Bonifacio & Lavezzi Islands: Boat Day Trip with Aperitif

Summary

Swim, taste Corsican wine, and see Bonifacio’s cliffs from the sea

You’ll drift past Corsica’s wild coastline by boat, swim off remote beaches near Roccapina and the Lavezzi Islands, taste local charcuterie with chilled rosé on deck, and wander Bonifacio’s narrow streets with time to spare. If you’re looking for a day trip that feels both relaxed and quietly surprising, this one sticks with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color of the water near Roccapina Beach — not quite blue, not quite green, just that weird in-between shade you only get in Corsica. We left Porticcio early (I barely finished my coffee), and our guide Jean-Marc was already joking about “Corsican time.” He pointed out some old stone towers on the shore as we passed, their shadows still long in the morning light. The boat ride felt longer than I expected, but maybe that’s because I kept getting distracted by little things — salt spray on my face, someone’s laughter drifting back from the bow.

We stopped for swimming a couple times before reaching the Lavezzi Islands. The water there is colder than it looks — I yelped getting in, which made a few locals laugh. There’s this strange quietness on those islands, even with other boats around. You can smell wild herbs if you pay attention (or maybe that was just me hoping for it). Lunch wasn’t fancy but honestly hit the spot: slices of salty charcuterie and a glass of cold rosé from somewhere nearby. Not sure if it was the sea air or what, but it tasted better than any wine I’ve had at home.

Later we cruised along Bonifacio’s cliffs. Seeing them from below is something else — all those layers of rock stacked up like an old book nobody ever finished reading. Jean-Marc told us a story about pirates hiding in caves here; he swore it was true but winked at me after. We docked in Bonifacio for a bit, wandered narrow streets where laundry flapped above our heads and old men played cards outside cafés. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything familiar, even though it’s only a day trip from Porticcio.

I keep thinking about that moment floating on my back off Piantarella Beach, staring up at clouds moving fast over Corsica. It’s not something you can really plan for — just happens between stops and stories and sips of wine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover Bonifacio and nearby beaches

• Start trip at 7:45 a.m.
• Visit Porticcio Beach pontoon
• Explore Roccapina Beach
• Stop at Lavezzi Islands
• Visit Piantarella Beach
• Discover Bonifacio cliffs from sea
• Make swimming stops
• End trip at 5:00 p.m.

Top questions

How long does the Bonifacio & Lavezzi Islands boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 7:45 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m.

Where does the day trip to Bonifacio start?

The trip departs from Porticcio Beach, at the pontoon in front of the tourist office.

Are swimming stops included during the tour?

Yes, there are swimming stops at places like Roccapina Beach and near the Lavezzi Islands.

Is food or drink provided on this boat tour?

Yes, an aperitif is included featuring local charcuterie and rosé wine from Corsica.

Can travelers use public transportation to reach departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby Porticcio Beach.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What are some highlights of this day trip?

You’ll visit Roccapina Beach, Lavezzi Islands, Piantarella Beach, and spend time in Bonifacio.

What’s included

Your day includes boat transport from Porticcio Beach with several swimming stops along Corsica’s coast and around the Lavezzi Islands; plus a tasting aperitif of local charcuterie and rosé wine served on board before returning late afternoon.