Crystal clear coves set the tone fast. This Lavezzi Islands catamaran day mixes real sailing with calm, fish filled swimming, plus an all inclusive onboard setup that feels genuinely easy.

I especially love the small group size (just 22 onboard, even though the catamaran can take more). And I also like that the experience is built around comfort, with shaded seating at the stern and big sun areas up front and on the flybridge. One thing to consider is that the outing depends on weather, so you might sail to Lavezzi or Cavallo depending on the day.

Key things that make this trip work

• A spacious Bali 4.6 catamaran, not a crowded party boat
• Natural reserve water with snorkeling and fish sightings from your own spot
• Lunch served at the table, plus unlimited soft drinks
• Two different islands possible, based on daily conditions
• Friendly, hands on crew, including Nicolas and Bénédicte on past trips
• Extra comfort at sea, with the boat staying stable even when the wind picks up

Corsica catamaran day to the Lavezzi Islands: what you are really buying

This is an 8 hour sailing outing along Corsica’s coast, centered on the Lavezzi Islands natural reserve. You are not just looking at a map, you are spending the day in the water and in a real cruising rhythm: depart in the morning, anchor in a protected cove, swim and walk, then sail back.

The biggest reason this works is that it is built as an all inclusive day. When I say all inclusive, I mean the essentials are handled for you: the meal, drinks, and the snorkeling gear. Add in the fact that they limit to 22 people, and the day feels relaxed instead of rushed.

It is also good value in a very practical way. At $188 per person, you are paying for a full day on the water with a skipper and hostess, fuel covered, and food handled onboard. For many people in Corsica, that means you skip the hassle of piecing together transportation, rentals, and lunches on your own.

Meeting point and getting to the start: plan around no public transport

Your meeting point is not fixed far in advance. You will get a precise rendezvous the day before your arrival, and it depends on weather. That matters because they are trying to keep the navigation as calm as possible.

One logistics reality: there is no public transport to these meeting points. So you will want your own car, or you will need a taxi arranged ahead of time. If you are staying nearby, great. If you are relying on buses, build extra time and confirm routes early, because that is not something the boat operator can control.

The boat itself: comfort, shade, and a setup that makes snorkeling easy

You ride on a recent Bali 4.6 catamaran, and comfort is not an afterthought. There are plenty of places in the shade around the stern, and there are large sun loungers at the front and on the flybridge. That means you can switch positions easily, which is key during a day that includes sailing, anchoring, swimming, and time on the islands.

They also keep the onboard group intentionally small. Even though the catamaran can carry up to 38, they choose to welcome 22 guests per trip. I love this kind of decision because it usually shows up in the little moments, like space to move around, less crowding at the waterline, and fewer people fighting for the best sun spots.

Two onboard rules are worth noting:

• No shoes on board, so you will be barefoot or in socks.
• Smoking is allowed outdoors, so if you do not smoke, you can still find calm areas onboard.

You also transfer to the boat via the annex, so expect a tender style approach. That is normal for this kind of sailing, but if you have mobility concerns, it is something to factor in.

Departure at 8:30 a.m.: sailing time before you even swim

The day starts at 8:30 a.m. from either Paragan Bay or Sant Amanza Bay. Then you head toward Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island, based on the weather of the day.

Navigation is around two hours, and this part is more than just transport. On past departures, the wind has been strong at times. One traveler noted wind between about 20 and 32 knots, and was impressed by how stable the catamaran felt. That is exactly why a catamaran is useful here: it tends to feel steady compared to a smaller boat when conditions change.

If you get motion sensitive easily, bring your own strategy. Eat light if that works for you, and consider sitting in the more stable area. The more you can relax, the better the sailing part feels, because you are heading to some of Corsica’s most beautiful water.

The anchor cove: crystal water in a natural reserve

Once you reach the island area, you anchor in a magnificent cove surrounded by fish. This is the core of the day, because the water is clear enough that you can see what is happening below before you even put your face in.

The natural reserve aspect matters. You are not just floating somewhere random. This area is protected, and that tends to help keep the underwater experience special.

From this anchored spot, you get your snorkeling equipment and you can also use a paddle if you want to explore the immediate edges of the cove. You will likely spend time rotating between the boat and the water, and that back and forth is part of the fun. You can swim, then rest, then snorkel again, without having to keep pulling up plans.

Swimming with fish: what it feels like on the water

This trip is built for people who want to swim, not just watch. The best sign is that swimming with fish is consistently highlighted as a standout moment.

Here is how I would think about it practically:

• Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own set.
• The cove setup means you can snorkel for short bursts or longer sessions.
• You are not pressed to make a land based itinerary immediately, so you can take your time in the water.

Also, you may feel like the day is calmer than you expect because the boat stays in a fixed anchoring position for swimming time. That makes the experience more about enjoying the water rather than chasing it.

Lunch onboard: pasta meal plus an optional Corsican menu

Food is served onboard and includes the full meal service. Lunch comes as pasta with pesto, gruyere, and parmesan. It is served at the table, which is a real comfort upgrade compared with buffet style meals on some day trips. And you get unlimited soft drinks, so you can keep hydrated without thinking about refills.

If you want more Corsican flavor, there is an optional menu for 30 euros. Based on the menu details, it is a nice structured way to taste the region:

• Tomato mozzarella salad with Corsican charcuterie tasting
• Bonifacio style eggplants as the main
• Fresh fruit salad to finish

I like that it is optional. You can choose the simple included lunch if you just want to keep things moving, or add the Corsican menu if you want a more food focused part of the day.

What to remember for your planning: bring a towel, because towels are not included. Also, if you forget sunscreen or a hat, you will pay for it in the sun later. Solar cream and a hat or cap are not included, so plan to bring them even though they are easy.

Time on Lavezzi or Cavallo: walking plus island hours

After anchoring and swimming time, you also get to walk on the island. The schedule gives you swimming and walking on Lavezzi Island until 4:00 p.m. maximum, then you return around 5:30 p.m. to the starting point.

This island time is important because it gives you a change of scenery from open water. Even if you do not plan a long hike, walking on foot helps you understand the coastline and where you swam. It also adds a little variety to the day, so it does not feel like a nonstop swimming session.

A small note on expectations: since the itinerary can shift based on weather, the exact island you visit may be Lavezzi or Cavallo depending on the conditions that morning.

Return sailing and when to feel tired

On the way back, you keep the sailing rhythm. If the wind has picked up earlier, the catamaran generally handles it well. That stability is one reason many people enjoy the round trip even if you are not a die hard sailor.

Around the 5:30 p.m. return, you will probably feel the day in your body, especially if you snorkel more than once. That is a good sign. The trip is designed so the day feels active but not exhausting, and your main workout is from swimming and walking rather than long marches.

Price, value, and how to judge if it fits you

At $188 per person for an 8 hour catamaran day, you are paying for four things at once:

1. Transportation on a modern catamaran with a skipper
2. Fuel covered (diesel included)
3. Food and drinks served onboard
4. Water activity support (snorkeling equipment and paddle)

For many people in Corsica, the cost feels fair because you are also saving time. Without a day trip like this, you would need a plan for boat access, gear, and meal arrangements. Here, you show up with a towel and the basics, and the day is already assembled.

This is also the kind of price that makes sense if you are splitting value across a small group setup. Since they cap trips at 22 guests, you are not paying for a mass style outing.

Who this trip is perfect for

I think this fits especially well if you want:

• A family friendly day without the stress of constant organizing
• A mix of sailing and swimming, not only one or the other
• A comfortable boat ride with space to move, lie down, and find shade
• A simple way to experience a natural reserve without handling equipment or reservations

It is also a good choice for couples who want a romantic swim cove feel, as long as you are okay with weather based itinerary changes. If you are traveling with kids, the clear schedule and onboard comfort usually help the day go smoothly, especially because lunch is handled and served.

Who might want to think twice

If your priority is rigid, guaranteed sight specific stops, this may not be the trip for you. The outing depends on weather conditions, and it can switch between Lavezzi and Cavallo. That flexibility is part of how they keep conditions calm and safe, but it means you cannot treat it like a fixed checklist.

Also, if you dislike boats or sun exposure, you should consider whether a full day on a catamaran fits your comfort level. You do get shade onboard, but you will still be in the sun for swimming and island time.

Tips to make your day smoother (and more comfortable)

A few practical things help a lot:

• Bring a towel (it is listed as what you should bring).
• Bring sunscreen and a hat or cap even though those are not included.
• Bring a swimsuit, and also remember your bath towel is not provided.
• Wear easy slip free gear for boarding. Since there are no shoes allowed onboard, plan clothing that dries fast.
• If you get motion sensitive, consider where you sit during the two hours of sailing so you feel stable.

Finally, keep in mind the transfer uses the annex. That usually works fine, but it is easier if you are not rushing.

Should you book this catamaran day to the Lavezzi Islands?

If you want a low hassle day at sea with real swimming, I would book it. The combination of a stable, spacious catamaran, included snorkeling gear, and lunch served at the table adds up to a day that feels planned for you, not just sold to you.

I would especially recommend it if you value comfort and you do not want a crowded boat. The limit to 22 guests is a big deal for the feel of the day.

The only real reason to skip is if you need a fully fixed itinerary with zero weather variation, or if you hate being on the water for most of the day. If you are flexible and you want crystal water time, this is one of the cleanest ways to do it.

FAQ

Where do the catamaran trips depart from?

Trips depart from either Paragan Bay or Sant Amanza Bay at 8:30 a.m., depending on the planned route.

How do they decide whether you go to Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island?

The destination depends on the weather conditions of the day.

How long is the trip, and what is the approximate schedule?

The duration is 8 hours. You depart at 8:30 a.m., sail for about 2 hours, spend time anchored and on the island until about 4:00 p.m., and return around 5:30 p.m.

What is included in the price?

Included are food, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle, diesel, skipper and hostess service, and meal service served at the table. Free parking is also offered a few meters from the meeting point.

Is a Corsican menu available, and what does it cost?

Yes. An optional Corsican menu is available for 30 euros. It includes tomato mozzarella salad with Corsican charcuterie, Bonifacio style eggplants, and fresh fruit salad.

What should I bring?

You should bring a towel. Swimsuit, solar cream, bath towel, cap or hat are listed as not included, so you will want to bring those too.

Do I need a car or taxi to reach the meeting point?

Yes. There is no public transport for the meeting points, so you should come by car or taxi.