Ajaccio: Sanguinaires Islands Sunset Boat & Aperitif Cruise

Summary

Sanguinaires Islands sunset cruise with swimming, wine & Corsican snacks

You’ll set off from Ajaccio for an evening boat ride to the Sanguinaires Islands, sharing Corsican wine and local snacks as you watch sunset colors spill over red rocks. Swim straight from the boat if you want (bring your suit), then relax with stories from your skipper and soak up that slow dusk feeling before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

We were already out past the Ajaccio harbor when I realized how salty the air felt on my skin — not sticky, just sort of alive. The skipper, Marc (who had these sun-bleached curls), was pointing out the Sanguinaires Islands ahead. He said their name comes from the way the rocks turn this wild red when the sun hits them right. I tried to get a photo but honestly, my hands were full with a glass of Corsican white and some kind of sausage that tasted smoky and sweet at once. Not what I expected for an “aperitif” — way better.

Someone jumped in first — I think her name was Amélie? She just laughed and splashed around, so we followed. The water was warm enough that you didn’t flinch, even though it was almost evening. There’s this moment when you’re floating on your back, looking up at that orange sky, and you hear nothing but little waves tapping against the hull. It’s hard to explain, but it’s like everything slows down for a bit. Marc passed around more snacks — cheese that crumbled in your fingers — and told us how fishermen used to come here at night because of the moonlight on the rocks.

I tried to say “Sanguinaires” properly and Marc grinned — pretty sure I butchered it. The boat rocked gently as we drifted closer to shore for a bit of a walk, just as the sun started slipping behind those jagged islets. You could smell fennel or maybe wild herbs from somewhere nearby, mixed with sea spray. Nobody really talked much after that; it felt like we all wanted to hang onto that last bit of light before heading back toward Ajaccio’s lights in the distance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat cruise and aperitif

• Board boat in Gulf of Ajaccio
• Enjoy aperitif with local products
• Watch sunset over Sanguinary Islands
• Swim in warm Gulf waters
• Relax and enjoy sea walk

Top questions

Is swimming included during the Sanguinaires Islands sunset cruise?

Yes, there’s time to swim directly from the boat while anchored near the islands.

Are food and drinks provided on this Ajaccio sunset boat tour?

Yes, a meal tray with quality local products and Corsican wine are included during the cruise.

How many people are usually on this Sanguinaires Islands cruise?

The tour runs in small groups for a relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Is hotel pickup included in this sunset cruise?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you’ll need to reach the departure point yourself.

What should I bring for this Ajaccio sunset boat trip?

Bring your swimsuit if you want to swim at sunset; other essentials like food and drinks are provided.

Are there any health or age restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for children under 3 or travelers with limited mobility or certain health conditions.

What’s included

Your evening includes a meal tray filled with carefully selected local products, Corsican wine served onboard as an aperitif, plus time for swimming in the Gulf waters near the Sanguinaires Islands before returning to Ajaccio after sunset.