Palau or La Maddalena: Wooden Boat Tour of the Southern Corsican Archipelago
Sail the Strait of Bonifacio aboard a classic wooden motorboat and discover the wild islands, white cliffs, and crystal waters of one of the Mediterranean's most celebrated seascapes.
This full-day wooden boat tour of the southern Corsican archipelago departs from the port of Palau or La Maddalena and takes guests through a landscape shaped by wind, granite, and open sea. The journey crosses the Strait of Bonifacio, reaching protected marine reserves and sun-bleached rock formations rarely accessible by land. A small group format and an experienced skipper ensure a personalised experience throughout the day.
The itinerary is built around the natural conditions of the day, with the skipper selecting the best route based on wind and sea state. Guests can expect visits to the Lavezzi Archipelago, Isola Piana, and the dramatic limestone cliffs beneath the walled citadel of Bonifacio. Each stop offers ample time in the water for swimming and snorkelling.
Lunch is served on board and features fresh fish alongside local Sardinian and Corsican produce, prepared to reflect the culinary traditions of the region. The boat itself, a vintage-style Sorrentine Gozzo, provides both comfort and character, with a large sunbathing area, shade, a hot water shower, and two cabins.
With a maximum of ten guests plus crew, the experience remains intimate throughout. The return leg brings guests back to the departure port after a full day at sea, closing a circuit that covers some of the most scenically rich waters in the western Mediterranean.
Tour Highlights
Cross the Strait of Bonifacio and reach the protected waters of the Lavezzi Archipelago Marine Reserve.
Sail past the iconic white limestone cliffs beneath the historic citadel of Bonifacio on the southern tip of Corsica.
Enjoy at least three swimming and snorkelling stops in clear, sheltered coves including Cala Acciarino and Isola Piana.
Travel aboard a classic Sorrentine Gozzo wooden motorboat, combining vintage character with modern safety equipment.
Savour a fresh fish lunch served on board, prepared with local produce from both Sardinia and Corsica.
Expert skippers adapt the route daily to maximise both safety and scenic quality based on wind and sea conditions.
Small groups of up to ten guests ensure a relaxed atmosphere and personalised attention from the crew throughout the day.
Itinerary
Guests board the Sorrentine Gozzo Aurora at the chosen departure port. The skipper briefs the group on the day's route before casting off into the Strait of Bonifacio.
The boat anchors at Cala Acciarino, a sheltered inlet within the Lavezzi Archipelago. Guests spend approximately one hour swimming and snorkelling in clear, protected waters.
The second stop brings the group to Isola Piana, a small uninhabited island known for its granite outcrops and transparent sea. Time is again allocated for swimming and free exploration of the shoreline.
The crew serves a fresh fish lunch with local produce while the boat continues along the southern Corsican coast. Guests can relax on the sunbathing area or seek shade during this midday break.
Depending on mooring availability and conditions, the group either anchors beneath the dramatic white cliffs for a final swim or docks briefly at the port of Bonifacio for a shore visit. A snack is provided at this stage.
The boat heads south through the strait and returns guests to their departure port, completing a full circuit of the archipelago after approximately eight hours at sea.
What Is Included
Included
- Full-day boat tour aboard the Sorrentine Gozzo Aurora
- Expert skipper and on-board crew
- Fresh fish lunch with local produce
- Afternoon snack
- Swimming and snorkelling stops (at least 3)
- Hot water shower on board
- Safety equipment
- Departure from Palau or La Maddalena
Not Included
- Personal snorkelling equipment (recommended to bring your own)
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for the crew
- Personal expenses on shore in Bonifacio
- Transport to the departure port
Important Information
Ready to Set Sail?
Secure your place on this full-day wooden boat tour through the southern Corsican archipelago and experience the Strait of Bonifacio at its finest.
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