Porto: Scandola and Calanches of Piana Boat Trip
The La Calypso runs a boat trip that pairs the Scandola Reserve with the Calanques de Piana. The three-hour circuit keeps the whole Gulf of Porto coastline in view.
from $67.40 per guest aboard the La Calypso excursion.
Check Price & Availability →Dates, group size and the final cost appear on the live booking page, where payment happens too.
This three-hour motorboat trip with Porto Marine Evasion boards in Porto and covers the two headline sights of the Gulf of Porto in one outing: the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Calanques de Piana. Both sit inside a UNESCO World Heritage property, inscribed in 1975, and the boat gets close enough to the rock faces for photos. The route runs out from Porto, works along the reserve's cliffs and sea caves, then continues to the rock formations of the Calanche de Piana before turning back.
A local guide runs the commentary in English, French or Italian, and the boat itself has a toilet on board. There is normally a stop at Girolata, and swimming is possible there and only there. Reviews repeatedly single out the crew, with several travellers praising the humour and the cave visits, and one describing the swimming stop as an early highlight.
The trip suits travellers who want Scandola and Piana in a single half-day without committing to a longer cruise. Bring sunscreen and water, as the listing recommends.
A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip.
Common issues. The recurring complaint in reviews is language: more than one traveller said the guide spoke little or no English, and one was handed a phone with translated text instead of live commentary. Others found the commentary hard to hear over the engine. One reviewer described a mechanical issue that forced a swap to a different boat mid-trip. Swimming depends entirely on the Girolata stop, so if conditions prevent that stop there is no other chance to get in the water.
There is no pickup. You meet at La Calypso Porto Marine, 20150 Ota, in the port of Porto. Reviewers say the departure point is easy to find and check-in is straightforward.
The trip lasts three hours. One reviewer said that was enough time for this style of boat and for seeing both Scandola and the Calanques de Piana.
Yes, but only during the stop at Girolata. Bring a swimsuit, since there is no swimming at the other stops.
The motorboat trip, a local guide, food or drinks, photo opportunities and use of the toilet on the boat are included. The listing does not list separate exclusions.
The listing recommends sunscreen and water. A swimsuit is also useful given the swimming stop at Girolata.
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
Check Price & Availability →
Golfe de Porto · A boat cruise past Scandola and the Calanques de Piana with a swimming stop.
This cruise covers the Scandola reserve and the Calanques de Piana, red cliffs and sea caves along the way. A swimming stop breaks up the run, and the pace stays easy.
from $91.65per guest, with a swimming stop on the route. Check availability →
Golfe de Porto · A half-day boat trip to Scandola and the Calanche de Piana with Corse Emotion.
This half-day outing pairs the Scandola reserve with the Calanche de Piana, run by the Corse Emotion crew. Boats leave from Porto and the commentary on the rock formations keeps coming.
from $80.19per guest, half-day cruise with the Corse Emotion crew. Check availability →
Cargèse · An afternoon cruise through Scandola and the coves of Piana, stopping at Girolata.
The afternoon departure takes in the Scandola reserve and the coves of Piana before a stop at Girolata, reached only by sea or footpath. There is time ashore before the return leg.
from $77.90per guest, with the afternoon stop at Girolata included. Check availability →