How about renting a boat for a cruise around Corsica? Here’s a mini-guide to renting a boat in Corsica!
Too crowded on the mainland? Would you like to visit Corsica more freely than by road and land? Finding a yacht charter company in Corsica will certainly enhance your stay and your Mediterranean escapades! From Bonifacio to the red Calanques of Piana, from the Gulf of Porto to the Lavezzi Islands and the sublime beaches of the east coast, via L’Île-Rousse and Cap Corse, Corsica is a little corner of paradise in the Mediterranean, still preserved from mass tourism, coveted and fantasized about by all sea lovers. This island, bristling with mountains set against the sea, boasts 1,047 kilometers of coastline, creeks and inlets not accessible by road, breathtaking scenery and a unique identity, a blend of French and Italian culture. Sailing the blue waves around Corsica is sure to give you a feeling of freedom.
But how do you rent a boat in Corsica, and from whom? Whether it’s a motorboat, a RIB, a sailboat, a catamaran or a yacht, here are our tips for renting a boat in Corsica if you’ve got your sea legs and the soul of a yachtsman.
How to rent a boat in Corsica
There are two ways to find a boat and sail the blue waters of the Isle of Beauty: rent a boat from a company or rent from a private individual. Renting from a private individual will give you access to unbeatable rates, but a professional will give you more advice on the weather, the model of boat to choose according to your desires, the length of your stay and/or whether or not you have a license.
- Book in advance
Our first piece of advice is to book your boat in advance, as demand explodes during the summer months and the supply of boats diminishes accordingly.
- Calling in a professional
If you have no sailing experience, it’s best to hire a boat with a skipper, as you can’t go to sea without knowing the basics of navigation.
- Choose your navigation zone
You also need to choose your cruising area according to the distance to be covered: you won’t hire the same boat if you’re sailing around the island, or if you’re going from Ajaccio to Bonifacio, or from Sartène to Propriano.
- Compare offers
Finally, it’s a good idea to compare the prices and facilities available in a given port: sailboat, catamaran, motorboat, schooner, yacht, RIB, number of cabins, boat length, model and year of construction.
What type of boat should I choose?
How do you choose a boat to rent in Corsica? Your budget will undoubtedly provide the answer to this question. You can rent a motorboat, for example, but you’ll need a boating license or, failing that, rent a boat in Corsica with a captain on board (which will be more expensive). If you still want to sail in total freedom, we’d advise you to opt for a sea kayak, but you won’t be able to take to the open sea and will be subject to coastal navigation.
The question of comfort can also help to discriminate between one type of boat or another: rent a sailboat – if you don’t get seasick – or a catamaran or motorboat if there are a lot of you and you want spacious, comfortable cabins.
Corsica’s ports and anchorages
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Isiwal
Corsica is one of the most popular destinations for yachtsmen, and there are many boat rental companies. But you don’t necessarily know where to moor.
The port of Bonifacio
Described as one of the most beautiful jewel cases in the Mediterranean, Bonifacio is one of the most popular towns in Corsica. The port of Bonifacio is one of the busiest in Corsica in summer. You can book your boat rental and mooring online, from among 170 available berths.
Tino Rossi harbour, Ajaccio
Ajaccio is Corsica’s largest city, and its Tino Rossi marina is ideally placed for exploring the island by sea. You can book your berth online from among 100 available moorings. Docking just a stone’s throw from the city center is a comfortable way to discover Ajaccio’s historic center, beaches and museums. The harbor can accommodate pleasure boats up to 18 meters long. So, if you’re planning to charter a large catamaran, choose to rent a boat in Ajaccio.
The port of Girolata
Ideally located – north of the Calanques de Piana, in the Scandola nature reserve – the port of Girolata is a good starting point for Calvi or Ajaccio. There are more than 70 berths available, with moorings on the bow and stern of the boats, to keep them facing the swell. Book several days in advance to be sure of a berth.
The port of Porto-Vecchio
One of Corsica’s most famous seaside resorts, Porto Vecchio is a strategic base for discovering the east coast and its heavenly beaches. The port has 450 berths, 100 of which are reserved for visiting boats, and can be moored either alongside the quay or on a pontoon. Mooring at the quay gives you access to water, electricity and fuel. Head for Santa-Giulia or Palombaggia to enjoy the wonders of Port-Vecchio and the surrounding area.
The port of Saint-Florent
Mooring in the port of Saint-Florent will allow you to sail towards the rougher waters of Cap Corse, as you hoist your sails towards Bastia. The port has an online booking center and is located at the foot of the Citadel ramparts, right in the heart of the village.
The port of Calvi
Another popular Corsican town, Calvi, in the northwest of the island, offers 500 berths, 150 of which are reserved for visitors and yachtsmen. Shops, craftsmen, restaurant terraces, boutiques and grocery stores open directly onto the port, with direct access to the historic center.