Visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat: trip to the Corsica Islands

You decided to go to Corsica? If you pass through the south of this splendid territory, here is how to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat.

The Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of 23 islands and granite islets. They are located about ten kilometres south-east of Bonifacio , in the superb department of Corse-du-Sud. Did you know that the archipelago was the southernmost point of Metropolitan France? The Lavezzi islands are considered one of the most dangerous places in the Mediterranean for navigation, with an area of almost 200 hectares. Here, the boats evolve in the midst of countless reefs while constantly being driven by strong marine currents. Thus, if you want to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat, you better know the route on your fingertips! Otherwise, why not call on an experienced captain who will lead you to a good port and put your eyes on it?

If you're interested, you're in the right place. Prepared by Wanderlix, here are some tips to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat in any relaxation. Here we go!

History of the Lavezzi Islands

The Lavezzi Islands have always fascinated Man. Traces dating from the prehistoric period attest to its secular presence. Yet these rocks thrown in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea seem so inhospital! The remains of a Roman port and a chapel of the seventh century were found on site. Through the raids of pirates and barbaric incursions, this archipelago with a strong character quickly acquired its letters of nobility. To attack sometimes meant to brave elements of unheard violence! Moreover, the Lavezzi Islands were the scene of the shipwreck The Semillante in 1855. The ship broke on a coffin, killing several hundred people. Most of the shipwrecks are located in two marine cemeteries on Lavezzi Island. We can also see the presence of an altar that is also dedicated to them.

Despite the danger of their reefs, the Lavezzi Islands attract many visitors from the opening of Corsica to tourism in 1950. The turquoise and emerald sea and its clear waters are probably not there for nothing. If you also wish to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat, here is the walk to follow.

Our tips to visit the Lavezzi Islands

Best times of the year

Corsica enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate. When you wish to contemplate Island of Beauty , we must obviously think about the right time to get to the place. Corsica is one of the most touristic islands in the world.

• Just tell you that to go there during the summer season can sometimes be difficult or discouraging. It is sometimes necessary to book attractions and accommodation well in advance to benefit from the extraordinary majesty of this island shared between sea and maquis.
• The ideal is to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat in the spring or in the Indian summer if you can. The good weather will anyway be the part and the influx of tourists will be less significant. Another advantage not to neglect is the budget: off season, it’s much cheaper ! You will be able to do more activities and offer you numerous excursions in restaurants bordering the coast.

The best way to discover the Lavezzi Islands

• Access to the Lavezzi Islands Archipelago is made only by sea. The crossing lasts 20 minutes only taking the shuttle from the port of Bonifacio. This boat will take you to Lavezzi Island (or Lavezzo), which is part of the main islands of Lavezzi.
• Once you arrive on the island, there is no problem: you can spend as much time as you want on Lavezzu before taking the boat back. Be sure not to miss the last shuttle if you leave at the end of the afternoon! The journey is commented in several languages, you will know everything about the nature reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio and its many wonders.
• To discover the Lavezzi Islands, you can also opt for a cruise in the day. You will pass in front of Cavallo Island, the splendid Gulf of Sperone and the majestic Cap de Pertusato. At sea, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the whiteish cliffs of Bonifacio and its traditional houses perched over 70 meters high!
• Stopovers are planned, especially in a cove of the island of Lavezzi ideal for swimming. A second stopover is also set in the middle of the Sperone lagoon. Cherry on the cake: cruisers normally include Breakfast and lunch. Perfect to learn from succulent fish dishes or the dreadful corses cheeses!

What to see and what to do in the Lavezzi Islands?

The main islands and islets of the archipelago are:

• Porraggia
• The islet Ratino
• Piana Island: It is the closest to the continent: it is only 300 metres from the Corsica coastline. This small island is surrounded by beaches, and it faces the pretty beach of Petit Spérone.
• Sperduto
• Cavallo: She's nicknamed the island of billionaires, many stars and personalities have a sumptuous villa. You will not be able to go on the island but you will have the opportunity to admire some of its properties from the sea.
• Lavezzi: this last offers the opportunity to make a pretty walk: count 1 hour to go round of the island. You can swim in Cala Lazarina, the beach of Achiarina and the intimate beach of Chiesa, wild. We certainly recommend it to anyone who would like to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat! Lavezzi Island is uninhabited, unlike Cavallo Island.

Here are some of the major tourist sites not to be missed in the Lavezzi Islands:

• cave of Napoleon is an unmistakable, and that of Sdragonata has an amazing feature: the hole in the top looks like a map of Corsica!
• The Lavezzi Islands are small picturesque coves and beaches crystalline water that has nothing to envy on the tropical islands.
• In the area, discover the beach from the Little Sperone, Paragan’s ankle, Fazzio’s beach and its fjord or Balistra beach offering breathtaking views of the hills in the background.

How much does a ticket cost to the Lavezzi Islands?

A Bonifacio promenade in the Lavezzi Islands costs on average:

• 35€ per adult
• 30€ per student
• 27€ 13-17years
• 7€ 4-12 years

The boats used are pretty comfortable and fast and you even benefit from a commented in the direction of Lavezzi/Bonifacio.

For information, Porto-Vecchio is an alternative to Bonifacio in terms of a tourist package. Count one half day for the crossing to the Lavezzi Islands, for about 75€ return trip by boat. But the meal is included!

How do I book a ticket for the Lavezzi Islands online?

The first solution to book a ticket to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat is to go through the Tourist Office of Bonifacio . Here you will find the schedules and rates of the shuttles to visit the Lavezzi Islands from Bonifacio. This is the SPMB , the Société des Promenades en Mer de Bonifacio , who takes care of the crossing. Note that it is not possible to book your trip in advance, you will have to take your tickets directly for the boat at the company counter, on the port.

The other possible solution is to book your ticket directly on a ticket site of tour operators or in a travel agency . A trip to the Lavezzi Islands by boat costs about 120€ per person for a one-day guided tour.

How do I access the Lavezzi Islands?

The only way to access the Lavezzi Islands is the boat.

During July and August: departures are about every hour from 9:30 am and every day . Due to sometimes capricious weather, schedules may be changed without notice. Moreover, the boats being small enough, it is not always possible to navigate in the event of a strong swell.

• The departure is made every 30 minutes from the port of Bonifacio, and the return every hour from 12:30. You have a choice: stay on Lavezzi a few hours or a day. The island is almost deserted, and little shaded: plan sun cream, parasol, food and water bottles.

Where to stay near the Lavezzi Islands?

To the extent that there is a high chance that you will go to contemplate the reserve by landing at Bonifacio, why not lodge directly there? So it will be possible for you to make the exit in the afternoon and to sleep to Bonifacio at night or the opposite! You can choose accommodation in the heart of the city, in the majestic citadel or near the pretty port to be next to everything. In the city center, hotels welcome you all year long as you book well in advance during the high season!

And if you prefer to visit the Lavezzi Islands by boat while staying outside Bonifacio, no problem. Beautiful charming hotels are located around the city, so you can find your happiness whatever your budget.

Finally, think smart: on rental platforms, Airbnb make it feel like home, in the heart of The Island of Beauty. Take a look!