Bonifacio & Lavezzi Islands boat tour snorkeling

Sea caves, lagoon snorkeling, and the cliffs of Bonifacio in one morning

A 5-hour boat tour departing Sant'Amanza, led by a French-speaking captain, takes you past Bonifacio's limestone cliffs and sea caves to the Lavezzi Islands for snorkeling in shallow turquoise water. The boat is not a speedboat; snorkeling equipment, soft drinks and all fees are included. Infants travel free on an adult's lap, and the boat accommodates wheelchairs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour and snorkeling adventure

• Depart from Santa Manza
• Swim at Balistra beach
• Continue to Piantarella lagoon
• Arrive and snorkel at Lavezzi Islands
• Return to Santa Manza by boat

The Experience

The boat leaves Sant'Amanza heading north toward Capu Biancu, stopping first at Balistra beach for a swim before continuing south to the Piantarella lagoon. The captain navigates the route and points out the sea caves and cliff formations as you travel — this is not a narrated tour with scheduled stops at every landmark, but a working boat with a guide who knows the water. After 30 minutes of navigation you arrive at the snorkeling site.

Snorkeling happens in the Lavezzi Islands, where the water stays shallow and clear enough to see the seabed. You have the equipment — mask, fins, snorkel — and the time to explore at your own pace. The return journey takes another 30 minutes, so the whole outing runs about 5 hours from departure to arrival back at Sant'Amanza. Soft drinks are available on board; bring sunscreen and a towel.

The boat is not designed for speed, which means the ride is steadier and the captain can point out details as you pass. Wheelchairs can board, and service animals travel with you. Infants sit on a parent's lap at no extra charge. The captain speaks French, so if you speak another language, confirm before booking whether translation or a multilingual guide is available for your group.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• soft drinks.
• captain guide speaking French.
• all fees and taxes.
• wheelchair-accessible boat and boarding.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Santa Manza Croisière

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here — the boat is not a large party vessel, so you travel with other swimmers rather than a crowd. Choose this tour if you want snorkeling in calm, shallow water without a long commute from shore, and you're comfortable spending 5 hours on a working boat with a captain who knows the route rather than a scripted narration at every stop.

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Top questions

What exactly is the snorkeling like at the Lavezzi Islands?

The Lavezzi Islands snorkeling site has shallow, clear water where you can see the bottom and swim among rocks and small marine life. You get 30 minutes in the water with the equipment provided, and the lagoon is calm enough for swimmers of all levels to explore at their own pace.

How long is the boat ride from Sant'Amanza to the snorkeling spot?

The boat travels for about 30 minutes from Sant'Amanza to the Lavezzi Islands snorkeling site, with a stop at Balistra beach for swimming along the way. The return journey is another 30 minutes, so the whole tour runs approximately 5 hours.

Does the captain take the boat through the sea caves near Bonifacio?

The captain navigates past Bonifacio's sea caves and limestone cliffs on the route to the Lavezzi Islands, pointing out the formations as you travel. The caves are viewed from the boat; the main snorkeling happens at the Lavezzi Islands lagoon.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment, soft drinks, the captain guide, and all fees and taxes are included. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. Personal expenses like meals beyond the included drinks are not covered.

Is this tour suitable if I've never snorkeled before?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and the snorkeling site is shallow and calm. If you're a complete beginner, let the captain know before you enter the water — the lagoon is forgiving, but having someone nearby who knows you're new helps.