Strait of Bonifacio: Private Boat Tour with Aperitif

Travelers craving a blend of scenic beauty, personalized service, and authentic local flavors will find this private boat tour along the Strait of Bonifacio an appealing choice. Based in Santa Teresa Gallura, this 8-hour experience offers an intimate way to explore the stunning waters between Sardinia and Corsica, with the flexibility to customize your day on the water.

What makes this tour special? First, it’s completely private, giving your group the space to relax and enjoy without the crowds. Second, the combination of scenic stops at Isola Piana and Lavezzi Islands offers both stunning land and underwater sights, perfect for nature lovers and snorkelers. Third, the included aperitif featuring genuine Sardinian products turns the day into a true taste of local culture. One potential caveat? The schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely, unstructured day, this might feel a bit whirlwind.

This experience suits anyone eager for a day on the water with a personal touch—families, friends, couples, or small groups who want to discover Sardinia’s coast in comfort and style. If you’re looking for flexibility, local flavor, and a blend of relaxation and adventure, this tour could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Exclusively for your group, with a dedicated skipper ensuring personalized attention.
• Flexible Itinerary: You can modify stops or add bathroom breaks based on your preferences.
• Natural Highlights: Explore the scenic beauty of Isola Piana and snorkel in the protected waters of Lavezzi Islands.
• Authentic Aperitif: Enjoy a Sardinian-style aperitivo on board, paired with local wine or beer.
• All-Inclusive: Fuel, snorkeling equipment, and the boat are included, offering straightforward pricing.
• Duration & Timing: The tour lasts about 8 hours, with multiple starting times available (check availability).

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting Sail: An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Details

The journey begins in Santa Teresa Gallura, a charming coastal town known for its vibrancy and stunning views. The organizer kindly waits 30 minutes before the scheduled start around 09:00, giving plenty of flexibility for early arrivals or slight delays. The meeting spot is a small square with benches—easy to spot and well-organized.

The Private Boat and Skipper

Your vessel for the day is a 6.5-meter motor boat, well-equipped for comfort and safety. The boat’s size ensures a cozy, private atmosphere, while still offering enough space for snorkeling gear and the onboard aperitif. The onboard skipper (the experience provider is “one nautical experience”) is described as professional, friendly, and attentive, with reviews mentioning how they go out of their way to tailor the experience.

Visitors often appreciate having the skipper guiding the day—they’re not just a driver but a host who shares local insights and keeps the mood lively. The boat’s fuel is included, making the pricing straightforward, and the boat can be personalized for your group’s needs.

Crossing the Strait of Bonifacio

The crossing itself, from Santa Teresa Gallura to Corsica, takes around 30 minutes. This short but scenic voyage offers stunning views, especially if you’re lucky with the weather—crystal-clear blue waters and the dramatic cliffs of Corsica serve as a captivating backdrop.

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Isola Piana: Nature’s Hidden Gem

Your first stop, Isola Piana, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty. Once you arrive, you’ll have roughly 3 hours to relax, sunbathe, or explore. The reviews highlight the peacefulness of this spot, where you can just float on the water or walk along the rocky coastline. The transparent waters make it a perfect location to take selfies or simply soak in the scenery.

Snorkeling and Seabed Exploration

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, and many reviews mention how impressed visitors are with the underwater scenery. The seabed around Lavezzi Isle is known for its vibrantly colored fish and varied marine life, making it an attractive spot for snorkelers of all levels. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the local marine species, adding an extra layer of adventure to your day.

Lavezzi Islands: Nature Reserve and Scenic Variety

Next, the boat heads toward Lavezzi Island, a well-protected nature reserve. Here, you’ll have about 3 hours to explore. The island’s rugged coastline and crystalline waters make it a favorite for nature lovers. The inclusion of snorkel gear is a definite bonus—reviews often mention how splendid the underwater views are.

Visitors also enjoy the chance to relax on the boat or the island’s tiny beaches. The tour offers flexibility, so if your group prefers more beach lounge time or a quick swim, the skipper might accommodate that.

Sardinian Aperitif and Refreshing Drinks

A highlight of the trip is the aperitif, served on board, featuring typical Sardinian products. This is a real treat—think local cheeses, cured meats, and regional wines or beers. The included drinks—a glass of wine or Sardinian beer and refreshing beverages—are perfect for toasting the day. Reviews often note how much they appreciated the authentic taste of Sardinian flavors, adding a cultural dimension to the outing.

Return Journey and End of the Day

The boat departs Lavezzi around 5:00 pm, returning to Santa Teresa Gallura after about 8 hours. The flexible nature of the tour allows you to maximize your time at each stop or add minor adjustments, like extra bathing breaks.

What’s Included and Practicalities

The tour covers fuel, snorkeling gear, the private boat, and the aperitif—offering straightforward pricing that simplifies planning. Since the boat is private, you won’t be crammed with strangers, and the skipper’s guidance ensures a smooth, safe experience.

Meeting points are conveniently located in Santa Teresa Gallura, with the organizer waiting at a welcoming small square. The tour is available in English and Italian, making communication easy for most travelers.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

You can reserve now and pay later, giving you the flexibility to lock in your plans without immediate payment. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack essentials like a beach towel, swimming suit, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Since the tour is outdoors, sun protection is critical, especially during the peak hours.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

Looking at similar options, such as catamaran trips or guided boat tours with snorkeling, this private experience offers a more intimate, customizable day. Instead of a crowded group, you have your own crew and the skipper’s undivided attention, which can make the experience more relaxed and personalized.

Many reviews mention how the flexibility to modify stops or extend time at favorite spots sets this apart. Also, the inclusion of authentic Sardinian food and drinks adds a cultural touch that generic tours often lack.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for small groups, families, or couples who value privacy and customization. If you’re a traveler who enjoys spending quality time on the water, snorkeling in protected marine areas, and tasting regional delicacies, you’ll find this tour hits the right notes.

It’s also perfect for those who want a hassle-free day with everything included—fuel, equipment, and food—and prefer not to worry about planning multiple stops or navigating on their own. While the schedule is packed, flexible travelers can tailor the day to suit their pace and interests.

The Sum Up

This private boat tour crossing the Strait of Bonifacio offers a well-rounded mix of natural beauty, local culture, and personalized service. The combination of a short cruise, scenic stops at Isola Piana and Lavezzi Islands, and the onboard Sardinian aperitif makes for a memorable day on the sea.

The experience’s flexibility, inclusiveness, and focus on comfort make it a standout choice for travelers wanting an authentic, boutique-style adventure. It’s best suited for those who want quality over quantity, seeking a relaxed yet engaging day exploring Sardinia’s stunning waters with a knowledgeable skipper.

Whether you’re snorkeling among vibrant fish, basking in the sun, or savoring regional flavors, this tour offers a truly special way to discover one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating coastal areas.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is private and flexible, making it suitable for families. Just consider whether your children are comfortable on a boat and with snorkeling.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is included, so you can simply bring your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection.

Can I modify the itinerary?
Yes, the skipper is happy to customize stops or add bathroom breaks according to your preferences, making the experience adaptable.

What should I wear?
Bring a swimming suit, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable clothing for sun protection is recommended.

How long are the stops at each island?
You’ll have about 3 hours at Isola Piana and 3 hours at Lavezzi Island, giving ample time for relaxation, snorkeling, or exploration.

Is alcohol included?
The aperitif features typical Sardinian products, including wine or beer, along with refreshing drinks.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your planning.

Is the experience available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Italian, ensuring clear communication.

This private boat tour along the Strait of Bonifacio delivers a personalized, authentic day that combines scenic beauty, local flavors, and underwater adventures. It’s an excellent way to experience Sardinia’s coast with comfort, flexibility, and a touch of luxury.

You can check availability for your dates here: