Ajaccio: Sanguinaires Islands Sunset Boat Tour & Lighthouse Stop

Summary

Sunset boat ride to Mezzu Mare with island walk, lighthouse and sea air

You’ll set out from Ajaccio by boat as evening falls, reaching Mezzu Mare on the Sanguinaires Islands in under an hour. Walk up to the old lighthouse for panoramic views and maybe catch wild herbs on the breeze before sunset colors transform the sea. Includes private transport and time ashore — bring your curiosity (and maybe a jacket).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the wind to feel that fresh — almost salty-sweet, if that makes sense — when we left Ajaccio’s harbor. Our guide, Jean-Baptiste (he told us to call him JB), grinned as the boat picked up speed, slicing through little whitecaps. The Sanguinaires Islands looked kind of mysterious from a distance, all dark shapes against the late afternoon sky. I kept thinking about their name — “bloodthirsty,” which sounds dramatic, but JB said it’s just because of how the rocks glow red at sunset. He shrugged like it was obvious.

The ride took maybe half an hour? Hard to keep track with all the spray and chatter. I tried to catch what the older couple next to me were saying in Corsican (no luck). When we docked at Mezzu Mare, there was this sudden hush — just seabirds and our footsteps crunching on gravel. Climbing up toward the old lighthouse, my legs burned a bit but I didn’t care. The view from up there… honestly, I still think about that 360-degree sweep of sea and jagged islands. You could smell wild herbs in the breeze, and someone joked about spotting pirates.

We wandered around for a while — some people went swimming, but I just sat on a rock watching the colors shift over Ajaccio Bay. The light changed so fast; one minute everything was gold, then suddenly pinkish-purple shadows everywhere. JB pointed out the semaphore tower and told a story about shipwrecks (I only caught half of it). Heading back as dusk settled in felt quieter somehow, everyone wrapped up in their own thoughts or snapping blurry photos. So yeah… not your usual day trip from Ajaccio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat tour to Sanguinaires Islands

• Board the boat for sunset tour
• Enjoy 30-minute ride to islands
• Dock at Grande Sanguinaire island
• Visit 1870 lighthouse on foot
• Climb to highest point for views
• See the semaphore
• Enjoy swim break
• Return from islands

Top questions

How long does it take to reach Sanguinaires Islands from Ajaccio?

About 30 minutes by boat from Ajaccio harbor.

Is there time to swim during the Sanguinaires Islands sunset boat tour?

Yes, you can enjoy a swim break during your stop on Mezzu Mare.

Can you visit the lighthouse on Mezzu Mare during this tour?

Yes, you can walk up to visit the lighthouse dating from 1870.

How high is the viewpoint at Mezzu Mare?

The highest point is 80 meters above sea level with panoramic views.

Is transportation included in this Sanguinaires Islands sunset tour?

Yes, private transportation by boat is included from Ajaccio.

Are there any health restrictions for this sunset boat tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your evening includes private boat transportation from Ajaccio out to Mezzu Mare on the Sanguinaires Islands, with time ashore to explore on foot—visit the historic lighthouse or just relax by the water—before returning after sunset colors fade into night.