Calanches de Piana & Scandola: Small-Group Speedboat Cruise

Summary

Red cliffs, secret caves and wild dolphins near Porto by boat

You’ll ride a small-group speedboat from Porto with a local captain through Calanches de Piana’s red rocks and Scandola Reserve’s hidden coves. Watch for dolphins, swim off Girolata if weather allows, and get close enough to touch the stone cliffs. The sea air and Corsican stories stay with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the rail, I felt the first splash before I even looked up — salty, cold, sharp enough to make me laugh out loud. Our captain, Jean-Marc (he had that Corsican twinkle in his eye), steered us away from Porto’s little harbor and straight into this wild blue. He pointed at the Calanches de Piana almost right away — those red rocks really do glow, even under clouds. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch how the light kept changing on the stone. There was this smell of seaweed and engine oil mixed together, not unpleasant, just… real.

We ducked into these narrow caves where it got suddenly quiet except for water slapping against the hull. Jean-Marc slowed down so we could peer straight down — thanks to that underwater camera thing he set up, we saw fish darting below us. At one point someone shouted “dolphins!” and for a second I thought they were joking but then there they were — slick backs slicing through the water. Everyone sort of forgot to talk for a bit after that. The keyword here is cruise Calanches de Piana but honestly it felt more like sneaking around in nature’s own playground.

Stopped near Girolata for a swim — twenty minutes if you wanted it (I hesitated because the water looked freezing but ended up jumping anyway). My skin tingled for ages after getting out; sun on wet shoulders, salt drying fast. Didn’t expect to feel so awake from just floating there looking back at those cliffs. On the way back Jean-Marc told us about some old stories from Scandola Reserve — half in French, half in gestures — and I still think about that view as we rounded the last bend toward Porto again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise to Calanches de Piana and Scandola

• Depart from Porto
• Enjoy captain's explanations
• Explore Calanches de Piana red rocks
• Visit Scandola reserve
• See small hamlet of Girolata
• Take swimming break
• Observe dolphins or cetaceans

Top questions

How long does the Calanches de Piana & Scandola cruise last?

The cruise duration isn’t specified, but includes travel from Porto with stops at Calanches de Piana, Scandola Reserve, Girolata hamlet, plus a 20-minute swim if weather allows.

Is swimming included during the cruise?

Yes, there’s a 20-minute swimming break included depending on weather conditions.

What kind of boat is used for this tour?

A comfortable 12-seater speedboat designed for sea excursions with an underwater camera is used.

Are guides or captains certified?

Yes, your guide or captain is certified and provides explanations during the trip.

Can children join this cruise?

The boat is suitable for families and children unless they have specific health restrictions listed in additional info.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Porto harbor.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is it possible to see dolphins or other wildlife?

You may have a chance to observe dolphins or other cetaceans during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes a certified local guide at the helm of your 12-seater speedboat departing from Porto harbor; all explanations during your sea excursion; entry into caves and close-up views of Calanches de Piana and Scandola Reserve; plus a swimming break near Girolata if weather allows before returning to port.