Small-Group Scandola Cruise

Overview

This half-day cruise leaves from the port of Cargèse and covers the two headline sights of Corsica's west coast in one loop: the Scandola Nature Reserve and the red rock of the Calanques de Piana, with a pause at the village of Girolata in between. Croisières Grand Bleu runs it as a semi-private outing with a maximum of 12 travellers. The whole thing takes 4 hours and returns to the same port where you boarded.

From Cargèse, the boat passes the Genoese tower of Omigna and the beach at Arone, then spends a full hour at Capo Rosso before entering the Scandola Reserve, where the boat spends an hour and 40 minutes. Girolata gets roughly half an hour, and the Calanques de Piana another half hour on the way back.

It suits travellers who want the reserve and the calanques without committing to a full day, and who like the sound of a group capped at 12 rather than a large boat. One reviewer noted the skipper's commentary is given mainly in French, so English speakers should expect limited translation when the boat is moving.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Cargèse portBoard at the port of Cargèse, reached via the cemetery road, at the "Boarding" sign in front of the operator's boats. Free parking is available.
2. Omigna Tower and AroneThe boat passes the Torra Ghjenuvese d'Omigna and the Plage d'Arone with short stops or slow pass-bys along the way.
3. Capo Rosso, 1 hourA full hour at Capo Rosso, with admission included in the tour price.
4. Scandola Reserve, 1 hour 40 minutesThe longest stretch of the trip, spent inside the Nature Reserve of Scandola. Admission is included.
5. Girolata, 30 minutesHalf an hour at the village of Girolata. Admission is free.
6. Calanques de Piana, 30 minutesHalf an hour among the red rock formations of the Calanques de Piana, with admission included, before the run back.
7. Return to CargèseThe cruise ends back at the same port of Cargèse where it started, after a total of 4 hours on the water.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the difference between a good half-day and a frustrated one, based on what the operator states and what past passengers report.

• Pack for swimming. One reviewer mentions swimming being planned during the outing in turquoise water. If you go in, you will want a swimsuit and towel, and something dry for the ride back.
• Language of commentary. The skipper gives explanations at each site, but one traveller noted these were mostly in French, with almost no English offered because the guide was busy handling the boat in windy conditions. Set expectations accordingly.
• Small group feel. The boat carries a maximum of 12 travellers, and reviewers repeatedly highlight the small-group format as a strength.
• Weather gear. One reviewer reported a shower during the crossing, so a light rain layer can help too.
• Rough sea days. One reviewer reported choppy conditions where the captain adapted his driving to avoid large waves. Conditions on the water can vary, so plan for the possibility of a bumpy ride.
• Getting there. Boarding is at the port of Cargèse, reached by the cemetery road, at the sign in front of the boats.

Common issues. The trip is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems, for pregnant travellers, or for anyone with serious heart or other medical conditions. It runs only with good weather and a minimum number of passengers; if either condition fails you are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer noted the commentary was given almost entirely in French. Free cancellation applies only until 24 hours before departure, after which no refund or change is possible.

Common Questions