Cargèse: Scandola and Piana Boat Tour with Stop at Girolata

Explore Corsica’s Coastal Wonders with a Small-Group Boat Tour

The Cargèse: Scandola and Piana Boat Tour with Stop at Girolata offers an engaging 6-hour journey along Corsica’s breathtaking coastlines for $74 per person. Departing from Cargèse, this tour takes you through iconic sights such as the Scandola Nature Reserve, the Calanques de Piana, and the charming village of Girolata. Led by a local family team, including a father and son, this experience combines personalized service with expert knowledge, making it especially appealing for travelers seeking an authentic and intimate way to discover Corsica’s natural beauty.

The tour features a comfortable boat designed to navigate narrow passages with ease, offering shaded areas and onboard toilets for comfort. While food and drinks are not included, ample time is allocated for swimming, sightseeing, and exploring at each stop. This tour is suitable for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, wildlife spotting, and discovering lesser-known local spots. Keep in mind that the tour may be affected by weather or seasons, so flexibility in your plans is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 6-hour boat trip from Cargèse, priced at $74 per person
• Led by a local father and son team, providing personalized insights
• Comfortable, small boat capable of navigating narrow passages and caves
• Stops include the Scandola Nature Reserve, Calanques de Piana, and Girolata village
• Includes swimming opportunities in the Mediterranean and wildlife viewing
• Tour departs from Croisieres Grand Bleu at the port of Cargèse

Starting Point at Croisieres Grand Bleu in Cargèse

This tour begins at Croisieres Grand Bleu, located at the port of Cargèse, under the cemetery, directly in front of the ticket office. The embarkation process is straightforward, with free parking available on the port. The meeting point offers easy access for travelers arriving by car or other transport modes.

The departure schedule varies based on the season and availability, so checking in advance helps ensure a smooth start. The 6-hour duration allows enough time to explore multiple sites without feeling rushed, making it a balanced option for a full day at sea. The tour also emphasizes flexibility, with the possibility of postponement or cancellation in case of bad weather or low passenger numbers, with full refunds available if needed.

Navigating Corsica’s Famous Coastline in a Small, Agile Boat

The boat used for this tour seats 49 passengers maximum, but the small size ensures a more intimate experience. The vessel features shade and toilets onboard, providing comfort during the cruise. Its design makes it especially adept at slipping into narrow passages, fault lines, and caves, giving an up-close perspective of Corsica’s volcanic rocks and rugged coastline.

The captain and skipper are professionals who guide you through the tour, offering commentary on the area’s geology, wildlife, and history. The boat’s size and maneuverability allow for close-up views of natural formations like the Arch of Capo Rosso and the volcanic remains of the Gulf of Porto. This approach allows passengers to appreciate the intricate shapes of the rocks and local fauna, including fish-eagles, wild goats, and grouper, seen around faults or nesting sites.

Visiting the Genoese Tower at Pointe d’Omigna

The tour kicks off with a photo stop at Pointe d’Omigna, where a Genoese Tower made of granite with feldspar crystals dominates the landscape. This historic structure offers a chance to learn about Corsica’s defensive architecture and admire the rocky surroundings. The guide shares insights into the tower’s history while offering scenic views across the bay.

This stop also includes a guided tour that highlights the area’s natural features, setting the tone for the scenic journey ahead. The boat then heads towards Arone Beach, another notable stop, where visitors can take photos of the clear waters and rugged coastline that characterize this part of Corsica.

More Great Tours Nearby

Cruising Through the Arch of Capo Rosso and Visiting Caves

One of the highlight moments of the tour involves passing through the Arch of Capo Rosso, a striking natural rock formation with a dramatic red hue. The boat navigates under this arch, providing a fantastical view and excellent photo opportunities.

Following this, the boat visits the caves of Capo Rosso, where the vessel’s small size and skilled navigation allow for close-up exploration. Passengers can observe the various shapes and formations of the caves, listening to the guides explain their geological origins. This part of the cruise showcases the colorful volcanic rocks and odd rock shapes that make this coastline visually stunning.

Discovering the UNESCO-Listed Scandola Nature Reserve

The Scandola Nature Reserve is the jewel of this tour, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat enters this protected area known for volcanic rock formations and marine biodiversity. You get an up-close view of the remains of ancient volcanoes that collapsed centuries ago, leaving behind fault lines and narrow passages.

The guides point out local fauna such as fish-eagles nesting on rocky outcrops and wild goats roaming the cliffs. The scenic views include striking red and black volcanic rocks, making it a highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike. The tour emphasizes wildlife spotting and offers plenty of opportunities to admire the rugged landscape from the water.

Lunch and Swimming Break in Girolata

Around noon, the boat anchors for a two-hour stop in Girolata, a small village accessible mostly by boat or foot. Here, visitors can wander shaded terraces of local restaurants and cafes, or relax on the village beach. The stop includes free time for lunch or swimming, with approximately 30 minutes allocated for water activities.

The village’s charm is somewhat limited by the reviews noting little to see and some litter, but the swimming in clear Mediterranean waters and the opportunity to observe local fauna compensate for this. This break offers a relaxed pace amid scenic surroundings, allowing visitors to refresh before continuing the cruise.

Passing Capo Cenino, Osani, and the Calanques de Piana

After departing Girolata, the boat passes Capo Cenino and the nearby village of Osani, where a photo stop and guided tour are included. The tour then continues to the Calanques de Piana, renowned for their spectacular red cliffs and wildlife.

This section combines scenic views with swimming opportunities in the calm waters of the calanques. The rock formations here are especially notable for their color and shape, making it a favorite for photography. The guides share commentary on the geological history, emphasizing how these cliffs are remnants of volcanic activity.

Return to Cargèse and Final Views

As the tour winds down, the boat heads back toward Cargèse, passing the Gulf of Porto for a final look at the volcanic landscape. The trip concludes at Croisieres Grand Bleu, having covered significant highlights of Corsica’s coastline.

Throughout the journey, the small boat’s agility allows for intimate encounters with the environment, including viewing rocks, caves, and wildlife up close. The entire experience combines scenic beauty, geological interest, and wildlife spotting into a well-rounded adventure that suits travelers eager to see Corsica from the water.

Final Thoughts on the Cargèse: Scandola and Piana Boat Tour

This 6-hour tour at $74 provides a comprehensive look at some of Corsica’s most famous natural sites. The personalized touch from the local family guides enhances the experience, making it more than just a boat ride. The scenic stops, wildlife sightings, and swimming opportunities make it a lively and engaging trip, especially for those interested in natural landscapes and marine life.

While the Girolata village might not shine as a prominent attraction, the beauty of the coast, caves, and reserve more than compensates. The small boat design and expert guides ensure a comfortable, informative, and visually stunning outing, perfect for visitors who appreciate scenic navigation and outdoor exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are shaded terraces and cafes available in Girolata for lunch.

How long is the stop in Girolata?
The stop lasts approximately 30 minutes for swimming and free time, with around 2 hours allocated for the village break.

Is the boat suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and guides assist with boarding and disembarking.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, jacket, and beachwear to stay comfortable during the trip.

Can I expect to see wildlife like dolphins or fish eagles?
Yes, the guides highlight local fauna, including fish-eagles nesting on rocks and occasional dolphin sightings.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be postponed or canceled due to bad weather or insufficient passengers, with full refunds offered if that occurs.

How many people fit on the boat?
The boat can carry up to 49 passengers, but the experience remains intimate and personal.

What makes this tour stand out?
The local family guides, small boat for narrow passages, and comprehensive stops make it a standout choice for exploring Corsica’s coast.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price includes the boat trip, guide, captain, toilets, shaded areas, and onboard bar. Food and drinks are extra.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it suits families and travelers seeking a scenic, wildlife-rich boat trip, with amenities to ensure comfort for all ages.

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