Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands

Corsica looks best from the water. This 9-hour catamaran cruise links quiet beaches, the Lavezzi Archipelago, Cavallo Island, and Porto Novo with plenty of time to swim. I especially like the small-group feel and the fact that lunch, drinks, snacks, paddles, and snorkeling gear are included. The main point to consider is the price: at $212 per person, this is not a budget boat ride.

The day also benefits from a friendly crew. Sylvain is known for his southern French warmth, humor, and care, while Tom and Noé have also helped create highly praised outings. You get a comfortable boat, several swim stops, and a full day at sea rather than a quick harbor trip. Just remember that this is a long day outdoors, so bring a towel, jacket, sandals, swimwear, and biodegradable sunscreen.

The best parts of the day at a glance

• A morning swim at Carrataghju: The cruise begins with a quieter beach stop, coffee, and Corsican canistrelli biscuits.
• Two island worlds in one trip: You pass Cavallo Island, known for its luxury homes and private feel, then spend longer around the wild Lavezzi Archipelago.
• A proper onboard lunch: Depending on the season, you get seafood and chicken paella or a Corsican cheese and charcuterie spread, with drinks included.
• Friendly, attentive leadership: Sylvain receives especially strong praise for his professionalism, humor, and kindness. Tom has also guided the cruise.
• Good water activities: Paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming noodles are supplied, so you can be active without packing bulky gear.
• A relaxed final stop at Porto Novo: The day ends with another swim, frappes, Pietra beer, and local snacks before the return sail.

Setting out from Croisière Exclusive

You meet at the Croisière Exclusive sign, with the boats positioned directly in front of it. That simple landmark matters because the operator uses the same name for the meeting point and the boats, making the departure area easier to identify.

The full outing lasts about nine hours. That gives the crew enough time to reach the islands without turning every stop into a rushed photo opportunity. You will spend a fair amount of the day underway, but the route is broken up by swimming, snorkeling, food, drinks, and time to rest.

The boat is described as comfortable, and the strong transport ratings support that claim. Still, a catamaran is an open-water experience. Bring a jacket even in warm weather, since the wind can feel cool while the boat is moving. Sandals are useful around the boat and at the beach, while outdoor clothing gives you a practical backup if the weather shifts.

The outing is offered in French and English. If you need to explain an allergy or dietary requirement, tell the operator in advance. That is especially important here because lunch includes seafood, chicken, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, and drinks.

Carrataghju starts the day quietly

The first stop is the secret beach of Carrataghju, reached after roughly 45 minutes on the catamaran. The plan is simple: morning swimming, a little coffee, and canistrelli, the crisp Corsican biscuits that pair well with a hot drink.

I like this opening because it lets you ease into the day. You are not expected to swim, eat, and take photographs all at once. You can use the first stop to get comfortable with the boat, check the water, and settle into the pace.

The itinerary allows about 45 minutes here. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a quick snack, though not a long beach stay. If you want a slow morning on shore, this cruise may feel too active. The focus is on seeing several locations rather than spending half a day at one beach.

The stop also gives you your first clear taste of the trip’s character. This is not simply a sightseeing transfer to Lavezzi. The crew is building a full day around the pleasures of the sea: a swim, a snack, a drink, and a view.

Passing Cavallo Island

After leaving Carrataghju, the boat continues for about an hour toward Cavallo Island. You get a short photo stop of approximately 15 minutes.

Cavallo is often associated with luxury villas, private boats, and an exclusive atmosphere. The short stop works well for taking in the island’s setting without pretending you are spending the day exploring it on foot. You remain focused on the coastline and the view from the water.

This part of the route is best for people who enjoy variety. In a single day, you move from a quieter beach to an island linked with wealth and privacy, then onward to the more rugged Lavezzi area. The contrast gives the cruise more character than a simple trip to one swimming cove.

The limitation is clear: 15 minutes is a photo pause, not a full visit. You should not book this outing expecting extensive time on Cavallo Island itself.

Two and a half hours around the Lavezzi Archipelago

The main stop lasts about two and a half hours at the Lavezzi Archipelago. This is where the schedule opens up. You get lunch, an aperitif, free time, swimming, snorkeling, and the chance to use the paddles and swimming noodles supplied by the crew.

Lavezzi is known for its striking rock formations, clear water, and small islands scattered south of Corsica. From the catamaran, the setting is especially easy to appreciate because you can alternate between being on deck and being in the water.

This long stop is the heart of the cruise. You can swim straight from the boat, use a snorkeling mask to look around the shallows, or paddle at a gentler pace. If you prefer not to get in the water, the catamaran gives you a comfortable place to relax and watch the scenery.

The equipment is a real convenience. You do not need to bring your own paddle or mask, and the swimming noodles are helpful if you want to float without working hard. Pack your own towel, though, since that is not listed among the included items.

The term hop-on hop-off stop appears in the schedule, but this is not a bus-style service. In practical terms, it means you have time to leave the boat for water activities and return to it during the stop. Follow the captain’s instructions closely, since the timing of the return matters when the boat moves on.

Lunch with Corsican flavor

Lunch changes with the season. In the low season, the meal is seafood and chicken paella, followed by fresh fruit salad. In high season, the crew serves platters of Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and more fresh fruit.

That seasonal change makes sense for a boat meal. High-season platters are easy to share and serve in warm weather, while paella gives the lower-season menu a more substantial feel. Neither option is presented as fine dining, and that is not the point. You are eating outdoors, surrounded by islands, with the sea only a few steps away.

Drinks are included. The meal comes with rosé wine, still and sparkling water, and a local digestif. The onboard aperitif also includes a homemade drink and a genuine island planter. Later, you get Pietra beer and frappes at Porto Novo.

I consider this food and drink package a major part of the value. Buying lunch, wine, water, aperitifs, and snacks separately during a full-day boat trip can add up quickly. Here, the crew handles the serving, and you can return to swimming without searching for a restaurant.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the operator before departure. The menu contains several common allergens, including seafood, dairy, and possibly gluten.

A boat day with a friendly crew

The strongest praise centers on the crew. Sylvain is repeatedly described as professional, welcoming, humorous, and attentive. Tom has also been praised for being pleasant, careful, and adaptable, and Noé is mentioned as a helpful crew member.

Those details matter more than they might seem. On a nine-hour outing, the captain shapes the mood of the whole day. A crew that explains the plan, watches the schedule, and stays flexible can make a boat trip feel relaxed instead of rigid.

The cruise also appears to suit mixed groups. One account describes a day shared with two other families, with the commander adapting well to the group. That suggests a semi-private atmosphere rather than a crowded party boat, though the exact number of people is not provided.

You should still expect a social outing. You will share the catamaran, food, and swim areas with other people. If you want a completely private charter or total control over the timetable, this is not the right format. If you enjoy meeting a few fellow passengers while keeping the group smaller and more personal, it is a better fit.

The final swim at Porto Novo

After Lavezzi, the catamaran spends about 45 minutes sailing along the coast toward Porto Novo. The final stop lasts around an hour and includes another swim, snorkeling, free time, local snacks, frappes, and Pietra beer.

This is a smart way to end the day. By then, you may not want another major stop with a long list of activities. Porto Novo gives you one last chance to get in the water, cool off, and enjoy a drink before the return journey.

The hour is long enough to make the stop feel worthwhile but short enough to keep the group moving toward port. I would save some energy for it. The first swim at Carrataghju and the main Lavezzi stop may tempt you to spend all your time in the water, but Porto Novo is part of what makes the day feel complete.

The return sail takes about an hour. After a full day outside, that final stretch can be a good time to sit back, dry off, and watch the Corsican coast pass by.

Is $212 a fair price?

At $212 per person, this cruise costs more than a basic sightseeing boat trip. The value comes from how much is bundled into the day.

Your price covers the captain, fuel, drinks, snacks, lunch, paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming noodles. You also get about nine hours on the water, several destinations, multiple swimming opportunities, and guided service in French or English.

If you compare the outing only with a short ferry ride, it will look expensive. If you compare it with arranging transport, meals, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and beach time separately, the figure becomes easier to justify. The included food and drinks are especially useful because the route takes you away from ordinary restaurants for much of the day.

I would consider it good value for someone who wants a complete day at sea and plans to use the included activities. It is weaker value for someone who mainly wants a quick view of the Lavezzi Islands or would rather spend the day on a single beach.

The perfect rating from 43 reviews is encouraging, and the praise is consistent: comfortable boat, beautiful stops, good food, and a warm crew. That does not remove the usual risks of a boat excursion. Weather, sea conditions, and personal tolerance for a long day outdoors can affect your experience.

What to pack for nine hours at sea

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Towel
• Beachwear
• Sandals
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Jacket
• Outdoor clothing

A jacket deserves special attention. Even when Corsica feels hot on land, the wind on a moving catamaran can be surprisingly cool. The sunscreen should be biodegradable because you will be swimming and snorkeling in a sensitive marine setting.

Bring any needed medication and tell the operator about allergies or special dietary requirements ahead of time. Since lunch and drinks are supplied, you do not need to prepare a full picnic.

You may also want a small waterproof bag for a phone, wallet, and dry clothing. That suggestion is practical rather than an included service, so keep valuables limited and secure.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend the cruise to you if you want an active but comfortable day, rather than a formal sightseeing tour. Families, couples, and small groups can all find a good rhythm here because you can choose between swimming, snorkeling, paddling, eating, and resting.

It is also a strong choice if food and drinks matter to you. The aperitif, lunch, wine, water, digestif, snacks, frappes, and Pietra mean you are not constantly planning the next meal.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water travel, need a highly predictable schedule, or want extensive time on land. The itinerary includes several sailing sections, and the main island stops are designed for swimming and viewing rather than long walks or cultural visits.

The language setup is useful for international visitors. The guide service is available in French and English, and the crew’s friendly manner appears to be one of the strongest parts of the outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise meet?

You meet at the Croisière Exclusive sign. The boats are positioned directly in front of it.

How long does the cruise last?

The full cruise lasts nine hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability when booking.

Which languages are available?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. In the low season, lunch is seafood and chicken paella with fresh fruit salad. In the high season, lunch includes Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include rosé wine, still and sparkling water, a local digestif, a homemade aperitif with an island planter, frappes, and Pietra beer.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.

Should you book the Lavezzi Islands cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want to turn the Lavezzi Islands into a full-day Corsican outing, not just a quick boat transfer. The combination of Carrataghju, Cavallo, Lavezzi, and Porto Novo gives you variety, while the included lunch, drinks, and water equipment keep the day easy.

The best reason to choose it is the balance of comfort and activity. You can swim and snorkel, then sit down for lunch or a drink while the crew handles the practical details. Sylvain, Tom, and Noé also appear to bring the kind of personal attention that makes a long boat day work.

At $212, it is a considered purchase. But if you use the equipment, enjoy the meals and drinks, and value a friendly semi-private atmosphere, the price is reasonable for nine hours. Bring a jacket, tell the crew about any food needs, and save some energy for the final swim at Porto Novo.