Calvi, on the northwest coast of Corsica, is a wonderfully engaging spot for travelers seeking a mix of water adventures, scenic excursions, and cultural experiences. What makes Calvi stand out is its stunning natural environment—calm waters, rugged cliffs, and vibrant marine life—perfect for activities like snorkeling, diving, and boat trips. One of our favorite options is the Calvi: Introduction to Diving Dive with an Instructor, which offers a safe, beginner-friendly way to explore the underwater world without prior certification. It’s perfect for families or first-timers who want a taste of the ocean without the commitment of certification.
If you prefer staying above water, the snorkeling boat tour to Pointe de la Revellata is a fantastic choice for a quick, family-friendly adventure, with chances to spot marine life in a rocky, scenic setting. Meanwhile, the Scandola tours, including Scandola, Piana & Girolata and Scandola and the Calanques of Piana, take you on boat trips into protected marine reserves, offering unforgettable views, caves, and rocky islets. For those interested in land-based exploration, the Calvi: Asco Valley 4×4 Day Tour reveals Corsica’s rugged interior, with swimming and scenic beauty. And for a taste of Corsica’s wines, multiple tastings—like the Wine tastings around Calvi & Île-Rousse—let you meet local producers and learn about regional vintages.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of each of the 15 top tours in Calvi, covering water adventures, land excursions, cultural activities, and more. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or aiming for an indulgent day, there’s a tour here to fit your interests.
1. Calvi: Introduction to Diving Dive with an Instructor
At number 1, this introductory diving experience is a standout for its accessibility and safety. For just $105 per person, you get 2.5 hours riding a speedboat into the Gulf of Calvi and exploring the underwater world with a qualified instructor. You don’t need any prior dive certification to participate, making it ideal for families or first-timers. During the dive, you’ll learn how to use the equipment, float, and breathe underwater—all in calm, clear waters teeming with marine life. The reviews are excellent, with a 4.8/5 rating from 111 participants, emphasizing both the professionalism of guides and the fun of the experience. Kids aged 8 and above are welcome, making it a great family activity.
Bottom line: For a safe and memorable way to start exploring Corsica’s underwater treasures, this tour offers excellent value and a gentle introduction to diving.
2. Calvi: Pointe de la Revellata Snorkeling Boat Tour
Second on our list is a family-friendly snorkeling trip that takes you out by boat to the rocky and scenic Pointe de la Revellata. For only $41, you spend 2.5 hours swimming in the calm waters of the Gulf of Calvi, with the chance to spot various marine species in their natural habitat. This trip is perfect if you want an easy, relaxed way to enjoy the sea without the need for certification or heavy gear. The rocky scenery is striking, and the boat ride itself is fun. Rated 4.2/5 from 356 reviews, it’s a popular choice for families wanting a quick and scenic escape.
Bottom line: This snorkeling tour offers a fun, uncomplicated way to connect with Corsica’s marine life and enjoy the stunning coastline.
3. Scandola, Piana & Girolata
For a full day of spectacular scenery, the Scandola, Piana & Girolata boat tour is a top pick. Covering around 6 hours, this trip takes you into the protected Scandola Nature Reserve, known for its caves, cliffs, and islets. The boat navigates through treacherous-looking but safe waters, revealing dramatic rock formations and remote villages. With a 4.6/5 rating from 105 reviews, travelers love the diversity of sights, including caves and rocky coastlines. It’s ideal for lovers of nature and photography, with many reviewers calling it a “must-do” experience.
Bottom line: This tour offers a deep dive into Corsica’s rugged coastline, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking impressive scenic views.
4. Calvi: Asco Valley 4×4 Day Tour with Guide
Number 4 is a 9-hour adventure into Corsica’s interior, where your local guide will take you in a 4×4 through the Asco Valley, famed for its blue river and stunning landscapes. The tour includes swimming in crystal-clear waters and offers insights into Corsica’s flora, fauna, and history. The guide, described as passionate, makes the journey informative and relaxed. Price at $123 per person, it’s a great option for active travelers wanting a day off the coast but still immersed in natural beauty.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who enjoy off-road adventures and authentic nature experiences, with plenty of opportunities to cool off in mountain rivers.
5. Catamaran half-day excursion
At number 5, the luxury catamaran Bella Vita promises a stylish escape for 4 hours along the Gulf of Saint-Florent. This trip includes swimming stops at beautiful beaches and a meal box, making it a strong choice for families or friends. The 4.8/5 rating from 47 reviews reflects its popularity for comfort and scenery. The itinerary features scenic viewpoints, photo stops, and onboard regional food, with flexible departure times.
Bottom line: This half-day sailing is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, scenic experience with opportunities for swimming and socializing.
6. Catamaran day excursion
For those wanting a longer sailing adventure, the full 6-hour Catamaran day excursion offers more time to explore the bay of Saint-Florent. Again, the Bella Vita provides a comfortable setting, with multiple swimming stops and regional meals included. With a 4.5/5 rating from 74 reviews, it’s a good choice for families or groups who want a full day at sea.
Bottom line: This extended trip provides a generous taste of Corsica’s beautiful coastlines, ideal if you want more time on the water.
7. Wine tastings around Calvi & Île-Rousse
If your idea of vacation includes relaxing with Corsican wines, this 2.5-hour tour with Emilie, a qualified sommelier, is a top recommendation. For $117 per person, you’ll visit local vineyards, learn about winemaking, and savor tastings of excellent regional wines. The tour ends with a picnic, making it a perfect blend of tasting and relaxing. Rated 4.9/5 from 23 reviews, it’s popular among wine enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
Bottom line: A great way to experience Corsica’s wine culture firsthand, especially if you enjoy meeting local producers.
8. Gulf of Calvi & Sunset Aperitif
As evening approaches, this 2-hour boat trip offers a memorable experience with a sunset aperitif aboard a semi-rigid boat. Cruising the Gulf of Calvi, you’ll enjoy drinks and light snacks as the sun dips behind the cliffs, creating a perfect photo moment. Rated 4.7/5 from 20 reviews, it’s ideal for couples or anyone looking for a romantic, short escape.
Bottom line: An intimate way to unwind and enjoy Calvi’s stunning sunset scenery with a drink in hand.
9. Wine tasting around Île Rousse & Calvi with Transport
This 4-hour tour combines vineyard visits with transportation, making it easy to explore Corsica’s wine regions. Participants enjoy tastings, meet producers, and finish with a homemade picnic. It’s rated 4.8/5 from 11 reviews, appealing for those wanting a relaxed, educational experience with good food and drink.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers who want to combine tasting with scenic drives and cultural insights.
10. Scandola and the Calanques of Piana
This 5-hour boat trip explores the Calanques of Piana, with stunning cliffs and caves, alongside the Scandola Reserve. It’s a shorter alternative to the full-day excursions but still delivers impressive scenery and geological wonders. Rated 4.3/5, it’s suitable for travelers short on time but eager for the highlights.
Bottom line: A compact, scenic cruise showcasing some of Corsica’s most dramatic landscapes.
11. Wine Tasting Saint-Florent & Patrimonio
This 3-hour experience involves visiting local wineries in Saint-Florent and Patrimonio, with tastings and conversations with producers. Rated 4.8/5, it emphasizes Corsica’s wine diversity and cultural richness. Finish with a picnic in a lovely setting for a relaxed, flavorful afternoon.
Bottom line: A compact, flavor-packed experience for wine connoisseurs interested in Corsican viticulture.
12. Calvi: PE12 Certificate Diving Lessons with Instructor
For aspiring scuba divers, this PE12 certificate course at $339 offers a comprehensive introduction with 3 supervised dives. It’s suitable for beginners eager to explore Corsica’s marine life and gain credentials that are valid worldwide. The course focuses on safety, equipment use, and confidence-building.
Bottom line: Best for those who want a structured, professional diving course that develops skills and confidence.
13. Corsica: Calvi Day Trip by Minibus from Bastia
This full-day tour offers a scenic drive from Bastia to Calvi, including visits to La Balagne, its charming villages, and panoramic viewpoints. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a rundown of the region in one day, with flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Bottom line: Ideal if you’re based in Bastia and want a well-rounded day discovering Corsica’s heart.
14. The Scandola Nature Reserve
Another fantastic option to explore Corsica’s Scandola Reserve, with a 4-hour boat trip focused on caves, rocky islets, and cliffs. It’s similar to the full-day tours but shorter, so perfect if your schedule is tight but you still want to see this UNESCO-protected site.
Bottom line: Short and scenic, it’s a great way to see Corsica’s rugged coastline.
15. Calvi: PE20 Certificate Diving Lessons with Instructor
Finally, for serious diving enthusiasts, this 5-dive course up to 20 meters dives deep into marine exploration. With a cost of $515, it’s the most comprehensive experience, suitable for those ready to earn an internationally recognized certification. The course includes rigging and de-rigging, offering a full educational experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for dedicated divers looking to expand their skills and explore Corsica’s reefs in depth.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For example, if you’re new to water activities, the Calvi: Introduction to Diving or the snorkeling trip are perfect low-commitment options. If you love wines, the wine tastings or Saint-Florent tastings give a relaxed, cultural experience. For scenic landscapes and wildlife, the boat tours into Scandola or Calanques of Piana are hard to beat.
If you’re looking for a full-day adventure, the Asco Valley 4×4 or the full-day catamaran trips provide extensive exploration. Budget-wise, shorter tours like the sunset boat trip or half-day snorkeling are more affordable, while diving courses and multi-dive experiences are more investment-heavy but rewarding.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular activities like diving courses and boat trips, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Calvi offers a diverse array of tours that cater to adventure seekers, culture lovers, and those simply wanting to relax by the sea. If you’re after a gentle introduction to Corsica’s marine world, the introductory diving or snorkeling trips are excellent. For a deeper immersion into the island’s natural beauty, the boat tours into Scandola or Piana are unbeatable. And for wine enthusiasts, Corsica’s vineyards provide memorable tastings paired with stunning scenery.
Whether you want a quick afternoon activity or an all-day exploration, Calvi’s tours suit a broad range of interests and budgets. Plan ahead, pick your favorites, and enjoy discovering this beautiful part of Corsica—early booking can help you avoid missing out on your dream experience.
