From Porticcio: Speedboat Tour to Cupabia Beach with Stops

The best part of this Porticcio speedboat trip is the mix of fast open-water cruising and long swim stops. You race along the southern shore of Ajaccio, then slow down at clear coves where the main plan is simple: jump in, float, and enjoy Corsica from the water.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which gives the captain room to adjust the pace. I also like the generous aperitif of local meats, cheese, and rosé, served during the cruise or near sunset. The main catch is the boat itself: a rigid inflatable boat can be bouncy, and this outing is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under six.

Key points to know before booking

• Four swim stops: Expect time in the water at places such as Isula Piana, the Cacao cove, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent.
• A proper Corsican aperitif: Local charcuterie, cheese, and rosé are included, giving the trip more substance than a basic sightseeing cruise.
• A small, lively boat: The group is limited to 12, with stretches of high-speed cruising across the southern coast.
• Chez Francis stop: You can have a drink at the well-known hut near Cala D’Orzu, but anything purchased there costs extra.
• French-speaking crew: Captains named Baptiste and Bebel have led recent departures, and the guiding language is French.
• Plan for half a day or more: The listed duration ranges from 270 to 390 minutes, depending on the option and schedule selected.

Why the southern coast works so well by speedboat

From Porticcio, the boat heads along the southern shore of Ajaccio, where the view changes quickly from open sea to small coves and sandy beaches. A semi-rigid speedboat gets you to places that would take longer to reach by land, while still letting you stop close to the water.

This is not a quiet harbor cruise. The boat can move at high speed between stops, with the captain zigzagging across the sea for a sense of motion and freedom. I would choose this trip if you want your coastal sightseeing to include a little excitement, not just a view from a fixed seat.

The small-group setup matters here. With a maximum of 12 people, the boat should feel less crowded than a large sightseeing vessel. You can hear the captain more easily, move around with less fuss, and get into the water without a long queue.

The trade-off is comfort. A rigid inflatable boat has an exposed seating area and can feel lively when the sea is choppy. If you have back problems, reduced mobility, a heart condition, or another health issue that could make the ride difficult, declare it when booking. The captain can refuse boarding for safety reasons if a condition was not declared in advance, with no refund for the refused passenger.

The first stops: Isula Piana and the Cacao cove

The route begins near Sette Nave and continues toward Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. These early stops set the pattern for the day: scenic cruising, a chance to admire the coast, and time to swim in clear water.

Isula Piana gives you the kind of sea view that makes a boat excursion worthwhile. Instead of seeing Corsica from a road or beach, you look back toward the shore from the water. The scale feels different, and the pale sand and bright water are easier to appreciate from offshore.

The Cacao cove adds a more sheltered setting. The plan is not a formal guided visit with a long commentary. You get a short introduction from the captain, then free time to bathe and enjoy the surroundings.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The excursion is built around swimming, so these are not optional extras. Apply sunscreen before departure and bring enough for several hours in the sun, especially since there is limited shade on an open boat.

Swimming four times in clear Corsican water

The four swim breaks are the heart of the trip. You are not simply passing beaches from a distance. You get repeated chances to enter the water at different points along the coast, including the area around Plage d’Argent.

That rhythm works well for a half-day outing. You travel for a while, stop for a swim, get back aboard, and then continue toward another cove. If you prefer a beach day with one fixed base, this may feel too mobile. If you like seeing several places without arranging separate transport, the format is useful.

The water is described as warm and turquoise, but conditions can still vary by weather and sea state. The captain controls where the boat stops, so the exact swimming conditions and length of each pause can change. I would not book this expecting a precisely timed swim at every named location.

Plage d’Argent is an especially appealing final stop. Its name means Silver Beach, and the pale sand and clear water give the last swim a fitting finish. The final stop can also be one of the busiest-feeling parts of the day if several boats are in the area, so your experience will depend partly on conditions when you arrive.

Corsican charcuterie, cheese, and rosé on board

The included food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. The captain prepares an appetizer of cold meats and cheese, paired with rosé wine. This is more satisfying than a token snack, especially after several swims.

Corsican charcuterie gives the meal a local touch. You are not stopping at a standard restaurant for a set menu. Instead, the food becomes part of the boat experience, served in a relaxed setting with the coastline around you.

The timing can add to the appeal. The tasting is described as an aperitif under the sun, with local meats, cheese, and wine available as the boat continues. The outing also emphasizes watching the sunset while eating and drinking, depending on the departure option and timing.

This is not a full lunch. Lunch is specifically excluded, so do not arrive expecting a substantial midday meal. If you need more than an aperitif, eat beforehand or plan for food after the cruise. The package includes rosé wine, but you should pace yourself in the sun and water.

The wine also makes this better suited to adults and older children than to families with very young kids. Children under six cannot join the RIB excursion, and the fast boat plus repeated swimming stops may not suit every child.

Cala di Cupabia and the main beach stop

The boat continues to Cala di Cupabia and Cala D’Orzu before reaching Cupabia Beach. These stops combine the main pleasures of the excursion: warm water, pale sand, and time to relax without a fixed program every minute.

Cupabia Beach is the destination that gives the trip its name. The beach is presented as a broad, sandy place with turquoise water, and it provides a longer scenic pause within the route. You can swim, sit back, and enjoy the coast at a slower pace after the high-speed sections.

Cala D’Orzu brings another option. Near the cove is Chez Francis, a well-known beach hut where you can buy a drink. That purchase is not included, so bring a payment method if you want to stop there for something extra.

The hut is a useful choice for someone who wants a land-based break, but it is not essential to the tour. You already receive wine, cheese, and charcuterie as part of the boat outing. I would treat Chez Francis as an optional add-on, not a reason to book the trip by itself.

What the speedboat ride feels like

Between stops, the captain opens up the throttle. The boat moves quickly across the water, and the route may include sharp turns and zigzags. This gives the excursion a clear sense of fun, but it also means you should think about motion comfort before booking.

The boat has a maximum group size of 12, though the number on a particular departure may be lower. A recent six-person departure was described as especially comfortable, with extra room aboard. A smaller-than-full group can make a noticeable difference on a compact boat.

The captain also has some flexibility in how the day unfolds. Captains named Baptiste and Bebel have been singled out for attentive, careful service. You should still expect the skipper to put safety and sea conditions ahead of a fixed route, since a swim stop may need to change.

The guiding language is French. If you do not speak French, you may miss some commentary, though the basic shape of the day is easy to follow: ride, stop, swim, eat, and ride again. Ask questions before departure if you need clear information about safety, timing, or the swimming stops.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. You are paying for more than transport, though. The price includes the speedboat, a local guide, visits along the southern shore of Ajaccio, four swimming opportunities, and an appetizer with charcuterie, cheese, and rosé.

The value improves if you would otherwise book a separate coastal cruise and pay for food and drinks. The small group also adds value compared with a large boat, especially for an active outing where space and easy boarding matter.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want to sit on one beach all day. In that case, a direct beach visit may cost less and give you more time ashore. This outing makes the most sense for you if you want several coves, fast cruising, swimming, and a social aperitif in one package.

The long duration range, 270 to 390 minutes, is worth checking carefully. That means the outing may last about four and a half to six and a half hours, depending on the option and departure time. Check the exact start time before booking, particularly if you have dinner plans or a separate activity later.

Practical limits and who should book

You should book this experience if you enjoy open-air boat rides and do not mind getting wet. It works particularly well for couples, groups of friends, and families with children old enough for a fast RIB ride.

The excursion is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Children under six are not permitted. Passengers with back problems, severe disabilities, reduced mobility, heart conditions, or other relevant health concerns must tell the company when booking.

A towel is essential. Sunscreen is just as important, and you should wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to make the most of the first stop. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, and the meeting point can vary by the option booked, so check those details rather than assuming the boat leaves from the same spot every time.

The guide language is French, and the group is limited to 12. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Corsica schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Porticcio to Cupabia speedboat tour?

I would book this for a coastal adventure with swimming built in, not for a calm sightseeing cruise or a full beach day. The four water stops, quick boat sections, and included Corsican aperitif give the outing a good balance of action and downtime.

The strongest details are the small group, the local food, and the chance to reach several attractive spots in one half-day. The biggest concerns are the exposed, bouncy boat, the French-only guiding, and the fact that lunch and transport to the meeting point are not included.

Book it if you are comfortable on a RIB, want more than one beach, and like the idea of ending the day with cheese, charcuterie, rosé, and possibly a sunset. Skip it if you need step-free access, are pregnant, have a condition that makes fast boat travel risky, or prefer to stay ashore.

FAQ

How long does the Porticcio speedboat tour last?

The listed duration is between 270 and 390 minutes, or about four and a half to six and a half hours. The exact duration depends on the option selected.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat tour, a local guide, visits to the southern shore of Ajaccio, an appetizer of cold meats and cheese, rosé wine, and free time at the Chez Francis hut.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. The included food is an aperitif of local charcuterie, cheese, and rosé wine.

Can children join the boat tour?

Children under six are not permitted on the rigid inflatable boats. The tour information does not provide a maximum age or other child-specific rule.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?

No. Pregnant women and wheelchair users are listed as unsuitable for this activity. Passengers with other health conditions must declare them when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want money for an optional drink at Chez Francis, since those purchases are not included.