Beyond the Archipelago, towards a wilder sea
There are days when the sea beckons you to venture a little further out. You set off from La Maddalena or Palau, leave the familiar outline of the archipelago behind you and look north, where the Bocche di Bonifacio straits separate Sardinia from Corsica.
The dinghy tour in Southern Corsica offers a different experience from the classic excursions in the La Maddalena Archipelago. It is more exclusive, more scenic and more adventurous. It is not just a day at sea, but a voyage between two islands, amidst clear waters, granite, white cliffs and small coves that seem to belong to a different rhythm.
This tour is designed for those who want to enjoy a day packed with excitement and stunning scenery, with a local skipper, a bespoke itinerary and the chance to explore places such as Lavezzi Island, the Isola Piana, the village of Bonifacio and, weather permitting, the Petit Sperone area.
To find out more about the experience, please visit Rubber dinghy trip in Southern Corsica.
Departure from La Maddalena or Palau
The trip to Southern Corsica can depart from La Maddalena or Palau. For private tours, we can also arrange bespoke embarkation points, subject to availability, the guests’ location and operational conditions.
Right from the start, you can sense that this tour is on a different scale. The sailing requires concentration, experience and favourable weather and sea conditions, because crossing the Bocche di Bonifacio means navigating one of the most fascinating, yet also most exposed, stretches of sea in the Mediterranean.
That is why the route is always confirmed based on the wind, sea conditions and safety considerations for the day. When conditions are right, the trip to Corsica becomes one of the most beautiful ways to experience the sea between Sardinia and France.
The Bocche di Bonifacio as seen from the dinghy
Crossing the Bocche di Bonifacio in a rubber dinghy is a key part of the experience. It is not merely a journey, but a time spent out on the open water, as the landscape gradually changes.
The islands of the archipelago fade into the distance, whilst the outline of southern Corsica comes into view. The light grows brighter, the sea seems deeper, and the coastline begins to reveal a landscape quite different from that of Sardinia, even as it remains incredibly close.
It is on this stretch that one realises why a tour of Southern Corsica is considered a more premium and personalised experience: it requires time, the right conditions and careful planning of the itinerary.
Lavezzi: granite, clear water and unspoilt nature
Lavezzi Island is one of the most picturesque stops on the tour. It presents a stark, almost lunar landscape, characterised by light-coloured granite, crystal-clear water and small coves nestled amongst the rocks.
Here, the sea takes on some very distinctive hues, ranging from the brightest turquoise to the pale blue of the shallow waters. The rocks, shaped by the wind and the passage of time, create natural scenes that seem designed to be admired slowly, without haste.
When conditions allow, the Lavezzi area is perfect for a swim or a spot of snorkelling. It is one of those places where the silence, the colour of the water and the shape of the rocks speak louder than any description.
Isola Piana and the Petit Sperone zone
Possible stops on the tour also include Isola Piana and the Petit Sperone area, two spots much loved for their crystal-clear water and intimate atmosphere.
Isola Piana is one of those spots where the sea seems to turn into a natural swimming pool. The shades of the water, especially on sunny days, shift from sky blue to turquoise with a distinctive softness.
Where the Petit Sperone route can be incorporated into your itinerary, it offers the chance to enjoy a swim amidst the elegant and instantly recognisable scenery of Southern Corsica. In some cases, you can stop near the lighthouse or sail along particularly scenic stretches of coastline.
As always, the stops are chosen by the skipper based on sea conditions, wind and the time available. The aim is not to tick off as many stops as possible, but to ensure an enjoyable, safe day that makes the most of what the sea has to offer.
Bonifacio, the village perched above the sea
Bonifacio is one of the most spectacular highlights of the excursion. Seen from the sea, the town appears to be perched on the white cliffs, with houses clinging to the rock face and the silhouette of the village overlooking the Bocche.
Approaching Bonifacio by dinghy offers a unique vantage point from which to view the coastline. The limestone cliffs, caves, natural inlets and the contrast between the white rock and the blue sea make this part of the tour particularly photogenic.
Depending on the itinerary, conditions and arrangements made at the time of booking, the tour may include a scenic boat trip around Bonifacio or a stop to explore the village. This decision should always be made based on the time available, sea conditions and the type of experience you are looking for.
A private tour tailored to the wind
The tour of Southern Corsica is primarily a private, tailor-made experience. Unlike a group tour with a more fixed itinerary, the route is tailored to the guests’ preferences and the conditions on the day.
Guests can specify the kind of experience they’d like to enjoy: more stops for a swim, more time in Bonifacio, more relaxation in quiet coves, or a longer cruise around Lavezzi, Isola Piana and the Corsican coast.
This flexibility is one of the great advantages of a private tour. It allows you to set the pace of the day, spend more time at your favourite spots and enjoy the seaside in greater privacy.
It is important to note that, on private tours, fuel costs are generally charged separately. This is because the itinerary can vary considerably depending on the customer’s choices and the actual route taken.
| Appearance | Details |
|---|---|
| Formula | Personalised private tour |
| Duration | Full day |
| Itinerary | Subject to change depending on wind, sea conditions and guests’ preferences |
| Fuel | This is usually charged separately for private tours |
Swimming stops, snorkelling and taking it easy
Although the tour of Southern Corsica involves a significant amount of sailing, the sea remains at the heart of the experience. Swimming stops are key moments of the day: you get into the water, observe the seabed, swim amidst the changing colours, and experience the coastline up close.
The waters around Lavezzi, Isola Piana and the sheltered bays of Southern Corsica are ideal for those who love snorkelling or simply want to spend time in the water enjoying the crystal-clear sea.
The pace of the tour can be tailored to suit our guests. Some prefer to spend more time in a cove, others want to take photos of Bonifacio, some wish to explore more spots, and others are looking above all for relaxation and privacy.
The tasting on board
During the day, we may offer a tasting session on board featuring typical local produce. It is a simple and enjoyable experience, designed to complement your time relaxing at sea with flavours that reflect the local area.
The tasting may include dry sausage, pecorino cheese, carasau or guttiau bread, olives, baby artichokes and other specialities selected according to daily availability. The products may vary as they are chosen fresh, often through direct contact with local producers.
A bottle of sparkling wine or Vermentino can add to the occasion, making your time on board even more convivial. On a tour like this, the wine tasting isn’t just an extra service, but a way to maintain a connection with Sardinia even as you sail towards Corsica.
Who is this experience aimed at?
This excursion to Southern Corsica is recommended for those looking for something a little more exclusive than a standard tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago. It is ideal for couples, families, small groups of friends and travellers who want to spend a whole day enjoying a more extensive and scenic experience.
It’s a great choice for those who love sailing, for those who want to visit iconic destinations such as Lavezzi and Bonifacio, and for those who prefer a private tour with a high degree of personalisation.
However, it is not the most suitable experience for those looking for a short or very straightforward trip. To really enjoy Southern Corsica, you need time, a willingness to adapt to sea conditions, and a desire to let yourself be guided by a flexible itinerary.
If you’d rather stay in the archipelago, you might also consider Full-day excursion to La Maddalena.
What to pack for your tour of Southern Corsica
For a day out in Southern Corsica, it’s best to pack a light but well-stocked bag. The trip lasts several hours and involves a mix of sailing, swimming stops and time spent on board.
- Costume
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Cap
- Sun cream
- Valid identity document
- Lightweight windbreaker
- Mobile phone or camera for taking photos
- Please bring a packed lunch or your own snacks
You will need to bring your ID as the trip goes to Corsica. Before departure, you will be provided with all the necessary information in accordance with the agreed itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the dinghy tour of Southern Corsica start?
The tour can depart from La Maddalena or Palau. For private tours, we can also arrange bespoke boarding points, subject to availability and operational conditions.
What places can you visit during the excursion?
The itinerary may include Lavezzi Island, Isola Piana, Bonifacio, the Petit Sperone area and other locations in Southern Corsica, depending on sea conditions, wind and the time available.
Is the tour of Southern Corsica always guaranteed?
No, the tour is subject to weather and sea conditions. The crossing to Corsica is only confirmed when safety and comfort can be guaranteed.
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour of Southern Corsica is generally designed as a private, bespoke experience, with the itinerary tailored to the guests’ preferences and the conditions on the day.
Is fuel included in the price?
On private tours, fuel costs are generally calculated separately, as they depend on the chosen itinerary and the actual route taken.
A day spent between Sardinia and Corsica
The dinghy tour of Southern Corsica is one of those experiences that leaves a lasting impression thanks to the variety of landscapes: setting off from Sardinia, sailing through the Bocche di Bonifacio, the granite cliffs of Lavezzi, the crystal-clear waters of the Isola Piana and the white silhouette of Bonifacio rising above the sea.
This is a trip best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, without any rigid plans, and with the understanding that the sea always plays a part in the journey.
