The ancient port town of Porto Vecchio serves up some of Corsica’s most rewarding day trips. These well-organized excursions let you experience the region’s highlights efficiently and comfortably. I’m especially fond of the Maddalena Archipelago tour – its combination of island-hopping and snorkeling makes for an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure. The Santa Maria outing offers a perfect mix of relaxation and activity, while the rugged Cuscionu Plateau 4×4 expedition connects visitors with authentic village life. For those seeking coastal views, the Porto-Vecchio boat tour delivers stunning scenery and local flavors. Let’s explore the best tours worth your vacation time.
Key Points
- The Maddalena Archipelago Excursion offers a day-long adventure to the Maddalena Islands, featuring swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the town of La Maddalena.
- The Santa Maria Relaxing Day Excursion provides a 9-hour experience with activities like snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and sea scooter use, along with a Corsican charcuterie lunch.
- The Cuscionu Plateau & Alta Rocca 4×4 Tour is an 8-hour adventure that includes a jeep/SUV ride, wildlife viewing, and a local restaurant lunch, showcasing charming villages and authentic Corsican cuisine.
- The Porto-Vecchio Boat Tour with Meal and Swim Stops is a 7-hour boat tour that features sightseeing, swimming, and local cuisine, including an onboard meal and optional second swimming stop.
- Advance bookings are recommended for popular excursions, and cancellation policies typically allow for full refunds up to 24 hours prior, with essential items such as swimwear and comfortable clothing required.
Excursion to Maddalena on an Opera 53
While exploring the stunning Corsican coast, visitors can embark on an excursion to the Maddalena archipelago aboard the Opera 53, a comfortable and well-equipped boat.
This day-long adventure takes travelers to the picturesque Maddalena Islands, located just off the northeastern coast of Sardinia. The boat departs from Porto Vecchio and navigates through the crystal-clear waters, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the islands’ pristine beaches.
Once on the islands, guests have the opportunity to disembark and discover the charming town of La Maddalena, with its charming streets, local shops, and cafes.
Alternatively, they can spend time swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the boat, taking in the stunning natural scenery. The excursion also includes a stop at the Budelli Island, known for its iconic pink-hued sand beaches.
Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable crew provides insights into the local history and ecology, making it an enriching and memorable experience.
Read our full review: Excursion to Maddalena on an Opera 53 Review
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Porto Vecchio: Relaxing Day Excursion on The Santa Maria
For visitors seeking a relaxing day excursion from Porto Vecchio, the Santa Maria offers a serene journey through the stunning Corsican coastline. Priced from $147.04 per person, this 9-hour excursion departs at 8:30 am and returns at 5:30 pm, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The itinerary includes exploring the Lavezzi and Cerbicales Islands, where guests can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and sea scooter activities. Highlights include sailing around the Lavezzi Islands, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and experiencing the underwater world.
A Corsican charcuterie lunch, mixed salad, and Corsican cheese are provided, along with an aperitif in an intimate setting.
The excursion includes a captain/guide, snorkeling equipment, a sea scooter, and hotel pickup and drop-off. However, it isn’t suitable for children under 3 or for pregnant women and wheelchair users.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 3 reviews, the Porto Vecchio: Relaxing Day Excursion on The Santa Maria promises an unforgettable day at sea.
Read our full review: Porto Vecchio: Relaxing Day Excursion on The Santa Maria Review
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Porto Vecchio: Cuscionu Plateau & Alta Rocca 4×4 Tour
Departing from location J74H+H8G, the Porto Vecchio: Cuscionu Plateau & Alta Rocca 4×4 Tour takes adventurous travelers on an 8-hour journey to discover Corsica’s enchanting landscapes.
Priced at $189.05 per person, this tour includes a jeep/SUV ride, a viewpoint photo stop, a wildlife viewing walk, a local restaurant lunch, and a secret swimming spot.
Guests will explore the island’s charming villages, gain insight into the local ecosystem, and indulge in authentic Corsican cuisine. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 8 reviews, travelers can expect a high-quality experience that showcases the wild beauty of Corsica, away from the typical tourist spots.
Participants should bring swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and sports shoes.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, transportation, and refreshments, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive exploration of the Cuscionu Plateau and Alta Rocca region.
Read our full review: Porto Vecchio: Cuscionu Plateau & Alta Rocca 4×4 Tour Review
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Porto-Vecchio: Boat Tour With Meal and Swim Stops
Visitors to Porto-Vecchio can embark on a captivating 7-hour boat tour that offers a delightful combination of sightseeing, swimming, and savoring local cuisine.
Departing from Porto-Vecchio, the tour takes guests aboard the Ulysse, a Corsican Maritime Heritage boat, as they sail towards a turquoise-blue cove perfect for swimming, paddling, and snorkeling.
The onboard meal features a starter, a barbecue (meat or fish) with seasonal vegetables, a dessert, and a fresh fruit platter, accompanied by a half-bottle of wine per person.
In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the coastline, and an optional second swimming stop. Guests can use the provided equipment, including paddles, seascooters, and snorkeling gear.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 14 reviews, this tour is praised for its great atmosphere, excellent crew, and high-quality cuisine.
However, the trip may be canceled last-minute due to adverse weather conditions and isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those over 95 years old.
Read our full review: Porto-Vecchio: Boat Tour With Meal and Swim Stops Review
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Sum Up
Porto Vecchio offers a variety of tours to suit different interests. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Maddalena Islands, relaxing on a boat cruise, or discovering the Cuscionu Plateau by 4×4, there’s an excursion that’ll provide an unforgettable experience. These tours allow you to learn about the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region.