Yacht catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this day is the water around the Lavezzi Islands. It is clear enough to watch fish from the boat, and the natural reserve setting gives your swim a wilder feel than a quick beach stop. The route may also include Cavallo Island if weather conditions call for it.

I like the generous space aboard the Bali 4.6 catamaran, especially the shaded stern and the sun loungers at the front and on the flybridge. I also like that Nicolas and Bénédicte keep the group to 22 people, even though the boat can hold 38. The main consideration is transport: the departure point changes with the weather, public transport does not reach the meeting spots, and you need a car or taxi.

Key points

• A weather-led route: The crew chooses between Lavezzi Island and Cavallo Island to find calmer sailing conditions.
• A roomy catamaran: The boat has shade at the stern, sun beds at the front, and extra space on the flybridge.
• A protected swimming stop: Anchor in a clear-water cove where you can snorkel among fish.
• A small group by design: The trip carries 22 people, rather than filling the boat to its 38-person capacity.
• A full day on the water: Leave around 8:30 a.m., spend time swimming and walking until about 4 p.m., and return around 5:30 p.m.
• A French-speaking crew: Nicolas and Bénédicte handle the sailing, meal service, and practical information aboard.

Why the Lavezzi Islands make a strong day trip

The Lavezzi Islands sit off the southern tip of Corsica, near Bonifacio, in a protected marine area known for clear water and rocky coves. This outing is less about checking off a long list of sights and more about giving you a full day to enjoy the sea at an easy pace.

You spend roughly two hours sailing out from Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. That is a long approach for a swimming stop, but it is also what makes the day feel like a proper sailing trip rather than a short boat transfer. The route itself is part of the experience.

The destination may change between Lavezzi Island and Cavallo Island. That is not a flaw in the plan. It lets the crew respond to the day’s wind and sea conditions. A calm, comfortable route matters more than forcing a fixed itinerary, especially on a small-group sailing trip.

What the Bali 4.6 catamaran is like

The recent Bali 4.6 catamaran is arranged for both shade and sun. You can settle at the stern under cover, stretch out on the forward sun loungers, or head to the flybridge for a higher view and more sun.

That layout makes a real difference during an eight-hour outing. You are not confined to one bench or expected to sit in the sun all day. If you want a break from the heat, the shaded stern gives you somewhere to cool down. If you want to watch the coastline or lie in the sun, the front and flybridge offer those options.

The boat is deliberately not filled to its maximum capacity. Only 22 people are welcomed on each trip, although the catamaran can carry 38. I consider that one of the strongest features for the price. You have more room to move, less competition for seating, and a better chance of enjoying lunch without feeling packed in.

There are a few boat rules to note. Shoes are not allowed on board, so wear footwear that you can remove easily and expect to go barefoot on the catamaran. Smoking is permitted outdoors, not inside. The transfer from shore to the boat takes place in a small tender, so you should be ready for a short transfer rather than stepping directly from a pier onto the catamaran.

The morning sail from 8:30 a.m.

The day begins at about 8:30 a.m. from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. You receive the exact meeting point the day before arrival because the crew chooses the departure location according to the forecast and expected sea conditions.

This is useful, but it requires attention. Do not assume you can walk to the departure point from central Bonifacio or another nearby base. There is no public transport to the meeting locations, and you need to arrange a car or taxi. Free parking is available a few meters from the meeting point, which helps if you are driving.

The first two hours are spent heading toward Lavezzi or Cavallo. Depending on the wind, the boat may sail under power, sail, or use a mix of both. One especially useful detail from the trip is that the catamaran can remain stable even when the wind reaches 20 to 32 knots, though conditions are always specific to the day.

I would still plan around the weather rather than treat the outing as guaranteed. The crew can change the destination, route, or timing when conditions require it. That flexibility protects the quality of the day, but it means you should keep your plans around the excursion loose.

A clear-water cove for swimming and snorkeling

Once the boat reaches its chosen island, it anchors in a cove with exceptionally clear water. Fish gather around the boat and rocks, making this the most memorable part of the trip for many people who enjoy swimming.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. A paddle is also available. You can choose between a quiet swim, a look beneath the surface, or time on the water with the paddle.

The natural reserve setting gives the stop its appeal. You are not simply stopping at an ordinary beach for a quick dip. The water, fish, and rocky island setting create the feeling of a day spent in a protected corner of the Mediterranean.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and hat or cap. The boat provides the equipment listed above, but personal beach items are not included. Sun protection matters here because an open catamaran gives you plenty of exposure, even with shaded areas available.

The swimming stop may not suit someone who wants a long sandy beach and extensive facilities. The emphasis is on water, rocks, snorkeling, and the boat itself. You should be comfortable getting in and out of the sea from an anchored catamaran.

Lavezzi Island on foot until about 4 p.m.

The plan allows time for both swimming and walking on Lavezzi Island until a maximum of about 4 p.m. That balance is welcome. You are not stuck aboard the boat for the entire day, and you are not rushed from one short stop to another.

Lavezzi is known for its rugged rock formations and small coves. The walking portion gives you a chance to stretch your legs and see the island from land rather than only from the water. The exact amount of walking depends on the route and the time you choose to spend swimming.

You should think of this as a relaxed island outing, not a formal guided hike. The main focus remains the sea day, and the live tour language is French. If you do not speak French, the practical parts of the day may require patience or simple communication.

The crew aims to leave the island by about 4 p.m., with arrival back at the starting point around 5:30 p.m. That return time makes this a full-day commitment. I would not pair it with another tightly scheduled activity in the evening, especially since the final arrival can depend on weather and sea conditions.

Lunch with a simple or Corsican option

Food is included, and the meal is served at the table. The standard option is pasta with pesto, Gruyère, and Parmesan. It is a sensible boat lunch: filling, familiar, and easy to serve in a moving environment.

A more typically Corsican menu is available for an additional €30. It includes tomato and mozzarella salad with a tasting of Corsican charcuterie, Bonifacio-style eggplant as the main course, and fresh fruit salad for dessert.

There is a small point to clarify before booking. The general inclusions describe food and a table-served meal, while the detailed meal plan presents the Corsican menu as an optional €30 upgrade. Some recent booking experiences describe an entrée, main course, and dessert as included, so the exact meal arrangement may depend on the option you select or the current operating plan.

For that reason, ask the operator what the €188 price includes on your chosen date, and whether the three-course Corsican menu is included or remains an upgrade. The food itself receives particularly strong praise, and the meal service adds comfort to a long day on the water.

Unlimited soft drinks are included. Diesel, the skipper, hostess service, snorkeling gear, and paddle are also covered, so you are not faced with a series of small onboard charges.

How the €188 price works out

At $188 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Lavezzi Islands. A basic boat transfer may cost less, especially if you only want transport and a few hours on shore.

The value here comes from the full package. You receive about eight hours on the water, a spacious catamaran, skipper and hostess service, a meal, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle use, fuel, and free parking near the meeting point. The group limit is also meaningful. A boat that carries 22 instead of 38 gives you more personal space and a calmer feel.

I would consider the price sensible for someone who wants a complete day rather than a simple ride. It is less convincing if your only goal is to reach Lavezzi, walk around for an hour, and return. You are paying for the boat, the service, the swimming stop, the meal, and the time aboard.

The optional €30 Corsican menu changes the total cost, so include it in your budget if local food is important to you. If you are happy with the pasta meal, the base price offers a simpler way to keep the outing within budget.

The crew and the feel of the day

Nicolas and Bénédicte are central to the experience. They provide the sailing, practical information, and meal service, creating a small-boat atmosphere rather than a large excursion-ship routine.

The tone suits families and couples who want a social but not crowded day. The trip is described as family-friendly, and the limited passenger count helps keep the atmosphere more personal. You have enough space to find a quiet corner, but you are still sharing the catamaran with other people.

The French-only guiding is the main language limitation. If you need detailed explanations in English, this may not be the right choice. The focus is likely to be easier for you if you are comfortable with basic French or are mainly interested in the scenery, swimming, and food.

The experience has a 4.8 rating from 84 bookings, with especially strong praise for the crew, the catamaran’s comfort, the meal, and the swimming stop. One useful detail is the consistent appreciation for the boat’s stability in windy conditions. Still, no catamaran can remove all motion from the sea, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly.

Who should book this sailing day

I would recommend this trip if you want:

• A full day rather than a short island transfer
• Plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling
• A catamaran with shade and sun areas
• A smaller group with room to move
• Lunch, soft drinks, and equipment included
• A flexible route shaped by the weather
• A French-speaking crew and a relaxed onboard pace

Families may appreciate the space and the choice between swimming, walking, sunbathing, and sitting in the shade. Couples can find quieter areas on the boat, while people who enjoy sailing will value the long approach to the islands.

I would hesitate if you dislike full-day boat outings, need English guiding, want a fixed destination regardless of conditions, or prefer a sandy beach with lots of facilities. The two-hour journey each way is a major part of the day, not dead time to be endured.

Practical details to settle before you go

The precise meeting point arrives the day before because the crew chooses between Paragan Bay and Sant’Amanza Bay according to the weather. Check your messages and leave enough time to reach the location by car or taxi.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. The trip lasts eight hours, but the stated schedule is approximate because weather conditions can change the route and return time.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and a hat. Free parking is close to the meeting point, but there is no public transportation to either departure area. You should also remember that shoes are removed on board, and the shore-to-boat transfer uses the tender.

Should you book the Lavezzi catamaran trip?

Book it if you want the Lavezzi Islands as part of a complete sailing day, not merely as a destination. The strongest reasons are the small passenger limit, roomy catamaran, clear-water swimming stop, table-served lunch, and the warm service from Nicolas and Bénédicte.

Before paying, confirm the exact departure bay and the meal option, especially if you want the €30 Corsican menu. If the weather forecast is unsettled, accept that the route may switch to Cavallo Island or change in timing.

For a relaxed day with swimming, fish, open water, and enough room to find your own spot aboard, this is a strong choice. For a quick and inexpensive island visit, choose a simpler boat transfer instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart?

The trip departs from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. The exact meeting point is provided the day before because the crew selects the location according to the weather and sea conditions.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts about eight hours. Departure is planned for 8:30 a.m., with a return around 5:30 p.m.

Does the route always visit Lavezzi Island?

No. The crew may sail to Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island, depending on the weather conditions of the day.

Is lunch included?

Food is included, and lunch is served at the table. The standard meal is pasta with pesto, Gruyère, and Parmesan. A Corsican menu with salad, charcuterie, Bonifacio-style eggplant, and fruit salad is available for an additional €30. Confirm the current meal arrangement when booking.

What equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment and a paddle are included. Diesel, skipper and hostess service, soft drinks, and the meal are also included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited soft drinks are included. Other drinks are not specified in the available information.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a clear-water cove surrounded by fish, and you have time for swimming and snorkeling.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is available a few meters from the meeting point. You need to drive or take a taxi because public transport does not reach the departure locations.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, and a cap or hat. Shoes are not allowed on board, smoking is allowed outdoors, and the transfer to the catamaran takes place in a tender.