The Ajaccio: Scandola – Girolata – Piana – Capo Rosso Tour promises an unforgettable adventure along Corsica’s stunning coastline. Travelers can explore the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve by speedboat, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. With guided commentary and inclusive equipment, this comprehensive tour showcases the island’s natural wonders. But that’s not all – the itinerary also includes must-see stops at Girolata and Capo Rosso, each offering their own unique charm. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an immersive Corsican experience, this tour may be just what you need.
Key Points
- This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Ajaccio’s natural wonders, including the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata, Piana Coves, and Capo Rosso.
- Participants can enjoy a variety of activities like guided tours, swimming, snorkeling, and the use of sea scooters to explore the marine environment.
- The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours, a reserve now, pay later option, and comprehensive services like guided commentary, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.
- Restrictions apply for certain participants, such as pregnant women, individuals with back problems, wheelchair users, and those over 309 lbs (140 kg).
- The tour’s duration is 9 hours, with a departure location at the 4 Quai Napoléon Parking in Ajaccio.
Tour Overview
This tour, titled "Ajaccio: Scandola – Girolata – Piana – Capo Rosso Tour," costs from $152.26 per person and lasts 9 hours.
It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a reserve now, pay later option.
The tour departs from the 4 Quai Napoléon Parking and includes a speedboat ride, guided tours, swimming, and snorkeling at the Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata, the Piana Coves, and Capo Rosso.
Participants must be aware of restrictions for pregnant women, those with back problems, wheelchair users, the elderly, and those with low fitness levels or weighing over 309 lbs.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ajaccio.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at the 4 Quai Napoléon Parking, where participants embark on a speedboat ride to the Scandola Nature Reserve.
There, they’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, photo stops, swimming, and snorkeling.
Next, it’s a 10-minute boat ride to Girolata for a 2-hour break, sightseeing, and free time.
The tour continues with a 30-minute speedboat ride to the Calanques de Piana, where participants can explore the guided tour, swim, and snorkel for 45 minutes.
The final stop is Capo Rosso, accessible by a 30-minute boat ride, offering break time, swimming, and snorkeling for 1 hour before returning to the starting point.
Natural Attractions
The Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a diverse array of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna.
Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling amid the reserve’s stunning natural beauty. The Gulf of Girolata, accessible only by boat or hiking, offers a unique beachside lunch experience with its rustic charm.
The Piana Coves feature colossal granite rocks and fascinating caves, including the Lovers’ Cave, providing insights into nature’s wonders.
The Capo Rosso cape with its stunning pink granite and natural pools is a breathtaking natural attraction for swimming and snorkeling.
Included Services
The tour includes a guided tour, providing visitors with insightful commentary on the natural wonders they’ll encounter.
Drinks are provided throughout the day to keep guests refreshed.
Snorkeling equipment is also included, allowing participants to explore the captivating marine life up close.
For a truly immersive experience, the tour offers sea scooters, enabling guests to glide effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters.
These included services ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata, Piana Coves, and Capo Rosso.
More Great Tours NearbyParticipant Restrictions
Although the Ajaccio tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Corsica’s natural wonders, it may not be suitable for everyone.
The tour has certain participant restrictions, including:
Certain participant restrictions apply for the Ajaccio tour, including limitations for pregnant individuals, those with back problems, and wheelchair users.
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Pregnant women and individuals with back problems are advised against joining due to the active nature of the excursion.
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Wheelchair users and those with low fitness levels may find the tour challenging, as it involves swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.
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Individuals over 309 lbs (140 kg) are restricted from participating for safety reasons.
It’s essential for interested travelers to carefully consider these restrictions before booking the tour to ensure a enjoyable and safe experience.
Customer Feedback
Customers have shared overwhelmingly positive experiences with the Ajaccio tour. The tour boasts an impressive 4.4/5 rating based on 13 reviews. Travelers praise the attentive guides, enjoyable views, swimming opportunities, and informative tours. One reviewer described the tour as "incredible views" and "one of my best days in Corsica", while another called it a "great day on the boat". The following table provides a closer look at the customer feedback:
| Rating | Positive Highlights |
|———-|—————————————————–|
| 4.4/5 | – Attentive guides |
| | – Enjoyable views |
| | – Swimming opportunities |
| | – Informative tours |
Important Information
Two key pieces of information for participants to bring on the Ajaccio tour are a sun hat and towel.
Additional important details include:
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The meeting point is at the end of the jetty across the gas station for the boat, with a possible pickup location at the Porticcio tourism office pier.
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The tour includes activities such as swimming and snorkeling, so appropriate beachwear is recommended.
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Participants should be aware of the restrictions, as the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, wheelchair users, the elderly, or those with low fitness levels or significant weight.
Getting to the Meeting Point
Reaching the meeting point for the Ajaccio tour is a straightforward process.
The tour departs from the end of the jetty across the gas station, where the boat will be docked. Alternatively, participants can be picked up at the tourism office pier in Porticcio.
It’s recommended to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.
Parking is available nearby at the 4 Quai Napoléon lot.
With these clear instructions, travelers can easily find their way to the starting point and begin their unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Corsica.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a flexible group size, with no specific minimum or maximum. Depending on demand, the group size can vary, allowing for an intimate or larger shared experience on the boat and during activities.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
No, you don’t need to bring your own snorkeling equipment. The tour includes snorkeling equipment rental, so you can simply use the provided gear during the swimming and snorkeling activities.
Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Tour?
The tour includes drinks, but food is not provided. Participants don’t need to bring their own snorkeling equipment, as it’s included in the tour. However, bringing a towel and sun hat is recommended.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?
The tour spending 2 hours at Scandola Nature Reserve, 2 hours in Girolata, 45 minutes at the Piana Coves, and 1 hour at Capo Rosso, providing ample time to explore each natural wonder along the way.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
While the tour has a set 9-hour duration, there’s no option to extend it. However, travelers may be able to customize their experience by spending more or less time at each location based on their preferences.
The Wrap Up
The Ajaccio: Scandola – Girolata – Piana – Capo Rosso Tour offers an unforgettable journey exploring Corsica’s stunning coastline. Participants will enjoy a thrilling speedboat ride, swim and snorkel in the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve, and take in breathtaking views at Girolata and Capo Rosso. While certain restrictions apply, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience Corsica’s natural beauty.
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