Scandola Nature Reserve

With its serene natural beauty, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Scandola Peninsula is a must-see on this half-day cruise from Porto. Discover the Gulf of Porto in its entirety as you cruise to highlights and watch nature at its finest under the setting sun. Enjoy commentary from your captain. Set out from Porto in the afternoon on board a sleek cruiser and settle in with your captain, who will also serve as your guide. Head towards the Scandola Nature Reserve by way of the Gulf of Girolata. As you approach the nature reserve, marvel at the clear waters and rock formations. Continue cruising in this remote place while you take in the many types of birds, including cormorants and eagles, and hear about the local, protected plants from your captain. You may also see marine life. Further on, visit the Calanche de Piana, with its strikingly unique vistas. Finally, travel to the Capo Rosso and its "swimming pool." Named for the remarkable pink granite rocks, admire the cape's spectacular shades of red rock and blue waters. Depending on the weather, pause for a swim in this wonderful setting before returning to shore in Porto. 

Discover the Gulf of Porto by boat and see why this extraordinary natural area is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Scandola Nature Reserve and admire striking cliffs, surrounded by the deep blue ocean. See the famous rock formations of Calanche de Piana. Board your boat in Porto and begin your trip by sailing to the Scandola Reserve, home to beautiful cliffs and a marvelous sea bed. Take in an impressive location that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1975. Become surrounded by more than 30 plant species. Navigate toward the Calanche de Piana to come up close to its unique natural formations. Snap amazing photos of this mesmerizing wonder, then sail back to your starting point in Porto.

Discover the west coast of Corsica between Cargese and Scandola from a comfortable passenger boat small enough to sneak in all the caves and coves. Enjoy the intense colors of the afternoon on the red rocks, the blue water and the green maquis. From the port of Cargese, start for an incredible journey. As soon as you leave the port, admire the Omigna tower, entirely renovated a few years ago. Then head to Arone and its long sandy beach . Start by discover the tiny cave located at the very start of the Capo Rosso, when the rock change of color. Along the coast, the water is so clear that you can appreciate the seabed by transparency. Enter the bay of monk seal, also called the "swimming pool" because of its so blue and clear water. Admire the huge nests of the fish-eagle, a protected specie. Go trough the Arch of Capo Rosso and continue to the Reserve of Scandola, by the Gulf of Porto. Enter the Reserve of Scandola and go into the faults in the very heart of the rock. Admire the landscape made of volcanic rock. Listen to the comments of the corsican captain about the geological formations and the history of the site and let your imagination run wild in front of the strange shape of the stone. Navigate into the waters of the Reserve and discover the island of Gargalo, the extreme west point of Corsica. Reach the Gulf of Elbo and try to see the grouper that is often encountered in the faults, as the oblades and many others species. Enjoy the shimmering glint of the sun on the sea at the feet of the cliffs. Make a 40-minute break on land in the surprising village Girolata. Take benefits of a walk towards the old fort or just rest on the sand of the beach and swim. Girolata is really small and authentic because it is only accessible by boat or by a footpath. Take the way back and enjoy the magnificent colors of the end afternoon, the best time of day for pictures. Have a look to Capo Senino on the return and experience the discovery of the red rock of the Calanques de Piana with the colors of the sunset. Enjoy the arrival at Cargese, illuminated at nightfall.

Discover the wonders of the Corsican Coast accessible only by sea. Visit the Scandola Nature Reserve and have free time in Girolata. Board a 73-seater ship and take a half-day trip to the famous Scandola Nature Reserve, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear insightful commentary about the reserve from a local guide. Stop for 2 hours or 30 minutes, depending on the option you book, in the small village of Girolata and enjoy free time to explore. Eat lunch at a local restaurant or bring your own food for a picnic with stunning views. Soak up the sunshine on the warm sand, swim, and browse the unique shops in the village. After your stop, the boat tour will continue to Calanques de Piana before going back to Sagone and Cargèse.

Hop on board the new and beautiful Santa Regina boat at the port of Calvi. With a capacity of only 12 passengers, settle in for an intimate and unforgettable ride. Discover the citadel of Calvi by boat, gliding for 1 hour along the west coast of Corsica before entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site, natural reserve of Scandola. Cruise near to the coast and slowly through the beautiful water, allowing you to absorb every detail and even uncover hidden corners of this unique site. As the sun goes down, savor a Corsican aperitif and this unforgettable moment. After a stunning 3-hour trip, return to the port in Calvi.

At a low speed, set sail off the citadel of Calvi into the calm seawater. Listen to historical commentary from your local guide on the way to the wild peninsula of Revellata.  Along the way, take a break for swimming in the turquoise water at the beach of Alga. Reaching Revellata with your captain and small group, relish in the impending sunset. As the sun goes down, savor a Corsican aperitif and this unforgettable moment. Return to Calvi by 8:30 PM.

Leave Ota behind and discover the surrounding Capo Rosso peninsula with a sailing trip and local guide. Discover the creeks of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site located north of the Gulf of Porta. Learn about the Scandola Nature Reserve and Gulf of Girolata while watching for local wildlife. Begin your tour by meeting with your guide and sailing into the beautiful aquamarine sea. Feast your eyes on the red granite cliffs and whimsical rock formations of the creeks of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Gulf of Porto, known for its numerous caves and abundant marine life. Watch for osprey, dolphins, and puffins, as you continue to the Scandola Nature Reserve. Take a photo of the area's hidden coves, home to over 450 species of algae and 200 species of fish. Swim in the Gulf of Girolata, surrounded by towering red cliffs, or relax in the boat before returning to Ota.

Embark from the small ports of Sagone or Cargèse, just 45 minutes from the Ajaccio region, without traffic jams and with the convenience of the free parking. On board the Senetosa, our 12-seat boat, explore the west coast of Corsica in a small group. Venture into the marine caves, faults and cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Scandola Reserve, the Calanche di Piana, Capo Rosso and the Gulf of Porto will have no more secrets for you. Take the opportunity to visit the small village of Girolata, accessible only by sea, for a 30-minutes stop, allowing you to admire the newly renovated Genoese fortress. Enjoy a swimming break in the natural pool of Capo Rosso to explore the marine wildlife ans engage in snorkeling with maks provided. Captain Bernard, experienced and passionate, will ensure your safety and comfort. He will take you to the most inaccessible places, sharing his knowledge of the visited sites with you.

Discover the Scandola Reserve and unwind far from the bustle of the city surrounded by nature, guided by a local family team! Embark on a comfortable 49-seater passenger boat (shade and toilets on board) able to navigate through the narrowest passages of the Gulf of Porto! Start the tour in the direction of the Pointe d'Omigna to see the beautiful Genoese Tower, made of granite with feldspar crystals and its rocky surroundings, before heading to the remarkable Arone Beach. Go through the Arch of Capo Rosso and visit the caves of the site. Take pictures of the characteristic red rock of the Island of Beauty. Admire the odd shapes of the rocks and listen the comments of the local crew to learn the history of the place. Enjoy the beautiful and clear water in the coves, especially the bay of the monk seals. Continue and cross the Gulf of Porto towards the Reserve of Scandola, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Admire the volcanic rocks, remains of the volcano that collapsed centuries ago. Enjoy the way the pilot takes you in narrow passages and faults. Watch the fish-eagles which nest on the rocky outcrop. Encounter the wild goats, the grouper which live around the faults and many other species. Around noon, make a 2-hours break in Girolata where you can enjoy the shaded terraces of the restaurants and cafes or the beach of the village. Back on the boat, you will pass Capo Senino and head towards the famous Calanques de Piana before returning to the port of Cargèse, with a lot of amazing memories in your head.

Start your cruise in Sagone or Cargèse, according to your preference. Board a fast boat accommodating only 12 passengers and set off to explore the hidden gems of the Corsican west coast, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During this sea excursion, delve into the famous Scandola Nature Reserve and marvel at its caves and faults, evidence of its volcanic past. Along the journey, your captain will introduce you to the geology, fauna, and flora of this region, where marine biodiversity is particularly protected. Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute break in Girolata. This charming fishing village is accessible only by sea. Upon returning to the boat, traverse the stunning Gulf of Porto to reach the renowned Calanques de Piana. Admire the imposing red cliffs towering majestically above the turquoise water, sail beneath the natural arch, and explore the caves of Capo Rosso. A swimming break in a secluded cove will allow you to immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing moment. Snorkeling masks are provided for you to discover the richness of the marine life. Conclude your excursion by cruising along the coastline to return to Sagone or Cargèse, with unforgettable memories of this maritime adventure.