Porto Vecchio is a fantastic base for exploring Corsica’s stunning coastlines, rugged landscapes, and charming villages. Its natural beauty and strategic location make it a haven for boat trips, snorkeling, and land-based adventures. We particularly love the half-day boat trips that combine relaxation with spectacular scenery—like the relaxing afternoon on the Lavezzi and Cavallo islands, which offers a perfect way to unwind while discovering unspoiled islands. The sunset cruise with apéritif (see below) is another favorite for a romantic evening. Whether you prefer a catamaran, a 4×4 tour, or a scuba dive experience, Porto Vecchio offers a variety of ways to see Corsica’s natural wonders.
This list features a mix of half-day, full-day, and specialty tours, including boat excursions to the Lavezzi Islands, snorkeling adventures, scenic land tours of the Alta Rocca region, and even adrenaline-pumping jet-surfing. Each offers something unique—whether it’s the intimate feel of a small boat, the thrill of exploring underwater wildlife, or the cultural charm of Corsican villages. Now, let’s dive into the details of the best tours to help you plan your perfect trip.
1. Half-day: relaxing afternoon on the Lavezzi and Cavallo islands
A half-day boat trip aboard the quadrimaran Carrataghju takes you to some of Corsica’s most beautiful spots: the Lavezzi islands and Cavallo. This tour is ideal if you want a relaxed, scenic escape without dedicating an entire day. With a maximum of 12 people, the small group ensures a personal experience. Highlights include snorkeling, swimming, and multiple photo stops, all while enjoying drinks and snacks onboard. The itinerary includes three stops, each with free time to explore, take photos, and cool off in the water. The boat departs from Santa Giulia, with easy parking nearby, making logistics simple.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate size and flexible schedule, perfect for travelers who want a laid-back yet immersive taste of Corsica’s coast. The included snacks and drinks add value, and the focus on small groups ensures personalized attention. If you’re short on time but crave a genuine marine experience, this is a top choice. Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, small-group adventure with snorkeling and photo opportunities in a stunning setting.
2. Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands
For around $211 per person, the 9-hour catamaran cruise offers a full day of discovery with several stops to explore Corsica’s southern coast. Limited to 12 people, this semi-private cruise combines comfort with an intimate vibe. The itinerary includes multiple swimming and snorkeling sessions, onboard activities like paddles and snorkeling gear, plus a generous onboard lunch. The boat glides smoothly over the water, providing breathtaking views of the coast and islands.
What makes this trip special is the combination of comfort, variety, and scenic beauty. The multiple stops and onboard activities ensure a dynamic day, great for active travelers or families who love water sports. The crew’s hospitality and the scenic onboard meals boost the overall value. With excellent reviews, many travelers appreciate the intimate setting and engaging itinerary. Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a relaxed full-day cruise with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and scenic highlights.
3. Half-day: discover the Lavezzi islands and the cliffs of Bonifacio
This half-day trip from Santa Giulia combines the best of both worlds: the enchanting Lavezzi islands and the dramatic cliffs of Bonifacio. Starting with a 30-minute speedboat ride, you get to explore the islands’ coves and enjoy snorkeling and swimming. After a break, the boat heads to Bonifacio for a photo stop and a walk through the town’s scenic streets, offering views of its famous cliffs. The trip continues with a visit to Piantarella Beach, where you can relax, snorkel, or enjoy local snacks onboard.
This tour is particularly suited for travelers who want a multi-faceted experience—marine, scenic, and cultural—without committing to a full day. The inclusion of snorkeling and local snacks enhances the appeal. The small group limit maximizes comfort, and the itinerary’s variety provides a well-rounded taste of Corsica’s coast. Bottom line: Great for those who want a compact, diverse tour with scenic views and snorkeling.
4. Porto-Vecchio : Sunset Cruise & Apéritif
A two-hour sunset cruise offers a chance to unwind with a glass of wine or local apéritif while watching the sun dip behind the mountains of Alta Rocca. Starting from Saint-Cyprien, the cruise is gentle, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the tranquil sea views. You can also take a quick dip in the bay of Saint Cyprien or snorkel among the sea life. The boat anchors in a quiet cove, creating a peaceful setting to sip wine and enjoy the changing colors of the sky.
This experience is ideal for romantic evenings or quiet nights out on the water. The onboard amenities include a toilet and shower, ensuring comfort. Though it’s a shorter trip, the relaxing atmosphere and scenic sunset make it a memorable way to end a day. Bottom line: Best suited for couples and those seeking a calm, scenic, and intimate experience.
5. Santa-Giulia: Half-day trip to the Lavezzi Islands
For just $99 per person, this half-day trip from Santa Giulia is a fantastic way to see Corsica’s protected marine reserve. It’s a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people, emphasizing comfort and tranquility. The trip includes snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in a secluded cove, with drinks and Corsican cakes served onboard. The journey offers incredible views between islands, lagoons, and rocky outcroppings, making it perfect for nature lovers.
This tour scores highly for its unspoiled sites and the chance to experience Corsica’s natural beauty away from tourist crowds. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want an active yet relaxing marine adventure. The inclusion of free snorkeling in a protected area is a bonus for underwater enthusiasts. Bottom line: A great value half-day for active travelers wanting peaceful scenery and marine life.
6. Porto-Vecchio: beginner diving in the Cerbicale Islands in the reserve
This introductory diving experience costs about $1,615 for up to four people and lasts around three hours. It’s suitable for ages 8 and older, perfect for families or couples new to scuba. The tour offers a personalized guide, allowing safe, gentle exploration of the rich underwater biodiversity near the Cerbicale Islands. The safety briefing prepares you for a calm descent, and the dive emphasizes observing wildlife close to shore.
What makes this tour stand out is the tailored guidance and its suitability for beginners. Many reviewers highlight how easy and enjoyable the experience was, even for first-timers. The underwater scenery is described as breathtaking, and the safety focus reassures many travelers. Bottom line: Ideal for families or first-time divers wanting a safe, memorable underwater adventure.
7. Cruising on a sailing maxi-catamaran
Spend a full nine hours onboard the Ciao as it sails along Corsica’s coast, visiting the Lavezzi Islands and Cavallo. This all-inclusive experience features regional food, drinks, and onboard activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing. The itinerary balances leisurely sailing with plenty of stopovers, including photo opportunities and free time to swim or snorkel.
This tour is perfect for travelers who love sailing and active downtime. The large boat with onboard amenities makes for a comfortable, luxurious day on the water. With excellent reviews, travelers appreciate the variety of activities and the chance to truly unwind amidst stunning scenery. Bottom line: A top choice for those who want a longer, all-inclusive sailing adventure with plenty of options for fun.
8. Porto-Vecchio : Cuscinu Plateau & Alta Rocca 4×4 Tour
This 8-hour 4×4 tour is a must for those seeking an active, off-road exploration of Corsica’s landscapes. Starting from Porto-Vecchio, your guide takes you through scenic mountain roads, charming villages, and mountain viewpoints. You’ll learn about the flora and fauna, with stops for photos and wildlife sightings. The tour includes a traditional mountain lunch, giving you a taste of local cuisine, and plenty of opportunities to swim in natural river pools.
What makes this tour special is its combination of adventure, culture, and nature. The small-group size and personal guide help you get a genuine sense of Corsica’s interior. Many travelers praise the beautiful vistas and authentic experience. For those with a sense of adventure and curiosity about Corsica’s heartland, this tour delivers. Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers wanting a comprehensive land tour with scenic views and local flavor.
9. Santa-Giulia: Half-day trip, Lavezzi Islands and Bonifacio cliffs
This 4-hour tour offers a quick but memorable exploration of Corsica’s coast, focusing on the Lavezzi Islands and the stunning cliffs of Bonifacio. Starting from Santa Giulia, it includes snorkeling, swimming, and visiting caves and caves along the cliffs. The boat ride provides spectacular views of the rugged coastline, and the tour emphasizes sea, nature, and adventure.
Ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see iconic sites, this tour offers a mix of natural beauty and light exploration. It’s well-suited for those who want an active morning with the chance to snorkel and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Reviewers find the boat comfortable and the itinerary engaging. Bottom line: A good choice for a quick, scenic, and active adventure.
10. Porto-Vecchio: Jet Surf Course – Unique on the island
For adrenaline junkies, this jet surf course is a standout. You’ll learn to ride a motorized surfboard, reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h. Supervised by an instructor, sessions are accessible from age 10 onward, making it suitable for teens and adults alike. It’s a 30-minute to 1-hour experience that combines thrill and skill, with safety gear provided.
What makes this activity unique in Corsica is the use of motorized surfboards—a rare, exciting activity not commonly found elsewhere. Many reviewers rave about the fun and the instructor’s professionalism. It’s perfect for high-energy travelers looking for an unusual water sport. Bottom line: Best suited for thrill-seekers and those wanting a one-of-a-kind experience on the water.
11. Porto Vecchio : Relaxing Boat Day Trip with Onboard Lunch
This 9-hour boat trip is designed for those who want a leisurely day exploring the Cerbicales reserve and Lavezzi Islands. It features swimming, snorkeling, and a shared onboard lunch with Corsican aperitif, all in an intimate setting. Paddleboarding and Seabob rides add an active component for adventurous spirits. You’ll also visit Cavallo, the so-called “billionaires’ island.”
This experience scores high for its personalized atmosphere and all-inclusive nature. The boat’s small size and relaxed pace make it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy natural beauty without feeling rushed. The inclusion of paddle and Seabob gear offers extra fun in the water. Bottom line: Perfect for relaxed, active, and affluent travelers wanting a day of luxury, nature, and good food.
12. Jet ski ride : Initiation
This jet ski ride is a quick, fun introduction to riding a jet ski, supervised by a passionate team led by Jean-Baptiste Botti, an eight-time Jet Ski world champion. The session lasts 30 minutes, suitable for up to two people, and is accessible without a license. It’s an energetic, exciting way to experience Corsica’s coastline.
What makes this activity stand out is its expert-led approach and the chance to speed up to 65 km/h. Many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the thrill and the guidance. Perfect for those who want a quick adrenaline boost and don’t mind a beginner-level experience. Bottom line: Ideal for thrill-seekers and water sports enthusiasts wanting a fast-paced introduction.
13. Porto-Vecchio: Half-day private dive to the Cerbicale Islands
Offering a tailor-made dive experience, this private tour emphasizes safety and discovering untouched sites. Suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, it focuses on rich, wild dive sites with minimal tourist traffic. The tour lasts about 4 hours, with a personal guide ensuring safety and satisfaction.
The private nature of this experience allows for flexibility and personalized attention. Many divers appreciate the undisturbed, pristine underwater environment and the chance to explore at their own pace. It’s perfect for those seeking a customized dive that prioritizes safety and underwater beauty. Bottom line: Best for divers seeking a private, flexible, and pristine underwater adventure.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Deciding between these options depends on your interests, budget, and the kind of experience you seek. For a relaxing marine escape, the half-day Lavezzi and Cavallo trip offers easy access and snorkeling. If a full-day adventure appeals, the catamaran cruise provides onboard activities and a relaxed vibe. For those interested in land exploration, the 4×4 tour gives insight into Corsica’s interior. Budget considerations, fitness levels, and how much time you want to spend on the water will guide your choice.
Start booking early, especially for popular options like the full-day catamaran or private dives, which tend to fill quickly in high season. Consider weather, as some tours are weather-dependent, and always check cancellation policies.
Final Thoughts
Porto Vecchio offers a remarkable variety of tours that showcase Corsica’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling in protected waters, sailing with onboard gourmet meals, or off-road exploring mountain villages, there’s something for every traveler. For a relaxed day, the small-group boat trips or sunset cruise will give you a taste of Corsica’s charm.
For those seeking more action, the Jet Surf course or private dive experiences offer a chance to get your adrenaline pumping. Land lovers might find the 4×4 tour or scenic boat rides better suited to their interests. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences.
