L’Île-Rousse, Corsica Catamaran Excursion: A Day in the Agriates Desert

Key Points

• Six and a half hours of sailing and sightseeing starting at L’Île-Rousse marina
• Visit the Agriates Desert Marine Park, featuring white sand beaches and turquoise waters
• Includes two stops at Ghignu and L’acciolu beaches for swimming and snorkeling
• Onboard meals and drinks feature local products with a choice of two dishes, aperitif, and wine or soft drinks
• Small group size (max 18 passengers) for an intimate experience
• Guided commentary in French and English enhances the scenic journey

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Discover the Catamaran Excursion in Corsica’s Agriates Marine Park

This 6.5-hour catamaran trip departs daily from L’Île-Rousse marina at 8:30 a.m. and returns around 3 p.m., depending on sailing conditions. Operated by CORSICA NAVIGATION, the tour promises a relaxing yet scenic voyage through the spectacular Agriates Desert Marine Park with white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. The tour is ideal for those seeking a combination of sightseeing, beach visits, and leisure on Corsica’s coast, with a maximum of 18 passengers on a boat that seats about 30.

The family-owned company emphasizes local products for meals and drinks, offering two dish options alongside wine, soft drinks, and coffee. It’s a well-balanced day with time to relax, swim, snorkel, and paddle in some of Corsica’s most secluded beaches. While weather may lead to slight adjustments in the itinerary, the focus remains on delivering a smooth, enjoyable experience.

How to Meet for the Departure

The tour starts at the Port de plaisance de L’Île-Rousse at coordinates 42.640556, 8.935603, where travelers find free parking, though spots are limited. Alternatively, paid parking lots near the port, such as the Marin parking lot and SNCF train station parking, are about a 10-minute walk away. Guests are advised to arrive early to ensure smooth boarding, especially during busy periods.

The meeting point is directly at the foot of the catamaran, which makes it straightforward to locate. Since the tour is ticketed, securing a reservation in advance is recommended, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior.

What’s Included in the Tour

The itinerary includes two main stops for beach visits, snorkelling, and swimming at Ghignu and L’acciolu beaches. These beaches are chosen for their exceptional beauty and seclusion, offering a peaceful environment away from crowds. Guests receive shared paddles, snorkel masks, and fins for the water activities, making it easy to explore the marine life.

The guided tour also features scenic sailing, with opportunities to enjoy sunny or shaded relaxation areas onboard. The morning aperitif and lunch with local dishes are highlights, providing a taste of Corsican cuisine amid stunning surroundings.

The Itinerary: Beaches, Marine Life, and Scenic Cruising

The tour’s itinerary is carefully designed to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and active water fun:

• The journey begins at the L’Île-Rousse port, with a scenic sail to the Agriates Desert.
• A guided two-hour tour explores the Agriates Marine Park, with scenic views and marine life viewing.
• A 75-minute stop allows for snorkeling, swimming, and paddling at the Ghignu or L’acciolu beaches.
• Onboard, guests enjoy a lunch of two options of local dishes, accompanied by wine or soft drinks.
• The return trip involves more sightseeing along the coast, including marine life viewing and scenic sailing back to L’Île-Rousse.

This well-paced schedule ensures it’s not just a boat ride, but a comprehensive experience that showcases Corsica’s coast and marine environment.

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What Makes the Beaches of Ghignu and L’acciolu Special

The beaches of Ghignu and L’acciolu are some of the most beautiful and secluded in the Agriates region. They are selected for their pristine white sands and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The small group size preserves the intimate atmosphere, making water activities both enjoyable and safe.

Snorkel masks and fins are provided so guests can explore marine life in these calm, protected waters. The beaches’ remote location offers a peaceful retreat, far from the more touristy spots, which is highly praised by past participants.

The Onboard Meal and Refreshments

The lunch onboard features two dish options, made with local ingredients, served with a glass of wine or soft drink. Coffee is offered at the end of the meal, rounding out the dining experience.

Guests also receive an aperitif at the start of the tour, fostering a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The focus on local products and beverages adds a genuine flavor of Corsica, enhancing the overall value of the trip.

The Scenic Sailing and Marine Viewing Opportunities

Throughout the tour, the sailing itself is a highlight, offering scenic views of Corsica’s rugged coastlines and hidden coves. Marine life viewing is an ongoing feature, with opportunities to spot dolphins and other marine creatures, especially during the return cruise.

Passengers can relax in shade or sun, with shared paddles and snorkel masks in hand to explore the underwater world near the beaches. The small group ensures everyone can enjoy these moments comfortably and without crowding.

The Crew and Guides

The crew of CORSICA NAVIGATION is known for being attentive and friendly, creating a welcoming environment for all guests. The live tour guides communicate in French and English, providing informative commentary about the marine park, beaches, and local culture. Their knowledge and warmth are often praised in reviews, making the trip not just about scenery but also about learning and connection.

The guides facilitate water activities and ensure safety, especially during snorkeling and paddling. Their attention to detail helps keep the experience smooth and enjoyable, regardless of weather changes.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

The tour is suitable for people in good physical condition who can handle getting on and off the boat via a small ladder for swimming stops. It’s not suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, back problems, or recent surgeries.

Guests are advised to bring motion sickness prevention if prone to seasickness and wear sun protection like sunglasses, hats, and biodegradable sunscreen. The tour emphasizes safety and comfort, but some physical activity is involved.

Pricing and Booking Flexibility

Guests can reserve in advance with the option to pay later, offering flexibility for travel planning. Full refunds are available if cancellation occurs up to 24 hours prior to departure, making it a low-risk choice for spontaneous plans or uncertain weather.

Final Thoughts on the Corsica Catamaran Tour in the Agriates Desert

This 6.5-hour trip from L’Île-Rousse offers a well-rounded experience combining scenic sailing, beach visits, and local cuisine. The small group size and knowledgeable crew create an intimate and informative atmosphere, appreciated in many positive reviews.

Highlights include visiting two stunning beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying an onboard meal with local flavors. The scenic views and marine life sightings add to the appeal.

While weather can influence the exact itinerary, the focus remains on providing a relaxing, scenic day on Corsica’s coast. This tour suits adults and older children who are comfortable with active water activities and looking to enjoy a peaceful, scenic day at sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old, and it requires participants to be in good physical condition to handle getting on and off the boat and swimming.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, towel, beachwear, cash, reusable water bottle, biodegradable sunscreen, personal medication, and motion sickness prevention.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refund is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Are meals included?
Yes, the onboard lunch consists of two local dishes, served with wine or soft drinks and coffee.

How large is the group?
The tour operates with a maximum of 18 passengers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
It is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or those who cannot manage getting on/off the boat via a ladder.

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