South Corsica, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, postcard-perfect sandy beaches and indented coastline offering secret coves and majestic cliffs, is a dream destination forwater sports enthusiasts.
In summer, when the Mediterranean sun generously warms the island and the sea, the opportunities to enjoy this exceptional marine environment multiply.
Whether you’re looking for thrills, peaceful exploration or family relaxation, South Corsica’s diverse range of water sports activities is sure to meet your every expectation. Here are our Top 10 must-do water sports activities for your next summer holiday on the Isle of Beauty.
Scuba diving in Southern Corsica is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences. The region’s seabed offers exceptional visibility, frequently exceeding 20 to 30 meters, and preserved biodiversity, particularly in the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve.
This protected area, the largest in mainland France, is home to rich ecosystems where brown groupers, dentex, moray eels and sometimes even sea turtles evolve in a spectacular setting of granite rocks and posidonia meadows.
Many professional professional diving centersbased mainly in Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio and Propriano, offer outings to suit all levels. For beginners, a first dive is a gentle and safe introduction to the underwater world, supervised by an experienced instructor.
These first dives usually take place in sheltered shallow coves. For certified divers, the options are vast: wreck exploration, dives on secs (underwater rocky ascents) or along vertiginous drop-offs like those of the Lavezzi Islands.
Note that the water temperature in summer (between 22°C and 26°C) makes diving particularly pleasant. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you book your outings, especially in July and August, as places on the boats are limited to guarantee the quality of supervision and safety.
Some clubs even offer themed dives, such as grouper spotting or underwater photography, adding an extra dimension to this already fascinating activity.
For those who prefer to stay on the surface, or to introduce the younger ones to the beauties of the underwater world, snorkeling represents an ideal and accessible alternative. This simple activity, requiring only minimal equipment (mask, snorkel and possibly flippers), lets youexplore the first few meters below the surface, where marine life is often the densest and most colorful.
Southern Corsica abounds in perfect snorkeling spots, characterized by calm, transparent waters and varied rocky or sandy bottoms.
Emblematic beaches such as Palombaggia, Santa Giulia or Rondinara offer great observation opportunities along the rocks that line their extremities. However, the more secluded coves, often accessible after a short walk or by boat, usually hold the best surprises.
The area around Bonifacio, with its small calanques and emerald waters, or the shores of the Lavezzi Islands (in authorized areas) are paradises for snorkeling enthusiasts. It’s easy to spot girelles, sars, starfish and sometimes even small moray eels hiding in the crevices.
Many marine tour operators systematically include snorkeling breaks in their tours, often providing the basic equipment. That said, having your own equipment guarantees greater comfort and optimal hygiene.
It’s worth noting that this activity can be practiced completely independently from any accessible beach or cove. Simply choose a site sheltered from the wind, check the sea conditions and let yourself float to admire the silent spectacle unfolding before your eyes. It’s a simple and economical way to connect with the exceptional marine environment of Southern Corsica.
Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) has conquered Corsican coasts in recent years, offering a unique and environmentally-friendly way to explore the coastline. Standing on a wide, stable board, equipped with a paddle, you glide silently over the water, enjoying a privileged view of the seabed and coastal landscapes.
This relatively easy-to-learn activity is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The calm waters of South Corsica‘s sheltered bays, such as those of Pinarello, Figari or Valinco, are particularly suitable for the initiation and serene practice of SUP.
Paddleboarding gives you access to otherwise inaccessible areas. You can walk along cliffs at your own pace, enter small sea caves when the sea is calm, or discreetly approach wildlife without disturbing it.
It’s also an excellent way to reach deserted coves for a swim away from the crowds. In fact, some windsurfers even use their boards for yoga or meditation sessions on the water, taking advantage of the morning calm and the exceptional setting.
Paddle boards are widely available for hire on the beaches and in the watersports centers of southern Corsica. You can expect to pay between €15 and €25 per hour. For a more supervised experience, guided SUP tours are available, enabling you to discover the most beautiful routes under the guidance of a local instructor.
These outings often include explanations of the environment and sometimes even a tasting of local produce in a secluded cove. The fact is, SUP is a complete activity, combining gentle physical effort, contemplation and environmental discovery.
Sea kayaking offers another fascinating way to explore the rugged coastline of southern Corsica. Sitting flush with the water, you benefit from a unique proximity to the marine element and the ability to thread your way through narrow passages or low caves inaccessible to other craft.
More stable and less dependent on wind conditions than the paddle, the kayak allows you to cover longer distances and envisage trips lasting several hours or even a full day.
The itinerary possibilities are endless. The descent from Campomoro Bay to Senetosa Point, along a wild, unspoilt coastline, is a classic, but as spectacular as ever.
Exploring the area around Roccapina, with its famous lion-shaped rock and translucent coves, is another popular option. For the more adventurous, multi-day hikes with bivouacs on isolated beaches can be organized, offering total immersion in Corsican nature.
Kayaks (single or double) are available for hire at many of Corsica’s marinas and campsites. Outings accompanied by qualified guides are also available, particularly recommended for beginners or for exploring more technical or isolated areas.
These guides share not only their expertise in navigation, but also their in-depth knowledge of the local fauna, flora and history. Kayaking is a particularly quiet activity, increasing the chances of observing marine wildlife in its natural environment without disturbing it.
For lovers of speed and thrills, jet ski rental in Southern Corsica is a must. Piloting these powerful machines on turquoise waters offers a guaranteed adrenalin rush, while allowing you to quickly discover large stretches of coastline.
The main rental centers are located around Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, Propriano and in the Gulf of Ajaccio, offering recent, well-maintained machines.
Several formulas are generally available. Free rental (with boating license or temporary license) gives you total freedom to explore within a defined perimeter, ideal for those who have already mastered piloting.
For beginners or those wishing to discover the most beautiful sites without worrying about navigation, guided excursions are the perfect option. Supervised by a qualified instructor, these excursions combine the pleasure of speed with the discovery of secret coves, sea caves and inaccessible beaches. Lengths vary from 30 minutes to several hours, with prices to match.
It should be noted that jet skiing is strictly regulated in Corsica for safety and environmental protection reasons. Boating is generally prohibited in the 300-meter strip near the coast (except in marked channels) and in nature reserves.
Serious service providers will tell you exactly what these rules are during the initial briefing. Despite these necessary constraints, the potential for exploration remains immense and the sensations of and the sensations of freedom and speed and the sensations of freedom and speed provided by jet skiing remain exceptional in the sumptuous setting of southern Corsica.
The towed buoy is the ultimate water sports activity, promising laughter and thrills for almost everyone. Attached to an inflatable buoy in a variety of shapes (round, banana, sofa, etc.), you are towed at high speed by a motorboat, bouncing on the waves and negotiating turns with varying degrees of stability! This activity requires no special skills, apart from good manners and a love of splashing.
It’s an ideal option for groups of friends or families with teenagers looking for a fun, dynamic activity. Sessions generally last between 10 and 15 minutes, enough to provide a good dose of adrenalin without excessive exhaustion.
The speed and tricks performed by the boat’s pilot can be adapted to suit the age and wishes of the participants, ranging from a simple fast ride to tight turns guaranteeing a few refreshing falls.
Numerous watersports centers located on the most popular beaches of southern Corsica (Santa Giulia, Palombaggia, Campomoro, Ajaccio beaches…) offer this activity at reasonable rates (around €20-25 per person). It’s often the “pleasure” activity you indulge in at the end of a beach day.
In fact, some buoy models, such as the “flyfish”, are even designed to lift off slightly from the water during acceleration, adding an aerial dimension to the experience! Safety is assured by the compulsory wearing of life jackets and the supervision of experienced professionals.
Windsurfing conditions in Southern Corsica are often ideal. The regular afternoon thermal breezes that blow across many bays provide a perfect playground for beginners and experienced windsurfers alike.
This activity, which combines the glide of surfing with the propulsion of wind captured by a sail, offers unique sensations of freedom and communion with the elements.
Several spots stand out in particular. The bay of Sant’Amanza, near Bonifacio, is renowned for its often strong winds and relatively flat water, ideal for slalom and freeride. The more sheltered Gulf of Valinco offers milder conditions, perfect for beginners and advanced riders.
On the west coast, beaches such as Capo di Feno can offer great waves in westerly winds, attracting waveriding enthusiasts.
Numerous schools and sailing centers offer courses and workshops for all levels, as well as rental of suitable equipment. Learning to windsurf requires a little perseverance, but the first gliding sensations are quickly accessible, especially with the wide, stable boards used for initiation.
For holidaymakers staying at a campsite in Southern Corsica, this activity represents an excellent opportunity to learn a complete and ecological water sport, taking advantage of the windy afternoon conditions after a quieter morning devoted to other discoveries.
Kitesurfing, the spectacular sport of gliding on a board towed by a large kite, has also found internationally renowned spots in South Corsica. This demanding but rewarding discipline offers intense sensations, combining speedy gliding with impressive aerial jumps for the most experienced practitioners.
The Piantarella spot, a shallow lagoon facing the Lavezzi Islands near Bonifacio, is without doubt Corsica’s most famous kitesurfing spot. Its ideal orientation in relation to the prevailing winds and the safety offered by its shallow depths make it an ideal place to learn and practice.
Other sites such as La Tonnara or certain beaches on the eastern coast also offer excellent conditions, depending on the wind direction.
For safety reasons, learning to kitesurf requires professional supervision. Several specialized schools offer introductory courses over several days, covering the essential aspects of kite piloting, board management and safety rules.
It’s worth noting that progress can be rapid, often enabling you to make your first tack as soon as the initial course is over. For self-sufficient kitesurfers, equipment rental is available, but it’s essential to find out about local conditions (take-off/landing zones, navigation rules) before taking to the water.
The spectacle of the colorful wings moving over the turquoise waters is in itself a remarkable visual attraction, even for simple spectators on the beach.
Visit boat excursions are a privileged way to discover the inaccessible wonders of the South Corsican coastline. Whether aboard speedboats to cover long distances or more traditional craft for a slower approach, these sea outings open up unique perspectives on emblematic sites and secret coves.
The most popular tours generally include a visit to the Bonifacio cliffs from the sea, exploration of the surrounding sea caves, and a sail to the Lavezzi islands. These excursions, departing from Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio, offer a condensed view of the natural beauty of the far south in a half or full day.
They often include swimming stops in crystal-clear waters and enlightening commentaries by the captains on local history, geology and wildlife.
For a more personalized experience, chartering a boat with or without a skipper lets you define your own itinerary and linger at the sites that appeal to you most. This option offers incomparable freedom to discover secluded anchorages, picnic on a deserted beach or simply soak up the sun away from the hustle and bustle.
Many campsites in Southern Corsica can put you in touch with reliable local charter companies or professional skippers who know the secrets of the coast inside out. Interestingly, some excursions combine maritime discovery with land-based activities, such as a hike along a part of the coastal path accessible only by boat.
Although traditionally associated with the inland mountains, canyoning also finds fascinating expression in the immediate vicinity of the coastline in southern Corsica. Some rivers flow directly into the sea, creating so-called “coastal” canyoning routes that offer a unique combination of fresh and salt water, waterfalls and natural pools overlooking the Mediterranean.
The Baracci canyon, near Propriano, is the most emblematic example of this type of course. Its lower section practically ends at the beach, providing a spectacular transition between the canyon’s mineral and aquatic universe and the blue immensity of the sea.
This moderately-difficult descent is accessible to beginners and families (children aged 10-12 and over) and features a succession of natural slides, small jumps and swimming passages in crystal-clear pools.
Other, lesser-known coastal canyons exist along the southern coast, often revealed by local guides who adapt their outings according to hydrological conditions and demand. These routes offer an original alternative to classic mountain canyoning, with the added advantage of being able to conclude the adventure with a refreshing swim in the sea.
As with all canyoning, supervision by a qualified professional is essential to guarantee safety and provide the specific equipment required. Numerous campsites in Southern Corsica offer reservations for these activities, making it easy to organize this unique aquatic adventure. It’s an original way to combine the pleasures of the river and the sea in one memorable day.
Yes, for most popular activities such as jet skiing, diving (especially guided hikes), boat trips to popular sites (Lavezzi, Scandola) and canyoning, it’s strongly recommended to book at least 3 to 5 days in advance in July and August.
For some very specific activities or the most reputable suppliers, a week’s notice may be necessary. For simple rentals (paddle, kayak), same-day or day-ahead booking is often possible, but anticipation guarantees availability of equipment.
The budget varies considerably depending on the activities chosen. Expect to pay around 60-80€ for a canyoning or scuba-diving trip, 50-70€ for a 3-4h boat trip, 100-150€ for a 1h30 guided jet ski tour, and 40-60€ for a half-day paddle or kayak rental.
A day combining several activities can represent a budget of €150 to €250 per person. To keep costs under control, alternate paid supervised activities with free independent activities such as snorkeling from the beach.
Yes, many activities are suitable for children, with varying minimum ages. Snorkeling is accessible as soon as they can swim with mask and snorkel. Towed buoys are generally available from age 6-8. Paddleboarding and kayaking can be enjoyed by the whole family, with children’s berths on double kayaks or adapted boards.
Jet skis are available for passengers (from 8-10 years of age, depending on the center). Diving baptisms are often offered from age 8. For canyoning, “family” courses are available from 8-10 years. Always check the minimum age when booking.
For most supervised activities (diving, canyoning, guided jet skiing, boating), specific equipment is supplied by the service provider (wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, etc.). For rentals (paddle, kayak, snorkeling), basic equipment is included.
However, we recommend that you bring: swimsuit, towel, water-resistant sun cream, sunglasses with drawstring, hat/cap, and possibly UV protection lycra and water shoes. For snorkeling, it’s best to bring your own mask and snorkel for comfort and hygiene.
Spotlights vary depending on the activity:
Yes, always check the marine weather forecast before setting out, especially for self-guided activities. Beware of thermal breezes , which often pick up in the afternoon and can make it difficult to return by paddle or kayak. Respect swimming areas and safety distances from other boats. Protect yourself effectively from the sun, as reverberation off the water is intense.
Take plenty of water with you. In nature reserves, scrupulously respect regulations (speed limits, prohibited zones, no fishing or collecting). When in doubt, always opt for an outing supervised by local professionals.
