Ajaccio/Porticcio: Scandola Nature Reserve Guided Boat Tour

1.Ajaccio/Porticcio: Scandola Nature Reserve Guided Boat Tour
Cruise UNESCO Scandola, chill in sea-only Girolata, then photograph red cliffs at Calanche de Piana and Capo Rosso.
France · NATIONAL PARKS
19 tours
Here are the 15 best national park trips in France right now: what each one costs, how long it runs, and the kind of traveller it suits. Start at the top, it is there for a reason.

Cruise UNESCO Scandola, chill in sea-only Girolata, then photograph red cliffs at Calanche de Piana and Capo Rosso.

Explore Scandola Nature Reserve by hybrid boat with quiet electric mode, visit boat-only Girolata, and upgrade to Calanche de Piana rocks.
“Eine Stunde vor Abfahrt rief der Veranstalter an und wollte absagen wegen zu hohem Wellengang. Wir waren aber schon unterwegs und auf halber Strecke. Dann hat er die Abfahrtszeit um eine halbe Stunde nach vorne verlegt, was wir kaum hätten schaffen können und uns gesagt, dass die Tour heute 1h kürzer und ohne Aufenthalt in Girolata sein würde. Die Tour fand dann auf einem normalen Dieselboot statt, Guide nur auf Französisch, Infos konnten in einer Online-Broschüre nachgelesen werden. Anfahrt also Stress pur, Bootsfahrt zwar mit schöner Landschaft, aber lautem und stinkenden Boot nur 2 statt 3 Stunden ohne Preisnachlass. Das war Abzocke!”

A guided hike in Marseille’s Calanques National Park with a picnic, swim break, and big sea views, led by local guides.
“Geoffrey was a wonderful guide. So polite and attentive. The hike was beautiful and the little Calanque a magical break. Thank you!”

Guided Calanques hike from Marseille with pine woods, limestone coves, picnic by the sea, and optional Blue Cave swim for $41.
“My experience was absolutely fabulous! Clara is an absolutely lovely, funny and adorable guide! She has in-depth knowledge about the calangues she took us too and she is very passionate about her job! So your hike is going to be a guaranteed success if you Clara as your guide! Merci beaucoup pour la experience Mon guide!”

Sail from Marseille to Calanques National Park on a classic 1949 schooner, snorkel with included gear, and enjoy a vegetarian lunch onboard.
“This was my favourite day of my trip to the South of France. The boat was beautiful and spacious, the lounge and seating areas on board were very comfortable. I was so glad I booked with this boat over the others I’d been considering for similar trips. We don’t get to sail because it wasn’t windy enough, but I would still choose this sailboat again for how beautiful and comfortable it was. There was plenty of food and rosé to go around at lunch. The crew was lovely and there was equal attention for the French speaking guests and the English speaking. I thought about doing this exact same tour…”

Calanques hiking from Marseille with included transport, a small English guide, cliff viewpoints, and snack-picnic breaks with sea options
“Unfortunately, this trip did not get enough participants and was canceled. I did not get the message until I had walked 1.5 miles to the meeting spot and no one was there. It took a while to sort out, but I received a refund. But I was very disappointed since I really wanted to go on the hike.”

Hybrid-electric Calanques boat cruise from Marseille with a small group, snorkel swim, vegetarian lunch, rosé, and sea views.
“Group of 11 people, small enough to get to know each other. Leisurely outing, healthy food, not rushed. Captain was pleasant and knowledgeable. Enjoyed sitting up front all day. Snorkeling was nice and water was refreshing.”

Guided sea kayaking from La Ciotat into Parc des Calanques, with real kayaks, small groups, and views of Green Island and sea caves.
“A very nice experience! We'd never been cayaking before, but got the hang of it thanks to good instructions :) Our guide Ellie was excellent! Fun, knowledgable, and made us feel safe. She gave interesting geology as well as history lessons, which made the trip more than just physical. Great! The main part of the trip went through beautiful scenery, on crystal clear water, in bays and in caves. I would've preferred the trip to start closer to the National park, so that we could've visited more of it rather than the harbour area. I don't know if it is possible, though. Also, a ~15 min break for a dip…”

4-hour e-mountain bike tour through Marseille’s Calanques, off-road trails, viewpoints, Château Pastré, and Roy d’Espagne.
“We enjoyed this adventure and the guides were sensitive to everyone need and speed. I would let customers know that we stop at a beach for about an hour. To maybe pack a swimsuit and a snack. As a heads up, only one toilet stop and not very clean. The shop should have toilets available on site before leaving. Overall, breathtaking views and crystal clear beach! I would recommend this excursion”

3-hour speedboat tour from Portu Corsu to Piana coves, Capo Rosso caves, Scandola Nature Reserve, plus a Girolata walk. $76 pp.
“Great trip and views of the Piana coastline, Capo Rosso and the Scandola Nature Reserve before having an ice cream break in Girolata!”

Guided 4-hour hike from Luminy through Marseille Calanques with an early swim and local picnic, led by a small-group guide.
“This was our first time in Marseille Bruno directions to the meeting point were very clear, we met at 9, started our hike it was beyond our expectations Bruno was so friendly and knowledgeable we saw a completely different side to Marseille and fell in love with the area. The views were amazing, we stopped at the most amazing little beach for a swim and were surprised by an amazing picnic laid out by Bruno for us full of local foods and the local liqueur pastis which was such a treat. To top it off he took us on a different route to his norm on parts of the cliffs…”

Marseille electric-boat half-day in Parc des Calanques with snorkeling gear, silent cruising, and swim stops near Frioul and Riou.
“it was good, however was not clear that we would not see the Calanques that is in Cassis area, as we usually see in the internet.”

Speedboat day from Ajaccio exploring UNESCO Scandola, sea-only Girolata, multiple swims, and an aperitif, with small groups.
“Super moment passé avec Quentin! Beaux paysages, eau turquoise, île de Girolata, les Calanches de Piana, la réserve naturelle tout est magnifique, ambiance de folie. Activité au top. À faire +++”

E-bike ride with virtual guide through Calanques National Park from Cassis, with gravel tracks, Cap Canaille views, and wine tasting.
“Very nice biketrack. Perfect to combine with a small walk/hike to the two Calanques”

Sea kayaking and guided coastal hiking in Ramatuelle Nature Reserve, with snorkeling and a 3m rock jump near Cap Camarat.
“The organization and running of the event went smoothly - we particularly liked the very friendly and helpful guide, who took enough time for all participants and was always very polite and courteous. The kayaks and equipment were in perfect condition. A wonderful scenic experience - suitable for both experienced and beginners. Any time again!”



