Cargèse Shuttle, Girolata Stop

Overview

This six-hour cruise from Cargèse harbour covers the full Gulf of Porto coastline: the Genoese tower at Pointe d'Omigna, Arone beach, the red cliffs of Capo Rosso, the Scandola Nature Reserve, a long stop at Girolata, and the Calanques de Piana on the way home. Croisières Grand Bleu runs it with a 49-seater passenger boat that carries shade, toilets and an onboard bar, and the operator says the vessel is small enough to pass through the narrowest passages of the gulf. Commentary comes from the local crew, backed by an audio guide for which you need your own earphones.

The first stretch is spent on the water, drifting past caves, rock arches and coves where the crew point out wildlife such as fish eagles, groupers and wild goats. Around noon the boat docks at Girolata for a two-hour break. Travellers can book a table on a shaded restaurant terrace, wander the hamlet, or swim off the little beach before reboarding for the run past Capo Senino to the Calanques de Piana.

It suits families and anyone who wants Scandola and Piana in one day from Cargèse. Bring your own lunch budget, since food and drinks are not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Depart Cargèse PortMeet at Croisières Grand Bleu at the port of Cargèse. Free parking is available on the port.
2. Pointe d'OmignaPhoto stop and guided commentary on the Genoese tower, built of granite with feldspar crystals, and its rocky surroundings.
3. Arone Beach and Capo RossoPhoto stops with guided commentary, scenic views along the way, and a pass through the Arch of Capo Rosso with visits to the site's caves and wildlife viewing.
4. Gulf of Porto and ScandolaCross the gulf to the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for photo stops, guided commentary on the volcanic rocks, and wildlife such as fish eagles, groupers and wild goats.
5. Girolata BreakAround noon, a two-hour break at Girolata for lunch at your own expense, a stroll, or swimming; the listing also notes a 30-minute swimming slot.
6. Capo Senino and Calanques de PianaAfter Capo Senino, the boat heads for the Calanques de Piana with photo stops, guided commentary, another swim and scenic views.
7. Return to CargèseThe boat arrives back at the Croisières Grand Bleu departure point at the port of Cargèse.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how the day goes, from what to pack to how the Girolata stop works.

• What to Bring. The listing asks for sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket and beachwear, plus earphones if you want the audio guide. One reviewer advises keeping your swimwear on, since an extra swimming stop sometimes happens on the return leg.
• Dress for the Sea. The operator advises covering up at the beginning and end of the season, because it is always colder at sea than on land. A jacket is on the packing list even in warm weather.
• The Girolata Stop. You get roughly two hours ashore, which reviewers say is enough for lunch, a stroll and a swim. If you are not eating, the wait can feel long; bring your own water and plan a swim or a wander.
• Group Feel. The boat seats up to 49 passengers.
• Wildlife Luck. The crew point out resident species such as fish eagles and groupers around Scandola.
• Audio Guide. An audio guide is provided on board but earphones are not, so bring your own pair. One reviewer found the Italian version detailed and useful.

Common issues. The tour can be postponed or cancelled for bad weather or if there are not enough passengers, with notice and a refund in either case, and schedules shift with the season. Food, drinks and earphones are not included, so lunch at Girolata costs extra. Some reviewers find the two-hour Girolata break long if they are not dining, and the summarized review feedback includes requests for a shorter or more flexible stop. Free parking on the port eases arrival, but there is no pickup service.

Common Questions