Palau or La Maddalena: southern Corsica 4-hour RIB tour of

Corsica is closer than it looks. This 4-hour RIB trip from northern Sardinia crosses the Strait of Bonifacio to reach the striking islands and coves of southern Corsica, with three swim stops built into the day. I especially like the small-group format, limited to 12 people, and the chance to see several beautiful places without spending a full day at sea.

I also like the choice of departure point and boat. You can leave from Palau or La Maddalena, and the Silver and Gold boats offer different levels of comfort. The main drawback is that weather can change the route, and a few hours is not enough to see every Corsican island properly.

• Lavezzi stop: Swim for about 30 minutes at Cala Acciarino among pale rocks and clear water.
• Piana stop: Enjoy another half-hour swim near natural pools and sandy beaches.
• Bonifacio cliffs: Pause beneath the famous cliffs for a final swim and a memorable view.
• Two boat choices: The 8-meter Silver boat carries up to 10 people, while the 10-meter Gold boat carries up to 12.
• Useful gear included: Fuel, water, snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, life jackets, and safety equipment are provided.
• Flexible timing: Choose a morning or afternoon departure, subject to availability and weather.

Crossing the Strait of Bonifacio from Sardinia

The trip begins in northern Sardinia, with departure from either Palau or La Maddalena depending on the option you book. That choice matters. Palau is a practical mainland starting point, while La Maddalena puts you on the island itself before the boat heads toward Corsica.

The RIB is the right kind of boat for this route. It is fast, nimble, and small enough to reach coves that larger cruise boats cannot approach as closely. You get a more direct connection with the water, although the ride can feel lively when the sea is choppy.

A certified skipper handles the boat and leads the outing in Italian or English. The skipper also decides how the route runs on the day. This is not a fixed ferry crossing with a rigid timetable. The plan can change for safety, sea conditions, or local access.

The Strait of Bonifacio separates Sardinia from Corsica, and the crossing gives the tour its main appeal. You are not simply visiting one beach and returning. You are moving between two islands and several small stops in one half-day.

Lavezzi and Cala Acciarino: the first swim

The first major stop is Lavezzi, reached by sailing through the Strait of Bonifacio. The island is known for pale granite, clear water, and small coves that look best from the sea. The boat stops at Cala Acciarino for about 30 minutes.

This is a short stop, but it gives you enough time for a swim and a look beneath the surface with the supplied snorkeling equipment. The water is one of the main reasons to book this trip, so bring a towel and beachwear rather than treating the outing as a sightseeing cruise only.

Lavezzi is also the kind of place where the boat matters. A large vessel would limit the experience to a distant view. A RIB can bring you closer to the coves and rocks, then get moving again before the day loses momentum.

The tradeoff is time. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you account for getting ready, entering the water, and climbing back aboard. If you want a slow beach morning, this tour will feel rushed. If you like several short swims in different settings, the pace works well.

Isola Piana and its natural pools

The second swim stop is Isola Piana, also planned for about half an hour. The island adds another setting to the trip, with shallow-looking water, sandy stretches, and natural pools that invite a relaxed swim.

This stop helps break up the crossing. You are not spending the entire tour seated on the boat while the skipper points at distant scenery. You get another chance to cool off and use the snorkeling gear.

The SUP board is also included, which adds a little variety for anyone who wants more than a quick swim. Since no food or drinks are included, I would bring only what the operator allows and check the meeting instructions before departure. Water is supplied, but you should not count on a full meal or a broad selection of soft drinks.

As with Lavezzi, the stop is weather dependent. Wind and waves can affect where the boat can safely anchor or how long you remain in the water. The skipper has final say, and that is sensible on an open-water route.

Swimming beneath the Cliffs of Bonifacio

The final planned swim takes place beneath the Cliffs of Bonifacio. This is the most dramatic visual section of the route, as the white cliffs rise above the water and give the stop a strong sense of place.

You may find this stop more memorable as a view than as a beach visit. The appeal is being on the water below Bonifacio rather than walking through the town or visiting it by land. If you want a detailed tour of Bonifacio itself, this trip is not designed for that. You see the cliffs from the sea, take a swim, and continue back toward Sardinia.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes, matching the timing at the other locations. That consistency makes the tour easy to follow, but it also means the entire outing is built around brief visits. You get a sampler of southern Corsica rather than a long stay on any one island.

Weather can make the Bonifacio section especially variable. One confirmed outing included an extra trip toward Bonifacio and lasted longer than planned, while another could not reach every intended Corsican island because of the conditions. You should see this flexibility as part of the boat trip, not as a promise of a precise route.

Choosing between the Silver and Gold boats

The Silver option is an 8-meter Gassa RIB with room for up to 10 people. It has a 200-horsepower engine, cushioned seating at the bow, an awning, a boarding ladder, an outdoor freshwater shower, and standard safety equipment.

For a half-day trip, the Silver boat covers the essentials. The awning gives you some shade, and the bow cushions offer a place to sit during the crossing. With a maximum of 10 people, it may feel a little more personal than a larger sightseeing boat.

The Gold option uses the 10-meter Nonnagina II. It carries up to 12 people and has twin 350-horsepower engines, cushions at both the bow and stern, an awning, a refrigerator, a cooking hob, Bluetooth radio, a rear platform, a boarding ladder, a freshwater shower, and safety equipment.

The Gold boat is the more comfortable choice if you care about space and onboard features. The refrigerator and extra seating may matter during a warm afternoon, while the larger size can make the ride feel less cramped. It is still a RIB, not a yacht, so you should expect an open-air boat outing rather than full indoor comfort.

The boats are not simply transport. They shape the day. You will spend much of the 4 hours seated, moving between stops, so cushions and shade can make a real difference. If the booking page lets you choose between the two boats, compare the price carefully and decide how much comfort matters to you.

What is included, and what you still need

The $70 price per person is fair for a half-day trip that includes a skipper, fuel, water, snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, life jackets, and safety equipment. Fuel alone is a meaningful part of a fast boat excursion, and the route covers a good stretch of water between Sardinia and Corsica.

You are paying for access and movement as much as for the swim stops. Reaching Lavezzi, Piana, and the cliffs of Bonifacio in one morning or afternoon would be difficult without a powered boat. The small group also gives the outing a more personal feel than a large ferry-style excursion.

Food and drinks are not included. Water is provided, but the information does not promise meals or a dependable supply of soft drinks. One outing included only water, so bring suitable snacks if permitted and plan to eat before or after the tour.

The cancellation terms are helpful for a weather-sensitive activity. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before arranging other plans around the trip.

The pace, group size, and skipper style

Four hours is a smart length for this kind of outing. You get a taste of southern Corsica without sacrificing an entire day in Sardinia. The morning option leaves room for another activity later, while the afternoon option can fit around a slower start.

The small group is limited to 12 people. That is large enough to keep the boat lively but small enough for the skipper to manage boarding, swimming, and equipment without turning the trip into a crowd scene.

The skipper is more than a driver. The advertised focus is on local anecdotes and guidance, and the best version of this tour depends on how much information your skipper shares. One named skipper, Giulio, was praised for being helpful and a true man of the sea. Another outing received only basic information, with a desire for more explanation.

That difference is worth noting. If you want a full historical lecture about every island, this may not satisfy you. If you want practical guidance, safe boat handling, and a few stories while moving between swim stops, it should fit better.

Safety, swimming, and who should book

Life jackets and safety equipment are included, and the boats carry boarding ladders and freshwater showers. A certified instructor or skipper guides the boat, which is important on a route crossing open water and visiting exposed coves.

You should be comfortable boarding a small boat and swimming in the sea. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, and it is recommended from age 2. Infants from 0 to 11 months must be reported in advance.

The trip suits couples, friends, and families with older children who want active sightseeing without spending a full day on a boat. It also suits anyone staying in Palau or La Maddalena who wants to add Corsica to a Sardinian holiday.

I would think twice if you dislike fast boat rides, need a fixed route, or want long periods on a beach. The three swim stops are short, and the skipper may alter the itinerary when the weather turns.

Practical tips for a better half-day

Bring a towel and beachwear, as the swimming stops are central to the trip. I would also wear secure footwear for boarding and bring sun protection, although only the towel and beachwear are specifically required.

Check the departure port carefully. Palau and La Maddalena are different starting points, and the meeting point can vary with the option you select. Do not assume that every departure uses the same dock.

Keep your schedule flexible after the tour. A weather-related change can affect the route and timing. One outing ran longer than expected after an extra trip toward Bonifacio, while another had to skip some intended islands because of the climate.

The tour is confirmed with at least four participants. If your plans depend on this outing, make sure the minimum group requirement is met before setting other activities in stone.

Should you book this Corsica RIB tour?

I would book it if you want a compact, active introduction to southern Corsica from Sardinia. The strongest reasons are the small group, the three planned swim stops, the clear water around Lavezzi and Piana, and the dramatic view of Bonifacio from below.

At $70, the value is good if you use the equipment and swim at every stop. The price is less appealing if you prefer a slow beach day or expect a meal, drinks, or a long guided visit on land.

Choose the Gold boat if extra seating, a refrigerator, and a larger hull matter to you. Choose the Silver boat if you mainly want a capable RIB, shade, cushions, and a lower-key half-day on the water.

Book this tour for variety, not certainty. The sea decides the final route, and that is both its main limitation and part of its charm.

FAQ

How long is the RIB tour?

The excursion lasts 4 hours.

Where does the tour depart?

Depending on the option booked, the tour departs from Palau or La Maddalena in northern Sardinia.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Lavezzi, Isola Piana, and the area beneath the Cliffs of Bonifacio.

How long is each swimming stop?

The planned swimming stops last about 30 minutes each at Cala Acciarino on Lavezzi, Isola Piana, and beneath the Cliffs of Bonifacio.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a SUP board, life jackets, water, fuel, and safety equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. Water is provided.

What languages does the skipper speak?

The live tour guide service is available in Italian and English.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity is a small-group tour limited to 12 participants. The Silver boat has a maximum capacity of 10, while the Gold boat has a maximum capacity of 12.

Can the route change?

Yes. The itinerary may change because of weather conditions and the skipper’s decisions.

Is the tour suitable for children and pregnant women?

The activity is recommended from age 2 and is not suitable for pregnant women. Infants from 0 to 11 months must be reported in advance.