From Porto: Scandola & Girolata Tour by Boat

Set out on a captivating journey from Porto to explore the UNESCO-protected wonders of Scandola Nature Reserve. This boat tour offers an eco-friendly glimpse into the region’s breathtaking coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife. Glide silently through turquoise waters on a hybrid vessel, spotting majestic sea eagles and peregrine falcons. Discover hidden coves, striking red rock formations, and the remote village of Girolata, accessible only by sea or hiking trail. This sustainable experience immerses you in the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of this captivating corner of Corsica. What secrets await beyond the horizon?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Corsica.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve on a silent hybrid boat, minimizing environmental impact.
• Spot endemic fauna, including majestic sea eagles and peregrine falcons, while cruising through the reserve’s breathtaking landscapes.
• Visit the remote coastal village of Girolata, accessible only by sea or hiking trail, to experience a traditional Mediterranean atmosphere.
• Optionally, admire the striking pink granite rock formations of the Calanche de Piana, a unique geological wonder.
• Set out on a sustainable and enriching tour that offers a deep appreciation of the Scandola Nature Reserve’s natural beauty and wildlife.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour allows visitors to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve, a captivating natural wonder along the Corsican coastline.

Travelers will cruise through the reserve on a silent hybrid boat, minimizing their environmental impact. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to spot endemic fauna, including majestic sea eagles and peregrine falcons.

The boat tour offers the perfect opportunity to appreciate the reserve’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife while respecting the delicate ecosystem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an immersive experience, this tour provides a sustainable and enriching way to discover the beauty of the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Scandola Nature Reserve

The Scandola Nature Reserve is a breathtaking coastal landscape located along the western shores of Corsica, France. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and diverse marine life, captivating visitors with its pristine natural beauty. Explore the reserve on a silent hybrid boat to respect the environment and keep an eye out for endemic fauna, such as the majestic sea eagles and peregrine falcons. Enjoy the tranquility of this remarkable natural wonder, where the land and sea converge in a harmonious display of nature’s grandeur.

Flora	Fauna
Mediterranean shrubs	Sea eagles
Evergreen oak trees	Peregrine falcons
Coastal pine forests	Bottlenose dolphins
Rare plant species	Endangered fish species

Hybrid Boat Cruise

Cruising through the Scandola Nature Reserve aboard a silent hybrid boat allows visitors to explore the UNESCO-protected landscape while minimizing their environmental impact.

The hybrid boat’s electric propulsion system ensures a peaceful journey, with no disruptive engine noise to disturb the area’s delicate ecosystem.

As the boat glides across the turquoise waters, passengers can marvel at the dramatic red rock formations and keep an eye out for the reserve’s diverse wildlife, including the majestic sea eagles and agile peregrine falcons.

This eco-friendly mode of transportation enables visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Scandola, providing a truly memorable and sustainable experience.

Endemic Fauna Sightings

Visitors can often spot a variety of endemic fauna during the Scandola Nature Reserve boat tour, including the majestic sea eagles and agile peregrine falcons that soar above the dramatic red rock formations.

With its protected status, the UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a diverse range of species that thrive in the rugged coastal landscape. Birdwatchers may catch glimpses of other endemic birds like the Corsican nuthatch and the Corsican citril finch, while keeping an eye out for other elusive creatures like the Tyrrhenian painted frog.

The serene, silent hybrid boat allows for optimum wildlife viewing, ensuring a truly immersive and eco-friendly experience in this natural wonder.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Girolata Village Visit

During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to disembark and explore the remote coastal village of Girolata, which is only accessible by sea or a 7km hiking trail.

This 30-minute stop allows visitors to wander through the charming streets and take in the stunning natural surroundings.

Girolata boasts a traditional Mediterranean atmosphere, with its colorful houses, small harbor, and lack of vehicular traffic.

Visitors can soak up the tranquil ambiance, admire the dramatic cliffs that envelop the village, and perhaps visit the local church or enjoy a refreshment at one of the cafes.

This unique opportunity to experience a truly off-the-beaten-path destination is a highlight of the Scandola and Girolata boat tour.

Calanche De Piana

The Calanche de Piana is an optional stop on the Scandola & Girolata boat tour, allowing visitors to admire the striking landscape of pink granite rocks that make up this UNESCO-protected site.

This natural wonder offers a few key highlights:

1. Unique geological formations sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.
2. Vibrant colors that range from rusty red to soft pink, creating a dreamlike setting.
3. Hiking trails that wind through the Calanche, offering panoramic views of the coastline.
4. A chance to learn about the serenity and tranquility of this remote, unspoiled region.

While not part of the core tour, the Calanche de Piana is an enchanting addition for those seeking to fully embrace the natural beauty of Corsica.

Tour Duration

The Scandola & Girolata boat tour typically lasts between 3 to 4.5 hours, providing ample time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve.

During this tour, you’ll cruise through the reserve on a silent hybrid boat, minimizing your environmental impact.

The duration of the tour allows you to stop in the remote coastal village of Girolata, accessible only by sea or a 7km hiking trail.

Plus, you’ll have the option to visit the stunning Calanche de Piana, known for its pink granite rock formations.

Throughout the journey, you’ll have the chance to spot endemic fauna, including sea eagles and peregrine falcons, creating an unforgettable experience.

Booking Information

Travelers can reserve the Scandola & Girolata boat tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This ‘pay later’ option allows flexibility when booking the excursion.

The process is straightforward:

1. Select your desired tour date and time.
2. Provide your contact information.
3. Confirm the booking – no payment is required upfront.
4. You’ll receive a booking confirmation, and can pay on the day of the tour.

This convenient booking system ensures a stress-free experience, allowing you to plan your Scandola and Girolata adventure with ease.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policies and any restrictions that may apply.

Is There a Designated Spot for Swimming During the Tour?

The tour includes a swimming stop, allowing visitors to take a dip in the sea during the boat trip. The designated swimming area provides an opportunity to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of the Scandola Nature Reserve.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is not specified. However, the tour operates on a "silent hybrid boat to respect the environment", suggesting a small group size is likely to provide an intimate experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour has no specific age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should consider whether the duration and nature-focused activities are suitable for younger kids. Travellers of all ages can enjoy this scenic boat tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Participants have the option to customize the length of their experience and spend more time exploring the area’s natural wonders.

Recap

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers can cruise through the pristine coastal landscape on a silent hybrid boat, spotting endemic wildlife like sea eagles and peregrine falcons.

After discovering the breathtaking rock formations and marine life, the tour visits the remote village of Girolata, showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: