Discover the natural beauty of Corsica’s rugged coastline on a semi-rigid boat tour from Porto. This 3-hour adventure takes you through the breathtaking Piana Creeks and the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse marine life. With an expert French-speaking guide, you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins, explore hidden caves, and even go swimming and snorkeling. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking an unforgettable day on the water, this tour promises an experience you won’t soon forget.
Key Points
- Piana Creeks and Scandola Semi-Rigid Boat Tour is a 3-hour excursion from Porto to explore the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve and spot diverse marine life.
- The tour costs €77 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Participants can enjoy swimming and snorkeling opportunities, weather permitting, and a 30-minute stop in the remote village of Girolata.
- The tour is conducted in a semi-rigid pneumatic boat with a live French-speaking guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
- The tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old or pregnant women due to safety concerns related to the boat design and potential rough waters.
Tour Overview
The tour activity is a Piana Creeks and Scandola Semi-Rigid Boat Tour, which costs from Kč 2,078 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.
Availability and starting times vary, so visitors should check beforehand. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour offers the chance to explore Piana’s beautiful creeks and visit the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve, potentially spotting dolphins and other marine life.
A 30-minute stop in the remote village of Girolata is included, as are swimming and snorkeling opportunities, weather permitting.
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Experience Highlights
As visitors explore the Piana Creeks, they’ll be captivated by the natural beauty of the region.
The tour takes them to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Scandola Nature Reserve, where they can observe the diverse marine life, including the potential for spotting dolphins.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Scandola Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to observe the diverse marine life, including the potential for spotting dolphins.
During a 30-minute stop in the remote village of Girolata, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, weather permitting.
Throughout the experience, the semi-rigid boat provides access to the area’s hidden caves and coastal landscapes, offering a unique perspective on this stunning part of Corsica.
Boat and Guide Details
A standard semi-rigid pneumatic boat is used for the tour, allowing access to the area’s caves and coastal landscapes. The boat can accommodate guests comfortably.
A live tour guide fluent in French is available to provide commentary and information throughout the excursion. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.
However, the tour may not be suitable for children under 6 years old or pregnant women due to the boat’s design and potential for rougher waters.
Participant Restrictions
Although the Piana Creeks and Scandola Boat Tour offers a remarkable experience, it may not be suitable for all participants.
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 6 years old or pregnant women. This restriction is likely due to the nature of the boat and activities involved, which could pose safety concerns for these groups.
Passengers should keep this in mind when booking the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Customers who’ve experienced the Piana Creeks and Scandola Boat Tour have overwhelmingly praised the excursion.
With a 4.7/5 overall rating based on 77 reviews, the tour receives high marks for its knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and overall value.
Reviewers highlight the stunning natural beauty of the Piana Creeks and Scandola Nature Reserve, as well as the chance to spot marine life like dolphins.
The stop in Girolata is also a popular aspect of the tour.
While a few note the tour could be slightly better value, the vast majority of customers describe the experience as enjoyable and unforgettable.
Meeting Point
The meeting point for the Piana Creeks and Scandola Boat Tour is located at the dock in front of Hotel La Calipso.
Participants can easily find this meeting point, as it’s conveniently situated right by the hotel.
The dock provides easy access for the semi-rigid boats that will take guests on the 3-hour tour.
The dock provides easy access for the semi-rigid boats that will transport guests on the 3-hour Piana Creeks and Scandola tour.
Travelers can simply arrive at the designated location and look for the tour guide, who’ll be there to greet and assist them.
The meeting point is straightforward and well-marked, making it a hassle-free start to the Piana Creeks and Scandola adventure.
Exploring Piana’s Creeks
After being dropped off at the dock in front of Hotel La Calipso, participants embark on the semi-rigid boats that will whisk them away to explore Piana’s captivating creeks.
The boats navigate through the narrow, winding waterways, allowing guests to marvel at the towering, ochre-colored cliffs that line the shore.
Along the way, the guide points out the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this coastal environment.
Participants may have the opportunity to spot native wildlife, such as sea birds and dolphins, adding to the overall experience.
The immersive creek exploration is a highlight of the tour.
Visiting Scandola Nature Reserve
After exploring the captivating Piana creeks, the boats then make their way to the UNESCO-protected Scandola Nature Reserve.
This unspoiled coastal wilderness is renowned for its dramatic red cliffs, hidden caves, and diverse marine life. Visitors can spot native seabirds, dolphins, and other sea creatures in their natural habitat.
The tour includes a 30-minute stop in the picturesque fishing village of Girolata, which is only accessible by sea or on foot.
Throughout the experience, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, weather permitting, to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this coastal gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes food and drinks, but passengers are welcome to bring their own as well. The boat has space for personal items, so guests can bring snacks and beverages if desired.
Is There an Option for a Private Boat Tour?
The tour provider doesn’t offer a private boat option. However, the standard semi-rigid boat tour allows access to the creeks and nature reserve, with a live guide available in French. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Can I Request a Tour Guide in a Different Language?
Yes, you can request a tour guide in a different language. The tour offers a live guide available in French, but the company may be able to accommodate other language requests if available, depending on your needs and the tour’s scheduling.
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat?
Yes, life jackets are provided on the semi-rigid boat tour. The tour overview states that the boat type is a "standard semi-rigid pneumatic boat," which indicates that proper safety equipment like life jackets is included for all participants.
Is There an Age Limit for the Swimming and Snorkeling Activities?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old, but there’s no specific age limit for the swimming and snorkeling activities. As long as participants can swim, they’re welcome to join these optional activities, weather permitting.
The Sum Up
This semi-rigid boat tour from Porto provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Piana Creeks and UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve. With a knowledgeable French-speaking guide, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, visit hidden caves, and have the chance to spot dolphins. The tour includes a stop in the charming village of Girolata and chances for swimming and snorkeling, making it a must for nature lovers.
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