Yacht catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands

Clear water makes the day feel unreal.

This catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands is interesting because you get transparent reserve water and the chance to swim with fish right in a protected cove. You’re not just riding along, you’re doing the fun parts, in a calm, well-run way.

I also like the comfort of the boat: a recent Bali 4.6 catamaran with plenty of shade at the stern and large sun loungers up front and on the flybridge. One possible drawback to plan for is logistics, there’s no public-transport shuttle, and you transfer to the boat via an annex, plus your meeting point depends on the weather.

If you’re lucky, you might be looked after by skipper Nicolas and hostess Bénédicte, who run the day with clear info in French and a relaxed vibe that works especially well when everyone is sharing the same boat spaces.

Key takeaways before you go

• Transparent natural reserve waters in a crystal-clear cove
• Small group setup: 22 people per trip for room to move
• Real sailing time around 2 hours each way, weather-dependent
• Snorkeling and paddle included, so you can get in the water fast
• Lunch at the table with an optional Corsican menu upgrade
• Route changes with the day’s conditions, including possibly heading to Cavallo

A Bali 4.6 catamaran day out of Paragan or Sant’Amanza

This is the kind of trip where the boat is part of the experience, not just a way to get somewhere. You’ll cruise in a spacious, recent Bali 4.6 catamaran, with multiple areas for different moods.

At the back, there’s shade where you can sit and watch the coastline slide by without feeling like you’re baking. Up front and on the flybridge, there are big sun loungers for sun-seekers, and the layout is designed so you can choose shade or sun without stepping on anyone’s toes.

The crew also matters. The trip includes skipper and hostess service, and one big reason people rate it so highly is how smoothly the day flows, with information provided in French and time built into the schedule for swimming and walking. Even in windier conditions, the catamaran can feel stable, so the ride stays comfortable rather than chaotic.

Weather-dependent routing to Lavezzi or Cavallo

The plan starts in the morning, departure is at 8:30 a.m. from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. From there, you sail for about two hours toward Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island, depending on what the weather allows that day.

That weather flexibility is not a bad thing. In fact, it often means you get the safer, smoother sailing conditions for your round trip. It also helps explain why the day has a maximum end time around late afternoon, with your return typically around 5:30 p.m., rather than the schedule dragging.

Here’s what you should keep in mind: if conditions steer the boat toward Cavallo, your island-time focus shifts. Either way, the real point is the water. The trip is built around anchoring in a magnificent cove with crystal clear water surrounded by fish, so you’ll still get that main payoff.

The anchored cove: snorkeling with gear, plus fish right nearby

The best moment usually comes when the boat drops anchor. You stop in a natural reserve cove with remarkably clear water, and the water visibility is the star of the show. You can swim, and you can also snorkel using the gear that’s provided.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and so is a paddle. That combination is a smart value choice because you’re not scrambling to rent gear, and you’re not limited to only one kind of water time. If you like to float and watch, snorkeling is perfect. If you want to move around a bit, the paddle adds a different feel.

One of the most praised parts is how easy it is to get close to marine life. People talk about swimming with beautiful fish, and that matches how these coves typically work. Because you’re anchored close to the action, you don’t need long swims to reach something worth seeing.

Tip: bring your towel and keep your swim plan simple. If you go in with gear ready, you’ll spend more of the day experiencing the water and less time fussing.

Lunch onboard: pasta at the table plus a 30-euro Corsican upgrade

Lunch is served onboard at the table, which is a big deal for value and comfort. It’s not a sad snack situation. You get a proper meal during your day out on the water.

The standard lunch is pasta with pesto, gruyere, and parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that feels right after time in the sun because it’s filling, not fussy.

There’s also an optional Corsican menu for 30 euros. That upgrade includes tomato mozzarella salad with a tasting of Corsican charcuterie. For the main course, you get Bonifacio-style eggplants, then finish with a fresh fruit salad.

This choice is worth considering if you want more than a “boat lunch.” Eating Corsica food while you’re still in the island zone connects the flavors to the place. If you want the easiest option, stick with the included pasta lunch and save your extra budget.

Either way, you’ll also have unlimited soft drinks during the trip. That helps keep things easy in the heat, especially before and after swimming.

Island time on Lavezzi: walk, then swim again

Your island time runs until 4 p.m. max on Lavezzi Island, then you head back around 5:30 p.m. That means you get two different experiences in one day: time on foot and time in the water.

The walk part is built into the day, so you’re not only dependent on swimming for your memories. Even without turning it into a hiking mission, walking on Lavezzi helps you soak up the setting, take photos, and reset your legs after being on the water.

And then you return to the boat for more swimming opportunities and a relaxed sail back. That rhythm is ideal. You’re not stuck doing the same activity for hours, and you don’t feel rushed because the schedule has a clear end point in late afternoon.

One more practical note: you’ll anchor first, then you’ll spend time in the water and on the island, depending on what’s planned that day within the weather limits. So be ready for small timing adjustments rather than a rigid minute-by-minute flow.

Comfort rules that affect your day (and what to pack)

Before you go, learn the boat rules. They’re small, but they make the difference between smooth sailing and annoyance.

You should expect:

• No shoes onboard
• Transfer to the boat happens in an annex
• Smoking is allowed outdoors
• Outings depend on the day’s weather and can change

What to bring matters more than you might think. You’ll want your towel. Swimsuit is not included, and neither is solar cream, a bath towel, or a cap or hat. So if you’re the type who forgets small things, add them now rather than assuming you can improvise.

Also consider how you’ll manage sun and water time. With snorkeling and extended swim periods, protection and comfort help. A hat or cap plus sunscreen saves you from the “I had fun, but I’m cooked” problem by mid-afternoon.

Getting there is another reality check. Free parking is available a few meters from the meeting point, and you do have the option to come by taxi. But you should assume you need a car or taxi because there’s no public transport for the meeting points. The exact meeting point is provided the day before your arrival, because the route is adjusted for weather to aim for the calmest navigation possible.

Price and value: what $188 includes, and what you’re paying for

At $188 per person, this isn’t a budget excursion. But it’s also not a bare-minimum boat ride.

You’re paying for a full 8-hour day that includes the big-ticket items:

• Food, plus unlimited soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle
• Diesel
• Skipper and hostess service
• Meal served at the table
• Free parking near the meeting point

That list matters because many “island boat” options leave you to handle your own meal and gear. Here, the meal is already organized, and the snorkeling setup is part of the package. Even if you only use the paddle once, it’s still time and convenience you don’t have to organize yourself.

The optional Corsican menu upgrade is extra at 30 euros, but you’re not forced into it. You can choose the included pasta lunch or add the charcuterie and Bonifacio-style eggplants depending on your appetite and budget.

So the value question is not only “what costs $188.” It’s “how much of your day is handled for you.” With a small group of 22 and a comfortable boat designed for shade and sun, it’s the kind of outing that can feel worth it if you care about comfort and water time, not just checking a destination box.

Who this catamaran trip fits best

This trip suits people who want a day outdoors without turning it into a complicated logistics project.

It’s especially good if:

• You want clear-water swimming in a natural reserve setting
• You like snorkeling but don’t want to rent or chase equipment
• You prefer small-group comfort, because the boat limits to 22 guests for the experience
• You enjoy eating together, with lunch served at the table
• You want a relaxed sailing day with French guidance

It can also work well for families, the vibe tends to be friendly and easy. And because the catamaran holds up well even when winds get stronger, the ride is often comfortable rather than shaky.

If you’re the type who hates waiting around, this might not be for you. The day has downtime built in, shade time, swim time, island time. But if you like a slow rhythm, you’ll enjoy it.

Should you book the Lavezzi Islands catamaran trip?

I’d book this if your top priority is water time with real visibility and a day that feels organized from start to finish. The combination of stable catamaran sailing, included snorkeling gear, and table-served lunch is the key pairing that makes the price feel more reasonable.

I’d think twice if you don’t have easy access to a car or taxi, because the meeting points have no public transport shuttle and the meeting location is shared the day before. Also, if you’re not willing to follow the simple onboard rules, like no shoes, then you’ll spend mental energy on logistics instead of enjoying the islands.

If you’re flexible on weather, and you’re happy with a day that may route to Lavezzi or Cavallo, this is a solid, enjoyable way to spend your Corsica time.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The trip duration is 8 hours.

Where does the trip depart from?

Departure is from Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay at 8:30 a.m.

Is the destination always the Lavezzi Islands?

Not always. You sail to Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island depending on the weather conditions of the day.

How long do you sail before anchoring?

There is about 2 hours of navigation before anchoring in a cove.

What is included in the price?

The included items are food, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle, diesel, skipper and hostess service, and the meal served at the table. Free parking near the meeting point is also included.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is included and served at the table. The included meal is pasta with pesto, gruyere, and parmesan. An optional 30-euro Corsican menu is also available.

What is the optional Corsican menu?

The optional menu costs 30 euros and includes tomato mozzarella salad with Corsican charcuterie tasting, Bonifacio-style eggplants as the main course, and a fresh fruit salad for dessert.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. A swimsuit, solar cream, bath towel, and a cap or hat are not included.

Are shoes allowed on board?

No. Shoes are not allowed on board.

How do weather changes affect the day?

Outings depend on the day’s weather conditions and may change. The exact meeting point is provided the day before your arrival to help ensure calmer navigation.