Corsica Yacht Charter Guide 2026-2026 - Best Tips & Itineraries

Reserve Bonifacio berths in advance and lock in a flexible Corsica route that blends sheltered bays with vibrant harbours.

The Corsica Yacht Charter Guide 2025-2026 suggests a seven-day loop that starts in bonifacio, visits the Lavezzi archipelago, Propriano, and Porto-Vecchio, then returns via Ajaccio or Bonifacio. You will find numerous anchorages, crystal seascapes, and a handful of cafés along the way to energize the crew after a splashy afternoon. Daily hops sit in the 12–25 NM range, and the route offers picturesque coves ideal for sunset swims on deck.

Onboard comfort matters: a jacuzzi on the deck creates a social hub during the evening hours, while a dependable motor yacht keeps you on schedule. The team handles provisioning, tender calls, and shore bookings, making the trip smooth. When you pass seaside villages, stephanie from their team suggests pausing for a quick walk, sampling cafés with italian influences, and savoring seafood plates to name a few.

Best times to sail are May through October, with wind typically favorable in the afternoon and calm mornings for beach walks. Never rush a port call; take an extra hour in bonifacio to climb the headlands and watch the cliffs turn orange at sunset. The itinerary remains flexible, plus you can switch to calmer anchorages if seas rise. Their crew can tailor daily plans to fit your party's pace and preferences, from family-friendly swims to vibrant nightlife in port towns.

To craft a memorable experience, prioritize a yacht with a good deck layout, a comfortable salon, and reliable generators, so you can enjoy evenings with the crew and listen to the sea. The name Corsica always brings bold scenery, but the best memories come from open-water days, snorkeling stops, and cuisine stops at quaint cafés along the way. With numerous options, this guide helps you pick a route that matches your skills and interests while keeping the experience awesome for every traveler.

Porto Vecchio Start Point for 2025–2026 Charters

Start your charter here to minimize long crossings, maximize time in sheltered bays, and keep your itinerary flexible for sun, wind, and occasional calms.

Porto Vecchio offers a practical base for a catamaran or motor yacht, with a protected marina, quick provisioning, and direct access to Bonifacio’s historical cliffs, sandy coves, and nearby islets. In good weather, you can hop between some of Corsica’s best beaches and scenic headlands in a single day, then return to the same harbor for cafes and a comfortable night. France3 highlights Porto Vecchio as a convenient gateway for southern Corsica routes, featuring easy connections to surrounding anchorages and towns.

• Beaches within reach: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara, Cala Rossa–each offering turquoise water, white sand, and calm mornings ideal for a catamaran.
• Iconic stop: Bonifacio’s medieval citadel and cliff views, with a short hike to vantage points and a stroll through cobbled lanes before a sunset sail back to safe shelter.
• Islands and coves: Lavezzi archipelago sinuous channels, granite islets, and sheltered bays featuring excellent snorkeling and clear water.
• Nearby Sanguinaires option: for a longer day, you can plan a scenic leg toward the Sanguinaires area for dramatic limestone silhouettes and sunset silhouettes, weather permitting.
• Onboard comfort: choose a modern catamaran like a smeralda-styled model to maximize deck space, stability, and easy sailing through coves and passes.
• Local flavor: evenings in Porto Vecchio offer cafes and fresh seafood, with name-brand options and tiny bistros that entertain guests after a day on the water.
• Weather window focus: late spring and early fall provide lighter tradewinds and longer daylight time; midsummer offers steady tradewinds with calmer mornings for short hops.
• Historical notes: a short land excursion in Bonifacio reveals Genoese walls and maritime history, enriching your time ashore between sails.
• Safe harbor planning: most anchorages around Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio are well-marked; keep a lookout for rock shoals near Cala Rossa and Cala di Volpe, and review the latest charts before your first night at anchor.

1. Day 1: Porto Vecchio to Cala Rossa or Rondinara. Anchor in a protected cove, swim through clear water, and enjoy a sunset café stop ashore before heading back to the marina for a night aboard.
2. Day 2: Sail to Bonifacio. Explore the citadel, walk part of the historic ramparts, and hike to a lookout. Lunch at a harbor-side cafe, then return through the cliff-lined channel for a calm evening on deck.
3. Day 3: Head to the Lavezzi archipelago. Swim, snorkel among coral, and anchor near Cavallo or nearby islets. Evening ashore if available, or dine aboard with a view of the sunset over the water.
4. Day 4: Move to Santa Giulia or Rondinara for a long beach day. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle, hike a short coastal trail, and enjoy a seafood dinner at a local quay cafe.
5. Day 5: Return toward Porto Vecchio via Palombaggia, stopping for last swims and a leisurely lunch. Debrief the crew, refuel if needed, and plan the next leg or return to port with time to spare for Fransce3 features or a final harbor walk.

When to sail: May, June, September, and early October offer the best combination of pleasant water temperature and manageable winds. If you plan a longer run through the southern tip toward Ajaccio, carry a plan B for Sanguinaires or Ajaccio options in case of a stronger than forecast Mistral. Some charters prefer a mid-morning departure to catch the sea breeze before the afternoon lull; your crew can adjust the itinerary through the day to keep everyone entertained and comfortable.

Best sailing windows: seasons, winds, and safety considerations

Choose May–June for a grand, ideal sailing window with steady winds, clear seas, and easy transitions between porto-vecchio and bonifacio, making it ideal to explore lavezzi and nearby islets.

In spring, north winds (Mistral) are typically moderate, 15–25 knots on main routes, with seas around 1–2 m off the lavezzi archipelago and the Sanguinaires. A round passage from porto-vecchio toward bonifacio remains comfortable in settled mornings, while keeping to clear channels close to shore and avoiding cervo rock hazards.

July–August bring a lighter sea state with a dependable seabreeze, usually 8–16 knots, occasionally building to 18–22 knots in the afternoon. This window suits longer hops between destinations like the Lavezzi group, Sanguinaires, and the coves near Porto-Vecchio, with evenings lounging on deck after a short break in the day.

September–October restore stronger conditions, with gusts in the 25–30 knot range on fresh days. North winds can be persistent along the north coast; plan round trips along the coast or down to Bonifacio, and keep a careful eye on lee shores and rock hazards around cervo and the cap Corse approach.

November–March bring storms and rough seas; avoid long passages and base in protected harbours like those around Porto-Vecchio or Ajaccio. The high winds and high seas demand a cautious plan, backed by experienced team. Choose anchorages surrounded by protective headlands to reduce wave impact.

Safety considerations: always check forecasts 2–3 times daily, use VHF channel 16 to contact harbours, maintain a plan to respond to squalls, and assign a dedicated team member on deck. Equip with life jackets, harnesses, a sea-anchor, a VHF, and a beacon; ensure anchor setups are solid and maintain a clear break in weather plan that prioritizes sheltered harbours and recirculating routes. If a break occurs, head for the lee of Sanguinaires or the protected coves near Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, and regroup with the crew before continuing.

Destinations like bonifacio, porto-vecchio, lavezzi, sanguinaires surround Corsican coasts, offering grand views and ancient fortifications. When you went ashore, visit napoleons birthplace in Ajaccio and explore cervo rock along the northern approaches. After a day on the water, the team can lounge on deck, share notes, and contact local authorities to adjust the plan if needed.

Top Porto Vecchio harbors: marinas, moorings, and berths

Port de Porto Vecchio is the best starting point for a charter on this south corsicas riviera, offering the most berths and easy access to nearby markets and dinner options. This highly regarded harbor will come with reliable facilities, quick response from staff, and a full range of services for your crew during your year aboard.

Port de Porto Vecchio houses about 350 berths with 120 seasonal moorings, and depths up to 4.5 m along the main quay. The port was built in the late twentieth century and remains the go-to for visiting yachts, especially during events that fill the waterfront in July and August. For some charter crews, this main hub is the first stop in their year aboard a charter, and it often serves as a reliable home base.

Marina de Santa Giulia lies a short ride north of Porto Vecchio and offers roughly 260 berths with 70 moorings; depths reach about 3.8 m. It stays bustling in peak season, while mornings bring calm anchorages for coffee, and evenings create a lively dinner scene along the cala by the water. Staff respond quickly to berth requests, and visiting yachts will find a solid choice for provisioning and shore excursions.

Port de Sant'Ambrogio provides a quieter alternative with about 180 berths and 50 moorings, depth around 3 m. It gives easy access to cala di Palombaggia and Cala Rossa for morning swims, while nearby lanes offer home-style dining and relaxed sunset walks after visiting the cala. This part of the coast will reward you again and again for taking the time to explore.

Planning tips: reserve berths 2–4 weeks ahead during peak months; check tide windows and ferry traffic; in all harbors, the main quay offers the best access to shore services, while some outer pads deliver quieter moorings with more privacy. The closer you stay to Porto Vecchio town center, the more you will enjoy nearby provisioning and dining options for dinner after a day of charters.

When you visiting this area, create your route around Cala di Santa Giulia, Cala Rossa, and other nearby calas; this best approach helps you respond to weather or events and keeps your itinerary flexible. Corsicas year-round charm shines through in calm mornings, lively evenings, and characterful harbors that welcome visiting yachts again and again.

4–6 day charter itineraries from Porto Vecchio: sample routes

Book a 5-day charter from porto-vecchio that anchors near Bonifacio at sunrise, sails to the Lavezzi Islands, then threads Rondinara Bay, Palombaggia, and Santa Giulia for a luxurious finish back to port. The route is fantastic for a mixed group, with vast bays, clear water, and rock formations that beg to be explored from the deck or via short swims.

In Porto-Vecchio you’ll find italian-inspired cafés and pastry shops, perfect for a quick coffee before heading to sea. Your hosts can arrange a calm pace for a family or friends’ group, with a morning stroll through piazzas and ancient town streets. Stephanie, a local contact, coordinates provisioning and short land stops so the crew stays refreshed for long afternoons on the water. The charter would depart from Porto Vecchio year after year with the same welcoming service, making every hop a smooth, back-to-basics experience of sea, sun, and tasty Corsican bites.

Tip: keep a flexible pace–the vast coastline offers quick hops or extended quiet anchors. In each stop, the crew can free you from rush, letting the group explore ancient lanes or simply stroll along a quiet coast. To maximize the experience, book a captain who knows the river estuaries and hidden bays; their local knowledge helps you dodge crowded spots and find a calm cove for a sunset swim. For water lovers, the Lavezzi archipelago provides an underwater world with clear visibility and abundant life, a fantastic backdrop for photos with the rock silhouettes towering above.

Provisions, fuel, and water: planning for a coastal cruiser

Fill diesel tanks to at least 90% capacity and carry a 40–60 L spare fuel can for short hops along the coast; refuel at Bastia, Calvi, or Ajaccio to stay flexible when north winds shift.

Provisions: for 2–4 people on a 5–7 day coastal cruise, stock non-perishables for 4–6 days: pasta 4–6 kg, rice 3–4 kg, canned tomatoes 8–12 cans, canned fish 6–8 tins, olives 0.5–1 L, olive oil 2 L, coffee 0.5 kg, tea 1 box, sugar 1 kg, salt 0.5 kg, spices. Add crackers, nuts, dried fruit for snacking. Fresh produce: apples 6, oranges 6, lemons 4, lettuce 3 heads, tomatoes 12, cucumbers 4, carrots 4, onions 6, garlic 2. Cheese 1–2 kg; eggs 1–2 dozen; yogurt; shelf-stable milk if needed. Store items in a spacious locker, rotate perishables to finish at the end of each leg, and plan easy meals for busy exploring days.

Fresh items from the bustling marketplace: in Corsica, the marketplace stalls offer seasonal greens, citrus, dairy, and seafood; you can meet locals and sample cervo dishes in cafes along the island coast, turning every stop into a flavorful experience.

Water and hygiene: target 200–300 L fresh water for a 5-day trip for 4 people; top up at marinas and carry a 20 L portable jerry can for contingencies; if you have a water maker, use it for longer legs. Check-in at each harbor helps you plan refuel and restock without delay.

Coastal itinerary tips: round the island from Bastia toward Cap Corse and down toward Calvi, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio if time allows; use the north winds to skim along pristine coves and bays, blending exploration with relaxation. In each stop, keep a flexible schedule to enjoy relaxing cafes, the island’s scenic shores, and fantastic sea air.

Regulations and safety essentials: licenses, insurance, and radio protocol

Hire a licensed skipper if your certificate may not be accepted for a Corsican bareboat charter. In France, licenses must be recognized by authorities; check with your broker or the local hosts in Ajaccio, the Corsican capital, before you book. If you lack a recognized credential, choose a crewed charter or a skipper-for-hire to keep the voyage compliant and stress-free. Bring the original certificate, its French translation if needed, and a recent photo ID to avoid delays at check-in.

Insurance matters: request a certificate of insurance (COI) that covers third‑party liability, hull and machinery, and crew/fifth‑person accident coverage for the duration of your itinerary. Aim for third‑party limits in the €3–5 million range and hull coverage that matches the vessel’s value, plus a weather or cancellation rider if offered. Ensure the policy is valid in Corsican waters and that the broker’s contact details are on hand for quick claims. Have the insurer list the charter date range, vessel details, and your names clearly on the COI to prevent disputes during checks at the marina.

Radio protocol: operate the on‑board VHF radio only with an appropriate qualification. If you will handle radio duties, obtain a Short Range Certificate (SRC) or an equivalent license, or rely on the skipper who already holds one. Maintain Channel 16 for hails, switch to Channel 9 for working conversations, and use Channel 70 for DSC when available. Keep the ship’s MMSI and call sign accessible, and log emergency contacts for French coastal authorities in the event you need assistance in a tight spot near Girolata or along the Florent coast. France4 programs about coastal safety can offer context, but do not rely on them for practical procedures on your specific voyage.

Safety basics in practice: conduct a thorough musters and safety briefing on day one, and keep life jackets readily accessible for all guests. Verify that the liferaft and flares are current, and that the first aid kit is complete. Install a clear safety plan on deck with marked life‑saving equipment locations, and rehearse man‑overboard procedures using a calm, spacious area of the cockpit or saloon so guests feel entertained yet prepared. A well‑maintained anchor and anchor rode are essential for protected anchorage along the coast, whether you’re near the historic harbors or a quiet inlet after a hike in the hills.

Itineraries and anchorage planning: map different routes that balance scenic coves with reliable shelter. Include Bonifacio and Girolata as anchorages when weather allows, and consider Florent as a practical stop for a short rest and provisioning runs. Build in time for hosts who offer local service and century‑old charm; the best itineraries combine easy access to historic sites with calm bays for safe anchorage after a day of exploring coastal trails. Keep a note of the capital markets, but focus your planning on practical daylight sailing, clear weather windows, and the occasional hike to viewpoints overlooking the sea. With years of coastal experience, you’ll easily adjust plans to changing conditions and still enjoy a memorable voyage along the Corsican coast, where the islands’ heritage, rugged buildings, and welcoming hosts create a backdrop for an unforgettable cruise.