3H30 Explore the south shore of the bay of Ajaccio Catamaran

Corsica looks best from the water. This 3.5-hour catamaran trip leaves Ajaccio for the south shore of the gulf, where the coast opens into quiet coves, clear swimming spots, and fine views of the Sanguinaires Islands. I like the chance to reach anchorages that cannot be reached from land, and I also like that masks, snorkels, and floating aids are supplied.

The main consideration is simple: this is a French-language outing, and only water bottles may be brought aboard. Drinks are sold on the catamaran, but sodas and beer from outside are not accepted. The trip also excludes people over 70, so check that rule before booking.

Key points about the Ajaccio catamaran trip

• Secluded south-shore coves: The catamaran stops at one or two quiet anchorages that are inaccessible from land.
• Swimming gear included: Masks and snorkels are available, along with floating aids for relaxing in the water.
• Sanguinaires Islands from offshore: You see this famous Ajaccio sight from a fresh angle, away from the waterfront.
• 210 minutes on the sea: The half-day length gives you time to sail, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the coast without taking up a full day.
• French-speaking guide: Commentary comes from the skipper or guide in French.
• Flexible booking: Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Leaving Ajaccio for the south shore

The trip begins in the port of Ajaccio, then heads toward the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio. The opening part is about the pleasure of moving slowly along the coast. You can settle into the catamaran, watch the shoreline change, and listen to commentary from the skipper.

That commentary is in French, so this outing works best if you understand the language or are happy to enjoy the scenery without catching every detail. The supplied information does not give the skipper’s name, boat capacity, or exact departure time, so check the available start times before you commit to a particular morning or afternoon.

A catamaran gives you a broad view from the deck. That matters here. The point is not simply to get from Ajaccio to a swimming stop. The sailing itself lets you see the coast from offshore, where coves and headlands take on a different shape than they do from a road or footpath.

You should expect a relaxed pace rather than a high-speed ride. The outing is designed around sightseeing, swimming, and time at anchor. If you want a fast, adrenaline-heavy boat trip, this probably is not the right choice. If you want a gentle half-day at sea with several ways to enjoy the water, the format makes good sense.

Seeing the Sanguinaires Islands from the sea

One of the trip’s visual highlights is the view toward the Sanguinaires Islands. These islands are among the best-known sights around Ajaccio, and seeing them from a boat gives you a wider frame than you get from shore.

The offshore position also helps you appreciate the relationship between the islands and the gulf. Instead of viewing the Sanguinaires as a fixed point from a promenade, you watch them appear as part of the wider coastal setting while the catamaran moves along the water.

The exact viewing distance and timing can vary with the route and sea conditions. Still, the promise is clear: you get a sea-level viewpoint and time to take photographs during the outward sailing or the return to port. Keep your camera protected from spray, and bring a cap for glare and sun.

This is also a good part of the trip for people who prefer sightseeing to swimming. You do not have to spend every minute in the water. The boat ride itself provides a useful way to see the coast, and the deck gives you space to sit back during the sailing portions.

Anchoring at a cove you cannot reach by land

The central part of the outing is the stop at one of the south shore’s wild anchorages. One or two swimming stops are planned, depending on the day’s route and conditions.

These coves are special because they are inaccessible from land. That does not mean you should expect complete solitude, since other boats may use the coast, but it does mean the setting feels less developed than a normal beach stop. The catamaran brings you directly into a quiet pocket of the coast, with no road, beach entrance, or long walk involved.

Once anchored, you can swim in clear water, sunbathe on board, or simply sit and look at the shoreline. I like this part of the trip because it gives the outing a clear purpose beyond sightseeing. You are not just passing the coast. You have time to enjoy it.

The swimming stop may be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes open-water access. The information provided does not specify a beach landing, so you should expect to enter the sea from the catamaran rather than walk into shallow water from a sandy shore. Bring a towel, and be ready for a boat-based swim.

Snorkeling, floating aids, and paddleboarding

Masks and snorkels are included, which is a useful saving and one less thing to pack. You can use them to look below the surface and see local underwater life around the anchorage.

The description does not promise a guided snorkeling session or identify particular fish and sea life. Think of the equipment as a way to explore at your own pace, not as a formal marine-life excursion. Visibility can vary, and the time available will depend on the day’s schedule.

Floating aids are also available. The listing calls them floating fries, a playful reference to long, buoyant swimming floats. They are useful if you want to lie back in the water instead of actively swimming. For some people, this will be the easiest way to enjoy the stop.

Stand-up paddleboarding is another option in calm water. The trip information highlights paddleboarding but does not give details about the number of boards or how long each person can use one. If this activity matters to you, ask the operator, Voglia di Mare, for the current arrangements before departure.

The range of water activities is a real strength. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can remain on deck with a drink. That makes the trip more flexible than a boat ride built around only one activity.

A picnic with a Corsican coastal view

The trip includes time to picnic while the catamaran is anchored or sailing along the coast. The supplied details do not state that food is provided, so plan on bringing or arranging your own picnic if that is part of your plan.

You may bring water bottles, but outside sodas and beer are not accepted. A drinks sales service is available on board. That rule is worth noting because a picnic often includes more than food, and you do not want to arrive with a cooler full of drinks that cannot be taken aboard.

A picnic at sea works best when you keep it simple. Pack food that is easy to eat, secure, and not too messy. The information does not specify tables or seating arrangements, so avoid assuming a full restaurant-style setup.

The setting does much of the work. Eating while looking across the gulf, with the coast and islands in view, gives the meal a stronger sense of place than a quick lunch near the port. It also lets you use the quiet time between swimming and sailing to rest.

The return to Ajaccio after a relaxed half-day

After the swimming and activity stop, the catamaran heads back to Ajaccio. The final sailing gives you a chance to dry off, take in the last coastal views, and chat with the guide and other people aboard.

The full duration is 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper sea outing, yet short enough to leave part of the day free for Ajaccio. You could pair it with an evening meal in town or another sightseeing plan, though you should leave some space in case the boat’s timing changes.

The return journey is also a useful buffer for anyone who wants a slower finish. The trip is not built as a series of rushed activities. You get time at sea, time at anchor, and time to settle back into the port.

One French guest described the morning as very pleasant and recommended it. That matches the shape of the outing: it is best for a peaceful morning or afternoon filled with simple pleasures rather than a packed schedule.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours around Ajaccio. The value depends on how much use you make of the boat and its included equipment.

The price covers the catamaran excursion, snorkeling equipment, and floating aids. You also get access to secluded anchorages that cannot be reached from land, along with the time and fuel needed to reach the south shore and return to Ajaccio.

I consider the price reasonable for someone who wants several parts in one outing: coastal sightseeing, a boat ride, swimming, snorkeling, and the chance to try stand-up paddleboarding. If you only want a short swim, a public beach will cost less. If you want to see the coast from offshore and avoid arranging separate equipment, the package makes better sense.

Remember to budget for drinks if you do not want to bring only water. Food is not listed as included, so check what you need to arrange for the picnic before departure.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This catamaran outing suits people who want a relaxed day on the water with a few active choices. You will probably enjoy it if you like swimming, calm-water paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply sitting on deck while the coast passes by.

It is also a good match for anyone who wants to see the Sanguinaires Islands from the sea rather than only from Ajaccio’s shore. The secluded anchorage adds a sense of escape without requiring a long excursion or complicated transport.

Families and mixed groups may appreciate the flexible setup, provided everyone is comfortable boarding a catamaran and entering the sea from the boat. The supplied information does not give details about child ages, accessibility, or group size, so ask Voglia di Mare if those points affect your plans.

This is less suitable for anyone over 70 because the activity is listed as not suitable for that age group. It may also disappoint visitors who need English commentary, a guaranteed beach landing, or a full meal included in the price.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun cream, and cap. Those items are not minor extras in Corsica’s strong sun. Water is the only outside drink permitted, and the boat sells other drinks on board.

Should you book the Ajaccio south-shore catamaran?

Book it if you want a well-paced half-day that combines offshore views and water time. The secluded cove stop, included snorkeling gear, floating aids, and view of the Sanguinaires Islands give the outing more substance than a simple coastal cruise.

Skip it if you want a sandy beach, English commentary, or a fully catered picnic. Also check the age restriction and current paddleboard arrangements before paying.

For the right person, $94 buys a pleasant three and a half hours on the Gulf of Ajaccio, with enough freedom to swim, explore, eat, or simply enjoy Corsica from the deck.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip take place?

The excursion takes place in Corsica, departing from the port of Ajaccio and sailing along the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts 210 minutes, or three and a half hours.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guide and commentary are in French.

How many swimming stops are planned?

One to two swimming stops are planned during the excursion.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkels provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the catamaran excursion.

Are floating aids available?

Yes. Floating aids, described as floating fries, are available on board.

Can I try stand-up paddleboarding?

Stand-up paddleboarding is offered in calm water. The supplied details do not state how many boards are available or how long each person may use one.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun cream, and cap. Outside drinks are restricted to water bottles.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.