From Porticcio: Speedboat Tour to Cupabia Beach with Stops

The best part of this Porticcio speedboat tour is the mix of fast open-water riding and long pauses in quiet coves. You race along the southern shore of Ajaccio, then stop to swim in clear, warm water before moving on to another sandy beach.

I like the small group of no more than 12 and the generous food stop, with local charcuterie, cheese, and rosé prepared by the captain. I also like that the route includes several swim breaks rather than one rushed photo stop. The drawback is simple: a rigid inflatable boat can be bouncy, loud, and tiring, and it is not suitable for pregnant passengers, wheelchair users, or children under six.

Key points to know before booking

• Four swimming stops: Plan on getting in the water at Isula Piana, Cacao Cove, Cala d’Orzu, Cupabia, or Plage d’Argent, depending on the day’s route and timing.
• A fast, open-air ride: The RIB gives you strong sea views and plenty of speed, but it offers less shelter than a larger boat.
• Captain-prepared aperitif: Local cold meats, cheese, and rosé are included, while food or drinks at Chez Francis cost extra.
• French-speaking tour: The live guide speaks French, so basic French helps you follow safety instructions and commentary.
• Flexible length: The trip lasts about 270 to 390 minutes, or roughly four and a half to six and a half hours.
• Bring swimming gear: You need a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. There is no hotel pickup or lunch included.

Racing south from Porticcio on a compact RIB

This is not a slow harbor cruise. You board a semi-rigid speedboat and head out along the southern shore of Ajaccio, with the boat’s low profile giving you a close view of the sea and rocky coast.

The appeal is the change of pace. One minute you are cutting across open water at speed, and the next you are floating in a sheltered cove. The captain may zigzag across the sea on the way to the final stop, giving the ride a playful, sporty feel.

A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, has some practical advantages. It can reach small coves and beaches that are harder to access by larger vessels, and a group of 12 or fewer leaves more room than a crowded sightseeing boat. It also puts you close to the water, which is excellent for photographs.

The tradeoff is comfort. You are exposed to sun, spray, wind, and the motion of the sea. If you have back problems, a heart condition, reduced mobility, or another health issue that could make the ride unsafe, you must declare it when booking. The captain can refuse boarding if a condition was not disclosed, with no refund.

The boat is limited to passengers aged six and over. Pregnant women cannot take part, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Sette Nave, Isula Piana, and Cacao Cove

The trip begins at Sette Nave before continuing toward Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. These early stops set the pattern for the day: a scenic run, a pause near a beautiful piece of coast, and time to swim.

You should expect the captain to choose the exact place for each water stop based on sea conditions and the day’s timing. That flexibility is useful on a small boat. It can also mean that the order or length of stops changes.

Isula Piana is a good place to settle into the rhythm of the outing. The water is described as crystal clear, and the point of the stop is simple: swim, cool off, and enjoy the setting from the sea rather than from a crowded road or town.

Cacao Cove adds another sheltered pause. These stops are less about checking off famous sights and more about enjoying the coast at water level. Bring goggles if you like looking below the surface, although no snorkeling equipment is listed as included.

You should also keep your phone protected. The boat is open and spray is part of the experience. A waterproof pouch is a sensible extra, especially if you want to take photographs during the faster sections.

Cupabia Beach and Cala d’Orzu

The route continues toward Cala di Cupabia and Cala d’Orzu, two of the main scenic highlights. Cupabia is known for fine sand and turquoise water, making it the kind of beach where the boat’s swim stop can easily stretch into the part of the day you remember best.

Cala d’Orzu offers a different kind of pause because of Chez Francis, a well-known beach hut. You have free time there, and you can buy a drink if you wish, but the cost is not included in the tour price.

That extra stop gives you a choice. You can spend your time at the hut, stay on the boat, or swim in the warm water. If you want a full meal, plan carefully: lunch is not included, and the included food is an aperitif rather than a restaurant lunch.

The distinction matters. You receive cold meats, cheese, and rosé, but this should not replace a substantial midday meal for most people. If you are booking the longer version of the trip, consider eating beforehand or budgeting for food at Chez Francis.

Cala d’Orzu and Cupabia are also where the day may feel busiest, simply because they are major stops on the route. The boat gives you access to attractive beaches, but it does not promise private use of them. Your experience will depend on the time of day and the wider beach crowd.

The final swim at Plage d’Argent

The last major stop is Plage d’Argent, a famous beach with pale sand and clear water. It is used as the final swimming break, which makes practical sense: you get one more chance to cool off before the ride back.

This is a good point to save some energy. Four swim breaks sound wonderfully easy on paper, but repeated swimming, sun, wind, and boat motion can wear you out. You do not need to swim at every stop. A shaded or quiet pause on board may be the better choice at one point in the afternoon.

The route between stops is part of the attraction. You are not simply being delivered to Cupabia and returned. The captain uses the coastline and open sea as the main event, with fast sections between beaches and coves.

The final run can feel exhilarating, but it may not suit anyone who wants a calm, silent cruise. If you prefer slow sightseeing, a larger boat, or a shaded cabin, this is probably the wrong format. If you enjoy speed and swimming, the RIB is a strong match.

Charcuterie, cheese, and rosé at sea

At some point during the outing, the captain prepares an aperitif with locally sourced charcuterie, cheese, and rosé wine. This is one of the tour’s nicest touches because it turns a transport stop into a social break.

The food is not fancy, and that is part of its charm. Corsican-style cold meats and cheese fit the setting better than a formal meal would. You can sit back on the boat, look toward the coast, and snack between swims.

The timing may be especially pleasant around sunset, when the outing is described as ending with charcuterie and wine under the evening sun. Since the total duration can range from 270 to 390 minutes, check the exact start time when booking if sunset matters to you.

Alcohol and a moving boat require a little common sense. Eat before drinking, stay hydrated, and do not assume the rosé is the only refreshment you will need. Water is not listed among the inclusions, so bringing your own may be wise if the operator permits it.

The included aperitif adds real value to the $88 price. A basic speedboat transfer would not offer the same sense of occasion, and buying a comparable spread separately in Corsica could add up quickly. Still, the value depends on what you want. You are paying for the boat, guide, coastal route, multiple stops, and food, not for a full day at one beach.

What the $88 price gets you

At $88 per person, this excursion sits in the middle range for a half-day or extended half-day boat outing. The price covers the boat tour, French-speaking local guide, visit to the southern shore of Ajaccio, four swim breaks, the included aperitif, and free time at Chez Francis.

The small group helps justify the cost. With a maximum of 12 passengers, the experience should feel more personal than a large excursion boat, and the captain can respond more easily to sea conditions and the group’s pace.

The strongest value comes if you intend to swim several times. Someone who stays on board for most of the trip may find the price harder to defend, since the main appeal is the combination of sea riding and water access.

You should also allow for extra spending. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Lunch is not included, and drinks or food at Chez Francis cost extra. The meeting point can vary by the option booked, so read the exact meeting details carefully rather than assuming every departure leaves from the same place.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful when your Corsica plans are still changing, but they do not remove the need to check the weather and meeting point close to departure.

The captains make a difference

The captain is central to this experience. You are not only being driven from one beach to another. The captain controls the speed, decides how the boat handles the coast, prepares the food, and manages safety during the swim stops.

Baptiste is specifically praised for his work as captain, especially the beautiful places chosen for swimming and the quality of the charcuterie and cheese. Bebel is also singled out for being attentive and caring, helping create a friendly mood during the trip.

These names are useful to know, but you should not assume you will have one of them. The listed tour language is French, and the experience depends partly on your ability to follow the captain’s instructions and communicate during the outing.

A friendly captain can make a big difference on a small boat. The group is together for several hours, so a relaxed atmosphere matters. At the same time, safety should come first. Follow instructions when boarding, moving around, swimming, and returning to the boat.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want several activities in one outing: a scenic coastal ride, open-water speed, beach time, swimming, and a simple Corsican-style aperitif.

It works especially well for:

• Couples who want a sunset outing with food and wine
• Families with children aged six and older who are comfortable on a fast boat
• Friends who prefer active sightseeing to sitting on a large cruise vessel
• Swimmers who want several chances to get in the water
• Visitors staying near Porticcio or Ajaccio who do not need hotel transport

You should think twice if you get seasick, have back trouble, dislike sun exposure, or want a quiet boat ride. The RIB may bounce, and the open design offers little protection from the elements.

It is also not a good choice if you need step-free access, use a wheelchair, are pregnant, or have a medical condition that could make the outing unsafe. Declare any health condition when booking. This is not an activity where you should simply hope the captain will accommodate you at the dock.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Those are the stated essentials, but I would also bring a waterproof phone case, sunglasses with a secure strap, and a light layer for the ride back.

Wear something practical for boarding and swimming. You will be moving between the boat, the water, and beach areas, so avoid bringing bulky luggage or anything you cannot protect from spray.

Apply sunscreen before boarding and again during the day. A fast boat can make the air feel cool even while the sun is strong. That breeze is pleasant, but it does not reduce the risk of sunburn.

Keep your expectations clear about food. The included charcuterie and cheese are an aperitif, not lunch. Eat before departure if you need a full meal, and carry water if allowed.

Finally, check the start time, meeting point, and selected option before leaving your accommodation. The meeting point may vary, and no hotel transport is provided.

Should you book the Cupabia speedboat tour?

Book it if you want to see several beautiful parts of Corsica’s southern coast in one outing and enjoy being on the water more than sitting on a beach all day. The combination of four swim breaks, a small group, quick boat rides, and a captain-prepared spread gives the $88 fare solid value for the right kind of visitor.

I would choose this over a basic coastal cruise if swimming and speed are priorities. I would skip it in favor of a slower boat or land-based beach day if comfort, shade, or a full meal matters more.

The most useful decision test is this: can you happily spend up to six and a half hours in an open RIB, with sun, spray, motion, and repeated swims? If yes, this is a lively way to reach Cupabia, Cala d’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent without arranging several separate outings.

FAQ

How long does the Porticcio speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts between 270 and 390 minutes, depending on the option and schedule selected. That is about four and a half to six and a half hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes the boat tour, a local French-speaking guide, the southern shore of Ajaccio route, an appetizer of cold meats and cheese, rosé wine, and free time at the Chez Francis hut.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Food and drinks purchased at Chez Francis also cost extra.

Can children join the speedboat tour?

Children under six are not permitted on the rigid inflatable boats. The activity is available only to children aged six and older who meet the tour’s safety requirements.

Is the boat suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?

No. Pregnant women and wheelchair users cannot take part. Passengers with disabilities, health conditions, back problems, reduced mobility, severe disabilities, or heart conditions must inform the company when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the meeting point may vary according to the option booked.