Scandola UNESCO boat tour from Corsica: Swim in two reserves

Two swimming breaks in a UNESCO reserve you can only reach by boat

This boat tour sails from Ajaccio, Porticcio or Lava beach to Corsica's Scandola reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Porto, with a French-speaking guide, two swimming stops and a visit to the sea-accessible hamlet of Girolata. The tour runs nine hours and includes private transportation from your departure point. Lunch in Girolata is available at a local restaurant but costs extra.

The experience

The boat leaves one of three starting points (Ajaccio port, Porticcio port or Lava beach), and heads toward Gargalo, an island crowned by a Genoese tower that marks the entrance to the Scandola reserve. On the way, you pass the sea caves of Capo Rosso before entering the protected waters where swimming is allowed. The first break happens here, in water deep enough to see the seabed classified as Natura 2000, a European conservation designation that means the marine life below is monitored and protected.

Scandola itself is the main reason to come: the reserve sits on UNESCO's World Heritage list and can only be reached by water or on foot over difficult terrain, which is why the boat matters. The cliffs rise in red and orange stone, and the caves cut deep into them. After the first swim, the boat continues to Girolata, a small Corsican village with no road access: only a footpath and the sea connect it to the rest of the island. The crew can arrange lunch at the restaurant on the village square if you want to eat there, though you pay separately. On the return journey, a second swimming stop lets you drift in the same Natura 2000 waters and look down at what lives there.

A French-speaking guide travels with the group and explains what you're seeing as the boat moves. Children from age 4 are welcome, though the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries or anyone with cardiovascular concerns. The nine-hour day is long but the boat moves at a pace that lets you absorb each stop rather than rush through it.

What’s included

• Private transportation to your chosen departure point.
• a French-speaking guide for the full day.
• two swimming breaks in the Scandola reserve and Natura 2000 waters.
• access to Girolata village by boat.

Before you book

Lasts 9h, from € 146.67 per person, with a live guide in French and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Aug 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Live guideFrench

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by JPS Aventure

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Lava beach, Ajaccio, or Porticcio to sail toward Scandola, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops for swimming at the caves of Capo Rosso and the sea-accessible hamlet of Girolata.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I really only reach Girolata by boat or hiking?

Girolata has no road connection to the rest of Corsica, so yes. The boat is the practical way to get there and back in a single day. A footpath exists but it's steep and takes hours on foot, which is why most visitors arrive by water.

What's the difference between the two swimming stops?

The first stop is at Capo Rosso near the reserve entrance. The second is on the return journey in the Natura 2000 waters off Girolata. Both let you swim and see the seabed, but the second one is in the classified marine reserve itself.

Where does the boat pick me up?

You choose one of three departure points when you book: Ajaccio port, Porticcio port or Lava beach. Private transportation is included to get you there from your accommodation.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but the crew can arrange a meal for you at the restaurant in Girolata's village square. You order and pay there separately.

How long is the full day on the water?

The tour runs nine hours total, which includes travel time to and from the reserves, the two swimming breaks and the stop in Girolata.