The Santa Teresa: Bonifacio, Isola Piana, and Lavezzi Tour promises an unforgettable adventure along Corsica’s stunning southern coastline. Travelers can expect a thrilling speedboat ride, the medieval charm of Bonifacio, refreshing swims at Isola Piana, and the natural beauty of the Lavezzi Archipelago. With a comprehensive itinerary and ample time at each destination, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the region. Whether you’re seeking history, nature, or simply a day of pure relaxation, this Corsican excursion might just be the perfect escape you’ve been searching for.
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Santa Teresa Gallura.
Key Points
- This 7-hour adventure takes visitors from Santa Teresa Gallura to explore the historic city of Bonifacio, swim at Isola Piana, and birdwatch at the Lavezzi Archipelago.
- The tour includes a 30-minute speedboat ride to Bonifacio, where visitors can explore the medieval citadel and scenic white limestone cliffs for 2.25 hours.
- After Bonifacio, the tour includes a 20-minute panoramic cruise to Isola Piana, where visitors can enjoy a 45-minute swimming break in the crystal-clear waters.
- The final leg of the tour involves a 20-minute speedboat ride to the Lavezzi Archipelago, where visitors can swim, snorkel, and birdwatch for 75 minutes.
- The tour is priced between $90.02 and $100.02 per person, and includes insurance, a skipper, fuel, life jackets, food, drinks, and a tour guide.
Tour Overview
The Santa Teresa: Bonifacio, Isola Piana, and Lavezzi Tour offers a 7-hour adventure along the southern coast of Corsica.
Priced from $90.02 to $100.02 per person, the tour departs at 9:00 am from Santa Teresa Gallura, returning around 4:45 pm.
Highlights include a 30-minute speedboat ride to the medieval town of Bonifacio, 2.25 hours of exploration, a 20-minute journey to the sandbanks of Isola Piana for a 45-minute swim, and a 20-minute boat trip to the Lavezzi Archipelago’s nature reserve for 75 minutes of swimming and birdwatching.
The tour includes insurance, a skipper, fuel, life jackets, food, drinks, and a tour guide, though it’s not suitable for some travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Santa Teresa Gallura.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a 30-minute speedboat ride from Santa Teresa Gallura to the medieval town of Bonifacio.
Guests will have 2.25 hours to explore the historic citadel, admire the white cliffs, and wander through the charming cobbled streets. Highlights include the bustling Place du Marche and the quaint Place de la Manichella.
The journey continues with a 20-minute panoramic cruise to Isola Piana, where guests can enjoy a 45-minute swimming break in the shallow sandbank area.
Lastly, a 20-minute speedboat ride takes the group to the Lavezzi Archipelago, a nature reserve, for a 75-minute swimming and snorkeling excursion, as well as opportunities for birdwatching.
Speedboat Ride to Bonifacio
After exploring the historic charms of Santa Teresa Gallura, the tour kicks off with a thrilling 30-minute speedboat ride to the picturesque medieval town of Bonifacio. This exhilarating journey across the azure waters offers a glimpse of the rugged Corsican coastline. Upon arrival, guests will have 2.25 hours to enjoy the captivating atmosphere of Bonifacio.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Medieval Citadel | Explore the winding cobbled streets and historic landmarks of this fortified Old Town. |
| White Cliffs | Marvel at the towering white limestone cliffs that line the harbor, a stunning natural wonder. |
| Place du Marche | Stroll through the lively main square, bustling with local shops and cafes. |
| Place de la Manichella | Discover the charming piazza, known for its traditional architecture and panoramic views. |
Exploring Bonifacio
Stepping off the exhilarating speedboat, guests embark on a 2.25-hour exploration of Bonifacio’s captivating medieval citadel.
Wandering the town’s well-preserved cobbled streets, visitors marvel at the striking white cliffs and charming architecture.
The tour showcases Bonifacio’s highlights, including:
- The historic Place du Marche, a lively square surrounded by shops and cafes.
- The stunning Place de la Manichella, known for its panoramic views over the Strait of Bonifacio.
- The quaint alleyways and stairways that wind through the clifftop Old Town, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Guests soak in the atmosphere of this unique Corsican town, immersed in its timeless beauty and captivating Mediterranean ambiance.
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Departing Bonifacio, the speedboat navigates southward along the panoramic coastline of Corsica.
The 20-minute journey takes travelers to the uninhabited Isola Piana, a small island surrounded by shallow sandbanks.
Upon arrival, guests are given 45 minutes to swim and relax in the crystal-clear waters.
This tranquil interlude provides a refreshing respite from the previous exploration of the medieval Bonifacio.
With its serene atmosphere and natural beauty, Isola Piana offers a chance to unwind and soak up the Corsican sun before moving on to the final destination of the Lavezzi Archipelago.
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Swimming Break at Isola Piana
Upon reaching Isola Piana, guests eagerly disembark the speedboat and make their way to the island’s shallow sandbanks.
This 45-minute swimming break allows them to cool off in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the tranquility of the location.
The sandbanks offer:
- Knee-deep wading for those seeking a more leisurely dip
- Deeper sections for stronger swimmers to take a refreshing plunge
- Unobstructed views of the surrounding archipelago and verdant coastline
This respite from the journey provides a welcomed opportunity to relax, soak up the sun, and appreciate the natural beauty of this secluded corner of southern Corsica.
Speedboat to Lavezzi Archipelago
After their refreshing break at Isola Piana, the group boards the speedboat once again and heads out to the Lavezzi Archipelago, a protected nature reserve located just 20 minutes away. This picturesque group of granite islands offers remarkable natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
| Activity | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming/Snorkeling | 75 minutes | Explore the crystal-clear waters and discover the vibrant marine life of the Nature Reserve. |
| Birdwatching | Variable | Spot a variety of seabirds nesting and foraging in the Lavezzi Archipelago. |
| Relaxation | Variable | Take in the stunning scenery and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this untouched paradise. |
With its serene landscapes and diverse wildlife, the Lavezzi Archipelago promises an unforgettable conclusion to this captivating tour.
Booking Information and Customer Feedback
Booking this tour is straightforward, as the operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Guests can also reserve their spot with no upfront payment.
To make the most of the experience, visitors should bring a few key items:
- Sunscreen to protect against the Mediterranean sun
- A towel for the swimming breaks
- Passport or ID for the border crossing to Bonifacio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Wheelchair-Accessible?
No, this tour is not wheelchair-accessible. The tour description states it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The itinerary includes activities like speedboat rides and walking that would be difficult for wheelchair users to participate in.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator states the tour is not suitable for individuals over 70, pregnant women, children under 2, or those with mobility impairments. Bringing pets would likely not be permitted.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour includes life jackets and supervised swimming breaks in shallow areas. However, being able to swim is recommended to fully enjoy the water activities.
Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?
The tour operator doesn’t explicitly mention a group discount, but they do state that the price ranges from $100.02 to $90.02 per person, which suggests there may be some flexibility or savings for larger group bookings.
Can I Request a Different Departure Time?
Customers can request a different departure time, though this may be subject to availability and potential additional costs. The tour company will work to accommodate reasonable requests whenever possible, based on operational feasibility.
Recap
The Santa Teresa: Bonifacio, Isola Piana, and Lavezzi Tour offers an exhilarating 7-hour adventure along Corsica’s stunning southern coastline. Travelers can explore Bonifacio’s historic citadel, swim in Isola Piana, and snorkel the Lavezzi Archipelago, creating an unforgettable experience. With convenient departure times and positive customer feedback, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of this region.
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