Half-day: relaxing afternoon on the Lavezzi and Cavallo islands

The best part of this four-hour boat trip is its small scale. Carrataghju carries no more than 12 people, so you get a more personal ride from Santa Giulia to the Lavezzi Archipelago, Cavallo, and Porto Novo rather than a crowded outing on a large tour boat.

I like the generous swim stops and the easygoing pace. You get masks and swimming noodles, time to float in clear water, and a snack with drinks later in the afternoon. The crew also adds local color, with Stéphane and other captains sharing stories as you cruise.

The main drawback is that the route depends on the sea. Strong weather can make Lavezzi unreachable, as happened on one September departure. Also, the guide language may not always match your booking, so confirm that point if English commentary matters to you.

Key points at a glance

• Only 12 people aboard: The small group makes it easier to hear the captain and find space to relax.
• Three coastal stops: The route includes the Lavezzi Archipelago, Cavallo, and Porto Novo, with swimming and photo time.
• A proper afternoon outing: Four hours gives you more than a quick boat transfer, but does not take up your whole day.
• Snorkeling gear supplied: Masks and swimming noodles are available for the swim stops.
• Personal captain service: Stéphane is the named captain, while David has also led departures.
• Weather can change the plan: Rough conditions may prevent the boat from reaching Lavezzi.

A small boat from Santa Giulia

This trip begins at Santa Giulia Beach, one of the most convenient departure points near Porto-Vecchio. You park in the free lot next to the Moby Dick Hotel’s private parking area, then walk beneath a wooden footbridge to the beach. Once you reach the sand, look to your right for the departure pontoon.

That last detail matters. Santa Giulia is a beach setting, not a formal harbor with a large terminal and obvious signs at every turn. Give yourself enough time to find the parking area, walk to the beach, and locate the pontoon without rushing. The listed meeting coordinates are 41.52451705932617, 9.272309303283691.

Your boat is Carrataghju, a quadrimaran built for a small group. The format suits an afternoon built around scenery and swimming. You are not spending four hours inside a large cabin, but moving between open water, rocky island views, and short periods at anchor.

The captain sets the tone. Stéphane is the main name associated with the experience, and he is described as sharing anecdotes and local information during the ride. David has also captained a departure, and one particularly pleased passenger referred to the captain as a Toulousain. The atmosphere seems friendly and informal, with music included on at least some outings.

The first 30 minutes toward Lavezzi

After leaving Santa Giulia, the quadrimaran spends about 30 minutes reaching the Lavezzi Archipelago. This first stretch lets you settle into the boat and take in the Corsican coast from the water.

The trip is not only transport to a swim stop. The captain talks as you go, so keep your attention up if you want the local stories and route details. The commentary is available in French and English, although one English booking received a tour that was not conducted in English. If you need English throughout, it is sensible to confirm this before departure.

The boat ride itself may be part of the fun for you, but it can also be the least settled part of the afternoon if the sea is choppy. The provider can alter the route for safety. On one September trip, weather conditions prevented the boat from reaching Lavezzi. That is worth remembering when you compare this with a land-based activity: the islands are the main attraction, but nature controls access.

Lavezzi: an hour for swimming and photos

The first main stop is the Lavezzi Archipelago, where you have about an hour for free time, photographs, swimming, and snorkeling. The island area is known for rocky forms and clear water, and the supplied equipment lets you look below the surface without bringing your own mask.

This is the part of the outing that rewards a relaxed attitude. You can take pictures from the boat, get into the water, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the setting. The masks and swimming noodles make the swim easier for a mixed group, especially when not everyone wants to swim far from the boat.

Do not treat the stop as a tightly managed sightseeing visit. The information provided describes free time and a photo stop rather than a formal guided walk with a long list of monuments. You are paying for access to a beautiful stretch of coast, time in the water, and a captain who helps you understand what you are seeing.

The water is a strong point. One passenger specifically noted the clear sea and the fish visible while snorkeling. Still, bring realistic expectations. This is a short recreational snorkel, not a specialist marine excursion, and the supplied equipment is basic swimming gear rather than a full professional setup.

Keep hold of your phone and other loose items. One person lost a phone during the activity, a useful warning for anyone who plans to take photos from a moving boat or while swimming. A waterproof case or secure pouch would be a wise addition, even though it is not supplied as part of the trip.

Cavallo and the second hour on the water

After Lavezzi, the boat cruises for another 30 minutes before the next stop, which is associated with Cavallo in the route description. You receive another hour for photos, a visit, free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

This second stop gives the afternoon some breathing room. You are not asked to leave the water after one quick swim and immediately move on. If your first stop was spent taking pictures, Cavallo offers another chance to swim. If you already had enough time in the water, you can remain on board and enjoy the view.

The exact experience depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. The route uses short boat movements and longer pauses, so the day feels less like a nonstop sightseeing circuit and more like a coastal picnic with scenery attached.

Cavallo is also useful for people in a mixed group. Strong swimmers can make use of the snorkeling time, while anyone who prefers a slower pace can treat the stop as a photo break. The small group helps here because the boat is not trying to move dozens of people in and out at once.

The tradeoff is that you should not expect a detailed island tour on foot. The supplied schedule focuses on a boat visit, swimming, snorkeling, and free time. If your main goal is to explore streets, buildings, or a long walking route, choose a different excursion. This one is about the coast viewed from the water.

Porto Novo and the final swim

From the second stop, the boat runs for about 15 minutes to Porto Novo. You have around 30 minutes here for another break, photographs, a visit, swimming, snorkeling, and local snacks.

This final stop is shorter, but it is well placed. By this point, you have had two longer pauses, so 30 minutes is enough for a last swim or a quick look around without making the afternoon feel drawn out. The snack gives the stop a social touch, and drinks and food are included during the experience.

The timing also makes Porto Novo a good place to slow down before the return. You do not have to spend every moment chasing another photograph. Sit back, take in the coast, and enjoy the snack if you have had enough swimming.

The word snack should set your expectations. This is a light refreshment, not a full meal. If you tend to get hungry after swimming, eat before departure or bring anything you need that is not covered by the included drinks and snacks. The supplied details do not specify the exact menu.

The return along the Corsican coast

After Porto Novo, the boat travels for about 15 minutes before beginning the return journey. The final run back to Santa Giulia is described as cruising speed along the Corsican coast.

That makes the return more than a simple trip back to the beach. You can use it to watch the shoreline, dry off, and let the afternoon settle. The full route adds up to four hours, with roughly 90 minutes of boat travel between stops and two and a half hours divided among the Lavezzi, Cavallo, and Porto Novo visits.

This balance is one of the outing’s strengths. You get a real boat ride, but the day is not dominated by engine time. The longer island pauses give you a chance to decide how active you want to be.

If you are prone to motion sickness, note that the activity includes several speedboat sections. The available information does not state what motion-sickness supplies are provided, so plan your own needs in advance.

Why the 12-person limit matters

A 12-person maximum is not a minor detail. It changes how the afternoon feels.

On a small boat, the captain can speak to the whole group more easily. You can ask a question, hear an anecdote, and get instructions about the swim stop without trying to catch a voice over a large crowd. It also makes the swim breaks less cumbersome.

The small group does not guarantee silence or a private charter. Music may play, and the mood can be lively. Still, this is a better fit for you if you want a sociable outing without the scale of a large excursion boat.

The group size also helps couples, families, and friends who want a shared activity but do not want to organize a private boat. You get a more intimate setting without the full cost and planning demands of a private charter, although no price is provided here, so compare the current fare with other Santa Giulia boat trips before booking.

Who will enjoy this most

I would pick this for you if swimming and coastal scenery matter more than a formal history tour. It works especially well for:

• Couples wanting an easy afternoon on the water
• Families with swimmers who appreciate supplied masks and swimming noodles
• Small groups looking for a social boat trip
• Visitors staying near Santa Giulia or Porto-Vecchio
• Anyone who wants Lavezzi, Cavallo, and Porto Novo in one four-hour outing
• People who prefer several swim chances instead of one long stop

You should think twice if you need a fixed route. Wind and sea conditions can prevent the boat from reaching Lavezzi, and the captain may need to adjust the plan. The September weather issue shows that the advertised island route is not an absolute promise.

You may also want another option if English guiding is essential. The activity is offered in French and English, but one English booking had a mismatch between the selected language and the actual commentary. Confirming this point is worthwhile.

Practical details before you book

The outing lasts four hours, and start times vary, so check the available departure time when you reserve. The free parking next to the Moby Dick Hotel makes the Santa Giulia meeting point fairly practical, but you still need to walk from the lot to the beach and then find the pontoon on the right.

Wear clothing that can handle spray and swimming. Bring sun protection, a secure way to carry your phone, and anything you need for a swim. Masks and swimming noodles are supplied, but the details do not mention towels, waterproof bags, or changing facilities.

The guide service is offered in French and English. Some material may appear in its original language, and the actual spoken language can vary, so ask ahead if you are not comfortable with French.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility, which is useful when your Corsica plans depend on weather.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 62 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the captain, the beautiful island route, the music, and the relaxed snack stop. The lower marks point to the two real concerns: weather can block Lavezzi, and the language may not always match the booking.

Should you book the Lavezzi and Cavallo afternoon cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group boat ride with several chances to swim and a simple snack at the end. The combination of Lavezzi, Cavallo, Porto Novo, snorkeling gear, and a 12-person limit gives you a good mix of scenery and free time.

I would not book it expecting a guaranteed visit to every island or a formal guided tour in English. The route is weather dependent, and the language issue deserves a quick check. For a flexible afternoon near Santa Giulia, though, Carrataghju offers a pleasant way to see Corsica from the water without giving up your entire day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The departure point is at Santa Giulia Beach, from the pontoon on the right after you walk beneath the wooden footbridge from the parking area.

Is parking available near Santa Giulia Beach?

Yes. You can use the free parking lot next to the Moby Dick Hotel’s private parking lot.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts four hours.

How many people can join the boat trip?

Carrataghju carries a maximum of 12 people.

Which islands and coastal areas does the route visit?

The route includes the Lavezzi Archipelago, Cavallo, and Porto Novo, along with sections of the Corsican coast.

Can I swim during the activity?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming time at the Lavezzi Archipelago, Cavallo, and Porto Novo.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and swimming noodles are provided for the swim stops.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Drinks and snacks are included, with local snacks offered during the Porto Novo stop.

Is the tour available in English?

The activity is offered in French and English. However, the spoken language may not always match the language selected at booking, so confirm this if English commentary is important to you.

Can bad weather change the route?

Yes. Weather conditions can prevent the boat from reaching the Lavezzi Islands, and the captain may need to adjust the route.

Who are the guides or captains?

Stéphane is the named captain for the departure information, and David has also captained a departure. The guides speak French and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.