From Porticcio: Speedboat Tour to Cupabia Beach with Stops

Corsica looks best from a fast boat. This half-day cruise follows Ajaccio’s southern shore to Cupabia Beach, with four chances to swim in clear, warm water along the way. I like the small group, limited to 12 people, and the thoughtful food stop with local charcuterie, cheese, and rosé. The main drawback is the ride itself: a semi-rigid speedboat can feel lively and exposed, so it is not a good fit if you need a gentle boat outing.

I also like that the route does more than simply shuttle you to a beach. You visit Isula Piana, the cove of Cacao, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent, with time to stop and enjoy each place. The French-only guiding and strict health rules may limit its appeal for some visitors, but the overall plan offers strong value at $88 per person.

Key points at a glance

• Four swim breaks: The route gives you repeated time in the water, not just a quick photo stop at Cupabia.
• Small boat, small group: The RIB carries no more than 12 people, and one recent group had only six aboard.
• Corsican aperitif included: Cold meats, cheese, and rosé are prepared by the captain for a relaxed food break.
• Several distinct coastal stops: Sette Nave, Isula Piana, Cacao, Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent each add a different view.
• Chez Francis is optional: You can stop at the famous hut for a drink, but you pay for it separately.
• French-language experience: The live guide speaks French, so basic French will help you follow the commentary and instructions.

Why this Porticcio boat trip works

This is a good choice when you want to see the southern coast of Ajaccio without spending the day on a large sightseeing vessel. The small RIB can move quickly between coves and beaches, giving you more time at the water stops.

You get a mix of movement and downtime. The boat ride supplies the fun, fast part. The swim breaks and food service slow things down so you are not sitting in the same position for five or six hours.

The advertised duration ranges from 270 to 390 minutes, or about four and a half to six and a half hours. That is a wide window, so check the exact departure option before booking. Your day may feel like a long half-day outing rather than a fixed five-hour program.

The group size matters. A boat carrying up to 12 people feels more personal than a large cruise, and it makes the swim stops easier to manage. One recent party found the boat especially comfortable because only six people were aboard, leaving plenty of room.

Still, do not expect a quiet cruise. The boat travels at speed and zigzags across the sea near the end of the route. I would choose this for the sense of freedom and open-air motion, not for a calm, shaded ride.

From Sette Nave to Isula Piana

The outing begins near Sette Nave and heads toward Isula Piana. This opening section sets the tone: you are close to the water, moving along the southern shore, with the coast presented from a low and open viewpoint.

The boat then reaches the cove of Cacao. These early stops are designed for views and swimming rather than long walks ashore. You can expect to spend much of the time either looking out from the boat or getting into the water.

Bring a towel and swimwear where you can reach them easily. You may not want to unpack a full beach bag every time the captain announces a swim stop.

The water is a central part of the experience. The trip includes four swim breaks, and the route is built around warm, turquoise water rather than only coastal sightseeing. If you enjoy repeated swims, this is one of the strongest reasons to choose the trip.

There is a practical tradeoff. You have access to several beautiful bathing spots, but you are not getting a long, independent visit at every location. The captain controls the timing, and the exact amount of time at each stop can vary with the conditions and the day’s schedule.

Cupabia Beach and the southern coast

Cupabia is the main destination, and it is easy to see why. The beach is described with fine sand and turquoise water, giving you the classic Corsican beach setting that many people hope to find on this coast.

The visit is less about checking off a single famous beach and more about reaching it as part of a coastal ride. You see the shore from the water, stop for swims, and get a sense of how the coves connect.

I like this format because Cupabia does not carry the full burden of the day. If the beach is busy or the weather shifts, the trip still has other stops and the boat ride itself. You are not paying for a transfer to one beach and then being left there.

The limitation is that this is not a beach club day. Lunch is not included, and the supplied food is an aperitif of cold meats and cheese rather than a full meal. If you usually need a substantial lunch, eat beforehand or plan to buy something at Chez Francis, where any drinks or purchases cost extra.

Cala D’Orzu and a stop at Chez Francis

The route continues to Cala D’Orzu. Here, you get another chance to enjoy the water and coastal views before the optional stop at Chez Francis.

Chez Francis is a well-known hut along the coast, and the tour includes free time there. A drink can add a pleasant shore-based pause, especially if you have had enough speed and swimming for a while.

The important detail is that the stop does not mean your refreshments are covered. Drinks at Chez Francis are not included in the tour price. Your included food and wine come from the boat’s aperitif service, while anything ordered at the hut is separate.

This is also where the trip gives you a little choice. You can use the free time for a drink, or you can focus on the water and the surroundings. That flexibility is useful for a mixed group, since not everyone wants the same kind of break.

The boat’s captain remains central to the mood. Recent feedback gives special praise to captains named Baptiste and Bebel, with comments describing them as attentive, flexible, and careful about safety. Names and crew assignments can change, but the captain-led format is clearly an important part of the experience.

Plage d’Argent and the final swim

The final stop is Plage d’Argent, where you get one more swim in the clear water. Ending with a swim makes sense: after the ride through the coves and the stop at Cupabia, you have a last chance to cool off before returning.

Plage d’Argent is also a strong closing view. The stop gives you a final beach setting rather than ending abruptly at the port. If the timing lines up with sunset, the return portion can include the warm evening light that helps make the food and wine service feel special.

The fast ride back is part of the appeal. The route includes high-speed movement and zigzagging across the sea, so you get a burst of excitement after the slower swim and aperitif sections.

That speed is also the main comfort warning. If you have back problems, reduced mobility, a heart condition, or another health issue that could conflict with a fast RIB ride, you need to tell the company when booking. The captain can refuse boarding if the condition was not declared, and no refund is provided in that case.

The included charcuterie, cheese, and rosé

The food service is simple but well matched to the setting. The captain prepares locally sourced cold meats and cheese, served with rosé wine. It is an aperitif, not lunch, but it gives the boat ride a clear Corsican flavor.

I like this better than a generic snack bag. Local charcuterie and cheese make the pause feel connected to the region, while the rosé fits the warm coastal afternoon. The combination also gives you time to sit back and talk instead of treating every minute as a swim or photo opportunity.

The service is especially useful late in the outing, when you may be ready for something salty after several water stops. The food is served on board under the sun, and the experience is intended to continue into sunset conditions when the schedule allows.

You should still bring water if you normally drink a lot during outdoor activities. The included rosé is part of the food service, but the provided details do not describe a full meal or other drink selection.

Because alcohol is included, use sensible judgment before swimming or taking part in the faster sections. The crew manages the outing, but you remain responsible for pacing yourself.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88, this is not the cheapest way to reach a Corsican beach. It is also more than a simple ferry ride or a self-guided beach visit. The value comes from the combination of transport, a local captain, multiple swim stops, the southern Ajaccio coast, and the included charcuterie, cheese, and rosé.

Four swim breaks make the price easier to justify for someone who wants an active day on the water. You are not paying only for a seat and a view. You are paying for access to several coastal stops without arranging separate transport.

The small group adds value too. A limit of 12 people allows a more personal feel, and a partly full boat can be particularly comfortable. The excellent transport satisfaction score supports the idea that the boat experience is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

The price looks less attractive if you want a full lunch, a long stay on one beach, or a multilingual guide. Lunch is not included, Chez Francis costs extra, and the live guide speaks French.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included. You need to reach the meeting point yourself, and the meeting point can vary depending on the option booked. Check that detail before paying, especially if you are staying outside Porticcio.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, couples, friends, and families with children aged six or older who enjoy a little speed. It works particularly well for people who want several swimming opportunities rather than one long beach stop.

It can also suit a family group. One recent comment specifically found the outing enjoyable for both children and adults. Still, younger children are not allowed, and the boat’s motion may be tiring for anyone who needs extra support.

You should consider another type of excursion if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or have a serious back, heart, mobility, or similar medical condition. Pregnant women and wheelchair users are not accepted, and other conditions must be declared before departure.

French is the guide language. You do not need advanced French to enjoy swimming, scenery, food, and the boat ride, but you should be comfortable receiving safety directions in French. Ask about the details before booking if language is important to your group.

What to bring and how to prepare

Keep your preparation simple:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Wear sunscreen before boarding and reapply during the day. A boat offers little protection from direct sun, and the pale glare off the water can catch you by surprise.

Bring your swimwear under easy-to-remove clothing. With four swim breaks, you will not want to dig through bags each time.

I would also keep valuables to a minimum. The supplied information does not describe storage facilities on board, and a small RIB is not the place for bulky luggage.

Check the meeting point for your chosen option. It may vary, and hotel transfers are not provided. Plan to arrive with enough time to find the correct departure location without rushing.

The boat is limited to 12 participants, but the exact number on your departure can vary. A smaller group may give you more room, while a full boat will feel more social and possibly less spacious.

Cancellation and timing details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while you finalize your Corsica plans.

Starting times depend on availability. Since the experience lasts between 270 and 390 minutes, check the exact time and duration for your selected option rather than assuming every departure follows the same schedule.

The timing matters if you want the sunset aperitif atmosphere. The experience includes local food and wine while watching the sun go down, but the exact light and timing depend on the departure you choose and the day’s conditions.

FAQ

How long is the Porticcio speedboat tour?

The tour lasts between 270 and 390 minutes, or approximately four and a half to six and a half hours. Check availability for the exact duration and start time.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The group is limited to 12 participants. The exact number on your departure may be smaller.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The route includes four swim breaks at coastal locations such as Isula Piana, the cove of Cacao, Cala di Cupabia, and Plage d’Argent.

Is food and wine included?

Yes. The captain prepares an appetizer of locally sourced cold meats and cheese, along with rosé wine. Lunch is not included.

Can I buy a drink at Chez Francis?

Yes. The tour includes free time at the Chez Francis hut, but drinks and other purchases there cost extra.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?

No. Pregnant women and wheelchair users are not permitted on the rigid inflatable boats. Passengers with other health conditions, disabilities, back problems, reduced mobility, or heart conditions must declare them when booking.

Should you book the Cupabia speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an active coastal day with four swims, a small group, quick boat travel, and a simple Corsican aperitif. The combination of Cupabia, Plage d’Argent, Cala D’Orzu, and the included food makes $88 a reasonable price for a full half-day on the water.

Skip it if you want a slow cruise, a full lunch, hotel pickup, or a multilingual guide. The French-only commentary, exposed RIB, extra cost at Chez Francis, and strict health rules are real considerations.

For the right person, this is a lively and well-shaped way to see the southern shore of Ajaccio. Pack lightly, bring swimwear and sunscreen, check the meeting point, and be ready for a fast ride between some of Corsica’s most inviting beaches.