Bonifacio: Catamaran trip with snorkeling at the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this four-hour trip is that you travel under sail for much of the way, rather than sitting on a motorboat all afternoon. You get a gentle lesson in sailing, then two chances to swim and snorkel around the Lavezzi Islands, with Cavallo Island often included. I like the small catamaran setting and the fact that the skipper lets you choose between more sailing and more water time. I also like the strong value at $88, especially during the busy summer season.

The main consideration is the flexible route. You are not guaranteed a fixed island or exact departure time, since the skipper adjusts for wind, sea conditions, and crowd levels. The meeting point at Piantarella Beach can also take extra time to reach, since parking along the road is limited in summer.

Key points at a glance

• Sailing, not just sightseeing: You can learn basic sailing from the skipper and, depending on the crew and conditions, even help steer.
• Two water stops: Plan on swimming, snorkeling, or using a stand-up paddleboard at two quiet bays or beach areas.
• Lavezzi and Cavallo access: The route may include both island areas, but the exact plan changes with weather and traffic on the water.
• Comfortable small catamaran: The boat offers room to sit in the sun or stay aboard while others swim.
• Good-value half-day: At $88, the trip costs less than some competing outings reported at more than $200 in high season.
• Simple but important logistics: Bring water, a towel, sun protection, and beachwear, and wait for the departure time sent by text the evening before.

Why sailing makes this Bonifacio outing different

Many boat trips around Bonifacio are mainly rides to a destination. This one gives the journey its own purpose. The catamaran heads south from Piantarella Beach, and the sailing time becomes part of the experience rather than dead time between stops.

The crew introduces you to the basics of sailing and answers questions along the way. If you are curious, you may get a chance to help with the boat or briefly steer. Patrick, one of the skippers named in the trip details, was praised for explaining what was happening and inviting people to take part. Another skipper, described as friendly and passionate about sailing, gave passengers a hands-on introduction.

You should not expect a full sailing course. This is a relaxed lesson during a scenic transfer, not technical training. Still, it adds something you will not get from a standard powered excursion. You feel the wind, watch the crew handle the sails, and reach the islands without spending the whole ride beside a roaring engine.

The catamaran is described as comfortable and, in one recent account, new. It is small enough to feel personal but large enough to offer a choice between sitting aboard, swimming, snorkeling, and paddling. The group size is presented as small, although no exact maximum is supplied, so do not assume a private charter.

Leaving Piantarella Beach for the Lavezzi Archipelago

The meeting point is at Les Voiles de Bonifacio, at Piantarella Beach. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, but allow more time if you are driving in summer. There is no parking directly beside the beach. Parking is allowed along the road, and you may need to walk a little before reaching the launch point.

The exact departure time arrives by text message the evening before. This matters because the time is not fixed in the information supplied. Check your phone the night before and again before leaving your accommodation. One person arrived at the wrong time because of confusion, though the crew still managed to get the outing back on track. That is a useful warning: do not rely on a generic morning or afternoon label.

Once aboard, the first sailing leg lasts roughly 45 minutes. This is your chance to settle in, ask questions, and enjoy the view of the southern Corsican coast. You can stay seated and watch the crew, or take part if invited. If you want more instruction, speak up early. The skippers are there to explain the basics, but they also need to run the boat and watch the conditions.

The trip is suitable for families, and a family of six with four children found that everyone could take part. Still, children and adults should be comfortable around open water and able to follow the skipper’s instructions. No pets are allowed.

Two stops for clear water and easygoing activity

The outing includes two anchorages. The first is in the Lavezzi Archipelago, possibly around islands such as Cavallo or Ratino, and the second may be near Cavallo Island. The order and exact locations can change with wind, sea conditions, and how busy the bays are.

At each stop, you have several choices:

• Swim in clear water
• Use the supplied snorkeling equipment
• Paddle a stand-up paddleboard
• Walk or look around when conditions allow
• Stay on the catamaran and enjoy the sun

This range of options is one of the trip’s strengths. You do not need to be a serious snorkeler to enjoy it. One person can paddle, another can swim, and someone else can remain aboard with a drink and a towel. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks.

The first island stop lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough time for a proper swim and a look below the surface, but it is not a long beach day. If you want to do all three activities, snorkeling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding, keep an eye on the clock. Gear changes and getting back aboard take part of your time.

The second stop near Cavallo Island also lasts about 45 minutes. This area received especially strong praise for water clarity and swimming conditions. Cavallo gives the trip a second chance to feel different from the first stop, rather than repeating the same short swim twice.

The waters around the islands are the main attraction, but conditions are not guaranteed to be calm or equally clear on every departure. Wind can affect where the captain anchors and how long the boat stays in one place. That flexibility is practical, not a flaw. It lets the crew avoid poor conditions and look for a more comfortable bay.

What you will actually see at Lavezzi and Cavallo

The Lavezzi Archipelago is known here for rocky island scenery, clear water, and small bays suited to swimming. From the boat, you get a broad view of the low rocky islets and open sea. At anchor, the focus shifts from sightseeing to water time.

Cavallo Island may be included as a second stop. The route description allows for a short self-guided look around, but the supplied details do not promise a long island walk or a formal guided visit. Think of Cavallo mainly as a swimming and snorkeling location, with some time to look around on your own.

The trip is not designed as a detailed cultural or historical tour. Your skipper may provide local information, and one skipper was specifically praised for sharing useful facts about the area, but the core experience is sailing and swimming. If you want long walks, monuments, or an in-depth explanation of island history, choose a different excursion.

Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and time aboard

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from bringing your own mask and fins. The trip details do not specify the exact sizes or range of equipment, so anyone who needs a particular fit may prefer to bring personal gear if practical.

The stand-up paddleboards add a nice extra option. You can paddle close to the boat and shoreline while others snorkel. This is especially useful for people who want activity but are less interested in looking underwater.

The water stops are long enough to feel worthwhile. Several people managed to swim, snorkel, and use the boards during the half-day. Still, this is a four-hour outing with travel time built in. You will spend about 45 minutes reaching the first area, about an hour sailing between areas, and another 45 minutes returning. The two anchorages are the main recreation time, not an entire afternoon at each island.

You can also choose to do less. One group opted for more sailing and less snorkeling, and the crew adjusted the outing to suit them. That is useful for mixed groups. A keen snorkeler can get in the water while someone else enjoys the boat ride.

The route changes for a reason

There is no set itinerary. The skipper chooses the anchorages based on weather, sea conditions, and crowd levels. The planned route may include Lavezzi and Cavallo, but you should not book this expecting a particular beach at a precise time.

If conditions do not allow a comfortable trip to the Lavezzi Islands, the catamaran stays closer to shore and shows you the impressive cliffs around Bonifacio. This gives you a scenic backup rather than an automatic cancellation, but it also means the experience can differ from the images or route you had in mind.

I see this as a fair trade. The southern coast can be windy, and a fixed route would force the boat into less pleasant water. The downside is simple: you need to enjoy the idea of an adaptable day. If ticking off a specific island is your main goal, a rigid sightseeing cruise may suit you better.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this trip offers good value for a four-hour outing. The price includes the skipper, fuel, sailing instruction, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, swimming stops, and the visit to the Lavezzi and Cavallo areas when the route allows.

The strongest value comes from the combination of activities. You are not paying only for transport. You receive a catamaran ride, a short introduction to sailing, two water stops, and use of several pieces of equipment. During the high season, similar outings can cost more than $200, making this option especially attractive for couples and families watching their budget.

You should still compare what matters to you. A larger boat may offer more space but a less personal feel. A private charter may give you more control but will cost much more. This trip sits between those choices: more engaging than a basic transfer, but less exclusive than a private sailing day.

The four-hour length also helps with planning. You can fit it into a day that includes Bonifacio, a beach visit, or another activity. The time is long enough to reach the islands and enjoy two swims without using an entire day.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a relaxed outing with several ways to enjoy the sea. It suits:

• Couples who want a scenic half-day on the water
• Families with children who enjoy swimming and simple activities
• First-time sailors who want a gentle introduction
• Active visitors who like snorkeling and paddleboarding
• Budget-conscious visitors comparing high-season boat prices
• Anyone who prefers a small catamaran to a large sightseeing boat

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed itinerary, a long island walk, or a full sailing lesson. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes flexible scheduling or wants a completely land-based activity.

The trip is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the meeting details involve Piantarella Beach, roadside parking, and a possible walk to the launch point. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider before booking to confirm the beach access and boarding arrangements for your specific needs.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack lightly, since wet clothing and towels take up space on a small boat. Bring:

• Beachwear
• A towel
• Drinking water
• A sun hat
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Snacks or drinks if you want them

Apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply after swimming. The sun reflects strongly off the water, and a hat is useful during the sailing legs. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, so do not treat that as an optional detail.

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear or a paddleboard. Both are supplied. You may bring your own gear if you prefer a familiar mask or snorkel, but the standard equipment is included.

Keep your phone protected from spray, especially if you plan to take photos at the anchorages. No specific dry-storage arrangement is provided, so a waterproof pouch is sensible if you have one.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the Lavezzi area, two chances to swim, and a real sailing element at a reasonable price. The most praised parts are consistent: the friendly skippers, the comfortable catamaran, the water clarity near Cavallo, and the chance to sail instead of simply riding under power.

I would choose it over a basic boat transfer because the sailing lesson and included water gear make the four hours feel active and varied. Just accept the flexible route, confirm the texted departure time, and allow extra time for parking at Piantarella. If those conditions suit you, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see the islands without spending a full day or a large sum.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The experience lasts four hours, including the sailing legs and two stops for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Where does the trip start?

It starts at Piantarella Beach, at Les Voiles de Bonifacio. Meet on the left as you arrive, 15 minutes before departure.

When will I know the exact departure time?

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

Does the trip visit both Lavezzi and Cavallo?

The route includes visits to the Lavezzi and Cavallo areas when conditions allow, but the skipper can change the itinerary based on weather and crowd levels.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are stand-up paddleboards available?

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

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own drinks and snacks.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable for the Lavezzi Islands?

The catamaran stays closer to the coast and may show you the cliffs around Bonifacio instead.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since the meeting point involves Piantarella Beach, roadside parking, and possibly a short walk, confirm the boarding details with the provider before departure.