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Private Yacht Charters from Ajaccio along the French Mediterranean Isle of Beauty
Corsica Yacht Charters: French Mediterranean Luxury on the Isle of Beauty
A Corsica yacht charter is a fully crewed private boat rental departing from Port Tino Rossi at Ajaccio, giving your group exclusive access to the wild and mountainous French island that rises straight from the Mediterranean. Highlights within cruising range include the dramatic limestone cliffs and citadel of Bonifacio, the granite islets of the Lavezzi Islands marine reserve, the red porphyry cliffs of the UNESCO Scandola Nature Reserve, and the turquoise coves of the Gulf of Porto. The fleet ranges from 32 to 100 feet, hosting 2 to 16 guests, with durations from half day Ajaccio gulf cruises to multi day coastal voyages. Every charter includes a licensed local captain, professional crew, fuel, and snorkel gear, and the warm summer water sits around 70 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend booking early, as the finest yachts and prime dates reserve well in advance.
Corsica yacht charters offer access to a 1,000 km (620 mile) coastline encircling the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, departing primarily from Port Tino Rossi in Ajaccio (the Corsican capital) and the secondary marinas at Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, Calvi, and Saint Florent. Corsica is a French territorial collectivity with a distinct cultural identity, official bilingual French and Corsican signage, and an island geography that includes 200 beaches, 100 mountain peaks over 2,000 meters, two UNESCO heritage sites (the Scandola Nature Reserve inscribed in 1983 and the Genoese fortifications of Bonifacio), and the Parc Naturel Regional de Corse covering 40 percent of the island. The cruising season runs April through October with consistent Mediterranean trade-wind conditions, water temperatures of 70 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, and visibility on calm days of 20 to 40 meters (65 to 130 feet). Day Yacht Charters operates a fully crewed fleet from Ajaccio with local Corsican captains who know every cove of the island, every protected anchorage on the western Gulf of Porto and the southern Gulf of Valinco, every approach to the dramatic red porphyry cliffs of the Calanques de Piana (UNESCO World Heritage 1983), the chalk-white limestone cliffs of Bonifacio at the southern tip, the Lavezzi Islands archipelago in the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia, and the protected Scandola Marine Reserve on the western coast. Charter guests typically include international travelers from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and North America visiting for honeymoons, summer family vacations, and milestone celebrations. The island spans 183 km north to south and 83 km east to west, divided into two French departments (Haute-Corse to the north and Corse-du-Sud to the south, with Ajaccio as the southern capital and Bastia as the northern capital). Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte (born 1769 in a house that is now the Musee National de la Maison Bonaparte) and remains the political and tourism capital with a year-round population of approximately 70,000.
Port Tino Rossi in Ajaccio is the primary departure point for Corsica yacht charters and the iconic yachting harbor of the Corsican capital. The marina sits at the center of Ajaccio along the Quai Napoleon, named for Corsican-born tenor Tino Rossi (1907 to 1983), with 290 berths accommodating vessels up to 50 meters in length and water depths of 3 to 6 meters. Port Tino Rossi is one of three marinas serving Ajaccio (alongside Port Charles Ornano with 830 berths primarily for resident boats, and Port de l'Amiraute the historic fishing port), with the marina offering fuel dock service, water and electrical hookups, customs clearance, professional dockside provisioning, and immediate access to the Ajaccio old town and the Place du General de Gaulle main square. The marina sits directly below the Citadelle d'Ajaccio (the 16th century Genoese fortress overlooking the harbor) and one block from the Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption where Napoleon was baptized in 1771. Most Corsica yacht charters depart Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio at 9 am or 10 am after guest arrival, returning by 5 pm for full-day charters or 7 pm for sunset cruises. Within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, charters can be cruising past the Pointe de la Parata (the western tip of the Gulf of Ajaccio with its iconic 16th century Genoese tower), or in 30 minutes can be anchored at the Sanguinaires Islands archipelago, or in 45 minutes can be in the protected waters of the Iles Sanguinaires marine area. The marina is approximately 7 km (4 miles) east of Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA), with airport-to-marina ground transit of 15 minutes by taxi or pre-arranged transfer. The marina is also a short walk from the Ajaccio TGV-class ferry terminal that connects with daily services to Marseille (12 hours overnight on Corsica Linea or La Meridionale), Toulon (10 hours), Nice (5.5 hours by high-speed Corsica Ferries), and Genoa Italy (6 hours seasonal). AJA receives direct flights from Paris (90 minutes seasonal and year-round on Air France and easyJet), London Stansted (2 hours seasonal on easyJet), Brussels (2 hours seasonal on Brussels Airlines), Geneva (1.5 hours seasonal on Easyjet), and extensive French domestic connections including Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, and Nice. Total flying time from Paris is 90 minutes direct year-round. From North American hubs, the standard route is a connection through Paris CDG (8 hours JFK to CDG, then 90 minutes CDG to AJA) for total transit of approximately 14 hours including connection. Figari South Corsica Airport (FSC) serves the southern part of the island and is the closest airport for guests staying in Bonifacio or Porto Vecchio, with flights from Paris, Marseille, Nice, Brussels, and London seasonal. Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) serves the northern part of the island with similar mainland French connections. The combination of UNESCO World Heritage coastline, dedicated French Mediterranean charter base, and direct flight access from across Europe makes Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio the natural choice for most Corsica yacht charters.
Ajaccio is the political and tourism capital of Corsica and home to approximately 70,000 year-round residents. The town sits at the head of the Gulf of Ajaccio, a south-facing protected gulf 12 km wide and 18 km deep ringed by the western mountains and the granitic Sanguinaires coastline. The city center includes the Place du General de Gaulle (the main square with the iconic four-lions equestrian statue of Napoleon), the Musee Fesch (housing the second-largest collection of Italian paintings in France after the Louvre, assembled by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon's uncle), the Musee National de la Maison Bonaparte (the family home where Napoleon was born on 15 August 1769), and the Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption (the 16th century cathedral where Napoleon was baptized in 1771). The town is also home to the Plage du Trottel and Plage Saint-Francois in the city center, plus an extensive boardwalk along the Quai Napoleon that connects Port Tino Rossi to Place Foch and the old town. The Sanguinaires Islands (Iles Sanguinaires) are an archipelago of four small granitic islands lying at the western entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio, approximately 12 km west of the city center. The islands are named for the blood-red color the granite takes on at sunset, which inspired Alphonse Daudet to write his famous story Lettres de Mon Moulin partly while staying at the Sanguinaires lighthouse in 1863. The largest island (Mezzu Mare or Grande Sanguinaire) is approximately 1 km long with the iconic 18th century Genoese lighthouse rising 95 meters above sea level. The islands and surrounding waters are protected as the Natura 2000 site Iles Sanguinaires-Punta Pelusella, with snorkeling and swimming offered in the protected clear water around the islands. The Calanques de Piana on the western Gulf of Porto are one of the most distinctive geological features on Corsica and the entire western Mediterranean. The calanques are dramatic red porphyry cliffs rising vertically 300 meters from the sea in fantastic eroded shapes, designated UNESCO World Heritage in 1983 along with the adjacent Scandola Nature Reserve and the Girolata fishing village. The calanques can only be fully appreciated from the water, with the granite formations including the famous Tete de Chien (Dog's Head), the Coeur (Heart), the Tortue (Turtle), and many other named formations. Charter yachts depart Ajaccio for a full-day cruise north to the calanques (approximately 60 km, 3 hours each way by motor yacht), with anchor and swim stops at the small Calanche cove, a tender shuttle to the village of Piana for lunch, and a return south to Ajaccio. Scandola Nature Reserve is the second UNESCO World Heritage area on Corsica's western coast, immediately north of the Calanques de Piana. The reserve was established in 1975 and protects 9 square kilometers of land and 10 square kilometers of marine area at the northern end of the Gulf of Porto. The reserve is a strict no-anchor and no-fishing zone with access only by passing through (you cannot anchor or land within the reserve boundaries) but offers exceptional cruising for the dramatic red volcanic geology and significant bird populations including the largest western Mediterranean colony of ospreys (approximately 30 breeding pairs). Charter yachts cruise through the reserve along marked navigation channels with experienced local captains who know the reserve boundaries. Girolata is a small fishing village immediately north of Scandola Reserve, accessible only by boat or by a 2-hour hike from the mainland road. The village has approximately 20 year-round residents (rising to several hundred in summer) and is protected by the UNESCO designation along with Scandola and the Calanques de Piana. Charter yachts often combine a Scandola cruise with a lunch stop at Girolata, where two waterfront restaurants serve fresh-grilled local fish and traditional Corsican cuisine.
Bonifacio is the dramatic walled city perched on the southern tip of Corsica and one of the most distinctive and historically important towns on the entire island. The town is built atop 70 meter chalk-white limestone cliffs at the southernmost point of Corsica, looking south across the 12 km Strait of Bonifacio to Sardinia. The town has approximately 2,800 year-round residents and is divided into the medieval Haute-Ville (upper town) at the cliff top and the modern marina area in the Bonifacio fjord-like harbor that runs 1.5 km inland from the cliff base. The Haute-Ville preserves the 9th century Genoese fortifications (designated UNESCO heritage), the Bastion de l'Etendard (the 13th century main fortress entrance), the Eglise Saint-Dominique (a 13th century Dominican church), the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon (the famous 187-step stairway cut into the cliff face, supposedly cut in a single night by Aragonese troops during the 1420 siege), and the cliff-top promenade with one of the most photographed cliff-top views in the entire Mediterranean. The Bonifacio marina (Port de Plaisance de Bonifacio) sits at the head of the natural fjord-like inlet with 170 berths accommodating vessels up to 60 meters in length, full marine services, customs clearance for vessels arriving from or departing to Sardinia, and immediate tender access to the Haute-Ville via the small ferry steps at the marina head. Charter yachts based at Ajaccio frequently overnight at the Bonifacio marina during multi-day southern Corsica itineraries, or use Bonifacio as the morning departure point for crossings to Sardinia. The Lavezzi Islands archipelago lies 10 km offshore from Bonifacio in the center of the Strait of Bonifacio. The archipelago includes the main Lavezzi Island (approximately 1 km long with a small protected anchorage cove and historic 1855 graveyard for the Sefano shipwreck victims), Cavallo Island (the only inhabited island, with a small private resort and approximately 40 villas), Piana Island, Ratino Island, and several smaller islets. The entire archipelago is designated a strict marine reserve (Reserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio) with a 10,000 hectare protected zone covering the islands and surrounding waters. Visiting yachts must follow specific navigation channels and anchor only at designated buoy fields (no chain anchoring allowed in the seagrass beds). The clear blue waters around the Lavezzi Islands offer some of the best snorkeling on Corsica with abundant fish populations and excellent visibility in the granitic substrate. Porto Vecchio is the third major Corsican charter base, located 25 km north of Bonifacio on the eastern coast. The town has approximately 12,000 year-round residents and includes the medieval Genoese citadel overlooking the Gulf of Porto Vecchio, the modern marina with 600 berths, and one of the most extensive beach areas in Corsica (Plage de Palombaggia, Plage de Santa Giulia, Plage de Pinarello, Plage de Saint-Cyprien, and others). The granitic peaks of the Bavella Massif rise immediately west of Porto Vecchio to elevations of more than 1,800 meters, providing a dramatic mountain backdrop. The southern coast between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio includes the protected anchorages at Plage de Rondinara (a perfect crescent beach in a protected granite cove), Cala di Erbaju, and the smaller bays along the granite coastline. The Sartene coast on the southwestern side of the island between Ajaccio and Bonifacio includes the smaller charter destinations at Propriano (in the Gulf of Valinco), Campomoro (with its 16th century Genoese tower), Tizzano, and the granite coastline north of Bonifacio. The Gulf of Valinco offers protected anchorage and beach access, with the small town of Propriano (population 3,000) providing fuel, water, and provisioning at the head of the gulf.
The marine activities available on a Corsica yacht charter combine warm summer water temperatures of 70 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit between June and September, exceptional visibility of 20 to 30 meters on typical days and 40+ meters in calm conditions, and the dramatic 1,000 km coastline that combines red volcanic porphyry on the western coast (the Calanques de Piana and the Gulf of Porto), chalk-white limestone on the southern tip (Bonifacio cliffs), granite on the southeastern coast (Porto Vecchio area and the Lavezzi Islands), and schist on the northern Cap Corse peninsula. The coast lies between 41 and 43 degrees north latitude with the deep waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east and the Ligurian Sea to the north (depths exceed 1,500 meters within 20 km of much of the coast). The island geology includes extensive granitic, calcareous, and porphyritic substrates that create distinctive underwater landscapes. Swimming stops are the iconic Corsica charter experience. The most popular swim spots within day-cruising range of Ajaccio include the Iles Sanguinaires archipelago (12 km west of Ajaccio with the iconic blood-red granite islands), the protected Anse de Verghia and Capo di Feno area, the smaller coves between the Sanguinaires and the Gulf of Porto, the Calanches at the southern entrance to the Gulf of Porto (with the dramatic red porphyry rocks rising directly from the water), and the longer-cruising destinations to the Lavezzi Islands. The clear water around the Lavezzi Islands is widely considered some of the best swimming in the entire Mediterranean with brilliant turquoise water over granite sand. Snorkeling is best at the rocky granite headlands around the Sanguinaires and the Lavezzi archipelago. Common Corsica snorkeling encounters include Mediterranean groupers (the dusky grouper or cernier and the brown grouper), large schools of bogue and sarpa salpa, the colorful rainbow wrasse and ornate wrasse, the distinctive Mediterranean starfish, sea cucumbers, and occasional octopus and moray eel sightings in rocky crevices. The Bonifacio Marine Reserve protects extensive seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica, the protected Mediterranean seagrass that creates underwater meadows extending kilometers) which support juvenile fish populations and offer distinctive Mediterranean snorkeling. Pelagic wildlife viewing is a distinctive feature of Corsica cruising. The waters around Corsica fall within the Pelagos Sanctuary for Marine Mammals (the international cetacean protection area covering the northern Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas, including the Bonifacio Strait). The sanctuary is one of the most productive cetacean viewing regions in the western Mediterranean, with year-round sightings of common bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins, Risso's dolphins, sperm whales (a resident Mediterranean sub-population estimated at approximately 1,000 individuals), pilot whales, and the second-largest whale species the fin whale (with a resident Mediterranean sub-population). Sea turtle sightings (primarily loggerhead turtles, with green turtles less common) are routine throughout the summer charter season. Beach club anchoring is the iconic luxury Corsica charter experience. The coast features dozens of beach clubs and waterfront restaurants accessible by tender from yachts anchored offshore, particularly in the Porto Vecchio area where the Plage de Palombaggia and Plage de Santa Giulia beaches host upscale beach clubs serving fresh-grilled local fish and Corsican wines. The Bonifacio marina restaurants and the small fishing villages along the western coast (Cargese, Piana, Girolata, Calvi area) all offer waterfront dining accessible by tender. The combination of yacht anchored 200 meters offshore, tender service to the beach club, lunch with fresh seafood and Corsican wines (particularly the Patrimonio whites from the northern Cap Corse area and the Sartene reds from the southwestern coast), and an afternoon swim and sunbath represents the classic French Mediterranean charter day.
A half-day Corsica yacht charter from Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio typically runs 4 hours and covers the Gulf of Ajaccio from the city center out to the Iles Sanguinaires. Departing the marina at 10 am, the route cruises west along the Gulf past Pointe de la Parata (the western tip of the gulf with its iconic 16th century Genoese tower), anchors at the Sanguinaires for swimming in the protected water around the islands, includes a snorkel stop at one of the protected coves of the archipelago, and returns to Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio by 2 pm. The half-day covers approximately 25 nautical miles round trip. A full-day 8 hour Corsica charter is the classic French Mediterranean experience from Ajaccio. Departing Port Tino Rossi at 9 am, the route covers the western coast north toward the Gulf of Porto and the Calanques de Piana. Stops typically include a morning cruise past the Sanguinaires Islands, a longer northern cruise along the western coast, an extended anchor stop in the Gulf of Porto with the dramatic red porphyry Calanques de Piana visible above and around the yacht, an optional swim and tender stop at the small Calanche cove or at the village of Piana, optionally extends north to view the Scandola Reserve (with cruise-through only as anchoring is prohibited), and returns south to Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio by 5 pm. The full-day covers approximately 100 nautical miles round trip. A multi-day southern Corsica cruise is the most ambitious Corsica charter option from Ajaccio. A 3 day cruise typically includes Day 1 the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands with overnight at Propriano in the Gulf of Valinco, Day 2 the southwestern coast and Bonifacio with overnight at Bonifacio marina, and Day 3 the Lavezzi Islands archipelago and return north along the eastern coast to Porto Vecchio (where guests can disembark for the FSC airport transfer). A 5 day cruise extends the route to include the western Calanques de Piana and Scandola, with overnight stops at Calvi (the northwestern Corsican tourism center). A 7 day cruise circumnavigates the entire island including the northern Cap Corse peninsula and the eastern coast. A Sardinia crossing extension is the most distinctive Corsica charter option. The Strait of Bonifacio is only 12 km wide between Corsica and Sardinia, and crewed yachts can extend the Corsica itinerary with a crossing to Sardinia's La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (lying immediately south of the Lavezzi Islands across the strait). The combined Corsica-Sardinia cruise is one of the most distinctive western Mediterranean yacht charter experiences, combining the French and Italian island traditions, the cuisine and wines of both regions, and the dramatic natural and cultural contrast between the two islands. Sunset cruises are the iconic Corsica evening option. A 2.5 hour sunset charter departs Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio at approximately 5 pm and runs west toward the Sanguinaires Islands for the iconic Corsica sunset with the blood-red granite islands glowing in the evening light (which inspired the islands' name and Alphonse Daudet's writing). We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with Corsican specialties including fresh-grilled local fish, charcuterie with the protected DOP-designated Corsican products (figatellu, lonzu, coppa), Corsican cheeses, and the chestnut-based pulenta.
The Corsica charter fleet includes sport motor yachts in the 32 to 50 foot range ideal for half-day and full-day charters around Ajaccio Bay and the Sanguinaires Islands, larger motor yachts in the 55 to 85 foot range with cabin accommodation suitable for multi-day cruises extending to Bonifacio, the Lavezzi Islands, and Sardinia, sailing yachts from 45 to 65 feet for guests wanting the traditional Mediterranean sailing experience, and full crewed superyachts based at the larger Mediterranean marinas operating along the Corsican coast for week-long western Mediterranean cruises. Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio serves as the daily departure and return point for day charters, while overnight berthing typically takes place at the larger marinas at Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, and Calvi. Onboard amenities typically include forward sun pads and aft cockpit dining, fresh water swim showers, full galleys for onboard catering, premium audio systems with Bluetooth, snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels) sized for the Mediterranean water, paddle boards and kayaks on larger yachts, and complete provisioning to guest preferences. The captain and crew are local Corsican professionals (most fluent in both French and English, often also Italian) with detailed knowledge of every cove of the island, every protected anchorage, every cliffside restaurant, and every tender approach across Corsica. The crew handles all navigation, anchoring, tender service, and onboard hospitality, with extensive local knowledge of restaurant reservations and shore excursion coordination. Customization options include onboard private chef service with menus built around fresh Corsican cuisine: traditional charcuterie (figatellu, lonzu, coppa, prizuttu) made from indigenous Corsican wild pigs and protected by DOP Designation of Protected Origin, the famous Brocciu fresh cheese (a sheep or goat whey cheese with DOP status), the classic Corsican stew of wild boar (the famous civet de sanglier from the maquis-fed Corsican wild boar), fresh-grilled local fish from the Mediterranean (denti, loup de mer, daurade), Corsican cannelloni au brocciu, the chestnut-based pulenta (a traditional Corsican grain porridge), and the famous fiadone (a baked cheesecake made with Brocciu). Corsican wines are protected by 9 AOC appellations including the Patrimonio whites and reds from the northern coast, the Ajaccio Sciaccarellu reds, the Vins de Corse Sartene reds from the southwestern coast, and the Cap Corse muscat. The famous Corsican chestnut beer (Pietra) and the chestnut liqueur (Cap Corse Mattei) are also distinctive Corsican specialties. Group sizes range from 2 to 16 guests depending on vessel selected, with the typical sweet spot at 4 to 10 guests. Contact us for current pricing and availability. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Each charter is built around your group's interests, the local Mediterranean conditions on your charter day, and the specific destinations and experiences you most want to include. Our team handles every detail so your group can focus entirely on enjoying Corsica from the privacy and comfort of your own yacht.
Corsica is reached by international flight to Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA), Figari South Corsica Airport (FSC), Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA), or Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY). AJA is the largest of the four and the primary arrival point for Ajaccio-based charters, with direct flights from Paris (90 minutes year-round on Air France and easyJet), London Stansted (2 hours seasonal on easyJet), Brussels (2 hours seasonal), Geneva (1.5 hours seasonal), Marseille (1 hour year-round), and extensive French domestic connections. FSC is the closest airport for guests staying in Bonifacio or Porto Vecchio with similar mainland French connections. From North American hubs, the standard route is a connection through Paris CDG (8 hours JFK to CDG, then 90 minutes CDG to AJA) for total transit of approximately 14 hours including connection. Ferries are an alternative arrival option. The Ajaccio ferry terminal connects with daily services to Marseille (12 hours overnight on Corsica Linea or La Meridionale), Toulon (10 hours), Nice (5.5 hours by high-speed Corsica Ferries), and Genoa Italy (6 hours seasonal). The northern Bastia ferry terminal connects similarly to mainland France and Italy with extensive seasonal routes. Many guests combining the Corsica charter with a broader Mediterranean tour use the ferry option for the longer onboard travel experience. France is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so United States, United Kingdom, Canadian, Australian, and most other national passport holders enter France visa-free for tourist visits of up to 90 days within any 180 day period under the standard Schengen-area framework. All visitors must present a valid passport with at least 3 months of remaining validity beyond the planned departure date. From late 2026 forward, non-EU visitors will require an ETIAS travel authorization (similar to the US ESTA system) for visa-exempt travel into the Schengen Area. The euro (EUR) is the currency, with US Dollars not commonly accepted but major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) accepted essentially universally. French is the official language, though English is widely spoken in tourism-facing establishments. Corsican (a distinct Italo-Romance language) is co-official and visible on bilingual signage throughout the island. AJA sits 7 km east of Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio with ground transit of 15 minutes by taxi. Lodging options in Ajaccio include luxury hotels (Hotel les Mouettes, Sofitel Golfe d'Ajaccio), boutique properties (Palazzu Nicrosi), and the major international chains. Bonifacio area lodging includes the iconic Hotel Genovese (perched on the cliff in the Haute-Ville) and the marina-area boutique hotels. Porto Vecchio area lodging includes the famous Grand Hotel Cala Rossa and several beach resort properties. The best Corsica charter season runs April through October. May, June, September, and October offer the optimal combination of warm sunny weather, comfortable water temperatures of 65 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and smaller crowds compared with peak July and August. The high season runs late June through August with the warmest water at 73 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit but also the highest visitor density. April and October are shoulder season options. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
Below are the most common questions guests ask before booking a Corsica yacht charter. Topics include international access via Ajaccio AJA, Figari FSC, Bastia BIA, and Calvi CLY airports, the iconic Port Tino Rossi Ajaccio departure point, the UNESCO World Heritage Scandola Reserve and Calanques de Piana on the western coast, the chalk-white Bonifacio cliffs and the Lavezzi Islands archipelago at the southern tip, charter durations from half-day Sanguinaires cruises to multi-day circumnavigations extending to Sardinia, and the April through October peak charter season. Our team is available at +1 (305) 515-4735 to answer any additional questions and to walk through current pricing, availability, and itinerary planning for your specific dates and group.
Charter pricing in Corsica reflects the premium quality of the experience and varies based on vessel size, duration, and group size. Our team works with each client individually to build a charter package that delivers real value and the attention to detail that defines a Day Yacht Charters experience. Call +1 (305) 515-4735 or email info@DayYachtCharters.com for current pricing and availability.
With Day Yacht Charters Corsica, you will have an experienced professional crew, thoughtful service, and a day on the water designed entirely around what your group wants. Contact us today and let us help you build the perfect itinerary.
Please note that the yachts shown on our website may not always reflect the most current availability, as we do not have a dedicated web designer to update the listings. Some yachts may be unavailable for reasons such as being sold by the owner, undergoing maintenance, relocated, or already booked by another client. To see a complete and up-to-date list of yachts available for rent in Corsica, we recommend contacting us directly. We can provide detailed information, including photos, pricing for day trips, and confirm the availability of any specific yacht.
Experience the Luxury of Corsica Yacht Charters - Private Charters Available
A VIP private charter in Corsica combines the signature character of the island the French call the Isle of Beauty with the personalized luxury that defines a private yacht charter. From the moment you board at Port Tino Rossi in Ajaccio, every element is curated. A private chef joins your vessel with Corsican menus built around fresh local seafood, the day's catch, and the island's charcuterie and brocciu cheese. Chilled Champagne, crisp Corsican Vermentinu white wine, and the local chestnut liqueur wait at the dock. The captain handles all reservations for tender visits to the harbour restaurants at Bonifacio, Porto, and the beach clubs of Porto-Vecchio. When the Mediterranean sun sets behind the Sanguinaires islands from a quiet anchorage, your group is on deck with a cold drink in hand. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to design your perfect Corsica VIP charter.
Corsica offers some of the most rewarding swimming and snorkeling in the Mediterranean. The combination of warm summer water at 70 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, exceptional visibility that often exceeds 100 feet on calm days, the granite reefs of the Lavezzi Islands marine reserve, the clear coves of the Gulf of Porto, and the protected water of the Scandola Reserve creates ideal conditions for both casual snorkeling and shallow diving. Charter days typically include multiple swim stops, snorkeling around the granite islets, anchor time at Palombaggia and the Lavezzi Islands, and tender visits to quiet coves and beach restaurants ashore.
From the deck of a private yacht anchored just offshore from the granite coast of Corsica, your group experiences the island from the perspective that has shaped its seafaring history for centuries. The captain reads each morning's conditions and selects the optimal route, whether that means an Ajaccio gulf and Sanguinaires morning, a Bonifacio and Lavezzi Islands day, a Scandola Reserve and Gulf of Porto voyage, a Porto-Vecchio and Palombaggia beach run, or a sunset cruise back along the coast. Every charter is built around your interests and the conditions of your day on the water.
Corsica is one of the most distinctive yacht charter destinations in the Mediterranean. The combination of the cliffs and citadel of Bonifacio, the granite Lavezzi Islands, the UNESCO Scandola Reserve, the turquoise coves of Palombaggia, the warm summer water, and the wild mountainous interior creates a charter destination unlike any other. Our local team has years of experience on these waters and builds every charter around the group's interests, the conditions on the day, and the specific coves and islands each guest most wants to include.
Discover more French and Mediterranean charter destinations with Day Yacht Charters. Browse our French Riviera yacht charters, Sardinia yacht charters, or Italy yacht charters for more Mediterranean options.
Corsica is reached by international flight to one of four island airports: Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA), Figari South Corsica Airport (FSC), Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA), or Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY). AJA is the largest and the primary arrival for Ajaccio-based charters, with direct flights from Paris (90 minutes year-round on Air France and easyJet), London Stansted (2 hours seasonal on easyJet), Brussels (2 hours seasonal), Geneva (1.5 hours seasonal), and extensive French domestic connections. FSC is the closest airport for guests staying in Bonifacio or Porto Vecchio. From North American hubs, the standard route is a connection through Paris CDG (8 hours JFK to CDG, then 90 minutes CDG to AJA) for total transit of approximately 14 hours.
Most Corsica yacht charters depart from Port Tino Rossi in central Ajaccio, the primary yachting harbor of the Corsican capital. The marina has 290 berths accommodating vessels up to 50 meters, full fuel and water services, customs clearance, professional provisioning, and immediate access to the Ajaccio old town. The marina sits at the center of Ajaccio along the Quai Napoleon, directly below the 16th century Citadelle d'Ajaccio and one block from the Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption where Napoleon was baptized in 1771. AJA airport is 7 km east with ground transit of 15 minutes. Secondary marinas at Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, Calvi, and Saint Florent serve charters from the southern, eastern, and northern coasts.
Yes. Bonifacio sits at the southern tip of Corsica, approximately 150 km south of Ajaccio by sea. A multi-day charter from Ajaccio typically reaches Bonifacio on Day 2 with an overnight at the Bonifacio marina, with Day 3 dedicated to the Lavezzi Islands archipelago lying 10 km offshore in the Strait of Bonifacio. The Lavezzi Islands are a strict marine reserve (Reserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio) with designated buoy fields for anchoring and exceptional clear blue water for swimming and snorkeling. From Porto Vecchio (25 km north of Bonifacio), a single-day charter can reach Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands in 90 minutes each way. Charter yachts based in Ajaccio for short stays can also reach Bonifacio by extended day cruise.
The best Corsica charter season runs April through October. May, June, September, and October offer the optimal combination of warm sunny weather, comfortable water temperatures of 65 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and smaller crowds than peak July and August. The high season runs late June through August with the warmest water at 73 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit but also the highest visitor density on the island. The famous Calvi Jazz Festival in late June and the Calvi on the Rocks electronic music festival in early July add cultural events to the peak season. April and October are shoulder season options with mild weather and excellent value. The island enjoys consistent Mediterranean trade winds and dry sunny weather through the cruising season.
Corsica and Sardinia are separated by only 12 km of open water across the Strait of Bonifacio (Bocche di Bonifacio in Italian, Bouches de Bonifacio in French). The strait is one of the most distinctive Mediterranean passages, with chalk-white limestone cliffs on the Corsican side (Bonifacio) and pink granite on the Sardinian side (Santa Teresa di Gallura). Crewed yachts can extend the Corsica itinerary with a 90-minute crossing to Sardinia's La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, with customs clearance handled at Bonifacio marina before departure. The combined Corsica-Sardinia cruise is one of the most distinctive western Mediterranean yacht charter experiences.
A standard Corsica yacht charter includes the vessel, fuel for the planned itinerary, an experienced licensed French captain, professional crew, all safety equipment, basic provisions including water and soft drinks, towels, snorkel gear, and tender service for shore visits. Customization options include onboard private chef service with traditional Corsican charcuterie (figatellu, lonzu, coppa, prizuttu), the famous DOP-protected Brocciu cheese, civet de sanglier (Corsican wild boar stew), fresh-grilled local fish (denti, loup de mer, daurade), Corsican cannelloni au brocciu, chestnut pulenta, and fiadone cheesecake. Corsican wines from the 9 protected AOC appellations are included, plus the famous Pietra chestnut beer and Cap Corse Mattei chestnut liqueur. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 for current pricing.
Group sizes range from 2 to 16 guests depending on the vessel selected. Smaller sport motor yachts from 32 to 45 feet are ideal for couples and intimate groups of up to 6 guests. Mid-size motor yachts and sailing yachts from 50 to 70 feet accommodate groups of 8 to 12 comfortably for day charters around the Gulf of Ajaccio. Larger crewed motor yachts based at the regional Mediterranean marinas handle groups of 12 to 16 for milestone celebrations and family vacations. The sweet spot for most Corsica charters is 4 to 10 guests, which fits comfortably on the most popular charter vessels and allows for personalized crew service plus easy tender access to the famous Corsican beach restaurants. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to discuss your group size and dates.
Yes, with restrictions. The Scandola Nature Reserve at the northern end of the Gulf of Porto is a strict no-anchor and no-fishing zone designated UNESCO World Heritage in 1983. Yachts may cruise through the reserve along marked navigation channels with experienced local captains who know the reserve boundaries, but anchoring and landing within the reserve are prohibited. The reserve protects 9 square kilometers of land and 10 square kilometers of marine area with dramatic red volcanic geology and the largest western Mediterranean osprey colony (approximately 30 breeding pairs). A typical full-day cruise from Ajaccio to the western coast includes the Calanques de Piana (which permits anchoring and swimming) and the Scandola Reserve cruise-through, often with a lunch stop at the small Girolata fishing village immediately north of the reserve.
All Day Yacht Charters Corsica charters include water and soft drinks as standard. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Onboard chef menus typically feature traditional Corsican charcuterie (figatellu, lonzu, coppa, prizuttu) made from indigenous Corsican wild pigs with DOP Designation of Protected Origin, the famous Brocciu fresh cheese, civet de sanglier (Corsican wild boar stew), fresh-grilled local fish from the Mediterranean, Corsican cannelloni au brocciu, chestnut pulenta, and the famous fiadone cheesecake. Corsican wines from the 9 protected AOC appellations are featured. We can also arrange tender service to Corsican beach restaurants and the Bonifacio marina restaurants for shore dining.
France is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so United States, United Kingdom, Canadian, Australian, and most other national passport holders enter France visa-free for tourist visits of up to 90 days within any 180 day period. All visitors must present a valid passport with at least 3 months of remaining validity beyond the planned departure date. From late 2026 forward, non-EU visitors will require an ETIAS travel authorization (similar to the US ESTA system) for visa-exempt travel into the Schengen Area. The euro (EUR) is the currency. French is the official language though Corsican (an Italo-Romance language) is co-official and English is widely spoken in tourism-facing establishments. France uses 230 volts at 50 Hz with European Type E plugs.
Yes. The Strait of Bonifacio is only 12 km wide between Corsica and Sardinia, and crewed yachts can extend the Corsica itinerary with a crossing to Sardinia's La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (lying immediately south of the Lavezzi Islands across the strait). Customs clearance is handled at Bonifacio marina before the southbound departure and at La Maddalena or Porto Cervo on the Sardinian side. The combined Corsica-Sardinia cruise typically extends a 5 day Corsica charter into a 7 to 10 day combined western Mediterranean itinerary. The La Maddalena Archipelago is a national park covering 60 islands and islets with brilliant turquoise water, pink granite beaches, and protected anchorages comparable to the Lavezzi Islands on the Corsican side.
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Corsica: A Premier Destination for French Mediterranean Yacht Charters
Corsica occupies a special place in Mediterranean yacht charter. The combination of the dramatic cliffs and citadel of Bonifacio, the granite islets of the Lavezzi Islands, the UNESCO red cliffs of the Scandola Reserve, the turquoise coves of Palombaggia and the Gulf of Porto, the warm summer water, and the unspoiled mountainous interior makes the island one of the great charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Day Yacht Charters has built our Corsica operation around guests who appreciate this depth and want operational excellence to match. Our captains know the local waters intimately, the chefs work with the freshest Corsican ingredients, and our itineraries are crafted around what each group most wants to experience.
Corsica Yacht Charters
Discover the Best Places and Things to Do in Corsica by Yacht
Private Chef Excellence
Fresh Corsican cuisine is the heart of onboard dining on a Day Yacht Charters Corsica cruise. A private chef on your charter prepares regional specialties: traditional charcuterie (figatellu, lonzu, coppa, prizuttu) made from indigenous Corsican wild pigs and protected by DOP Designation of Protected Origin, the famous Brocciu fresh cheese (a sheep or goat whey cheese with DOP status), the classic Corsican stew of wild boar (civet de sanglier from the maquis-fed Corsican wild boar), fresh-grilled local fish from the Mediterranean (denti, loup de mer, daurade), Corsican cannelloni au brocciu, the chestnut-based pulenta, and the famous fiadone cheesecake. Corsican wines from the 9 protected AOC appellations are featured. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to arrange a chef.
Photo and Video Services
Corsica is one of the most photogenic yacht charter destinations in the entire Mediterranean. The blood-red granite Sanguinaires Islands at sunset (the islands inspired Alphonse Daudet's Lettres de Mon Moulin in 1863), the dramatic 300-meter red porphyry cliffs of the Calanques de Piana (UNESCO World Heritage 1983), the chalk-white 70-meter limestone cliffs of Bonifacio with the Haute-Ville perched at the top, the brilliant turquoise Lavezzi Islands in the Strait of Bonifacio, and the protected red volcanic Scandola Reserve all provide extraordinary natural and cultural backdrops. Drone footage of yachts cruising past Bonifacio cliffs, golden hour shots from the Sanguinaires, and full-charter cinematic films are all available. Contact us when booking.
Decorations and Add-Ons
Celebrate your milestone on the iconic Isle of Beauty. Custom flower arrangements with Corsican maquis wildflowers, anniversary and birthday packages with private chef Corsican tasting menus paired with Patrimonio, Ajaccio Sciaccarellu, and Sartene wine pairings and the famous Cap Corse Mattei chestnut liqueur, sunset celebrations from a Sanguinaires Islands anchorage, honeymoon arrangements at the iconic Hotel Genovese in Bonifacio or the Grand Hotel Cala Rossa in Porto Vecchio, and small-group reception styling are all available. The combination of dramatic Corsican geology, UNESCO World Heritage coastline, and French Mediterranean cuisine makes every Corsica celebration unforgettable. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735.
Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands
Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands together represent two distinct iconic Corsica yacht charter experiences. Bonifacio is the dramatic walled medieval city built atop 70-meter chalk-white limestone cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica, designated UNESCO heritage for its 9th century Genoese fortifications and looking south across the 12 km Strait of Bonifacio to Sardinia. The Lavezzi Islands archipelago lies 10 km offshore from Bonifacio in the center of the Strait, with brilliant turquoise water over white granite sand widely considered some of the best swimming in the entire Mediterranean. The strict Reserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio protects the archipelago with designated buoy fields for anchoring. Combining both on a single charter day delivers two of the most distinctive Corsica experiences in a single intensive outing.
Corsica Yacht Charters, Private Boat Rentals on the French Mediterranean
Planning Your Corsica Yacht Charter
Planning a Corsica yacht charter typically begins 4 to 12 weeks before the charter date for most dates and 3 to 6 months ahead for peak weeks and for milestone celebrations including honeymoons. Our team works with each client to understand the group composition, the preferred dates, the home base for lodging in Ajaccio, Bonifacio, or Porto-Vecchio, and the priorities of the experience (Bonifacio cliffs, the Lavezzi Islands, the Scandola Reserve, Palombaggia beach, celebration). We then propose vessel options and recommended itineraries, with a deposit securing the date and the vessel. The balance is due on the charter day. Crew gratuity, typically 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee, is customarily paid in cash at the end of the charter and is separate from the charter price.
Payment options include credit card, PayPal, Zelle, and bank wire. Charter durations in Corsica typically run from 4 hour half day cruises up to multi day voyages taking in the southern tip and the crossing to the Maddalena Archipelago of nearby Sardinia. Most Corsica bookings are single day full charters of 6 to 8 hours, with sunset cruises of 2 to 3 hours as the most popular evening option and 3 to 5 day coastal cruises as the headline multi day experience. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 or info@DayYachtCharters.com to check availability and begin planning.