Calanches de Piana & Scandola Cruise: Small Boat Caves & Wildlife

Summary

Porto boat trip to Calanches de Piana caves and wild Scandola coast

You’ll board a small boat in Porto for a cruise through the glowing red cliffs of Calanches de Piana and into sea caves only these boats can reach. With your local guide sharing stories in English or French, you’ll spot wildlife in Scandola Reserve and pause in Girolata for coffee among goats. It’s not just scenery—it’s feeling part of this wild coast for a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color — those red cliffs of the Calanches de Piana almost glowing against the blue water. We’d barely left Porto when our guide, Antoine, slowed the boat so we could lean over and touch the spray. He pointed out a cormorant perched on a rock like it owned the place. The air smelled salty but also a bit like pine from somewhere up in the hills. I didn’t expect that mix.

Our little semi-rigid boat was just twelve people, so it felt more like a group of friends than a tour. At one point, Antoine grinned and steered us right into a narrow cave — honestly, I ducked even though there was plenty of room. The walls were rough under my fingertips, cool and damp. Someone spotted dolphins off to the side (I missed them at first because I was still staring at the light bouncing around inside the cave). There’s something about being that close to the water in Scandola Reserve that makes you feel tiny but lucky.

We stopped at Girolata for coffee — or maybe it was just an excuse to stretch our legs and watch goats wander by (one tried to eat someone’s map). The whole place feels cut off from everything except sea and sky. On the way back, wind picked up and I got sprayed pretty good; my hair still smelled briny hours later. Not sure if anyone else noticed how quiet everyone got for a minute after we left those red rocks behind. That view sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise Calanches de Piana and Scandola Reserve

• Depart from Porto
• Navigate near red rock formations
• Enter caves and faults by boat
• Visit Scandola Reserve
• Observe dolphins and cetaceans
• Explore hamlet of Girolata

Top questions

How many people are on the Calanches de Piana & Scandola cruise?

The boat takes up to 12 passengers per trip.

Does this tour include an English-speaking guide?

Yes, guides speak both English and French during the cruise.

Can you see dolphins on this day trip from Porto?

Dolphins or other cetaceans may be spotted during the cruise, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is there a stop at Girolata during this boat tour?

Yes, there is a stop at the hamlet of Girolata during the trip.

Are service animals allowed on this cruise?

Yes, service animals are allowed onboard.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with spinal injuries?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Is lunch included on this cruise?

No lunch is included; there is time to get coffee or snacks at Girolata.

How close does the boat get to caves and rocks?

The small size of the boat allows it to enter caves and navigate close to rock formations.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising from Porto with an English and French-speaking guide aboard a 12-seater semi-rigid boat designed for exploring sea caves and rocky coves. You’ll visit Calanches de Piana, enter parts of Scandola Reserve unreachable by larger boats, stop in Girolata for free time, and have chances to spot dolphins along the way before returning to Porto.