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

The best part of this four-hour trip is the quick hop from northern Sardinia to the Corsican Archipelago, with three swim stops along the way. You get white beaches, clear water, rocky coves, and the thrill of crossing the Strait of Bonifacio in a nimble RIB rather than sitting on a large ferry.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the choice of departing from Palau or La Maddalena. I also like the generous half-hour stops at Lavezzi, Piana, and beneath the cliffs of Bonifacio. The catch is weather: wind and sea conditions can change the route, and one past trip could not reach every planned Corsican island.

Key points at a glance

• Three swimming breaks: Spend about 30 minutes at Lavezzi, 30 minutes at Piana, and 30 minutes beneath the Bonifacio cliffs.
• Two departure choices: Select Palau or La Maddalena, with morning and afternoon departures available.
• Small RIBs, not a ferry: The Silver Boat carries up to 10 people, while the Gold Boat carries up to 12.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, life jackets, water, fuel, and a skipper are included.
• A weather-dependent route: The skipper may alter the stops for safety and sea conditions.
• Best for active beach time: Bring a towel and swimwear, and expect to spend much of the trip in or near the water.

Crossing the Strait of Bonifacio by RIB

This is a boat day built around movement. You leave from northern Sardinia and head north toward southern Corsica, crossing the Strait of Bonifacio on a fast, compact inflatable boat. The crossing gives the trip its special character: you are not just being taken to a beach, but moving between two countries and two island groups in a single half day.

The RIB is well suited to this water route. It can reach coves and swimming spots that are not practical for a large vessel, and the ride feels more direct and open to the sea. You should still expect some bouncing if the water is lively. If you prefer a calm, steady ride, a larger boat may suit you better.

The activity lasts four hours, so the pace is fairly brisk. You will spend time under way, then stop for about half an hour at each main swimming location. That balance works well if you want several different views without giving up a full day of your holiday.

Choosing Palau or La Maddalena

You can book from Palau or La Maddalena, two useful starting points in northern Sardinia. The meeting point depends on the option you select, so check the exact departure details before setting out. Morning and afternoon options make it easier to fit the trip around a beach day, a ferry crossing, or other plans.

Palau is a practical choice if you are staying on the Sardinian mainland or near the Costa Smeralda. La Maddalena works well if you are already on the island or want to begin close to the local archipelago. The important point is to book the port that matches your accommodation and allow enough time to reach the correct meeting place.

The tour runs only when there are at least four participants. That minimum helps the operator run the boat efficiently, but it also means a small booking may not be confirmed immediately. Keep that in mind if your holiday schedule is tight.

Lavezzi: clear water and rounded granite

The first major stop is the island of Lavezzi, reached by sailing through the Strait of Bonifacio. This is one of the most appealing parts of the trip because Lavezzi combines pale sand, sculpted rocks, and clear water that suits a short swim and snorkel.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a refreshing swim, a look below the surface with the supplied snorkeling equipment, and a little time on the beach or around the rocks. It is not enough for a long walk or a full exploration of the island, so think of the stop as a water break rather than a land visit.

The RIB’s boarding ladder makes getting in and out easier, though you should still be comfortable climbing from the water. Life jackets are provided, and the skipper controls the timing of the stop. If you are hoping to spend most of the day on dry land, this is not that kind of excursion. The focus is swimming, snorkeling, and seeing the coast from the water.

Isola Piana: a second chance to swim

The route continues to Isola Piana, where you get another half-hour swim stop. The appeal here is variety. After the rocks and beaches of Lavezzi, Piana gives you another setting for floating, snorkeling, or simply cooling off in the sea.

Having three separate water stops is useful because conditions can vary. The water may feel different from one cove to the next, and a spot that looks too busy or exposed can be replaced if the skipper judges that another location is safer. The exact stops are not guaranteed, since the sea and wind have the final say.

A SUP board is included, adding a little choice to the stop. You can swim, use the board, or stay on the RIB’s cushions and enjoy the view. Food and drinks other than the supplied water are not included, so bring your own refreshments if you want more than a drink of water during the four hours.

Bonifacio’s cliffs from below

The third planned stop is beneath the cliffs of Bonifacio. Seen from the sea, Bonifacio’s dramatic position becomes especially clear, with pale rock rising above the water and the old town perched high overhead. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and is intended for swimming rather than a visit into town.

This is an important distinction. You will see Bonifacio from the boat and from the water, but this experience does not give you time to go ashore, walk the lanes, or visit the citadel. If Bonifacio itself is a priority, plan a separate land visit.

The cliffs also show why weather matters. Wind and waves can affect how close the boat can approach and how comfortable a swim feels. The skipper may change the order of the stops or adjust the route. One past excursion had to skip some Corsican islands because of the climate, though it still reached beautiful places and even extended the trip for an extra Bonifacio visit.

The two RIB choices

The boat depends on the option you reserve. The Silver Boat is an 8-metre Gassa RIB with room for up to 10 people. It has a 200-horsepower engine, bow cushions, an awning, a boarding ladder, an outdoor freshwater shower, and standard safety equipment.

The Silver Boat is the simpler choice, but it still provides the features that matter most on a half-day swim trip. The awning gives you shade between stops, while the bow cushions provide a place to sit as you travel. The freshwater shower is useful after snorkeling or swimming in salt water.

The Gold Boat, Nonnagina II, is 10 metres long and carries up to 12 people. It has twin 350-horsepower engines, cushions at the bow and stern, an awning, a refrigerator and hob, Bluetooth radio, a diving platform, a boarding ladder, a freshwater shower, and safety equipment.

The Gold Boat offers more room and more onboard comforts. The rear cushions and platform can make the time between stops more pleasant, especially if the boat is full. The refrigerator and hob do not mean that food is included, so do not count on a catered lunch. Bring anything you want to eat or drink, apart from the water supplied with the trip.

What the skipper adds

Your skipper handles the route, the boat, and the safety side of the trip. The guide language is Italian and English, and the experience is led by a certified instructor. That matters on a route with open-sea crossings, changing conditions, and several different swimming locations.

The quality of the guiding can shape the day. Skipper Giulio received especially warm praise for being available and showing strong sea knowledge. You should not assume Giulio will operate every departure, but his example gives you an idea of the personal service the company aims to provide.

The guiding style may be more practical than lecture-heavy. Information is provided about the places you pass, but this is primarily an active boat outing, not a formal history tour. One past group wanted more commentary, while the same group found the swimming stops beautiful and appreciated an extra trip toward Bonifacio.

If you want a constant stream of facts, ask questions as you go. A small boat makes that easy, and your skipper is the best person to explain the coves, the route, and any changes caused by the sea.

Price and what you receive for $70

At about $70 per person, this is a reasonable price for a four-hour cross-border boat trip, especially because fuel, the skipper, water, snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, life jackets, and safety equipment are included. You are paying for access to several coastal areas in one outing, not just a single transfer.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, boat hire, and equipment. You also avoid the responsibility of piloting a RIB across the Strait of Bonifacio. For a small group, that combination of transport and guided access can make the cost feel fair.

Food and drinks are not included. Water is provided, but one past trip had only water rather than the soft drinks the passenger expected. I would bring a snack and any preferred non-alcoholic drink, provided the operator allows it, and I would not rely on the refrigerator or hob as a promise of meal service.

The Gold Boat may offer extra comfort, but the available information does not establish that every booking uses it or that it carries a separate premium. Check the selected boat option carefully before paying.

Comfort, swimming, and practical preparation

Bring a towel and beachwear. You will want both from the first swim stop, and there is an outdoor freshwater shower on the boats for rinsing off afterward.

The trip suits people who are happy climbing a boarding ladder, sitting in a moving boat, and getting in and out of the sea several times. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, so you do not need to pack those items. The SUP board adds another option, but the core activity remains swimming and sightseeing from the RIB.

Pets are not allowed. Pregnant women should not book this experience, and the activity is recommended from age two onward. Infants from birth to 11 months must be reported in advance. If you are bringing a young child, ask about the exact boat and sea conditions before confirming.

The boats have awnings, but shade is limited compared with a large vessel. Pack sun protection and expect exposure to wind and spray, while staying within the stated packing guidance and the operator’s rules.

Weather can change the day

The route is explicitly dependent on weather and the skipper’s judgment. That is normal for an open-water trip, but it deserves more attention here because the experience crosses between Sardinia and Corsica and includes exposed swimming stops.

A change of route does not necessarily ruin the outing. You may still reach attractive coves and swim in clear water, and the skipper may adjust the order or length of the stops. One excursion lasted longer than planned and included an extra run toward Bonifacio, while another could not reach every Corsican island because of conditions.

I would avoid booking this as your only chance to see one specific island. Book it for the overall experience of crossing the strait, swimming in beautiful water, and seeing several coastal settings. That mindset gives the skipper room to make the safe call without turning a change into a disappointment.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if the forecast or your schedule is still unsettled.

Who will enjoy this half-day trip

I would recommend this for couples, friends, and families with older children who want an active morning or afternoon without giving up a full day. The small group keeps the boat more personal, and the 12-person limit is far more appealing than a crowded excursion vessel.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in northern Sardinia and want a taste of southern Corsica without arranging a separate ferry and land tour. The four-hour length leaves room for another beach, a meal, or a walk later in the day.

You may want a different experience if your main goal is Bonifacio’s town, a long beach stay, a formal guided history lesson, or a completely smooth ride. This trip moves quickly, depends on the sea, and gives you short visits rather than extended time at one place.

The average rating is 3.9 from six ratings, so I would keep expectations sensible. The strongest points are the scenery, the clear water, the unusual cross-border route, and the personal attention possible on a small RIB. The weaker points are variable communication, limited included refreshments, and the fact that weather can remove part of the planned route.

Should you book the Palau or La Maddalena RIB tour?

Book it if you want three scenic swim stops and a compact Sardinia to Corsica adventure for $70. The combination of Lavezzi, Isola Piana, and Bonifacio’s cliffs gives you a lot of visual variety in four hours, while the skipper, fuel, water, and equipment keep the main costs clear.

Choose your departure port based on where you are staying, bring your own snack and drink, and treat the route as flexible. If you can accept that the skipper may change the stops for safety, this is an exciting and good-value way to see the islands from the water. If you need a guaranteed visit to every Corsican island or prefer a quiet, land-based day, skip it and plan a slower excursion instead.

FAQ

How long does the RIB tour last?

The tour lasts four hours.

Where can I depart from?

You can choose an option departing from Palau or La Maddalena. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

Which islands and locations does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Lavezzi, Isola Piana, and a stop beneath the cliffs of Bonifacio. The skipper may change the route because of weather and sea conditions.

How long are the swimming stops?

The planned stops last about 30 minutes each at Lavezzi, Isola Piana, and beneath the Bonifacio cliffs.

Are snorkeling equipment and a SUP board included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, life jackets, water, fuel, and safety equipment are included.

Is food or drink included?

Water is included, but food and other drinks are not included.

Can children or pets join the tour?

The experience is recommended from age two. Infants from birth to 11 months must be reported in advance. Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women.