Ajaccio/Porticcio: Scandola Nature Reserve Guided Boat Tour
A guided day on the water covering the Scandola reserve, part of a UNESCO World Heritage property. The itinerary also takes in the Calanques de Piana and the Gulf of Girolata by boat.
from $78.63 per guest for the full day afloat.
Check Price & Availability →Dates, group size and the final cost appear on the live booking page, where payment happens too.
This full-day cruise with Nave va runs from Ajaccio or Porticcio up Corsica's west coast to the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site of volcanic cliffs and clear water. The crew handles the sailing while a guide, commentary in French, explains the history and the wildlife along the way. It is a long day on the water, built around three main stops rather than constant activity.
After the reserve, the boat calls at Girolata, a village reached only by sea or on foot, where you get free time for lunch, a swim or a wander through the hamlet. The return leg passes the Calanques de Piana, where the boat closes in on red granite cliffs, caves and arches, and the Capo Rosso tower comes into view.
It suits travellers who are happy spending a full day aboard and want the coast's cliffs, caves and remote village stops laid on in a single outing. The crew draws consistent praise in reviews. Bring your own lunch, since food and drinks are not included.
A few practical points will shape how the day goes, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report afterwards.
Common issues. The main complaint is simply length: several travellers found the boat trip long, even if worthwhile. Some reviewers would have liked clearer advance detail on sailing times and how the stops are paced. One reviewer reported difficulty photographing through droplet-covered windows from inside the cabin. Lunch is not included, and Girolata's restaurants can be shut in low season, so bring your own food.
No, pickup is not included. There are two meeting point options, in Ajaccio or Porticcio, and your meeting point depends on the option you select when booking.
It is a full-day trip, roughly one day door to door. Most of that time is spent on the boat between Scandola, Girolata and the Calanques de Piana, with free time ashore in Girolata.
No. Food and drinks are excluded, so bring your own, especially outside high season when the restaurants in Girolata may be closed. The boat tour itself, the guide and free time in Girolata are included.
The guide provides commentary in French. Non-French speakers can still enjoy the scenery and the stops, but should not expect translations.
Comfortable clothes and shoes, beachwear, a change of clothes, a hat and biodegradable sunscreen, plus lunch and drinks. One reviewer also recommends head covering and sunscreen for the heat.
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as stated in the cancellation policy.
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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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 →