Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour: Corsica UNESCO Site

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Duration3h 15m

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN · IT +1

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A UNESCO marine reserve and three coastal landmarks in one boat trip

A boat tour of Corsica's Gulf of Porto visits the Scandola Nature Reserve—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marine protected area—along with the calanches of Piana and the fishing village of Girolata, which sits on the coast and is accessible only by sea. The tour runs roughly three hours with a live guide in English, Italian or French, and private transportation is included. Minimum age is 4 years old.

3h 15m

Step-by-step itinerary

Discover Gulf of Porto and Girolata

Explore Gulf of Porto
Visit calanches of Piana
Stop 30 minutes at Girolata village
Discover Scandola Nature Reserve

The Experience

The boat departs to explore the Gulf of Porto, where the calanches of Piana rise as dramatic rock formations above the water. The route then reaches Girolata, a small fishing village built into the coastline and reachable only by boat—a 30-minute stop lets you walk the settlement and see how the fishermen live on this isolated stretch. From there the tour enters the Scandola Nature Reserve, a 1,669-hectare protected area that spans both marine and terrestrial zones and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since its classification in 1975.

The Scandola reserve protects a remarkable biodiversity across its waters and rocky terrain, and the boat passes through the reserve's boundaries so you see the landscape that makes it significant. The guide—available in English, Italian or French—explains what you're moving through and what the protection means for the species and geology you're looking at. Private transportation is arranged, so the logistics of getting to the boat and back to your accommodation are handled without a separate booking.

The tour runs about three hours total. It's suitable for all fitness levels, though the boat ride itself means you need to be comfortable on the water; the operator notes it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Children as young as 4 can join. There's no restroom on board, so plan accordingly before departure.

What’s included

Private transportation to and from the boat.
a live guide in English, Italian or French.
access to the Gulf of Porto, the calanches of Piana, Girolata and the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Promenades en mer au départ de Porto Ota - Porto Marine Evasion

Is this one for you?You see three distinct coastal landmarks and a UNESCO marine reserve in one morning without arranging separate transport or a guide—the boat's route and the included guide handle both, leaving you to focus on what you're looking at instead of logistics.