Day cruise to the Cerbicales & Lavezzi Islands with lunch

Turquoise coves, limestone cliffs, one smooth day. This Porto-Vecchio cruise takes you into Corsica’s extreme south, with big sea views and Lavezzi and Cerbicales island time. You’ll also pass the famous Bonifacio coast from the water, with the captain pointing out beaches and caves along the way.

I especially like the way the schedule balances cruising with water time. You get multiple chances to swim, plus a proper onboard meal with drinks, so the day feels complete. The other big win is the captain and crew feel like they know the coast, not just the route.

One thing to weigh: this is a 180-passenger ship. That can mean a less quiet vibe on board, and on busy days you’ll spend more time working around a crowd than grabbing a secluded spot.

Key highlights you should care about

• Bonifacio cliffs from the sea: limestone walls, dramatic sea caves, and a coast the captain can narrate by name
• Two swim windows (plus one island swim/visit time): more water time than a quick round-trip
• Lunch onboard with 3 menu choices: meal served during the Lavezzi cove stop, with drinks included
• Lavezzi and Cerbicales Islands: both the marine-park feel and the classic turquoise coves
• Captain Vincent Chiocca and the family tradition: a real local sea story, not a generic spiel
• Big ship reality: around 180 passengers on board, so expect logistics to be efficient, not intimate

Setting off from Porto-Vecchio at 9 a.m.

Your day starts early, but in a way that actually works. You board from 8:15 a.m. for a snack served by the crew, then the cruise leaves at 9:00 a.m. sharp from Porto Vecchio. This timing matters because the best light for coastal views often happens before midday, and the day is packed.

The meeting point is easy to find, with H7RM+FF Porto-Vecchio, France as the provided reference. If you’re trying to keep the morning stress low, plan to be at the port a bit earlier than you think you need.

One extra note for planning: some departures run from Pinarello in high season. If you’re traveling outside peak months, assume Porto Vecchio is your main start point.

Cruising Corsica’s extreme south, with the captain as your guide

Once you’re out on the Mediterranean, the trip becomes more than transportation. The boat heads for the Lavezzi Islands via the cliffs of Bonifacio, and the captain adapts the route to weather conditions. That means the experience can be slightly different day to day, but it also signals they’re paying attention to safety and comfort.

As you glide along the coast, the captain lists the beaches as you pass them, including spots like Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara, Sperone, and then you reach Bonifacio. Even if you don’t memorize every name, it helps you connect what you’re seeing with what the coast is famous for.

The Bonifacio approach is the kind of moment that makes you look up from your phone. From the sea you get those classic limestone cliffs sculpted by wind, and you can also see the famous sea caves. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate why this corner of Corsica looks so dramatic even when you’re just passing by.

Who it suits best here

If you like scenery with a light touch of narration, this part is a win. If you want long town time, you won’t get that today, but you do get coast viewing that’s hard to match from land.

Bonifacio cliffs and sea caves, the panorama moment

Bonifacio is the stop that happens without anyone getting off the boat. You reach it after passing other famous beaches, and the timing is set so you get that big panorama when you’re already in motion.

The views are the point. Think limestone faces, cliff lines that look carved by time, and caves you can spot from the right angle. This is also where weather really shows up: if conditions are rough, the captain may adjust the route, which can change how close you get to certain sections.

This section is also why it helps to sit where you can see unobstructed views. On a big ship, that’s not always automatic, but you can usually choose a spot that gives you a better angle for photos and for simply watching the coast.

Lavezzi Islands stop at noon, lunch included

Around 12:00 p.m., you reach a cove on the Lavezzi Islands for your main break. Lunch is served on board, with 3 menu choices and drinks included. You don’t have to hunt for food or switch locations, which makes this stop feel efficient and relaxing.

This is one of the more valuable parts of the day. Many boat trips dump you on land first, then feed you later. Here, the meal is timed so you can refuel, swim if you want, and still have island time afterward.

One practical tip: if you care about what you’re ordering, check with the crew early rather than waiting until the line gets busy. You’ve got limited daylight and a set schedule, so quick decisions help.

Lunch pace and what to expect

After lunch, you’re scheduled to move into island time. At 1:30 p.m., the cruise arrives on the islands so you can swim or visit. That means lunch is more than a snack, but it’s also not an all-you-can-stay affair. If you’re easily rushed, set expectations up front, then enjoy the meal while it lasts.

Food gets a lot of positive attention in the feedback I used to shape this review, including praise for the meal and for the crew’s effort. You should still treat it as a boat lunch, not a fine-dining stop, but it’s clearly a highlight of the day.

1:30 p.m. island time on Lavezzi, swim or explore

At 1:30 p.m., you reach the islands for activity time. The day gives you a choice: swimming or visiting the island. How much you do of each depends on wind and water conditions, and that’s the honest reality of island time.

This part is where your priorities matter most. If you want the classic marine-park swimming, focus on water time and keep your movement simple. If you prefer island walking and viewpoints, plan your route quickly, because you won’t have hours and hours.

Also, remember that snorkeling gear is not included. You can still swim fine without it, but if you want better underwater viewing, bring your own mask and snorkel, or plan for what you can do with basic swimming.

Return cruise via the Island of Cavallo

At 3:30 p.m., you head back toward Porto Vecchio along the Island of Cavallo. This is not the main event, but it keeps the day from feeling like a stop-start schedule. You’ll be cruising again, with sea views that remind you why you’re on the water in the first place.

If you’re someone who likes to reset with a slower pace, this is a good window to do it. After the midday meal and the island activity, the cruise back gives your legs a break.

The 5:00 p.m. swim stop, where the turquoise shows up

The schedule ends with another swim stop at around 5:00 p.m. You’ll stop in a cove with turquoise waters, listed as Carratoghju or the Cerbicales Islands. This is a smart design because it gives you one more shot at clear water time even if earlier conditions were less ideal.

This also helps if you’re the type who needs a second chance to get the water experience right. Maybe the first swim was short, maybe you didn’t get your footing quickly, or maybe you just want one last dip before heading back.

Try to treat the last swim stop as a cooldown. Pack your towel and essentials in a way that you can move fast, then enjoy the water without stressing over timing.

Why the family-run Chiocca crews matter

This cruise is operated by CHIOCCA croisières, with a family connection to the sea that shows up in how the trip is described. The Chiocca family has been sharing the pleasures of the sea for four generations, and you’ll meet your captain, Vincent Chiocca.

Vincent Chiocca is described as having 40 years of experience, and the story around him is tied to the extreme south of Corsica, with what sounds like a lived-in knowledge of the coast. If you like travel experiences with a real human face behind the narration, this matters.

There’s also a second name you might hear, Vincent Chiocca Junior, born in 1977. The background is specific: he left school at 14 to follow the fishing path, studied in the merchant marine in Sète, became a captain at 17, and learned the sea craft through family fishing operations. Even if you don’t care about biographies, it helps explain why the coast commentary feels tied to practice, not just memorized lines.

On a big ship, that credibility can be the difference between a generic ride and something that feels purposeful.

Ship size and comfort, the 180-passenger reality

This is a big capacity ship with about 180 passengers on board. That affects the vibe more than you might expect. It usually means:

• You’ll move efficiently through the day, because the schedule is built for large groups
• On-board space can get tight, especially at snack and meal times
• Popular viewpoints fill up faster, so you might need to pick your spot early

Accessibility is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is good to know. Beyond that, you’re likely traveling with a mix of ages and comfort needs, so expect the crew to keep things moving.

If you hate crowds, you may want to mentally trade “quiet escape” for “big-day coast cruise.” If you can roll with it, the payoff is still real: you get a full day with major island areas and classic viewpoints without having to drive or organize anything yourself.

Price and value: what $129 buys you

At $129 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement boat ride. But for a one-day outing from Porto Vecchio, with lunch and drinks included, plus multiple swimming stops and island time, it’s fairly priced for the kind of scenery you’re getting.

You’re paying for three things:

• Access to the sea and the islands, with a schedule that hits several high-demand areas
• On-board meal service, rather than forcing you to improvise on a short day
• Time efficiency, since you’re not piecing together ferry times and transfers

Where it can feel less like value is if you mainly want land exploring. The day is built around water, not towns, and the island time is likely short compared to what you’d get on a multi-day trip. If your ideal day is slow hiking and long beach lounging, this may feel a bit fast.

Weather can change the route, plan for flexibility

Like any day at sea, weather is a real factor. The route to the Lavezzi Islands depends on conditions, and in rough weather the cruise can be adjusted or even canceled. One of the most important practical points is that sea days do not behave like museum visits.

If you’re traveling in winter or shoulder season, keep your calendar flexible. If you’ve booked a whole tight itinerary and your Corsica time is already fixed, it’s smart to avoid stacking other plans on the exact same day.

That said, the schedule also shows they’re thinking ahead. They include cruising, two swim stops, and island time, so even with normal sea conditions you can still have a full experience.

What to pack and how to make it smoother

The listing does not include snorkeling gear, so bring what you need if snorkeling is your plan. Beyond that, you’ll enjoy the day more if you show up ready for repeated water stops.

I’d bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be out for hours)
• A light layer for windier moments on the return
• Swimwear you can wear again, plus a towel if you prefer comfort
• Water shoes if you want better footing during any shoreline time

Also, since lunch is served onboard with set timing, eat like a smart person: don’t wait until the last minute to make choices, and plan to keep some energy for the 1:30 island window.

Final verdict: should you book this Porto-Vecchio cruise?

Book it if you want a classic Corsican sea day with big-view coast time, real island swimming, and lunch included without the hassle of planning ferries or driving. It’s a strong choice for couples and friends who want maximum scenery per day, and for anyone who prefers guided navigation with a captain who knows the coast.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, or if you’re hoping for long island exploration on foot. The day is designed around swim stops and movement, and the ship size means you’ll be working around other people.

If your trip dates are flexible and you can handle the occasional weather change at sea, this is the kind of cruise that can turn a regular day into a memory. You’ll come away with the Lavezzi and Cerbicales feeling, plus Bonifacio’s cliffs seen the way they were meant to be seen, from the water.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from Porto Vecchio?

You board from 8:15 a.m., and the cruise departs at 9:00 a.m. sharp from the port of Porto Vecchio. The return is planned around 6:00 p.m.

How long is the day cruise?

The duration is 1 day.

Where does the cruise stop for lunch?

Lunch is served onboard at about 12:00 p.m. during the stopover in a cove of the Lavezzi Islands. There are 3 menu choices, and drinks are included.

Do you get time to swim and visit the islands?

Yes. You’ll have swimming stops, plus at 1:30 p.m. you arrive on the islands for swimming or visiting. There is also a swim stop around 5:00 p.m. in a turquoise-water cove.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

What islands are included on the itinerary?

The cruise includes stops connected to the Cerbicales and Lavezzi Islands, with sightseeing that also reaches the Bonifacio area and the return via the Island of Cavallo.

Is the ship wheelchair accessible and what languages are offered?

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. The live tour guide is available in English, French, and Italian.