From Santa Teresa Gallura: Corsica and Bonifacio Boat Tour

From Santa Teresa Gallura: Corsica and Bonifacio Boat Tour
Location: Sardinia, Italy
Country: Italy
Rating: 4.5 (11 reviews)
Price: $117 per person
Duration: 8 hours
Supplier: mistral & Estasi’s

Imagine sailing across the strait between Sardinia and Corsica, with the wind in your hair and sunshine on your face. For around $117, you get a full day of exploring some of the most scenic spots along this part of the Mediterranean. The trip from Santa Teresa Gallura takes you to the iconic Bonifacio with its dramatic cliffs and historic port, followed by swimming stops at Piana Island and Lavezzi Island.

What really makes this tour stand out is how it combines stunning vistas with authentic local charm. We loved the chance to see Corsica’s white cliffs from the water and explore Bonifacio’s lively port and artisan shops. Plus, the swim in crystal-clear waters is a definite highlight—expect plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxing on the deck.

Of course, this tour isn’t perfect for everyone. The rough water crossing can be uncomfortable, particularly if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calm waters. The trip’s small group size (limited to four participants) means a more intimate experience, but it also requires good weather to fully enjoy the itinerary.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, want to explore Bonifacio’s charming streets, and are comfortable with a day in the sun. If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, this trip offers plenty of both.

Key Points

• Scenic Crossings: Admire views of Corsica’s white cliffs and French coast from the boat.
• Authentic Exploration: Walk through Bonifacio’s port, shops, and take a scenic train ride.
• Ideal for Swimmers: Swim in the clear waters of Piana Island and Lavezzi Island.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to just 4 participants for a personalized experience.
• Weather Dependent: Stops and route can change due to weather conditions.
• All-included: Skipper, fuel, and key stops are covered; food and towels are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Itinerary

The adventure begins at the touristic port of Santa Teresa Gallura, conveniently located at via la marina, at the last white kiosk—easy to find and with a relaxed vibe. Departing around 9:00 AM, the boat heads out across the strait, with the first leg about 25 minutes to the French coast.

Here, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Saint Antoine caves and the Sdragonato cave—a fantastic introduction to Corsica’s dramatic coastline. The boat is typically an inflatable, which some reviews mention as fun but can be a bit bumpy in rough seas, so be prepared for some motion and possibly getting wet.

Exploring Bonifacio

The highlight for many is the 2.5-hour stop in Bonifacio. This historic town clings to the cliffs and offers a lively port filled with artisan boutiques and bustling cafes. You’ll have some free time to wander, explore on your own, or ride the little train that takes you around the town’s hidden spots and offers spectacular views from above.

One traveler noted, “The guide was attentive to our small group… Bonifacio deserves more than two hours, especially if you want to visit the citadel.” This extra time is valuable if you want to climb up to the fortress or simply soak in the lively atmosphere of this picturesque port town.

Scenic Coastlines and Swimming Breaks

After exploring Bonifacio, the boat heads south along Corsica’s white cliffs, which plunge straight into the sea—a truly striking sight. The boat then reaches Piana Island, known for its sand spit and calm waters, where you’ll enjoy a 50-minute swim break. Many reviews praise the clarity of the water, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing on the boat deck.

Next, the boat moves on to Lavezzi Island for about an hour and a half, where the variety of fish and pristine beaches make for an ideal swimming and snorkeling spot. One reviewer pointed out that “the variety of fish was impressive,” and swimming here felt like entering an aquarium.

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Return and Practical Details

The return journey begins around 3:30 PM, with the boat heading back to Santa Teresa Gallura, arriving around 5:00 PM. The full-day trip offers a well-paced schedule, providing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What You Should Bring

The cost covers the skipper, fuel, and the key stops—no surprise there. You’ll need to bring towels, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and a camera to capture the moment. Since food and drinks aren’t included, packing some snacks or a light lunch is advisable, especially if you want to avoid expensive tourist spots.

Remember, pets, large luggage, smoking, and non-folding strollers are not allowed, and weather conditions can change the itinerary unexpectedly. Be prepared for the possibility of inverted stops if the weather turns rough.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

Many travelers rave about the quality of the guide and the stunning scenery. One wrote, “The guide was very friendly and professional, and the tour was magnificent and well organized,” emphasizing the value of a knowledgeable skipper.

However, some found the boat itself a bit cramped, especially if you book for four and end up on a larger boat. “We booked for four but were on a boat for 11, which was very cramped,” said one reviewer, highlighting the importance of managing expectations regarding space.

The rough water crossing was a notable challenge for some, with one person describing it as “not comfortable,” so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider that carefully.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip suits adventurous travelers who enjoy sea crossings and are comfortable in motion. It’s perfect for those who want to see Bonifacio’s dramatic cliffs and explore Corsica’s coast from the water. It also appeals to snorkelers and swimmers, given the stops at clear-water islands.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience with less motion and more time on land, you might find this trip a bit intense, especially during rough seas.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $117, you’re getting eight hours of varied activities—scenic views, cultural exploration, and swimming. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, and the stops are well spaced to balance sightseeing and relaxation.

While food and towels aren’t included, the core of the trip—stunning landscapes and charming towns—delivers plenty of memorable moments. It’s a cost-effective way to see both Bonifacio and some of Corsica’s most picturesque coastlines, especially if you appreciate authentic small-group experiences and adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the departure time?
The tour departs from Santa Teresa Gallura around 9:00 AM, but check with the provider for the exact time on your booking date.

How long is the boat ride?
The total trip lasts about 8 hours, including stops at Bonifacio, Piana Island, and Lavezzi Island.

Is the boat comfortable?
The boat is often an inflatable, which offers a fun ride but can be bumpy in rough waters. Book with this in mind if you’re sensitive to motion.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Towels are not provided, so pack your own.

Can I buy food or drinks onboard?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own or buy at stops.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children who are comfortable on boats and able to handle a full day in the sun. Seasickness can be an issue, so consider that if traveling with kids.

What if the weather is bad?
Stops and routes can be altered or canceled due to weather. The trip has a flexible schedule, but always check the weather forecast before booking.

How small is the group?
Limited to four participants, making it ideal for those seeking a more intimate experience.

To sum it up, this boat tour from Santa Teresa Gallura is a wonderful way to combine spectacular scenery, cultural sights, and swimming in crystal waters. It’s best suited for adventure-minded travelers who don’t mind some motion and enjoy discovering hidden coastal gems. If you’re after a balanced day of exploration and relaxation, with a hint of sea adventure, this trip offers impressive value. Just remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, a sense of adventure, and patience for the occasional rough crossing.

You can check availability for your dates here: