Corsica looks unreal from a catamaran. I love the crystal-clear cove water you can see through, and I especially love the chance to swim with beautiful fish right where you anchor. It’s an all-in day on a roomy, modern Bali catamaran (Bali 4.6), capped at 22 guests for a calm, not-crowded feel.

The main thing to plan around is that the route can change with the weather—you’ll go to Lavezzi or Cavallo depending on conditions, and the day’s timing stays flexible. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, this might feel a bit “nature-first” rather than strict schedule.

Key things I’d target before booking

• Small group on a Bali 4.6 catamaran (22 guests) so you actually get space and shade
• Transparent water in the natural reserve with fish you can often spot fast
• Real sailing time both ways, not just a quick boat ride
• Snorkeling equipment and a paddle included for easy, no-fuss activity
• Lunch served at the table plus an optional Corsican menu for 30 euros
• Nicolas and Bénédicte on board (captain/hostess duo) make it feel personal and well-run

The 8:30 start from Paragan or Sant’Amanza Bay

You’ll start the day at 8:30 a.m. from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay. Which one you use depends on the conditions of the day, and that’s also why the exact rendezvous point is shared the day before.

This matters more than it sounds. If you’re trying to plan around traffic, parking, and timing, assume you’ll need to get yourself to the general area early, then trust the final meeting instructions once you get them.

Also note the little “onboard rules” start immediately. You transfer to the boat via the annex, you go without shoes on board, and smoking is allowed only outdoors. It keeps the shared interior space clean and comfortable.

Lavezzi (or Cavallo): why the natural reserve water is the whole point

Your navigation to the islands takes about 2 hours. Then you anchor in a magnificent cove with crystal-clear water surrounded by fish—this is the heart of the day.

You might go to Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island depending on weather. Either way, the experience is built around the same idea: a stop where the water is so clear that you don’t need to search hard to enjoy what’s below the surface.

One review mentioned strong winds (between 20 and 32 knots) and still found the catamaran stable—so the “sailing part” doesn’t turn into a shaky, miserable slog. You get the sense that the skipper knows how to keep things smooth even when the sea is doing its thing.

Timing is set up to let you linger. You’ll have swimming and walking time on the island area until 4 p.m. maximum, and then you return around 5:30 p.m. That gives you a real window for sea time, without rushing you off the boat too early.

Snorkeling gear, fish spotting, and how to make swimming time count

You’re not left to guess. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also get a paddle available during the outing. That means you can go from lounging to active water time without hunting down extras.

The best part is how quickly you can enjoy the underwater life once you’re in. Multiple highlights focus on swimming with beautiful fish, and with water this clear, you don’t need to be a trained snorkeler to get value from the gear.

Practical note: bring the kind of towel you’ll actually use. Towels aren’t listed as included, but the activity information says to bring one. If you forget, you’ll be stuck drying off with whatever you can manage—fine in theory, annoying in practice.

And bring a mindset for small, simple goals. Spend 10–15 minutes looking, then adjust. If you stay too long in one spot, you start chasing the same view. Move gently with your eyes instead of flailing your body.

Lunch on board: table service pasta plus an optional Corsican menu

Lunch is included, and it’s not just snacks. You’ll be served a meal at the table—which feels like a real break instead of a “grab and go” interlude.

Your standard lunch is pasta with pesto, gruyere, and parmesan. It’s the kind of straightforward, satisfying food that works well after a morning on the water.

There’s also an optional 30 euros Corsican menu if you want something more local. It includes:

• tomato mozzarella salad with a tasting of Corsican charcuterie
• a main course of Boniface-style eggplants
• a fresh fruit salad to finish

If you’re deciding between them, think about your priorities. If you want the simplest guaranteed meal, stick with the included pasta. If you’re the type who really wants a taste of Bonifacio-style flavors, the optional menu gives you that extra local angle for a clear, fixed add-on.

Either way, unlimited soft drinks are included, so you can stay hydrated without paying for each refill.

The ride: shade, space, and why 22 guests feels different

This is a spacious recent Bali 4.6 catamaran, and the layout is built for comfort. You get shaded seating at the stern, large sun loungers on the front and on the flybridge, so you can choose your vibe instead of fighting for one patch of sun.

Capacity is higher, but the day is intentionally capped. The max technical capacity is 38, yet the trip welcomes 22 people per outing. That’s why it feels relaxing rather than hectic—especially when you switch between lounging, eating, and heading to the water.

You’ll also notice the human touch. Reviews highlight the captain and hostess service, and the onboard team includes Nicolas and Bénédicte, who seem to run the day with clear information and a friendly, organized flow. If you like crew who explain what to do and what to expect, you’ll probably appreciate their style.

One more small detail I like: the catamaran setup helps you settle in quickly. Even when the wind picks up, stable sailing keeps the mood calm.

Practical tips that save you time (and keep the day pleasant)

Here’s what I’d plan around before you go:

Bring the basics they expect. The activity list explicitly says bring a towel. For the rest—swimsuit, sunscreen (solar cream), bath towel, cap/hat—those are listed as not included, so pack them if you want them covered.

Plan your transport like there’s no backup. There’s free parking a few meters from the meeting point, but there’s no public transport to the meeting points. The day-before rendezvous info will be important, so have a car plan ready, or plan on being dropped off.

Expect weather flexibility. The outing is subject to day-of conditions and can change. That means you should aim for a calm schedule outside of this tour—no tight “must be there at 6:00 p.m.” plans nearby.

Shoes stay off on board. This is a small cultural rule, but it changes how you dress. Wear easy slip-on/out water shoes if you want something for moving around, then go barefoot or in socks when needed onboard.

Price and value: what $188 buys for an 8-hour day

At $188 per person for about 8 hours, you’re paying for a full, structured day: boat, crew, meals, and water activity gear—not just transportation.

Here’s what makes it feel like better value than you might expect:

• Unlimited soft drinks and food served at the table
• Snorkeling equipment included (so you’re not renting it on top)
• A catamaran trip with meaningful sea time—about 2 hours navigation each direction in the overall flow
• Small-group comfort (22 guests), which matters when you’re dealing with shade, space, and getting to your spot quickly

You can also pay extra if you want the Corsican menu. The optional 30 euros add-on gives you a local-feeling meal structure without making the base plan more expensive.

If you’re comparing costs, ask yourself one question: are you getting a full day on the water with food and equipment included? If the answer is no, $188 starts looking more like “all-in day” pricing than “just a boat ticket.”

Who this fits best

This trip fits especially well if you want:

• a relaxed sea day with lots of downtime, not nonstop touring
• real snorkeling time in clear water with fish interest built in
• comfort on a modern catamaran with shade and loungers
• a team that guides you clearly—Nicolas and Bénédicte show up often in the feedback

It also works nicely for families, since the overall flow stays easy and the boat setup is comfortable. If you want a strict itinerary with zero weather flexibility, though, you’ll need to accept that nature decides the final island.

Should you book the Lavezzi Islands catamaran day?

If you’re aiming for the “Corsica postcard” feeling—clear water, fish, and a comfortable catamaran day—this is a strong choice. The small group, table-served lunch, and included snorkeling gear make it feel like a well-packaged outing rather than a loose tour.

Book it if you can be flexible with the island choice (Lavezzi or Cavallo) and you’re ready to build your day around weather. Skip it only if you hate schedule uncertainty and need fixed, unchanging stops.

FAQ

Where do we depart from?

You depart at 8:30 a.m. from either Paragan Bay or Sant’Amanza Bay, depending on weather conditions.

How long is the trip?

The duration is 8 hours.

Do we visit Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island?

It depends on the weather. The plan is to sail toward Lavezzi Island or Cavallo Island, then anchor in a cove around the island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, served at the table, with pasta (pesto, gruyere, and parmesan). There is also an optional Corsican menu for 30 euros.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited soft drinks are included.

What snorkeling options are available?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and there is also a paddle available during the outing.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. Swimsuit, solar cream, bath towel, and a cap or hat are not included.

Is there free parking?

Yes, there is free parking a few meters from the meeting point. There is no public transport to the meeting points.

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