Day cruise to the Cerbicales & Lavezzi Islands with lunch

The best part of this full-day cruise is the broad view it gives you of southern Corsica from the water. You glide past the Cerbicales Islands, Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara, Sperone, Bonifacio, and Cavallo before stopping at Lavezzi for lunch and a swim. I especially like the coastal storytelling from Captain Vincent Chiocca, whose family has worked these waters for four generations, and the included meal, drinks, and swim stops.

The main tradeoff is size. This is a ship carrying up to 180 passengers, not a quiet little fishing boat. You should also allow for weather changes, since the route can be altered or canceled when sea conditions are poor, and one afternoon swim stop leaves less time to walk around Lavezzi.

Key points to know before booking

• Captain Vincent Chiocca brings four generations of fishing knowledge, including more than 40 years at sea.
• The route covers a large stretch of southern Corsica, from Porto Vecchio and the Cerbicales to Lavezzi, Cavallo, and Bonifacio.
• Lunch and drinks are included, but you need to contact the supplier before departure to choose your menu.
• You get two main swimming chances, one near Lavezzi and another later at Carratoghju or the Cerbicales Islands.
• The ship holds up to 180 passengers, so expect a lively shared cruise rather than an intimate boat outing.
• The $129 price is strongest for a full day on the water, especially if you want meals, drinks, several viewpoints, and swimming in one booking.

A full day on southern Corsica’s sea road

This cruise is less about reaching one single island and more about seeing how the southern tip of Corsica fits together. From the deck, beaches, reefs, cliffs, islands, and old coastal towns appear in one long sweep.

You leave from Porto Vecchio at 9 a.m. sharp. Boarding begins at 8:15 a.m., when the crew serves a small snack. That early arrival matters because this is a long day, and you will want time to find a comfortable place on the ship before the larger group settles in.

The meeting point is listed at H7RM+FF Porto-Vecchio. Pinarello departures may operate in high season, but Porto Vecchio is the main departure point described for this cruise. Check the exact departure details before you set out.

The ship is large, with room for up to 180 people. That gives the ride a steady, organized feel, but it also changes the mood. I would choose this trip for a broad sightseeing day and easy access to several coastal highlights, not for private-boat quiet.

From Porto Vecchio to the Cerbicales Islands

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the captain points out the beaches and islands along the coast. The early part of the route includes the Cerbicales Islands, Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara, and Sperone.

This is where the cruise earns its keep for first-time visitors to southern Corsica. You get a water-level view of famous beaches without spending the day moving a rental car from one crowded parking area to another. The route also lets you compare different parts of the coast, from sandy bays to rocky islands and open sea.

The Cerbicales Islands are especially useful as an introduction to the region’s protected marine areas. You see them as a chain of low islands and rocky outcrops, with water around them that often makes the boat ride feel more like an island expedition than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are well-known beach names, but from the boat you experience them differently. Instead of settling on one beach, you view the curves of the bays and the color of the water from offshore. That is a good trade for anyone who wants variety, though it is not a substitute for spending a full afternoon on the sand.

Bonifacio’s cliffs and sea caves

Depending on the weather, the boat heads toward Lavezzi by way of the cliffs of Bonifacio. This is one of the most striking parts of the route.

Bonifacio sits on white limestone cliffs shaped by wind and water. From the sea, the town and its rock base form a dramatic wall above the Mediterranean. The boat also passes the famous sea caves, giving you a view that is hard to match from land.

The captain describes the coastline as you go. That personal narration is part of the appeal. Vincent Chiocca has more than 40 years of experience on the water, and the family’s connection to fishing goes back four generations. His son, Vincent Chiocca Junior, trained at the Merchant Marine school in Sète and became a captain at 17. The family story gives the trip a strong local character rather than making it feel like a generic sightseeing circuit.

Still, weather controls this part of the route. The boat may alter its path when conditions are rough, and one scheduled sailing was canceled the day before because of bad weather. That is sensible seamanship, but it can be frustrating if you have only a few days in Corsica. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if this cruise is a priority.

Lunch in a Lavezzi cove

Around noon, the boat stops in a cove near the Lavezzi Islands for lunch. You choose from three menus, but you need to contact the supplier before the trip to select yours.

Lunch and drinks are included in the $129 price, which helps explain the cost of this all-day outing. You are not simply paying for a boat transfer. The fare covers a full route, a prepared meal, beverages, crew service, and time for swimming and exploring.

The meal appears to be a solid part of the day rather than a culinary event. One recent rating praised the meal as excellent, while another found the dessert light but the overall meal correct. I would set your expectations at a practical onboard lunch. It gives you a chance to eat without leaving the itinerary, and the setting in a Lavezzi cove is the real bonus.

There is no need to bring snorkeling equipment as part of the package, since it is not included. If you want to look underwater, bring your own gear if allowed and practical. The supplied details do not confirm rental equipment, so ask the supplier before counting on it.

Lavezzi Island time: swim or walk

At about 1:30 p.m., the ship reaches the Lavezzi Islands. You can swim or visit the island itself.

Lavezzi is the main stop for passengers who want to get off the ship and walk among the rocks. The islands are known for their pale granite formations, open views, and clear water. Here, you get a choice that improves the day: stay near the water for a swim, or use the stop to see the island on foot.

The limitation is time. The itinerary allows roughly two hours before the boat leaves at 3:30 p.m. That is enough for a taste of Lavezzi, but not for a slow, detailed visit. One rating specifically suggested dropping the swimming portion to allow more time on the islands. I understand that point. Lavezzi rewards unhurried walking, while the cruise also tries to provide several coastal views and a second swim.

If your main goal is Lavezzi itself, a dedicated island trip may suit you better. If you want Lavezzi as one part of a larger day, the timing works well. You get a walk, a swim option, lunch, and the pleasure of arriving by sea.

The return through Cavallo and a second swim

At 3:30 p.m., the boat begins the return to Porto Vecchio, passing the Island of Cavallo. The trip is not over once you leave Lavezzi. The return gives you another chance to watch the coast from a different angle, with the afternoon light changing the look of the rocks and bays.

Around 5 p.m., the crew stops again for a swim. The location may be Carratoghju or the Cerbicales Islands, depending on the route and conditions. The water is described as turquoise, and this final stop is a pleasant way to break up the ride home.

The second swim also shows the cruise’s basic compromise. You spend a little less time walking around Lavezzi, but you gain another chance to get into the water. For swimmers, families, and anyone who likes a relaxed sea day, that is a fair exchange. For serious island walkers, it may feel like too much time is given to swimming.

The ship is scheduled to reach Porto Vecchio around 6 p.m. That makes this a true full-day activity. Do not plan a tight dinner reservation or another major excursion immediately afterward.

What the $129 price really covers

At $129 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest way to see one island. It becomes more useful when you count everything included: a day on the Mediterranean, the long coastal route, guided commentary, lunch, drinks, and swimming stops.

I see the value in three situations. First, you want to see many famous places in southern Corsica without organizing several separate outings. Second, you enjoy being on the water and want a full day rather than a short transfer. Third, you prefer a meal included so you do not need to find food during the middle of the route.

The value is weaker if you dislike large groups or mainly want a quiet visit to Lavezzi. A ship with 180 passengers can feel busy, especially during boarding, meals, and island access. The trip also spends substantial time cruising, so you should enjoy the movement between stops.

The family connection adds character, but the experience is still a commercial group cruise. It is not a private fishing trip, despite the Chiocca family’s fishing background. I would pay the price for the wide route and included food, not because I expect a small-boat atmosphere.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple way to cover the coast south of Porto Vecchio. It suits people who like scenic boat rides, short walks, swimming, and a full schedule of coastal sights.

It also works well for visitors staying near Porto Vecchio who do not want to plan several beach and island stops on their own. The English, French, and Italian guide options make the commentary accessible to a wider range of passengers.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the range of choices. One person can swim, another can walk on Lavezzi, and everyone can enjoy the views from the ship. The listed wheelchair accessibility is also useful, though you should confirm the practical details with the supplier before booking if you have specific mobility needs.

I would hesitate if you want a small boat, a quiet day, or a long independent visit on Lavezzi. I would also think twice if your Corsica schedule is so tight that a weather cancellation would ruin your plans.

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, but they do not remove the weather risk. Keep an alternate day or a backup plan if possible.

Should you book the Cerbicales and Lavezzi cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a broad, easygoing day that combines southern Corsica’s major coastal sights with lunch and swimming. The Bonifacio cliffs, the Lavezzi stop, the Cerbicales Islands, and Vincent Chiocca’s local sea knowledge give the outing more substance than a simple transfer.

Skip it if your ideal day means a small boat and long, quiet time on one island. The ship is large, the schedule is fixed, and the Lavezzi visit is fairly short once lunch and swimming are included.

For most people, the decision comes down to one question: do you want to see a lot from the water, or spend more time in one place? If you choose the first, $129 is a reasonable price for this packed coastal day. Contact the supplier to select your lunch menu, arrive before the 9 a.m. departure, and keep your plans flexible around the weather.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The main departure point is in Porto Vecchio, France, at the meeting point listed as H7RM+FF Porto-Vecchio. Some high-season departures may leave from Pinarello.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding and welcome begin at 8:15 a.m., and departure from Porto Vecchio is scheduled for 9 a.m. sharp.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about one full day. It returns to Porto Vecchio at approximately 6 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included. You should contact the supplier before departure to choose from the three available menus.

Does the cruise stop at the Lavezzi Islands?

Yes. The boat reaches the Lavezzi Islands at about 1:30 p.m., where you can swim or visit the island.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swim stop near Lavezzi and another stop around 5 p.m. at Carratoghju or the Cerbicales Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

How many people can the boat carry?

The ship has a capacity of up to 180 passengers.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, French, and Italian.