The 3 Best National Park Tours in Ajaccio
Ajaccio offers stunning opportunities for exploring Corsica’s natural beauty, especially by boat. Its proximity to Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes it a prime spot for memorable excursions. We particularly love the Ajaccio: Guided Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour for its expert guide and immersive experience. Whether you prefer a guided tour, sailing adventure, or a shorter trip from Porticcio, each option offers a unique way to discover Corsica’s rugged coastline and hidden coves.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed insights into three popular boat-based tours: a guided speedboat adventure, a convivial sailing trip, and a scenic tour departing from Porticcio. Each provides a different approach to enjoying the Scandola Reserve and surrounding sights, suited to different tastes and budgets.
1. Ajaccio: Guided Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour
For around $154 per person, this 8.5-hour guided boat tour takes you straight into the heart of Corsica’s Scandola Nature Reserve. The tour uses semi-rigid speed boats, which allow access to narrow caves and natural pools, creating an intimate experience with the landscape. Your local guide shares detailed insights about the reserve’s geology and wildlife, making this trip both educational and fun.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to visit the village of Girolata, accessible only from the sea, and to explore Gargalo Island and the Cathedral Rift—areas that are off-limits on land-based excursions. The boat stops frequently for swimming in crystal-clear waters, giving you moments to relax and soak in the scenery. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge make the experience particularly engaging, especially for those interested in natural history.
Given its duration and comprehensive itinerary, this tour is perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth, adventure-filled day with plenty of opportunities to swim and explore. Its high rating of 4.6/5 from 81 reviews attests to its popularity. The main drawback? It’s a full day, so it requires good weather and a moderate level of mobility.
Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced mix of exploration, comfort, and insight. It’s best suited for active travelers who want to see the highlights of the Scandola Reserve with a knowledgeable guide.
2. Ajaccio: Excursion, Sailing Scandola Nature Reserve
For about 8 hours on board its human-sized RIBs, CAPPAI Cruising offers a different flavor of adventure—a convivial sailing experience. This tour has a perfect 5/5 rating from 3 reviews, reflecting its intimate, friendly atmosphere. The focus here is on sharing a relaxed, social day on the water, with a crew that encourages communication and sharing of emotions among passengers.
The all-inclusive package promises a dreamy day exploring the Scandola Nature Reserve, with the added bonus of smaller boats that make it easier to get close to caves and natural pools. The boats are specifically chosen for their size and maneuverability, making the experience more personal and engaging. Instead of a large crowd, you’ll enjoy the company of a small group, ideal for travelers who appreciate a laid-back vibe or want to meet fellow adventurers.
This tour is best suited for those who want a less structured, more social day at sea, with all logistics taken care of. Its shorter duration (around 8 hours) makes it manageable for travelers with limited time or those wanting a casual, memorable sail. The value comes in the inclusive nature and the chance to connect with both the crew and fellow travelers.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a peaceful, friendly sailing adventure with a small group and a focus on shared experience, this tour fits perfectly.
3. From Porticcio: Guided Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour
This 7-hour group tour departs from Porticcio and offers a slightly shorter but still comprehensive exploration of Scandola for about the same price as the full-day options. It’s a great choice for travelers staying in nearby Porticcio who want a hassle-free way to see Corsica’s famed coastal sights.
The tour includes a speed boat trip that visits the Gargalo Island and the Cathedral Rift, with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing in clear waters. As with the other tours, the highlight is the chance to visit Girolata, accessible only by boat, which adds an element of exclusivity. The guide provides informative narration, helping you understand the geology, wildlife, and history of the reserve.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, this tour is praised for its well-organized itinerary and friendly guides. Its shorter duration makes it perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The inclusion of cold meats and rosé wine adds a nice touch of local flavor, making the experience more enjoyable.
Bottom line: This tour offers a convenient way to experience Scandola from Porticcio with an emphasis on comfort and socializing, ideal for travelers based nearby.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
Deciding among these options depends on your budget, schedule, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a full day of adventure, in-depth exploration, and expert guidance, the Ajaccio: Guided Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, social sailing experience, the sailing trip with CAPPAI Cruising offers intimacy and a laid-back vibe. Those staying closer to Porticcio should consider the shorter guided tour from Porticcio, which packs the essentials into a manageable timeframe.
Think about your physical comfort—if you want to swim in natural pools and explore caves, check that your chosen tour offers plenty of stops. Budget-conscious travelers should consider the shorter options, while those seeking maximum immersion may prefer the full-day guided trip.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months, to secure your spot on these popular tours. Whether you’re after a detailed guided experience, a convivial sailing day, or a convenient trip from Porticcio, these excursions showcase the natural beauty that makes Ajaccio and Corsica special.
From the full-day guided adventure to intimate sailing trips and shorter local excursions, Ajaccio’s boat tours open up Corsica’s spectacular coastlines to travelers of all types. For active explorers, the guided boat trip provides comprehensive insights and access. For those seeking relaxation and social connection, the sailing tour with CAPPAI offers a gentle, friendly outing. And for visitors based near Porticcio, the shorter tour makes sure you don’t miss out.
Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you’ll enjoy these scenic adventures without disappointment. With so many options, you’ll find a perfect way to see the Scandola Nature Reserve and its stunning surroundings—one of Corsica’s most iconic sights.
