Full-Day Agriates Catamaran

Overview

This catamaran day trip leaves from the marina in L'Île-Rousse at 8:30 AM and spends roughly six and a half hours along the coast of the Désert des Agriates, returning around 3:00 PM. CORSICA NAVIGATION, a family-run operator, caps the day at 18 passengers on a boat with roughly 30 seats, so there is room to spread out in the shade or the sun. The trip combines sightseeing under sail with two swimming stops at the sandy beaches of Ghignu and L'Acciolu.

Food and drink are part of the day. A welcome drink of coffee, tea or still water is served with Corsican pastries at boarding, an aperitif with appetizers follows in the late morning, and lunch is a main course, usually pasta with a choice of two sauces, with a glass of white or rosé wine or still water, then coffee. Stand-up paddleboards, snorkel masks and swimming noodles are available for shared use at no charge.

The day suits travellers who want a slow, relaxed pace rather than a packed excursion. You need to be able to board and disembark via a small ladder for the swims, and the crew runs the program in French and English. Reviewers often mention the well maintained boat, the friendly crew and the simple but good meal, and the operator prefers to return under sail whenever conditions allow.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet At L'Île-Rousse MarinaMeet at Port de plaisance de L'Île-Rousse, Av. David Dary, L'Île-Rousse. Boarding is for an 8:30 AM departure.
2. Sail Into The AgriatesCatamaran sailing of 1.5 hours from L'Île-Rousse along the coast into the Agriates marine park.
3. First Beach StopA 45-minute break at a sandy beach in the Désert des Agriates for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and marine life viewing, with the aperitif served around this time.
4. Short SailA 45-minute catamaran transfer to the second stop.
5. Second Stop And LunchRoughly 1.5 hours for snorkeling, paddleboarding, marine life viewing and the onboard meal.
6. Sail BackA 105-minute return sail, under sail when conditions allow, with a short 15-minute visit and walk in the Balagne on the way.
7. Return To PortDrop-off back at the marina in L'Île-Rousse at around 3:00 PM, depending on sailing conditions.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what to pack to how the swimming stops work.

• What To Bring. Pack beachwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. The listing also suggests motion sickness prevention, personal medication, cash or a card, and a daypack rather than large bags, which are not allowed on board.
• Boarding The Boat. You need to be in suitable physical condition to climb a small ladder in and out of the water for the swims, as the listing states. If that is a concern, treat the swimming stops as optional and stay on board instead.
• Group Feel. The trip takes a maximum of 18 passengers on a catamaran with approximately 30 seats. Several reviewers said the limited numbers made the day comfortable, with space to move around.
• Food And Drink. The welcome drink, aperitif, lunch main course, one glass of wine or soft drink and coffee are all included, with local products used on board. Extra drinks such as Corsican beers, cocktails, wines and champagne, plus snacks like ice cream and chips, are paid for on board.
• Paying On Board. There is no conventional credit card machine on the boat. Add-ons can be paid in cash, by check, by WERO instant transfer or by credit card via Tap-to-Pay.
• Weather Flexibility. The crew adjusts the program according to weather and sailing conditions, and prefers to return under sail when conditions allow. Tell the crew in advance about any food or other allergies.

Common issues. The schedule depends on weather, and the crew may change the program or the return time to suit conditions, so the 3:00 PM drop-off is approximate. One reviewer said a second swim stop would improve the day, though others describe two swimming breaks. Pets, smoking, luggage, outside food and drink and fishing are not allowed on board. The boat is not suited to electric wheelchairs, and anyone unable to use the small ladder for swimming will be limited to staying on deck.

Common Questions