Scandola & Calanques de Piana Boat Tour with Girolata Meal Stop

Summary

Small boat ride from Cargèse to Scandola and Girolata with family crew sharing Corsican stories

You’ll board a small family-run boat in Cargèse and glide past fiery cliffs in the Scandola Reserve and Calanques de Piana while your local guide shares stories only Corsicans know. There’s time for lunch in sleepy Girolata village — maybe try the fig jam if you’re curious — plus space to swim or just breathe in the sea air before heading back along the coast.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the rocks to be that red — almost glowing when the sun hit them. We left Cargèse early, Joseph waving us onto his dad’s old boat (I think it’s older than me). The engine was low and steady, and there was this salty wind that made my hair impossible. Dominique, our captain, pointed out a Genoese tower right away — he said it’s been rebuilt three times, which made me wonder how many storms it’s seen. I kept trying to get a photo but my phone lens fogged up from the spray. Typical.

We got close to the cliffs at Calanques de Piana — like really close, almost scraping distance. Dominique seemed to know every inch of those rocks; he’d slow down and tell us little things about how they formed or why some caves looked like faces (I saw one that looked like a dog, but maybe I was just hungry by then). There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the water slapping against stone. Someone behind me whispered “wow” and I kind of agreed, even though I promised myself not to say anything cheesy.

The stop at Girolata felt like stepping into another time. The village is tiny — just a handful of houses and some goats wandering around (not sure if they belonged to anyone). We had lunch under these faded umbrellas; I ordered something with cheese and fig jam because Joseph said it was local. It tasted sweet and sharp at once — honestly, I still think about that bite sometimes. Afterward, some people swam but I just sat on the beach watching boats drift in. The light was starting to soften by then, and you could hear someone playing music up the hill. It felt good not rushing anywhere for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Scandola and Girolata

• View renovated Genoese tower
• Explore coves and caves with crew
• Learn about geological site faults
• Stop two hours in Girolata village
• Enjoy shaded restaurant terraces or swim
• Discover Calanques de Piana creeks and caves

Top questions

Is there a restroom on board during the Scandola & Calanques de Piana boat tour?

Yes, there is a toilet available on board for passenger use throughout the tour.

Does the tour include a stop for lunch in Girolata?

Yes, there is a two-hour stop in Girolata village where you can enjoy lunch at local restaurants or take a swim.

Are guides on this day trip from Cargèse English-speaking?

Yes, Joseph speaks English and can answer questions or share commentary during the tour.

Is this boat tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and transportation options accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

How long does the Scandola & Calanques de Piana boat trip last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but includes several scenic stops plus about two hours in Girolata.

Where does this day trip depart from?

The boat departs from Cargèse village on Corsica’s west coast.

What will we see during this Gulf of Porto cruise?

You’ll see Capo Rosso, Scandola Reserve, Calanques de Piana cliffs and caves, plus Girolata village.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Cargèse aboard a comfortable small boat with shaded areas and restroom access; commentary from your local captain Dominique or his son Joseph; stops at Capo Rosso, Scandola Reserve, Calanques de Piana; plus free time for lunch or swimming in Girolata village before returning along the coast.