Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands

The best part of this nine-hour catamaran cruise is the generous mix of open-water sailing and time off the boat. You’ll visit Carrataghju, Cavallo, the Lavezzi Archipelago, and Porto Novo, with plenty of pauses for swimming rather than a rushed parade of photo stops. I especially like the morning coffee with canistrelli and the easygoing, food-filled rhythm of the day.

I also like that Sylvain and his crew provide the gear and keep the outing personal, with paddles, snorkeling masks, swimming noodles, drinks, and snacks included. The main consideration is the price: at $212 per person, this is not a cheap transfer to the islands. You’re paying for a full day on the water, meals, fuel, a captain, equipment, and a semi-private setting, so it makes the most sense if you plan to use the whole package.

Key points at a glance

• Carrataghju starts the day gently: Begin with a swim, coffee, and canistrelli before the longer sail.
• Cavallo brings the glamour: Cruise past the island known for its luxury homes and stop for photos.
• Lavezzi gets the longest pause: You have about two and a half hours for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Lunch changes with the season: Low-season meals feature paella, while high-season dining centers on Corsican cheese and charcuterie.
• The crew supplies the fun: Paddles, snorkeling masks, swimming noodles, cold drinks, and snacks are included.
• The mood is friendly and flexible: Sylvain has earned praise for his humor, care, and ability to adapt to the group.

A full day built around the sea

This is not simply a boat ride to the Lavezzi Islands. It is a day-long outing built around a series of swims, meals, drinks, and scenic pauses. The boat leaves from the Croisière Exclusive meeting point, where you’ll see a sign with the same name and find the boats directly in front.

The first stretch by catamaran takes about 45 minutes. That opening run gives you time to settle in, take in the coast, and get comfortable on board before the first stop. The setup is semi-private, which means you get a more personal feel than on a large sightseeing vessel, although the exact number of people can vary.

Sylvain is the main captain named for this experience, and his southern French accent is part of the character of the outing. Other feedback also names Tom as captain, with Noe serving as a crewmember on one occasion, so the staff may vary by date. The consistent theme is a welcoming crew that pays attention to the group and keeps the day moving without making it feel rigid.

Carrataghju and the first swim

Carrataghju is described as a secret beach, and it provides the first real reward of the day. After the initial 45-minute cruise, you’ll have time for a photo stop, a swim, snorkeling, and free time. The day starts in a relaxed way rather than with a big production.

A morning swim works well here. You can get into the water before lunch, stretch your legs after the boat ride, and use the snorkeling equipment if conditions suit you. The coffee and canistrelli are a small but thoughtful touch. Canistrelli are Corsican biscuits, and this simple snack gives the morning a local flavor without turning breakfast into a formal meal.

I like this first stop because it sets the pace. You are not asked to rush from the boat to a landmark and back again. You can swim, look around, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. Bring a towel and sandals, as well as beachwear that is easy to change in and out of.

Sailing past Cavallo Island

After Carrataghju, the catamaran heads toward Cavallo Island, roughly an hour away. The route itself is part of the experience. You’re moving through clear coastal water with the wind and changing views providing much of the entertainment.

Cavallo is known as an island for the wealthy, and the stop is mainly for photographs, lasting about 15 minutes. That short pause tells you what to expect: this is not a land visit or a chance to wander around Cavallo. It is a scenic look from the water, useful for seeing a different side of the southern Corsican coast.

The limited time here may disappoint anyone hoping to explore the island on foot. For most people, though, the brief stop keeps the day focused on the sea and avoids turning the cruise into a collection of long shore excursions. Have your camera ready, since the photo opportunity is short.

Two and a half hours around Lavezzi

The longest stop comes at the Lavezzi Archipelago, where you’ll spend about two and a half hours. This is the heart of the day, with time for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, free time, and an aperitif.

The Lavezzi Islands are known for dramatic rock formations, small coves, and bright water. The scenery is the kind you want to see from the water first, then enjoy at a slower pace with a swim. The exact swimming conditions can vary, but the cruise is designed to give you time in the water rather than merely passing the islands.

The snorkeling masks are included, along with paddles and swimming noodles. That range of equipment matters because not everyone wants the same sort of activity. You can paddle, look beneath the surface, float beside the boat, or stay dry and enjoy the setting. The boat becomes a base for the whole stop.

A homemade aperitif comes before lunch, accompanied by an island planter. Here, planter refers to a rum-based drink often served with fruit juice. If you prefer something lighter, cold water and other drinks are available throughout the meal service.

Lunch changes with the season

Food is a major part of the value, and the menu changes depending on when you go.

In the low season, lunch is paella with seafood and chicken, followed by fresh fruit salad. In the high season, the meal shifts to platters of Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad. Both options sound suited to a warm day on the water: filling enough to carry you through the afternoon, but not an elaborate sit-down meal that eats up your swimming time.

Drinks include rosé wine, still and sparkling water, and a local digestif. You also get snacks and cold drinks as part of the package. If you have allergies or special dietary requirements, tell the operator in advance. That is especially important here because the food may include seafood, chicken, dairy, cured meats, and other ingredients that are not easy to avoid casually.

The menu is seasonal, so do not book this expecting one fixed lunch. The meal style is also communal and informal, which suits the catamaran setting. If you want a highly customized meal or a quiet restaurant-style experience, this is not that sort of day.

Paddles, snorkeling, and time to do nothing

After lunch, the boat gives you the equipment for the most active part of the stop. Paddles are available for anyone who wants to move around the cove, while snorkeling masks let you inspect the water near the boat. Swimming noodles are useful if you prefer to float without working hard.

This flexibility is one of the cruise’s best features. A mixed group can enjoy the same stop in different ways. One person can paddle, another can snorkel, and someone else can sit on the catamaran with a drink. You do not need to be an expert at any of these activities.

The captain and crew also create the tone. Feedback about Sylvain repeatedly points to his professionalism, humor, and kindness. Tom is described in similar terms, especially for being attentive and adaptable. Those qualities matter on a full-day boat outing, where a good captain can make transitions feel easy and help the group settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Porto Novo and the final swim

After the Lavezzi stop, you’ll sail for about 45 minutes along the coast toward Porto Novo. This is another chance to enjoy the boat rather than treat the journey as dead time.

Porto Novo provides the final swim and a last hour of free time. You can use the snorkeling gear again, swim, relax on board, or simply enjoy the coast before returning. The day ends with frappes and Pietra. Pietra is a Corsican beer, while frappes are cold blended drinks, so this final snack has a distinctly relaxed, end-of-day feel.

That last stop is useful because nine hours on the water can feel long if all the activity happens early. Porto Novo breaks up the return journey and gives you one more chance to get wet before heading back to port. The return catamaran ride takes about an hour.

What the $212 price really covers

At $212 per person, the cruise asks for a substantial part of your holiday budget. The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and water activities.

Included in the price are the captain, fuel, lunch, drinks, snacks, paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming noodles. You are also paying for nine hours on a comfortable catamaran and a semi-private format. That is a fuller package than a basic ferry ticket or short sightseeing cruise.

I would see this as a special-day purchase rather than an everyday excursion. It works best for people who want to spend most of the day on the water and appreciate having food and equipment arranged. If your main goal is simply to reach the Lavezzi Islands as cheaply as possible, a shorter or more basic boat option may suit you better.

The strong rating, with 43 ratings averaging five out of five, supports the idea that the service is a major part of the experience. The most praised elements are consistent: the crew’s friendliness and professionalism, the boat’s comfort, the beautiful stops, and the quality of the meals and drinks. That does not remove the price concern, but it does explain why the cruise is positioned as an experience rather than transport.

Practical details for a smooth day

Wear beachwear under comfortable outdoor clothing. Bring a towel, sandals, a jacket, and biodegradable sunscreen. A jacket is worth packing even on a warm day because the boat ride can feel cooler once it is moving.

The activity is offered in French and English, with a live guide. You should check the available start time for your chosen date, since the nine-hour duration does not by itself specify a fixed departure hour.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging the rest of your Corsica plans.

The boat has equipment for swimming and snorkeling, but you still need to bring your personal basics. Most important are sun protection, a towel, and a layer for the ride home. If you have food allergies or dietary needs, contact Croisière Exclusive before departure.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups who want a complete day with little planning once they reach the dock. It suits people who like swimming and coastal scenery but do not want an aggressive schedule packed with activities.

Families may appreciate the choice of paddles, snorkeling, floating noodles, and dry time on the boat. The reviews describe family outings and mixed groups sharing the day comfortably, though you should remember that the cruise lasts nine hours. Anyone who gets bored on a boat or dislikes spending long periods in the sun may find it too much.

Food-focused visitors will also like the Corsican touches, especially canistrelli, local cheese, charcuterie, Pietra, the planter, and the local digestif. The meal is part of the pleasure, not an afterthought.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a quiet private charter or a precise, luxury-style schedule. Semi-private means you share the atmosphere with other people, and the day’s exact flow may adjust to the group and sea conditions.

Should you book the Lavezzi Islands catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want the full southern Corsican sea day, with several swims, a comfortable catamaran, local food, drinks, and an attentive captain. The combination of Carrataghju, Cavallo, Lavezzi, and Porto Novo gives the day variety, while the long Lavezzi stop keeps it from feeling like a quick sightseeing run.

Skip it if $212 feels too high for a boat outing, if you only want to visit one island, or if nine hours on the water sounds tiring. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded choice, especially if the captain’s friendly, flexible style matters as much to you as the scenery.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Croisière Exclusive. Look for the sign with that name, with the boats directly in front of it.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts nine hours, including the catamaran rides and stops at Carrataghju, Cavallo Island, the Lavezzi Archipelago, and Porto Novo.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in French and English.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Low-season lunch is paella with seafood and chicken, followed by fresh fruit salad. High-season lunch includes Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. The package includes cold drinks, rosé wine, still and sparkling water, a local digestif, snacks, and the final Pietra and frappes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming noodles are included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, a jacket, beachwear, and outdoor clothing. Tell the operator about any allergies or special dietary requirements before the cruise.