Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands

This boat day feels like Corsican freedom. You get a semi-private catamaran outing to the Lavezzi area, with multiple water stops, snacks, and time to just hang out.

I especially love how the day mixes built-in fun with real freedom, like swimming and snorkeling whenever you feel ready. I also really like the human touch from the crew, from Sylvain’s welcoming vibe to the laid-back rhythm of coffee, aperitif, and lunch.

One thing to consider: it is a full 9 hours on the water, so if you get seasick easily or you hate boats, you’ll want to plan for comfort and maybe take it slower.

Key Things You’ll Notice Fast

• Secret-beach morning swim near Carrataghju, then coffee and canistrelli to reset
• Homemade aperitif moments plus plenty of breaks to stretch and take photos
• Actual snorkeling setup with masks, plus paddles and fun floating fries
• Season-based lunch variety, from paella in low season to charcuterie and cheese in high season
• Two island worlds, Cavallo for quick photo time and Lavezzi for the longer stay
• Porto Novo finale with a final swim and a snack pairing frappes and Pietra

Why This Lavezzi Catamaran Day Feels Like the Right Size

The Lavezzi Islands have a reputation, and this cruise hits the sweet spot. It is long enough to get real ocean time, but not so long that you feel stuck on a schedule from start to finish. You sail between stops at a comfortable pace, then you’re dropped where you can swim, snorkel, and just enjoy being in the water.

Two details make this outing feel well tuned. First, the timing around Carrataghju and the Lavezzi archipelago gives you morning water time and then a longer island chunk later. Second, the food and drinks are not an afterthought. You get coffee and canistrelli early, an aperitif at anchor, and lunch with cold drinks, depending on season.

The only real “watch this” part is the day length and water time. You’ll want your sun protection ready, and you’ll likely get splashed. If you come expecting a gentle walk-on-a-trail day, you’ll be surprised. Think more saltwater, sea breeze, and towel-drying between swims.

Meeting at Croisière Exclusive, Then Off to Carrataghju

Your day starts at Croisière Exclusive, with boats positioned right in front of the meeting sign. That matters because you avoid the typical “where are we?” scramble. Once aboard, you’re welcomed by the captain, and in this experience you’ll hear Sylvain’s southern accent as you get the plan for the day.

From there, the catamaran ride to the first main stop gives you a little settling-in time. About 45 minutes out, you hit the first photo stop and the “okay, we’re really doing this” moment: coffee, welcome refreshments, then free time that includes swimming and snorkeling.

Here’s why this first block is valuable. It is not just a quick photo moment. You get to test the water early, and you can decide right away if you want to focus on snorkeling or keep it simple with a swim. If you’re traveling with kids, early water time is also a win. It burns energy before lunch.

What I’d do if you’re the planning type: wear your swimsuit under comfortable outdoor clothing. Bring your towel, and keep your snorkel gear easy to reach. When the boat stops, you’ll be ready instead of spending the best minutes hunting for your sunglasses.

Your Lavezzi Islands Route: Cavallo Quick Photos, Then the Real Time

After that first stop, there’s about an hour of sailing, then a quick Cavallo Island photo stop. Cavallo is often mentioned in the same breath as big-name wealth and private coastlines. Even if you don’t care about that angle, it is still a visual hit, and the short stop is designed for fast photos and a quick look, not an all-day exploration.

Then comes the heart of the day: the Lavezzi Archipelago. This is where the time actually opens up. You get a photo stop, then the day turns into a proper anchored experience with an aperitif and lunch, followed by free time that includes swimming and snorkeling again.

This long stretch is what makes the cruise feel worth your time. Instead of one big stop that feels rushed, you get a day with a few distinct phases:

• early water and gear time
• a mid-day change of scenery (Cavallo)
• the main island anchoring with food and multiple water windows
• then one more later break near Porto Novo

The downside of this style is also simple: you need to enjoy doing a lot in one day. If your ideal vacation is quiet and single-purpose, this day is more “activity flow.” For most people though, that is exactly why it works.

Carrataghju and Lavezzi: Swimming, Snorkeling, and the Fun Gear You Actually Use

Let’s talk water. The cruise is built around swimming and snorkeling, with equipment included. You’ll be offered paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming floating fries, the funny little “help you hang out in the water” style float. It sounds goofy, but it’s practical. If you are not a confident swimmer, it gives you a calmer way to enjoy the surface and get time in without stress.

At Carrataghju, it’s a morning swim at a secret-feeling beach setting, then a little coffee with canistrelli to get you going. That combination is smart. You’re not expected to jump from cold-ish mornings into a long day with only breakfast-once-you-remember. You get energy early.

During the Lavezzi anchored time, you have more room to try snorkeling properly. You can explore the area around the stops, or you can skip the effort and simply relax on the boat. Either option is supported by the way the day is structured: multiple windows, not one forced moment.

One more crew-driven detail that matters: the captain runs the day with hospitality. Sylvain’s welcome includes an onboard aperitif served at anchor, paired with a genuine island planter. The vibe here is more family-friendly and relaxed than stiff and scripted. That’s why people rate this so highly.

Lunch, Snacks, and Drinks: What You’ll Eat When You’re Out at Sea

Food at sea can be hit or miss. Here, the meals are clearly planned, and they change with the season.

In low season, lunch is described as paella with seafood and chicken, followed by fresh fruit salad for dessert. In high season, lunch shifts to Corsican cheese and charcuterie platters, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad for dessert.

Either way, lunch comes with cold drinks: rosé wine, still and sparkling water, plus a local digestif. Those details are important for value. A lot of day trips make you buy your drinks separately, and then the price feels less friendly. Here, the cruise keeps you fueled without turning the day into a money pit.

You also get snacks beyond lunch. There’s the early coffee and canistrelli, then the onboard aperitif at anchor, and later a snack and beer pairing with the final stop near Porto Novo, including frappes and Pietra.

If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, you should tell the provider ahead of time. The information is clear that you should flag it. It’s one of those steps that makes the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

Porto Novo Finale: Final Swim, Frappes, and Pietra

After the main Lavezzi time, you sail again, then you get another photo stop with a beer moment, free time, and another swim and snorkeling option. The later portion includes local snacks too, with the finale described as a final swim and snack in the Porto Novo area.

That end segment matters because it gives you a second chance to enjoy the water after lunch. Some people go hardest during the main anchoring window and then feel done. The Porto Novo break gives you a last playful reset before returning to port.

The snack pairing is also part of the charm: frappes and Pietra. Pietra is a Corsican beer brand, and it turns the last hour into more of a celebration than a “okay, now we’re heading back.”

What’s Actually Included (and Why That Affects the Price)

Let’s translate the included items into real day-trip value. You’re paying $212 per person for a 9-hour outing that includes:

• the catamaran, captain, and fuel
• drinks and snacks through the day
• lunch, with season-based options
• paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming floating fries
• multiple scheduled swim and snorkeling opportunities

So the question is not only “is $212 a lot.” It is “what would it cost you if you tried to piece this together yourself.” Once you factor in a boat hire, a guide or crew, fuel, lunch, drinks, and the gear, the price starts to look more reasonable.

You’re also getting the semi-private feel, which usually means you’re not dealing with a giant group pushing you around. The reviews repeatedly praise the crew professionalism and adaptability. A calm captain makes the difference when the day is water-heavy.

Price in plain terms

If you want a classic Corsica day that includes swimming, snorkeling time, meals, and drinks without extra planning, this pricing can feel fair. If you only want one quick swim and you would rather DIY everything, you might find cheaper options. But for a full day that does the thinking for you, this is solid.

What to Pack for a 9-Hour Saltwater Day

The list of what to bring is short and practical. Pack:

• towel
• sandals
• biodegradable sunscreen
• jacket
• beachwear
• outdoor clothing

That jacket line is key. Even if Corsica feels warm, you’re on open water and you’ll likely get breeze on your skin. A light layer also helps if you cool off after a swim.

For day comfort, I suggest you also plan your personal setup:

• keep sunscreen easy to reach since you’ll be in the sun often
• bring a small dry bag if you have one, so phone and wallet stay safe
• wear swim-ready clothes under your outdoor layer to save time at stops

Who This Catamaran Cruise Suits Best

This cruise fits best if you want a fun, social day without sacrificing water time. It is especially good for:

• families who want multiple swims without the stress of renting gear
• couples who want scenery, food, and a relaxed pace
• groups of friends who like a boat day with onboard snacks and breaks

If you’re traveling for total quiet and long beach lounging only, you might find the frequent sailing and activity rhythm a bit much. But if you enjoy doing a lot outdoors in one day, this route makes sense.

Also, because the live tour guide is French and English, it works well if your group has mixed language comfort. You’re not guessing your way through the day.

Should You Book This Cruise to the Lavezzi Islands?

If your ideal Corsica day includes swimming and snorkeling, plus real meals and drinks, I’d book it. The structure is the big reason: a morning swim at Carrataghju, longer anchored time in the Lavezzi Archipelago, and a Porto Novo finale with frappes and Pietra. It is a full day that still feels organized and not rushed.

Before you click confirm, decide on one thing: can you handle 9 hours on the water and being in swim mode on and off. If yes, this is a strong pick for value and atmosphere, and the crew friendliness you’ll hear about in multiple languages is exactly the kind of service that makes a boat day enjoyable.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands?

The duration is 9 hours.

What is the meeting point for the cruise?

Meet at Croisière Exclusive. Boats are right in front of the sign.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it varies by season (paella with seafood and chicken in low season, or cheese and charcuterie platters with other items in high season).

What drinks are included?

Cold drinks are included with lunch, including rosé wine, still and sparkling water, and a local digestif. There are also snacks and drinks during the day, including beer later.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes time for swimming and snorkeling, and it provides snorkeling masks, paddles, and swimming French fries.

How long are the main stops?

Stops include several photo and water breaks, including a longer Lavezzi Archipelago stop (about 2.5 hours).

What languages will the guide speak?

The live tour guide is available in French and English.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, a jacket, beachwear, and outdoor clothing.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.