Ile Rousse: desert of the agriates : Saleccia – Ghignu

Discover the stunning beaches of Saleccia and Ghignu, located on the edge of the Désert des Agriates in Corsica. This 3-hour boat tour from Ile Rousse offers an up-close look at two of the island’s most beautiful and untouched shores, accessible only by boat. For $88 per person, you enjoy a scenic cruise led by a friendly skipper, with snorkeling gear, music, and a swimming break included, making it a great option for those seeking a relaxed, nature-filled adventure.

While the duration is set to three hours, some reviews note that the actual time on the beaches can be slightly shorter, so plan accordingly. This tour suits travelers eager to see unspoiled landscapes and enjoy some leisure time in a quiet, pristine environment. Be prepared for the trip to be mostly about the natural scenery and beach relaxation, rather than extensive stops or guided commentary.

Key Points

• Price is $88 per person for a 3-hour boat trip.
• The main highlights are Saleccia and Ghignu beaches, both only reachable by boat.
• Snorkeling masks and snorkels are included, offering a chance to see local marine life.
• The tour departs from Ile Rousse, with a green boat as the meeting point.
• Guides speak French and English, providing friendly oversight and explanations.
• Reviews praise the beautiful beaches and scenic views, though some mention the short duration and cost concerns.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Corsica’s Best Beaches: Saleccia and Ghignu

This tour takes you to two of Corsica’s most spectacular beaches, Saleccia and Ghignu, both bordered by the Désert des Agriates. Saleccia stretches over 1 km of white sand, with dunes, desert rocks, and turquoise waters that reflect the vivid colors of Corsica’s coast. The mountains of Cap Corse frame the scenery, creating a picture-perfect setting. Expect to see cows wandering and taking a break on the dunes—a reminder of the untouched, rural atmosphere.

Ghignu beach is slightly more protected and wilder than Saleccia, with gentle waters that are among the clearest in Corsica. Surrounded by low hills covered with fragrant maquissur, this beach offers fantastic views of the Cap Corse mountains. The wilder setting means there’s a higher chance of seeing wild cows roaming freely around the area.

The Boat Trip: Scenic Cruising and Relaxation

The boat cruise begins from Ile Rousse, where you look for a green boat as the meeting point. The cruise itself is approximately 30 minutes each way, giving ample time to enjoy the sea breeze and stunning coastline. The skipper and crew guide you along the coast, providing commentary in French and English.

Onboard, you can enjoy music and make use of the masks and snorkels provided to explore the waters. The swimming break at each beach offers a chance to dip into the translucent waters, ideal for relaxing or trying out your snorkeling skills. Some reviews mention that the total time spent swimming at each stop is around 45 minutes, which is enough for a quick dip but could feel limited for those looking for extended snorkeling.

Visiting Saleccia: What to Expect

Saleccia beach is the main stop on this tour, known for its expansive white sands and colorful dunes. The fascinating mix of shapes and hues makes it a favorite among visitors. You can stroll along the shore, take photos of the dunes, or relax on the soft sand while enjoying the scenic mountain backdrop.

Some reviews note that the trip to Saleccia is quick, and you may only have a short swim before heading back to the boat. This quick visit means it’s ideal for those who wish to see the beach without necessarily spending hours on the sand.

Exploring Ghignu’s Wild Charm

After leaving Saleccia, the boat heads to Ghignu beach, which offers a more rugged, natural environment. The waters here are some of the cleanest in Corsica, and the surrounding hills add to the scenic beauty. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and relaxing amidst secluded surroundings.

The wilder atmosphere is complemented by the presence of wild cows that roam the area. This gives Ghignu a less developed, more untouched feel compared to some other beaches, making it especially appealing for nature lovers.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Onboard Comfort

The departure point is clearly marked by a green boat at Ile Rousse. The boat itself is noted for having comfortable seats, which enhances the overall experience. The skipper and crew are described as friendly and professional, creating a pleasant atmosphere for the cruise.

The trip includes snorkeling masks and snorkels, but food and drinks are not provided, so consider bringing your own snacks or water. The duration of three hours includes the boat ride, beach time, and swimming, although some reviews suggest that the actual time on the beaches may be slightly shorter.

Pacing and Tour Experience

While the advertised duration is three hours, some reviews mention that the time spent at each beach can be around 45 minutes to an hour, which might feel rushed for those wanting more extended beach time or snorkeling. The guides are appreciated for their friendly attitude, though some reviewers wish there was more explanation of what is seen during the cruise.

The water and scenery are the main attractions on this trip, so it is suited for those who prefer beach relaxation and scenic cruising over detailed commentary or a lengthy stay at each stop.

Pricing and Value Considerations

At $88 per person, some visitors feel the trip is a bit pricey for the short duration and limited swimming time. However, the inclusion of snorkeling gear, music, and the scenic boat ride adds to the overall appeal. It’s recommended for those who value beautiful views and unspoiled beaches but should be aware that the beach stops are relatively brief.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The tour does not permit baby strollers or pets, so plan accordingly if traveling with young children or animals. The activity is conducted in French and English, making it accessible for many international visitors.

Final Tips for the Trip

To maximize your experience, arrive early for the meeting point, wear comfortable clothing and footwear for walking on the beach, and bring sun protection such as sunscreen and hats. Since food and drinks are not included, pack some snacks and hydration for the trip.

Exploring Similar Corsica Boat Tours and Excursions

If you enjoy this experience, consider exploring other options like catamaran trips to the Agriate Sea or sunset excursions, which also depart from Ile Rousse. These alternatives often feature gourmet dining or sunset views, offering different ways to enjoy Corsica’s coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat trip from Ile Rousse to Saleccia and Ghignu?
The boat ride takes about 30 minutes each way, totaling roughly 1 hour of cruising.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, masks and snorkels are included in the tour.

What is the typical duration spent at each beach?
Most stops allow around 45 minutes of beach time for swimming and relaxing.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included; it’s advisable to bring your own snacks and water.

What should I bring on this tour?
Bring sun protection, swimsuit, towel, snorkeling gear if you wish to snorkel, and water.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children’s strollers and pets are not allowed, so it’s best for older children comfortable with boat rides.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the guides speak French and English.

What is the main attraction of this tour?
The scenic boat ride and visits to unspoiled beaches like Saleccia and Ghignu, with their white sands and turquoise waters.

Can I expect a long stay at the beaches?
The beach stops are relatively short, about 45 minutes to an hour, so plan your expectations accordingly.

How does this tour compare to other boat excursions?
It offers beautiful scenery and unique beaches but is on the shorter side compared to longer cruises or themed excursions with meals or extended stops.

This Ile Rousse: Desert of the Agriates – Saleccia and Ghignu boat tour provides a compact, scenic escape to some of Corsica’s most pristine shores, perfect for those looking to combine cruise comfort with beach relaxation in a quiet, natural setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby