the information provided.

Wear beachwear beneath light outdoor clothing. Pack a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, and a jacket. A waterproof pouch for personal items would be sensible, though it is not listed as a required item.

Tell the operator about allergies or special dietary requirements before departure. The meal includes several ingredients that may matter to you, including seafood, chicken, cheese, charcuterie, pasta, fruit, and alcoholic drinks.

The live guide service is offered in French and English. That makes the trip workable for English speakers, while the main host’s French personality remains part of the local flavor.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Corsica plans are still moving around.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full Corsican sea day with a warm crew, several swim stops, a comfortable catamaran, and meals and drinks already handled. The strongest reasons are the relaxed pacing, the long Lavezzi stop, and the personal service associated with Sylvain, Tom, and Noe.

Skip it if $212 feels too high for a day centered on swimming, or if you prefer walking tours and long visits ashore. For the right kind of day, though, the package is well judged: Carrataghju for the morning, Cavallo for photographs, Lavezzi for lunch and water time, and Porto Novo for a final swim and drink.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts nine hours, including sailing time and stops at Carrataghju, Cavallo Island, the Lavezzi Archipelago, and Porto Novo.

Where does the cruise meet?

Meet at Croisière Exclusive. The boats are directly in front of the sign marked Croisière Exclusive.

What languages are available?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with seafood and chicken paella in the low season, or Corsican cheese and charcuterie platters with mixed pasta salad in the high season. Fruit-based desserts are included with both options.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes rosé wine, still and sparkling water, a local digestif, a homemade aperitif, and drinks or snacks at the later stops. Pietra beer and frappes are served at Porto Novo.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks, paddles, and swimming noodles are provided as part of the cruise.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, a jacket, beachwear, and outdoor clothing.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.