Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands

The best Corsican days happen offshore. This 9-hour catamaran trip from Croisière Exclusive mixes quiet coves, clear-water swims, Lavezzi and Cavallo, and a generous day of food and drinks. I especially like the relaxed semi-private setup and the way Sylvain, Tom, and the crew keep the mood warm without turning the boat into a party platform. The main thing to consider is the price: at $212 per person, it makes most sense if you plan to spend the whole day enjoying the boat, meals, drinks, and water gear.

I also like the useful little touches, from morning coffee with canistrelli to the homemade aperitif and afternoon Pietra beer. The one drawback is that the trip is strongly shaped by the weather and season, and lunch changes from seafood paella in low season to cold platters and pasta salad in high season.

Key points to know before you book

• Carrataghju starts the day gently: You begin with a morning swim at a secluded beach, followed by coffee and Corsican canistrelli.
• Lavezzi gets the longest stop: Plan on about two and a half hours for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and time ashore or at anchor.
• Cavallo is a scenic photo stop: The wealthy island is viewed mainly from the boat, with about 15 minutes set aside for pictures.
• Food and drinks are part of the value: Expect lunch, wine, water, a local digestif, an aperitif, snacks, and a final Pietra beer or frappe.
• The crew earns strong praise: Sylvain and Tom are repeatedly described as friendly, attentive, professional, and flexible.
• Pack for a full day outside: Bring a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, swimwear, a jacket, and suitable outdoor clothing.

Setting off from Croisière Exclusive

You meet at the Croisière Exclusive sign, with the boats right in front. That simple arrangement matters because there is no need to search along a long waterfront or guess which vessel is yours.

The trip runs about nine hours, so this is not a quick coastal outing. It is a full day built around moving slowly between coves, islands, and swimming spots. The catamaran gives you room to sit, eat, watch the coast, and get in and out of the water without the cramped feel of a small speedboat.

The outing is described as semi-private. That does not mean you have the entire catamaran to yourself, but it does point to a smaller, more personal atmosphere than a large sightseeing cruise. One recent departure included two other families, which gives you a useful idea of the social feel: shared, friendly, and still fairly intimate.

French and English are spoken. The crew named in the feedback includes Sylvain, Tom, and Noé. Sylvain is presented as the captain with the southern French accent, while Tom and Noé have also been praised for their care, humor, and professional approach. Since crew assignments can change, do not assume one specific person will always be aboard.

Carrataghju gives you an easy first swim

The first ride takes about 45 minutes. Then the boat pauses at Carrataghju, described as a secret beach, for a morning swim and free time.

This is a smart opening to the day. You have time to settle into the rhythm of the boat before reaching the more famous islands. After the swim, coffee and canistrelli provide a small Corsican start to the morning. Canistrelli are traditional island biscuits, usually crisp and lightly sweet, and they pair well with a warm drink after being in the water.

At this point, the emphasis is relaxation rather than a formal beach visit. The schedule includes a photo stop, swimming, snorkeling, and free time. You might spend the pause in the water, use the provided equipment, or simply sit back and watch the coast.

The main limitation is that the exact length of your swim can depend on the day’s conditions and the captain’s timing. Still, this first stop helps the cruise feel like a day on the sea rather than a string of rushed sightseeing stops.

Cruising toward Cavallo Island

After Carrataghju, the boat heads toward Cavallo, with about an hour of sailing. This is one of the longer stretches underway, so use it as a chance to enjoy the catamaran itself.

Cavallo is known as an island of private villas and wealthy owners, giving it a different character from the rougher, more open feel of Lavezzi. The stop here lasts about 15 minutes and is mainly for photographs. You should not expect a long island visit, a meal ashore, or a guided walk.

That short pause is best understood as a scenic look at the island rather than a full destination stop. Keep your camera ready, but do not build your expectations around exploring Cavallo on foot. The point is the view from the water and the contrast between the island’s private character and the wilder coast nearby.

Lavezzi is the heart of the day

The catamaran then reaches the Lavezzi Archipelago, where you spend around two and a half hours. This is the longest stop and the main reason to book the cruise.

Lavezzi is known for exposed rock, small coves, and bright Mediterranean water. The scenery changes quickly as the boat moves among the islands and channels. You get time for photographs, swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and lunch, so the stop does not feel limited to one kind of activity.

The crew supplies paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming floats. The floats are useful if you want to stay in the water without constantly treading water, while the masks let you take a closer look below the surface. There is no need to bring your own gear unless you prefer a personal fit.

The best way to use this stop is to divide your time. Have lunch early or late, depending on the crew’s schedule, then spend part of the visit in the water and part simply enjoying the setting. If you try to do everything at once, the two and a half hours can pass quickly.

The boat also serves a homemade aperitif with a genuine island planter. This adds a local touch without requiring a formal tasting session. It is the sort of small detail that makes the day feel hosted rather than merely transported.

Lunch changes with the season

Food is included, and the menu differs by time of year.

In low season, lunch is seafood and chicken paella, followed by fresh fruit salad. In high season, the meal becomes a spread of Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad.

The high-season platter is a practical choice for a warm day at sea. Cold food is easier to serve outdoors and lets you return to swimming without waiting for a hot meal. The low-season paella sounds more substantial and suits a cooler day on the water.

Drinks are also included. You can expect rosé wine, still and sparkling water, and a local digestif with lunch. The aperitif comes separately, and the crew provides snacks at other points in the day. Tell the operator about allergies or special dietary needs before departure. The available information does not promise a specific alternative menu, so advance notice matters.

I would judge the food as part of the value rather than the sole reason to book. You are paying for a full day on the water, and not needing to pack or buy lunch makes the schedule easier. Still, this is a boat meal, not a restaurant experience. If you need a highly specific diet, ask before committing.

Swimming and snorkeling without extra rental costs

The cruise includes paddles, masks, and swimming floats, which removes one common annoyance from boat days: paying extra for basic water equipment.

The stops are set up for different moods. At Carrataghju, you get a gentle morning swim. At Lavezzi, you have the longest period for snorkeling and paddling. At Porto Novo, the final stop offers one more chance to get wet before returning to port.

The supplied equipment is shared onboard, so it is sensible to use it when you want it rather than waiting until the last few minutes. Bring a towel and sandals, and use biodegradable sunscreen as requested. A jacket is also useful because a full day on a moving boat can feel cool, especially outside the hottest part of summer.

There is no promise of a guided underwater tour or a lesson. You are given the gear and the time to explore around the boat on your own. That suits confident swimmers and people who prefer freedom, but it may feel less structured if you want a formal snorkeling guide.

Porto Novo closes the day well

After Lavezzi, the catamaran sails for about 45 minutes toward Porto Novo. This final stop lasts about an hour and includes another swim, free time, local snacks, frappes, and Pietra beer.

Porto Novo works as a pleasant last pause because you can swim again without feeling that the main part of the day is being interrupted. If you have already had enough sun, stay aboard with a drink and enjoy the final coastal views.

Pietra is a Corsican beer, so this is another local detail rather than a generic bar stop. Frappes provide a cold, sweet finish. The snacks help bridge the gap between lunch and the return to port.

The final ride lasts about an hour. By then, you will have spent a long time outside, so the return is a good moment to sit down, dry off, and let the scenery pass by.

What the $212 price really covers

At $212 per person, this is not the budget way to reach the Lavezzi Islands. A simple boat transfer may cost less, but it would not include the same full-day service.

Here, the price covers the captain and fuel, drinks, snacks, lunch, the aperitif, water equipment, and a day of guided movement among several coastal locations. You are also paying for the smaller feel of a semi-private outing and the convenience of not organizing separate food, gear, and transport.

The value improves if you use the boat as a base for the entire day. Swim, eat onboard, try the paddle, use the mask, and enjoy the breaks between stops. If you plan to spend most of the time sitting quietly and skip the included food or activities, the cost will feel harder to justify.

The strong score of 5 from 43 ratings and a 93 percent perfect transport rating suggest that the service and boat comfort are major strengths. The praise focuses especially on the crew, the organization, the meals, and the beauty of the stops. Those are the areas where this experience earns its price.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and small groups who want a full sea day without having to plan every detail themselves. Families may appreciate the swimming floats, lunch onboard, and several chances to get in the water.

It also suits people who like a social setting but do not want a huge excursion boat. The semi-private format gives you company, while the catamaran and multiple pauses leave room to spread out and choose your own pace.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat days, need a tightly scheduled cultural tour, or prefer to explore islands on foot. Cavallo is mainly a photo stop, and Lavezzi time is centered on water activities, lunch, and scenery rather than a long guided visit.

The trip is also less suitable if you want complete control over the menu. Meals are seasonal and allergies or special diets must be reported ahead of time.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Bring beachwear, outdoor clothing, a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, and a jacket. Tell the operator about allergies or dietary requirements before the day of the cruise.

The meeting point is easy to spot: look for the Croisière Exclusive sign, with the boats directly in front. Drinks, snacks, lunch, paddles, snorkeling masks, and swimming floats are included, so you do not need to budget for those separately.

Should you book this Lavezzi cruise?

Book it if you want Lavezzi wrapped into a comfortable, sociable day with meals, drinks, swimming, and gear already arranged. The crew’s friendly professionalism is the most consistent strength, and the itinerary gives you several distinct moments rather than one long stop.

At $212, I would choose this over a cheaper transfer when the goal is a special day on the sea, not simply reaching the islands. Skip it if you want a low-cost ride, a long land visit, or a highly formal snorkeling program. For a relaxed Corsican outing with good food, local drinks, and repeated chances to swim, it is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts nine hours, including the boat rides, island stops, meals, swimming, snorkeling, and breaks.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Croisière Exclusive. Look for the sign, with the boats directly in front.

Which languages are spoken onboard?

The live tour is offered in French and English.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Low-season lunch is seafood and chicken paella with fresh fruit salad. High-season lunch includes Corsican cheese and charcuterie, mixed pasta salad, melon, and fresh fruit salad.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include rosé wine, still and sparkling water, a local digestif, a homemade aperitif, and later snacks with frappes and Pietra beer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks, paddles, and swimming floats are included.

How much time is spent at the Lavezzi Archipelago?

The stop at Lavezzi lasts about two and a half hours, with time for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, paddling, photos, and free time.

Does the cruise stop at Cavallo Island?

Yes. Cavallo is included as a photo stop lasting about 15 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, a jacket, beachwear, and outdoor clothing. Tell the operator about any allergies or special dietary requirements.