Scandola & Piana Boat Tour: Swim Stops, Girolata Lunch

Summary

Boat journey from Ajaccio to Scandola’s wild cliffs and Girolata’s quiet square

You’ll ride out from Ajaccio or Porticcio by boat along Corsica’s dramatic coastlines, with swim stops at Scandola reserve and Capo Rosso’s caves. Expect lunch in Girolata’s seaside hamlet (not included), plus stories from your local guide along the way. It’s salty air, volcanic cliffs, and those little moments you can’t plan for — all packed into one day trip.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that tower? Genoese — they built it to watch for pirates," our captain grinned, steering us out from Lava beach into the Gulf of Porto. The morning was salty and bright, but not too hot yet. There were only six of us on the boat, plus Alain (our guide), who kept pointing at things I’d never have noticed — like the way the red cliffs near Capo Rosso almost glow when the sun hits them sideways. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it never looks quite right in pictures.

The first swim stop was near Scandola reserve. The water smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic — I hesitated before jumping in because it looked so deep, but everyone else just went for it. Underwater you could see little silver fish darting around volcanic rocks. Alain tossed me a snorkel mask and said, “Don’t worry, nothing here bites.” He laughed when I flinched at some seaweed brushing my ankle. The main keyword here is day trip Scandola by boat — but nobody on board was thinking about keywords; we were just floating there, sun on our faces.

Girolata came up suddenly after another stretch of open sea — just a handful of stone houses and a sleepy dog in the square. We had lunch at this tiny place right by the water (not included in the price), where an old man brought us grilled fish and bread that tasted smoky from the wood oven. I tried asking for more water in French and totally mangled it; Alain stepped in with a smile. It felt like time moved slower there, or maybe that was just me still drying off in the sun.

On the way back, we stopped again for swimming — this time I jumped straight in without thinking much about it. The afternoon light made everything look softer somehow. My hair still smelled like salt hours later, even after we got back to Ajaccio. If you’re looking for a private boat tour with real moments (and not just ticking off UNESCO sites), this one’s got something different about it. I still think about that view from under the Genoese tower sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Scandola and Girolata

• Depart from Lava beach or port
• Sail towards Gargalo island
• Discover Capo Rosso caves
• Swim at Scandola reserve
• Visit Girolata hamlet by sea
• Lunch stop in Girolata (optional)
• Swim to explore seabed
• Return to departure point

Top questions

Where does the Scandola & Piana boat tour start?

The tour departs from Lava beach, Ajaccio port or Porticcio port.

Is lunch included during the boat tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is a stop in Girolata where you can eat at a local restaurant.

Are swimming stops part of this day trip?

Yes, there are swimming breaks near Scandola reserve and on the return journey.

How do you get to Girolata village?

The only access is by sea or on foot; this tour arrives by boat.

Is this private transportation or group?

The tour includes private transportation by boat.

Are children allowed on this tour?

No travelers under 6 years old are accepted on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to departure points.

Is this suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private boat transportation departing from Ajaccio or Porticcio with swim stops at both Scandola reserve and along Capo Rosso’s caves; you’ll also have time ashore in Girolata village for lunch (at your own expense) before returning along Corsica’s dramatic coastline.