It smells of sun, flip-flops, and sandy beaches—summer holidays are here. If you're still deciding on a destination, choose Corsica and its 300+ km of pristine coastline.
What better way to experience the Isle of Beauty than by boat? Here's our expert guide.
Before renting from a professional, ask yourself these essential questions:
For groups of friends without kids, opt for sporty RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) or semi-rigid boats—ideal for adventure on a budget.
In Corsica, prioritize boats with sun awnings; the midday sun can be intense.
Head out for a day anchored off the island’s most stunning beaches.
The semi-rigid boat’s key advantage is its ability to beach—pulling right onto the sand for easy access to beach bars. Lightweight and powerful, they’re perfect for water sports like wakeboarding or waterskiing.
For families or with children, choose open-hull boats or cabin cruisers with safety guardrails around the cockpit. Many include small cabins for shade during peak heat.
Renters often focus on price, but in peak season, availability is the real challenge.
Calling rental companies one by one is time-consuming. HeyCaptain.fr connects boaters with professionals’ schedules. Select your date and duration to see all available boats and prices instantly.
Options abound in Corsica. Simply cruising or picnicking on turquoise waters, or lounging on deck, is bliss for many.
For adventure seekers, grab snorkel gear to explore vibrant underwater flora and fauna.
Want more thrill? Depending on your boat, try wakeboarding, waterskiing, or barefoot skiing (waterskiing without skis).
The latest trend? Seabobs—check our guide for spots!
Without a boat, you’ll miss most of Corsica’s paradisiacal beaches. From Scandola and Girolata to Bastia, Rousse Island, Gulf of Porto, and Calanche de Piana, here’s our curated route around the Isle of Beauty.
The Agriates Desert, protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, is a vast coastal wilderness hosting Corsica’s largest dolphin population. Respect its rich marine life.
From Saint-Florent, access crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches like wild Lotu, framed by mountains, or shaded Saleccia with Aleppo pines.
Another gem: the Ile-Rousse archipelago, starring pirate-worthy Ile de la Pietra. Its historic lighthouse is a must-see from the sea.
Anchor at Napoleon Beach for epic views, soft sand, and easy mainland access.
Calvi’s Revellata tip is fiercely protected since the 1960s, preserving remarkable biodiversity.
By boat, claim deserted cliffsides like Alga Beach. Snorkel Europe’s finest seabeds.
Discover Piana Creeks by boat—only Ficajola beach is walkable (see LCI report). Volcanic red porphyry creates stunning pink rocks at sunset.
Translucent waters and sea caves await landscape lovers.
At the Sanguinaires, visit Mezzu Mare’s lazaretto ruins. Hike to the lighthouse amid frankenia plants—pink flowers turning red in fall, inspiring the islands’ name.
Sail Porto and Girolata gulfs to UNESCO-listed Scandola Reserve—sea access only, a biodiversity haven with ospreys, cormorants, dolphins, and monk seals.
Lavezzi Archipelago, especially Lavezzu, teems with sea urchins, starfish, and colorful fish. Anchor carefully to protect this paradise.
Return via Bonifacio Mouths—caves, cliffs, and views of Bonifacio town. Don’t miss boat-only S’dragulinu Cave (“little dragon”).
End with Rondinara’s shell-shaped bay, fine sand, and wild maquis.
Santa Giulia: A UNESCO-lauded translucent lagoon.
Near Porto-Vecchio, shallow Palombaggia suits RIBs—anchor in turquoise waters under ancient pines.
Now, rent your boat and conquer the Isle of Beauty!
