Ajaccio: Scandola - Girolata - Piana

Imagine a day spent gliding along the shimmering waters of Corsica, visiting some of the island’s most breathtaking sights—UNESCO-listed landscapes, secluded beaches, striking granite formations, and natural swimming pools. For about $129 per person, Neptune Cruise offers a 9-hour journey that hits all these highlights, starting from Ajaccio’s port. Guided mostly in French, this tour combines scenic cruising, sightseeing, and plenty of opportunities to cool off with swims in clear waters.

Two things we particularly appreciated? First, the expert guidance that made each stop more meaningful—our guide Lionel, for example, received rave reviews for his clear explanations and friendly manner. Second, the variety of scenes packed into a single day: from the dramatic cliffs of Piana to the tranquil bays of Girolata, each spot feels like a different postcard.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a full-day adventure, which means early mornings and a bit of a pace—so it’s best suited for those comfortable on boats and eager to see a lot without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s perfect if you love natural scenery, swimming, and wildlife sightings like dolphins. If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced trip, you might find the schedule a bit packed.

Who should consider this trip? It’s ideal for travelers looking for an authentic and active day at sea, especially those interested in nature and photography, and who enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable guides. If you’re traveling with family or friends who want a memorable, scenic experience, this tour offers great value and plenty of memorable moments.

Key Points

Unique access to UNESCO World Heritage Site: Scandola is only reachable by boat, making this tour a rare chance to see it up close.
Multiple swimming opportunities: From the turquoise waters of Scandola to the natural pools of Capo Rosso, water lovers will be in heaven.
Expert guidance enhances the experience, with detailed commentary and assistance from guides like Lionel.
Scenic stops with photo opportunities: Expect jaw-dropping views of colossal granite formations and rugged coastlines.
Wildlife sightings: Dolphins and other marine life are frequently spotted, adding an element of surprise.
Good value for the price: Covering transport, guided commentary, snorkeling gear, and a sea scooter, it’s a comprehensive day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and Experience

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Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins at 4 Quai Napoléon, where you’ll meet your small group and hop aboard a speedboat. The boat ride, about 80 minutes long, is surprisingly smooth and offers stunning views almost immediately. The boat is equipped with snorkeling gear and sea scooters—perfect for underwater exploration—making it a flexible choice for those wanting to get wet.

Exploring the Scandola Nature Reserve

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO site famous for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant marine life. The boat makes a few stops here, giving you a chance to see the reserve from different angles. You’ll enjoy a photo stop, a guided tour, and the chance to swim or snorkel in turquoise waters, often accompanied by dolphins if luck strikes.

One reviewer mentions, “Lionel, our captain, was excellent—calm, professional, and made us feel safe the whole time,” which highlights the importance of a knowledgeable guide when venturing into such pristine but potentially tricky environments. The inclusion of aperitifs and wine tasting during the stop adds a nice touch, allowing you to relax and savor the moment.

Lunch at Girolata

Next, the tour takes you to Girolata, a tiny, wild village accessible only by boat or a scenic hike. Here, you’ll have around two hours to explore on your own. The beachside lunch (not included) is a simple but memorable experience—imagine eating near a beach with cows wandering nearby, a very authentic Corsican scene. The reviews praise the charm and remote feel of Girolata, often described as a “hidden gem,” making it a peaceful break from the more dramatic scenery.

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Piana’s Coves and Caves

After lunch, the boat heads to the Calanques de Piana, a series of colossal granite cliffs and caves that seem to rise directly from the sea. Guides take you through caves like the Lovers’ Cave, sharing stories about their formation and natural beauty. Expect about 45 minutes here, plenty of time to marvel at the vibrant ocher and pink hues of the rocks, which contrast beautifully with the blue water.

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Capo Rosso and Natural Pools

The final major stop is Capo Rosso, a striking pink granite promontory. Here, you’ll enjoy an hour of free time to swim in the natural pools, surrounded by rugged landscapes. The reviews note that this is a particularly scenic ending, with some travelers even spotting additional marine life or just relaxing in the calm waters.

Return and Reflection

After a full day of exploring, swimming, and sightseeing, the journey back to Ajaccio takes about 80 minutes, letting you unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. Many reviews talk about the well-paced schedule and the professionalism of the guides, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour includes a guided commentary, drinks, snorkeling gear, and underwater sea scooters, offering good value considering the comprehensive nature of the trip. Food isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or a small picnic for the beachside lunch. The meeting point is conveniently located at the end of the jetty near the gas station, with options for pickup at Porticcio if needed.

Since the tour is in French, but guides like Lionel are known for being helpful and accommodating—translating explanations and ensuring everyone stays engaged—you’ll get a mix of local insight and friendly hospitality. The tour lasts about 9 hours, so bring sun protection, a towel, and your swimwear.

Note the restrictions: this trip isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility issues, or those with low fitness levels. The boat ride can be bumpy, and the schedule is fairly full, so good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

Authentic Audience Voice from Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlighted the knowledgeability of the guides: “Lionel was a wonderful guide with a great sense of humor,” and “comments were very precise and interesting.” That personal touch makes a real difference, turning a scenic cruise into a memorable learning experience.

Water lovers appreciated the swimming stops, with one traveler noting, “The places to swim are idyllic,” while wildlife enthusiasts enjoyed the chance to see dolphins—”We also saw dolphins!” said an Italian traveler.

Some found the cost justified by the overall experience, especially with the inclusion of snorkeling and sea scooters. Others found the trip well-paced, with “a good balance between sightseeing and relaxing time,” as one review mentioned.

A minor point: a Norwegian traveler indicated frustration over a weather-related change from a full-day to half-day trip and the refund process, reminding us that weather can influence the schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re passionate about nature, photography, and wildlife, this trip offers an abundance of visual treats. It suits travelers who don’t mind a bit of boat travel and want to see Corsica’s coast from a different angle. It’s also great for those wanting guided insights into the landscape, rather than just a boat ride.

Families with older children, groups of friends, or couples looking for a full day of adventure will find plenty to enjoy. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

This tour from Ajaccio delivers on its promise of stunning scenery, marine life sightings, and immersive experiences. It balances guided commentary with free time to explore, swim, and photograph. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and sea scooters adds an active element that many travelers love, especially those eager to get underwater.

For those who want to see the best of Corsica’s coast without the hassle of planning, this trip offers value and variety—all wrapped into a full-day adventure. The knowledgeable guides, beautiful landscapes, and chance to spot dolphins make it a worthwhile splurge.

It’s particularly perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, authentic local charm, and don’t mind a bit of boat travel. If you’re after a memorable, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to relax and photograph, this tour will definitely meet your expectations.

FAQ

Is food included in the tour?
No, lunch at Girolata is not included, so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks or plan to buy something during your stop.

What should I bring for the trip?
You’ll want sun protection, a towel, beachwear, and perhaps sunglasses. The tour provides snorkeling gear and sea scooters, but bringing your own if you prefer is fine.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s best suited for those comfortable on boats and with a reasonable level of fitness. The trip isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or mobility issues.

How long is the boat ride?
The round-trip boat journey totals approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with stops at key sites. The entire experience lasts around 9 hours.

Can I see dolphins during the tour?
Yes, dolphin sightings are possible, and several reviews mention spotting marine life, adding an element of surprise.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather can cause schedule adjustments or cancellations, but the tour provider allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if conditions aren’t ideal.

This Ajaccio sea tour offers a well-rounded taste of Corsica’s dramatic coastlines, wildlife, and untouched beauty. Whether you’re a keen photographer, a water enthusiast, or simply in need of a relaxing yet adventurous day, it’s a trip worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: