From Porticcio: Speedboat Tour to Cupabia Beach with Stops

Crystal water, fast boat, slow aperitif. This Porticcio speedboat tour pairs a lively ride along southern Ajaccio with four swimming stops, including Plage d’Argent and Cupabia Beach. I like the small group of up to 12 and the captain-prepared spread of Corsican meats, cheese, and rosé. The chance to stop at Chez Francis adds a local touch, though drinks there and lunch cost extra.

I also like the flexible length, roughly four and a half to six and a half hours, which leaves room for several swims instead of a quick photo stop. The main consideration is that this is a semi-rigid inflatable boat, not a gentle sightseeing cruise. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, children under six, and people with certain health or mobility conditions cannot join.

At a glance

• Four swim breaks: Stop at Isula Piana, the Cacao cove, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent, with the exact swimming rhythm shaped by sea conditions.
• A proper Corsican aperitif: The captain prepares cold meats, cheese, and rosé wine on board.
• A small boat with real speed: The RIB offers a lively ride and a close view of the southern shore of Ajaccio.
• Cupabia is the main prize: Fine sand and warm turquoise water make this a strong choice for a beach-focused outing.
• Chez Francis is optional: You can stop at the famous hut, but food and drinks there are not included.
• French-speaking operation: The live guide speaks French, and the boats carry no more than 12 people.

Why this boat trip works so well from Porticcio

Corsica is at its best from the water. From shore, you see beaches and coves in pieces. On a speedboat, the coast opens up in quick succession: pale sand, rocky inlets, low islands, and water that shifts from clear green near shore to richer blue farther out.

This outing is not just a transfer to Cupabia Beach. The ride itself is part of the attraction. You move along the southern shore of Ajaccio, stop to swim, return to the boat for food and wine, then continue toward more beaches and coves.

I especially like the balance between motion and rest. The boat can zigzag across the sea at speed, but the schedule also allows long enough pauses to get in the water and cool off. That mix gives the day more character than a simple beach shuttle.

The group size matters, too. With a maximum of 12 people, the captain can keep the mood social without turning the boat into a crowded platform. One recent outing had only six people aboard a boat built for 12, which made it feel especially comfortable. Group size can vary, so do not assume you will always have that much room, but the limit is still modest.

The tour receives an overall rating of 4 out of 5 from 51 ratings, and transport received a perfect score from 93 percent of participants. That fits the nature of the outing: the boat and the scenery are the main event, while the food and friendly captain help round it out.

Leaving Sette Nave for Isula Piana and Cacao

The route begins at Sette Nave, with the boat heading toward Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. This first stretch gives you a feel for the RIB. It is fast, open to the air, and much more physical than a large cruise boat.

You should expect spray, wind, and movement. Keep your belongings secure and wear swimwear from the start. You will want a towel and sunscreen close at hand, not buried under a seat or in a large bag.

Isula Piana and Cacao are used for the first swimming pauses. The appeal is simple: clear water, scenic surroundings, and time to get off the boat’s seats and into the sea. The stops break up the ride and give you a chance to enjoy the coast without rushing from one viewpoint to the next.

The exact order or length of stops can depend on the captain and conditions. The trip is designed around several swims, not a fixed minute-by-minute timetable. That is useful on the coast, where water conditions can change and the best place for a safe stop may vary during the day.

For swimmers, these pauses are a major reason to book. If you prefer to stay dry, you will still have the scenery, but the tour’s rhythm is built around getting in the water. This is not the right choice for someone who wants a quiet, seated cruise with no swimming.

The captain’s aperitif on open water

Back on board, the captain prepares an aperitif with locally sourced charcuterie, cheese, and rosé wine. This is more than a snack between stops. It gives the trip a relaxed Corsican pause, with the sea around you and the sun doing most of the decorating.

The food is a particularly good value point. A boat excursion at this price can easily provide only transport and a bottle of water. Here, the $88 price includes cold meats, cheese, and rosé, along with the guide and the full boat route.

Do not confuse the aperitif with lunch. Lunch is not included, so you should plan accordingly. The supplied food is suited to a leisurely drink and light eating, not a full midday meal.

The timing may also affect the feel of this stop. The tour can last from 270 to 390 minutes, and the longer version may finish around sunset. That makes the charcuterie and wine feel especially well suited to the end of the day, when the outing shifts from active swimming to a slower coastal farewell.

Captains have received especially warm praise for their care and flexibility. Baptiste and Bebel are two names associated with recent departures. Bebel was specifically praised for being attentive and looking after the group, while Baptiste was singled out for the beautiful swim locations and the quality of the charcuterie and cheese. Your captain may be different, but these details show the kind of personal service the company aims for.

Cupabia Beach, the scenic centerpiece

The ride continues toward Cala di Cupabia and Cupabia Beach. This is the point where the outing feels most like a beach escape. Cupabia is known here for its fine sand and turquoise water, and the stop gives you time to swim and enjoy the setting rather than simply viewing it from the boat.

If your ideal Corsican day includes a beautiful sandy beach without arranging your own transport, Cupabia is a strong reason to choose this tour. The boat gets you there as part of a broader coastal route, so you are not giving up the coves and viewpoints along the way.

The tradeoff is that the beach stop is only one part of a long program. You should not book this expecting an entire day on Cupabia’s sand. The tour keeps moving, with more stops and a fast ride still to come.

Cala di Cupabia and Cala D’Orzu also provide chances to lounge in warm, clear water. These coves give the itinerary variety. One stop may feel more open and beach-like, while another may be better suited to a swim from the boat.

A pause at Chez Francis

At Cala D’Orzu, you can stop at Chez Francis, a well-known hut by the water. This is an optional chance to buy a drink and enjoy the setting from shore.

The important practical detail is cost. Food and drinks at Chez Francis are not included in the tour price, so bring room in your budget if this stop appeals to you. The included rosé and charcuterie already cover the boat’s aperitif, but anything purchased at the hut is extra.

This stop also adds a bit of local flavor. A beach hut can feel more connected to the coast than a standard restaurant stop, especially after arriving by boat. Still, do not count on a full included meal here. Lunch remains outside the package.

If you would rather swim than buy a drink, you can use the stop for warm water and shore time. The tour gives you options, which is helpful for a mixed group where some people want a quick refreshment and others want another swim.

The final run to Plage d’Argent

After Cala D’Orzu, the boat picks up speed again and heads toward Plage d’Argent for the final swim. The faster sections are a clear part of the tour’s personality. You get the sensation of cutting across open water rather than simply drifting along the coast.

Plage d’Argent means Silver Beach, and the name suits the pale sand and bright water described along this part of the route. It makes a fitting final stop because you can end the active part of the day with one more swim before returning.

This final pause may be the most satisfying for people who enjoy a full day at sea. You have already seen several coves, eaten on board, and stopped at Cupabia and Cala D’Orzu. The last swim lets you make use of the warm water one more time.

The ride back can feel different from the outward journey. By then, you have settled into the boat’s movement and seen the main stops. If the timing reaches sunset, the return becomes less about speed and more about the changing light over the coast, with charcuterie and wine helping close the day.

What the $88 price really includes

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach, but it offers more than transport. You are paying for a small-group boat trip, a local guide, multiple swim stops, access to several coastal sites, and an included aperitif.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, beach time, and food. Four swimming breaks can make the package feel generous, especially for anyone who wants to see more than one part of the coast.

The value is weaker if you do not swim, dislike fast boats, or plan to spend the day at one beach. In that case, a simple beach visit might suit you better. You are also responsible for lunch and any purchases at Chez Francis.

The free cancellation window gives you the option to cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, useful when your Corsica schedule is still shifting.

Who should book this Porticcio excursion

I would recommend this tour to couples, families with children aged six or older, and small groups of friends who want scenery and activity in the same outing. It also suits people who like a social boat setting but do not want a large vessel packed with passengers.

Children can enjoy the speed and swimming, and one recent family-focused rating described the outing as fun for both children and adults. Still, the RIB is an active environment. A child who dislikes spray, boat movement, or open-water swimming may not enjoy it.

You should also be comfortable with a French-speaking guide. The live tour language is French. That may be no problem for many visitors, but it is worth considering if you need detailed instructions in another language.

The company requires you to declare health conditions when booking. Pregnant women cannot travel on the RIB, and wheelchair users cannot join. Back problems, reduced mobility, severe disabilities, heart conditions, or another condition that could conflict with the excursion must be reported before booking.

Children under six are not permitted. If a condition is not declared, the captain can refuse boarding without a refund, so this is not a detail to leave until departure day.

Practical preparation for a comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will have several chances to swim, and the sun on an open boat can feel stronger than it does on shore.

Use a small, secure bag for essentials. The available information does not specify storage space, so avoid arriving with more luggage than you need for the outing.

Wear something comfortable for a semi-rigid boat and expect movement during the faster parts. Keep your camera or phone protected from spray. The ride is meant to feel lively, not polished like a large sightseeing vessel.

Check the meeting point carefully because it can vary with the option booked. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the departure point.

The duration is listed as 270 to 390 minutes. Check the available start times before you commit, especially if you want to connect this with dinner or another Ajaccio-area plan.

Should you book it?

Book this Porticcio to Cupabia speedboat tour if you want a full coastal outing with several swims, a small group, and a built-in Corsican aperitif. The mix of Isula Piana, Cacao, Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, Chez Francis, and Plage d’Argent gives you much more variety than a direct beach transfer.

Think twice if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, have a condition affected by boat movement, or simply want a quiet cruise. Also allow extra money for lunch and Chez Francis.

For most active visitors who enjoy warm water, open-air speed, and local food, the $88 price is fair. The strongest reasons to book are the four swim breaks, the small boat, and the captain’s personal touch. The strongest reason to skip it is the RIB itself. If that sounds exciting rather than uncomfortable, this is a lively and well-rounded way to see Corsica’s southern coast.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour depart?

The tour begins at Sette Nave, though the exact meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

How long does the tour last?

The duration is between 270 and 390 minutes, or about four and a half to six and a half hours. Check availability for the departure time.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes the southern shore of Ajaccio, Isula Piana, the cove of Cacao, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, Cupabia Beach, and Plage d’Argent.

How many swimming stops are included?

The experience includes four swim breaks at scenic coastal locations.

Is food included?

An appetizer of cold meats and cheese is included, along with rosé wine prepared by the captain. Lunch is not included.

Is Chez Francis included in the price?

The tour includes free time at the Chez Francis hut, but drinks and other purchases there cost extra.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks French.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can pregnant women or wheelchair users join?

Pregnant women and wheelchair users cannot join the RIB tour. You must also declare relevant health conditions, mobility limits, back problems, heart conditions, or other conditions at booking. Children under six are not permitted.