Bonifacio: Isola Piana and Lavezzi Tour

Imagine spending a day cruising along the southern coast of Sardinia, exploring the dramatic white cliffs of Bonifacio in Corsica, and swimming in turquoise waters around unspoiled islands. For just $105 per person, this 7-hour speedboat adventure offers a blend of scenic sights, cultural charm, and relaxing beach breaks. Led by an experienced skipper, you’ll visit some of the most captivating spots in the Mediterranean, with plenty of opportunities to swim and spot local bird species.

What we love most about this trip is the chance to see Bonifacio’s striking white cliffs up close — an absolute highlight — and the peaceful, uninhabited beauty of Lavezzi, where you can snorkel and explore. The itinerary smoothly combines sightseeing, gentle adventure, and free time to relax. A possible consideration is that the tour can vary due to weather or skipper’s discretion, which might mean some stops are shortened or rearranged.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic exploration and leisure, especially those comfortable with boat travel and eager to experience hidden corners of Corsica and Sardinia. If you’re after a straightforward, fun day on the water with knowledgeable guides and stunning views, this journey caters well to families, couples, and solo travelers alike — although it’s not suited for pregnant women, very young children, or those with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: You’ll get close to Bonifacio’s famous white cliffs and explore the unspoiled Lavezzi Island.
• Swimming Opportunities: Multiple swim breaks allow you to enjoy the clear waters, ideal even for less experienced swimmers.
• Authentic Experience: The boat is a comfortable dinghy with a friendly, knowledgeable captain who makes the journey enjoyable.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops can change due to weather or skipper’s judgment, adding a bit of unpredictability.
• Value for Money: At $105, it includes insurance, fuel, and a skipper — a good deal for a full day on the water.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women, children under 2, or those with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review: An Authentic Day on the Sea

Starting Out from Santa Teresa Gallura

The adventure begins bright and early at 9:00 am from the port of Santa Teresa Gallura. The first twenty-five minutes on the speedboat whisk you across the narrow strait, giving you a taste of the sea breeze and the thrill of quick, open-air travel. The boat itself is a small, comfortable dinghy, perfect for intimate groups and flexible enough to navigate the narrow coastal waters.

Exploring Bonifacio’s Cliffs and Old Town

Your first major stop is Bonifacio, a city renowned for its dramatic white cliffs and medieval charm. With roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes on land, you’ll have ample time to soak in the sights. The city is divided into the lower town and the upper town: both with cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and panoramic views over the Strait of Bonifacio.

The Place du Marché and Place de la Manichella are standout spots for photos and people-watching. The city’s fortress walls and narrow alleyways echo centuries of history, making it a rewarding walk. Many reviews highlight how enchanting Bonifacio is — one traveler from Switzerland called it “really nice,” and others appreciate the authentic medieval atmosphere with fewer travelers than more commercialized spots.

Panoramic Navigation and Island of Piana

Once back on the boat, your skipper takes you past Punta dello Sperone, offering stunning views of the cliffs and rugged coastline. This part of the journey underscores just how raw and unspoiled the landscape is.

Next, you arrive at Isola Piana, a pristine island accessible from the coast via a shallow sandbank. Here, you’ll have about fifty minutes to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. The shallow entry is ideal even for less confident swimmers, and reviewers mention that the water is very clean, making for a refreshing break.

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Exploring the Island of Lavezzi

The highlight for many travelers is the Lavezzi Archipelago, a nature reserve with turquoise waters and granite rocks shaped by nature’s hand. You’ll spend an hour and a half exploring the beaches, walking on the scenic paths, and birdwatching — a favorite activity for nature lovers. Bird species are abundant here, adding a touch of wildlife adventure to the trip.

The scenery here is breathtaking: granite formations rise out of the sea, and the pristine beaches seem untouched. One reviewer notes, “Beautiful island hopping trip aboard a very comfortable dinghy,” emphasizing the overall comfort and ease of this part of the tour. The varied shapes of the rocks and flora make this stop visually striking and worthwhile.

Returning and Reflecting on the Day

The return journey takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. Expect to arrive back at Santa Teresa Gallura around 4:45 pm, after a full, fulfilling day.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Itinerary Breakdown

• Starting Point: Via la Marina – easy to find and close to accommodations.
• Speedboat to Bonifacio: 30-minute ride that gets your adrenaline going, with scenic views of Corsica’s coastline.
• Explore Bonifacio: 2.25 hours allow you to walk cobbled streets, admire the cliffs, and take photos — plenty of time to soak in the medieval atmosphere.
• Panoramic Navigation: 20-minute cruise past Punta dello Sperone — perfect for scenic photos and appreciating the rugged coastline.
• Island of Piana: 45-minute swim/snorkel break, accessible for all skill levels, with clear, shallow waters.
• Lavezzi Archipelago: 1 hour 30 minutes to explore beaches, walk scenic paths, and enjoy wildlife.
• Return Journey: 30-minute boat ride back to Santa Teresa Gallura.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

The price covers insurance, fuel, a skipper, and life jackets, making it straightforward. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or a waterproof bag for your personal items is wise. A significant advantage is the flexibility — the tour may shift stops based on weather, which keeps safety a priority but might mean your plans change.

Practical Tips

• Bring sunscreen, towel, beachwear, and comfortable shoes for walking around Bonifacio.
• Luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard, so pack light.
• Weather can influence the trip; if conditions aren’t good, the skipper might cut the day short or alter stops, with no refund for early return.
• This tour is suitable for most, but not for pregnant women, children under 2, or people with mobility issues.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback from Travelers

The majority of reviews are glowing. Anna from Poland simply called it a “super wycieczka,” or “great trip,” and Gyenei from Hungary pointed out how beautiful the locations are, noting that “the waves practically turned everyone into water,” which emphasizes how lively and fun the boat ride can be.

Guitton from Switzerland appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable captain Luigi, highlighting the personal touch. Sabrina from Italy mentioned how comfortable the dinghy was and recommended comfortable shoes for the Bonifacio stop — practical advice that can enhance your experience.

Several travelers commented on the cost, with one mentioning “the price is still expensive,” which suggests that those on a tight budget might weigh the value carefully. But most agree the experience offers great value for the scenic sights and memorable moments.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy being on the water and want a taste of Corsica’s spectacular coastlines and islands. It suits those who appreciate historic charm, stunning landscapes, and swimming breaks, with enough free time to explore and relax. If you’re seeking a family-friendly, safe, and well-organized boat day with friendly guides, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, it’s less suitable for pregnant women, young children under 2, or visitors with mobility constraints. The weather-dependent nature means you should be prepared for possible changes or cancellations.

Final Thoughts

For a full day of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and relaxing swims, this Bonifacio: Isola Piana and Lavezzi tour combines the best of Corsican and Sardinian coastlines. The expert skipper and small boat make it intimate and manageable, while the stops at Bonifacio’s cliffs and Lavezzi’s islands deliver awe-inspiring views that linger long after the day ends.

The tour offers an impressive balance of exploration and leisure, making it a smart choice for travelers who want to see the highlights but still enjoy some downtime in the sun. The price point reflects the personalized experience and scenic value, making it worthwhile for those who cherish authentic, memorable days at sea.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 2 years old and not explicitly designed for young children with mobility issues, but older children who are comfortable on boats and enjoy swimming may find it enjoyable.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll have about 2 hours at Bonifacio, 50 minutes for swimming at Piana, and 1 hour 30 minutes exploring Lavezzi. The exact times can vary based on weather and skipper’s decisions.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, beachwear, a passport or ID, and comfortable shoes. Luggage and large bags are not allowed onboard.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or water with you.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be shortened or stops rearranged for safety. If weather conditions lead to an early return, there’s no refund.

Can I swim during the stops?
Yes, the swim breaks are designed for swimming and snorkeling — the waters are clear and shallow enough for most swimmers.

Is the guide or skipper fluent in English?
The skipper speaks Italian, but reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable nature of the captain, which helps create a welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a day that combines scenic coastline, historical charm, and sea-based relaxation, this tour is a solid choice, offering plenty of photo-worthy moments and genuine Mediterranean charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: