Bonifacio Cliffs & Lavezzi, 2 Hours

Overview

This two-hour cruise leaves from Piantarella beach and runs in an open semi-rigid boat along the limestone cliffs and out toward the Îles Lavezzi. An onboard guide handles the commentary in French and English, pointing out the coastline and explaining the history and landscape as you go.

The route hugs the water from Piantarella past the Gulf of Sperone and Pointe St Antoine, then along the Bonifacio cliffs, taking in the Napoleon cave and views of the port before a glimpse of Lavezzi island. Because the boat is open, the perspective on the cliffs is close and low, and reviewers repeatedly single out that sea-level view of the town as the strongest part of the trip.

It suits travellers who want a short, focused outing rather than a full day on the water, and who are happy to make their own way to the meeting point, since no hotel pickup is provided.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at PiantarellaMake your own way to La Navette de Cavallo at Piantarella beach, Bonifacio. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
2. Board the open boatClimb aboard the semi-rigid vessel, where safety equipment is provided for the trip.
3. Gulf of Sperone coastlineCruise the calm waters off Piantarella, past the Gulf of Sperone and Pointe St Antoine, with sandy beaches and clear water along the way.
4. Bonifacio cliffs and caveRun beneath the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio, passing the Napoleon cave and picking up views of the port and the town above.
5. Lavezzi glimpse and returnThe guide points out the best views of Lavezzi island before the boat loops back to Piantarella.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the trip smoother, from what to wear to how the commentary works.

• Getting there. You meet at Piantarella beach at La Navette de Cavallo, Bonifio, and transport to the meeting point is on you. One reviewer described the service as perfectly timed, though schedules can shift, so arrive with a little slack in your day.
• What to wear. At least one reviewer recommends a light jacket just in case, since the open boat can feel cool on the water. The operator lists nothing specific to bring, so dress for a boat ride rather than the beach.
• Language. Commentary is given in French and English. One reviewer travelling without French said the guide handed over a written English transcription so nothing was missed, which suggests a practical backup when most passengers are French speakers.
• Seas and swell. If you are prone to seasickness, the same reviewer noted there is no swimming stop on the two-hour format, which they found helped. Taking a remedy beforehand is reasonable if you are sensitive.
• Pace and boat. The semi-rigid, or Zodiac, is a sporty ride, and one reviewer described it as combining sport with sightseeing, with authentic sensations. Another found the seating comfortable. It is short enough that the pace stays manageable.
• Food and groups. One reviewer mentioned the tour runs in small groups, which suited them for sightseeing. Food, drinks and tips are not included, so eat before you board or bring water if you want it.

Common issues. The boat is a semi-rigid, and the operator does not allow pregnant women, children under 4 years old, or elderly people with reduced mobility on board. One reviewer had a departure cancelled by text and moved to an earlier slot the next day, so build some flexibility into your plans in case the schedule changes. On the standard two-hour format there is generally no swimming stop, although one reviewer reported a swim on their trip, so treat that as variable rather than promised.

Common Questions