Day cruise to the Cerbicales & Lavezzi Islands with lunch

Corsica’s south coast looks unreal from the water.

On this day cruise you get Lavezzi and Cerbicales Islands, a narrated loop past famous beaches, plus lunch served on board. The biggest upside for me is the mix of cruising time and water time, so you feel like you left the mainland without spending the whole day docked. One thing to consider, though, is the boat is a big-capacity ship (about 180 passengers), so it helps to plan around crowds and limited space.

What makes this trip especially interesting is how the route is built around scenery and swimming. The captain talks you through the coastline and caves near Bonifacio, then you get a cove stop for lunch and another swim stop later. If you prefer long island wandering, you may find the shore time feels tight, depending on weather and conditions.

Key highlights and practical reasons to go

• Bonifacio cliffs and sea caves: You see the famous rock faces from a moving boat, not a viewpoint.
• Lavezzi Islands at lunch time: Meal served in a cove, with choice of 3 menus.
• Multiple swimming stops: Not just one splash. You get water breaks in the morning and late afternoon.
• Captain narration in English, French, and Italian: The route includes named beaches, not vague descriptions.
• Family-run boating tradition: The Chiocca family story gives the day more soul than a generic sightseeing cruise.

Why this south of Corsica cruise feels so different

Porto Vecchio is a good starting point because it’s close to the wild, dramatic end of the island. From there, the day focuses on the extreme south and the marine scenery people travel for. You are not spending your day in one tight activity box. You’re cruising, eating, swimming, and only then getting to hop to the islands.

The other big win is the order of the day. You head out in the morning and the boat ride itself has payoff, because you pass recognizable stretches of coastline. Then, around midday, the trip slows down at the Lavezzi to give you a real break from being on the move.

Timing and ship size: what to plan for

The schedule is built around a firm start. Departure is at 9:00 a.m. sharp from Porto Vecchio, with welcome aboard at 8:15 a.m. for a snack served by the crew. If you like comfort, arrive a little early so you’re not rushed when boarding time hits.

This is also not a small private boat. You’re on a high-capacity ship with about 180 passengers. That matters for two things: finding your spot for views and managing the flow during swimming stops. In plain terms, you should expect some crowding on deck when everyone goes to the same railing at once, especially near the big photo moments.

The good news is the day is timed well for short bursts. The trip doesn’t ask you to commit to one long, slow activity. You get a rhythm: cruising time, a lunch cove, island time, and then another swim.

Past the named beaches to Bonifacio, with the captain calling the shots

After departure, the boat heads for the Lavezzi Islands via the cliffs of Bonifacio, and the route is weather-dependent. As you go, the ride stays gentle enough for sightseeing rather than constant seasickness management. The captain then runs through the coastline and points out different beaches you’ll recognize from Corsica brochures, including Cerbicales, Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara, and Sperone.

Bonifacio is the climax of the morning. You reach it after the captain’s commentary on the coast, and from the water you get the panorama of limestone cliffs sculpted by wind, plus the sea caves people talk about. Seeing sea caves from a moving boat works better than trying to picture them from shore. You get angles, scale, and perspective fast.

One practical tip for the morning: bring a sense of humor about timing. The boat route follows the day’s conditions, so if the sea is rough or visibility changes, you’ll feel the difference. This is normal here, so pack for it in your mindset even if not in your clothing.

Lavezzi Islands at noon: lunch in a cove and time to swim or visit

The trip’s midday pivot happens at 12:00 p.m., when you stop in a cove on the Lavezzi Islands. This is when the lunch is served on board, and you choose from 3 menus. The menu choice isn’t something you should leave to last-minute guessing. You’re asked to contact the supplier to choose your menu onboard, so if you have dietary needs or preferences, plan that early.

Lunch and the cove stop are a smart pairing. Eating while the boat is anchored makes the meal feel like a break, not a rushed fueling station. Then, at 1:30 p.m., you arrive on the islands for swimming or visiting the island.

Here’s the trade-off. The shore time is real, but it is not a full day on land. If you want long hikes or hours of wandering, this may not scratch that itch. But if you want a taste of the Lavezzi feel, plus water time, the timing is ideal. You can swim, step onto land, and still rejoin the boat without the day dragging.

Also note that snorkeling gear is not included. The trip emphasizes swimming stops and island time, so bring your own gear if you want it. If you don’t have it, focus on what you can do comfortably, like swimming and simple floating.

The afternoon return: Cavallo, then Carratoghju or Cerbicales

At 3:30 p.m., you return toward Porto Vecchio along the Island of Cavallo. This portion is less about getting off and more about seeing coastline continuity, which is why it works. It keeps you moving through scenery instead of turning the afternoon into waiting.

Then at 5:00 p.m., there’s another stop for a swim in turquoise water, either near Carratoghju or the Cerbicales Islands, depending on conditions. This second water break is a big reason the itinerary feels balanced. You get enough time earlier to swim without being exhausted, and then you can refresh again before the ride ends.

You return to Porto Vecchio around 6:00 p.m. If you’re planning dinner, keep it easy. You’ll likely want a calm meal on land, not a long late-day schedule.

Lunch and drinks on board: where the value really shows

The price is $129 per person for a full day, and the value comes down to what’s included: lunch and drinks, plus swimming stops and guided narration. For this area, a day on the water without having to coordinate separate food plans is a real convenience win.

The lunch setup is also thoughtful: 3 menu options lets you avoid the one-size-fits-all feeling. People tend to rate the meal quality positively, including comments about a light dessert paired with a meal that hits the mark.

One small consideration: there may not be music on board. If you like a party vibe, this trip is more about scenery and conversation than dancing to a soundtrack. The guide runs live interpretation in English, French, and Italian, so you’ll get the information even if the atmosphere stays calm.

If you like to eat well but also travel light, this is the kind of tour that lets you do that. You can focus on the water, not on hunting for lunch halfway through your day.

Captain Vincent Chiocca: a real family story behind the narration

This cruise is run by CHIOCCA croisières, a family operation with four generations connected to sea life. The highlight is meeting the captain, Vincent Chiocca, whose background is tied to decades of experience on these waters. The details matter because they explain why the commentary doesn’t feel like a script.

The captain is also described as having a long professional relationship with the sea, including about 40 years of experience, and the ship’s crew shares that continuity. There’s also the next generation story: Vincent Chiocca Junior, born in 1977, who left school at 14 to become a fisherman, studied at the Merchant Marine school in Sète for three years, and became a captain at 17.

Even if you don’t care about family timelines, it changes the tone of the day. You’re not just riding past sights, you’re getting the route from someone who grew up with it.

What this trip is best for, and who might want a different option

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A one-day Corsica hit focused on the south coast
• Named viewpoints you can follow as the boat moves
• Enough time for swimming and island time without a long day of logistics

It’s less perfect if you’re the type who wants to park on an island and spend hours exploring every corner. The island stop is built for swimming and a quick visit, not for slow strolling and long hikes.

It also helps if you accept that weather can change plans. This area can shift quickly, and the experience is designed to react to sea and visibility. If your travel dates are flexible, that’s a major plus.

Price and value: does $129 make sense?

At $129, you’re paying for a full-day water experience, not just a short sightseeing loop. The value equation here is pretty clear: you get multiple scenic segments, included lunch and drinks, and swimming stops without having to buy separate tickets for each part.

Compare that to what it costs to arrange a private boat or even piece together lunch with a separate day tour. The bundled approach is what saves you money and stress. The only notable non-included item is snorkeling gear, so if that matters to you, account for it.

So, in practical terms: if you want a simple day that covers the highlights and keeps you fed, the price feels fair. If you’re picky about maximum time on land, you might feel like you’re paying for motion more than exploration.

Should you book this Cerbicales and Lavezzi day cruise?

I’d book it if you want a classic Corsica day that mixes big views, calm cruising, and real swimming, with lunch handled for you. The combination of Bonifacio cliffs, the cove lunch at Lavezzi, and the later swim stop is a smart use of a single day.

Skip it or choose carefully if your priority is extended island time, not quick swims and a short visit. Also consider that the ship is large, so deck space and crowding are part of the package.

If you’re aiming for a straightforward, scenery-forward day from Porto Vecchio, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

What is the departure time from Porto Vecchio?

The boat departs at 9:00 a.m. sharp from the port of Porto Vecchio. You can board earlier at 8:15 a.m., with a snack served by the crew.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is H7RM+FF Porto-Vecchio, France.

Are there departures from other towns?

Some departures are scheduled from Pinarello during high season.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts 1 day.

What islands and areas does the route include?

You’ll visit the Lavezzi Islands and see the Cerbicales Islands, plus you cruise past the cliffs of Bonifacio and along the way you may see areas such as Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara, and Sperone.

When is lunch served?

Lunch is served at about 12:00 p.m. during a stop in a cove at the Lavezzi Islands. It’s served on board and includes drinks.

Can I choose my lunch menu?

Yes. You’re asked to contact the supplier to choose your menu onboard, with 3 menu options available.

How much time do you have on the Lavezzi Islands?

You arrive around 1:30 p.m. for swimming or visiting the island.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide offers English, French, and Italian.

Is there wheelchair access?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.