Boating vacations: Corsica trips and excursions
The largest island in France to face the waves of the Mediterranean, Corsica is a land of mystery and challenges for those who venture there.
At the heart of its mythology, the sea is omnipresent and eager to reveal itself to travelers. All you have to do is embark on a boat trip to Corsica to understand that the sea is truly part of Corsica's DNA.
We offer you several ideas for trips to Corsicato discover the Isle of Beauty, far from the soulless stays that don't convey all the subtlety of Corsica's land.
Corsicatours creates tailor-made experiences, designed to be unforgettable and in harmony with notions of eco-responsibility. We'll make your next boat trip to Corsica a unique experience.
Plan your customized trip now
1: Ferrying to Corsica from the mainland
To get to Corsica, you can fly, but we invite you to enjoy a pleasant crossing by boat, thanks to one of the three ferry companies that link Nice, Toulon and Marseille to Corsica's main ports (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, Île Rousse, Propriano and Porto-Vecchio).
As soon as you arrive on board, your ferry's crew will take care of you. Throughout the crossing (which lasts between 6 and 12 hours, depending on the port of departure), you'll be able to dine, bask in the warm Mediterranean sunshine, take a dip in the pool or simply enjoy the view of beautiful Corsica as it approaches. By day or by night, a boat trip to Corsica is a great way to start your stay on the Isle of Beauty: for the lucky ones, it's even possible to spot dolphins.
Corsica Ferries
Port of departure on the mainland: Nice and Toulon (up to 7 crossings per day to Corsica in summer)
Corsican ports of arrival: Ajaccio, Bastia, Île Rousse and Porto Vecchio.
Corsica Linea or La Méridionale ferries
Mainland port of departure: Marseille (6 crossings per day to Corsica)
Port of arrival in Corsica: Ajaccio, Bastia, Île Rousse, Propriano and Porto Vecchio
To consult prices and book your next ferry crossing to Corsica, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to include it in our tailor-made offer.
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2. The wonders of the West Coast during your stay
The Calanches de Piana, the Scandola nature reserve and the Sanguinaires islands are all names that evoke the sumptuous landscapes that give Corsica its reputation as the "Garden of the Mediterranean". We invite you to explore the western shores of the Isle of Beauty on a boat trip to admire places that can only be seen from the sea.
A case in point is the secret village of Girolata, inaccessible by car and accessible only by sea or by foot from the Col de la Croix. Here, disconnection is total: only the sound of the waves biting the cliffs occasionally disturbs the placidity of the place.
To explore the many wild coves along the coast, but also to be more respectful of the environment, we recommend that you choose a small boat for your boat trip in Corsica. It's the best way to admire the scenery and catch a glimpse of whales, sperm whales and dolphins.
Information for this Corsica cruise
Departure ports: Ajaccio, Porticcio, Sagone, Cargèse, Porto and Calvi
Our tip: book your next sea cruise in Corsica, we'll include it in your package (transport + accommodation + car rental).
3. Go for a wild ride on the Lavezzi islands
For your next vacation in Corsica, there's nothing like a wilderness getaway to invigorate body and soul. We've selected some of the best service providers to take you to this little paradise.
Leaving from the port of Bonifacio, set sail for the Lavezzi Islands, the jewels of southern Corsica. The islands are only accessible by boat. Known as "the southernmost points of France", they are an ideal place to discover another facet of Corsica. There are no inhabitants or shops on these islands: the Lavezzi are a little paradise between secret beaches and the Mediterranean. A perfect place for travelers looking for fine sandy beaches amidst particularly wild landscapes during their stay in Corsica.
Departing from the port of Porto-Vecchio, Christian and his captains will take you on a half-day or full-day trip to the Lavezzi, approaching the town's impressive cliffs and perhaps, if you wish, to the north of Sardinia for a shopping session!
Information for this Corsica crossing
Port of departure : Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
Our tip: book your next sea trip on a catamaran or boat in Corsica, and we'll include it in your package: transport + accommodation + car rental.
Our tips for enjoying a boat trip in Corsica
- Book this activity with us when you book your trip to Corsica.
- Take warm clothing for the duration of the crossing.
- Find out the duration of the ferry crossing: depending on the company and the port of departure, journey times may vary.
- Take advantage of the boat trip to leaf through the best guides to Corsica
- Watch the waves for dolphins and whales: a must if you're coming with children! if you're coming with children!
Our inspiration for your next trip to Corsica
4. Departure for a tour of Corsica by sea
We propose this adventure by catamaran. Corsica is the ideal destination for a "feet in the water" vacation formula and, above all, a radical change of scenery without going to the ends of the earth. Try your hand at fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and lounging!
From Ajaccio, the catamaran sets sail for Bastia, the Lavezzi Islands and Sardinia for dream cruises. We offer you an extraordinary adventure: a memorable week with panoramic views of Corsica, its coasts and mountains, in a maritime setting rich in discoveries and populated by fascinating marine wildlife. This trip is punctuated by heavenly stops: exploring charming villages, crossing limestone cliffs and pink granite formations that blaze under the rays of the setting sun, diving into the singularly blue waters of the Calanques de Piana, and much more!
Our local advisors can guide you!
What's the best price for a boat trip to Corsica?
The price of a boat crossing to Corsica varies according to several factors, such as the season (high or low), the type of service (fast or conventional ferry), the shipping company, the time and day of the crossing, and the type of accommodation on board (seat, cabin, or just a deck passage). Fares may also fluctuate depending on whether you're taking a vehicle with you, and the type of vehicle.
In low season, fares are generally lower. Prices for a one-way trip per person can start at around 30 to 50 euros for a crossing without a vehicle. To get the best price, we advise you to book in advance, especially if you're traveling during the high summer season, and we'll compare fares for you between different companies (such as Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale, or Corsica Linea).
What's the shortest crossing to Corsica?
Crossings to Corsica from the French mainland are generally those linking Nice, Toulon or Marseille to Bastia, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio or L'Île-Rousse. Of these options, the link between Nice and Bastia is often considered one of the shortest, with an average crossing time of around 5 to 7 hours, depending on weather conditions and ferry type.
Travel to Corsica: plane or boat?
The choice between traveling to Corsica by plane or boat depends on a number of factors, including your personal preferences, budget, length of trip, and overall desired experience. If time is your priority and you're looking for a quick arrival in Corsica, flying is probably the best option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, potentially less expensive travel experience, with the option of bringing your own vehicle, a boat might be more appropriate. The final decision will depend on how you wish to begin your Corsican adventure.