Looking for a refreshing dose of adrenalin on your vacation in South Corsica? Give towed buoys a try! This fun and accessible water activity promises memorable laughs and thrills shared with family and friends.
Clinging to a colorful buoy, you glide at top speed over turquoise waters, towed by a fast boat. Waves,turns and speed combine for an exhilarating experience in the idyllic setting of Corsica’s southern coastline. Are you looking for a simple adrenalin rush or a fun challenge? Visit towed buoy in South Corsica is a sure-fire way to spice up your days at the beach.
The towed buoy is a nautical recreational activity that consists of being pulled by a motorboat while sitting on a specially designed inflatable buoy. The principle is simple: hold on tight and let yourself slide!
The boat’s pilot adapts speed and trajectory to provide a wide range of sensations, from a simple, fast glide to tight turns that cause bouncing and the occasional spectacular (and always refreshing!) fall . It’s an activity that requires no particular technical skills, apart from a healthy dose of fun and no fear of getting wet.
The magic of the towed buoy lies in its unique blend of speed, water contact and unpredictability. Unlike activities like wakeboarding or water skiing, which require an apprenticeship, here the pleasure is immediate.
From the very first seconds, the acceleration slams you onto the buoy, the wind and spray whip your face, and the first waves cause jolts that inevitably trigger laughter. It’s an intense but short experience, with a session generally lasting between 10 and 15 minutes, a perfect format for a quick injection ofadrenalin.
Safety always comes first. Participants are required to wear a life jacket, and the boat’s pilot is a professional who adapts the session to the age and wishes of the passengers. A signalling system allows you to indicate whether you want to slow down or stop.
So even the less adventurous can enjoy the experience at a more moderate pace, while thrill-seekers can request a more “muscular” session.
There is not one, but several types of towed buoy, each offering slightly different sensations. This choice makes it possible to adapt the experience to the audience and the level of adrenalin sought. Understanding these differences can help you choose the session that’s right for you during your stay in South Corsica.
The classic round buoys (“Donut” type) are the most common. You lie on your belly, alone or with others, holding on to handles. They offer a sensation of great speed at water level, and are prone to bouncing on the chop.
The long, narrow “banana” buoys accommodate several participants seated in single file, holding onto each other and the handles. They provide a more collective experience, and are renowned for their fun instability on turns, often resulting in group falls!
More recently, more sophisticated models have appeared. Sofa” or “sofa” buoys allow you to sit comfortably. They offer a slightly less intense but very convivial experience. They are ideal for families with young children.
Conversely, “flyfish” buoys are designed to lift off slightly from the water during acceleration, adding an aerial dimension and guaranteed thrills. The choice of buoy type therefore depends on the age of the participants, their adrenalin drive and the number of people wishing to share the experience simultaneously.
One of the great advantages of towed buoys is their accessibility. Unlike many water sports, which require a technical apprenticeship or specific physical condition, this activity is open to a very wide public.
As a general rule, children can participate from the age of 6 or 7, accompanied by an adult or on age-appropriate sessions at moderate speed. You don’t need to be an excellent swimmer, as life jackets are compulsory and ensure buoyancy in the event of a fall.
This ease of access makes it an excellent family or friendly activity. It’s an opportunity to share a moment of excitement and laughter together, whatever your level of sporting ability. Groups of friends find it a fun challenge, while families create happy, dynamic memories. All you need is the desire to have fun and no fear of splashing!
Nevertheless, a few precautions should be taken. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women, people with serious back or neck problems, or those with medical contraindications to sudden shaking or acceleration.
It’s important to be honest about your physical condition and any fears you may have when you sign up. The professionals will be able to advise you and adapt the session to guarantee your safety and enjoyment.
Towing a buoy in South Corsica is much more than just a thrill-seeking activity; it’s also an opportunity to enjoy the experience in an absolutely exceptional natural setting.
Imagine bouncing on the waves with the white sandy beaches of Palombaggia, the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio or the turquoise waters of Santa Giulia Bay in the background. The beauty of the surrounding landscapes adds a unique aesthetic dimension to the adrenalin of the activity.
Gliding at speed offers different perspectives on the coastline. From the sea, you can better appreciate the jagged relief of the coastline, the intense color of the water and the lush vegetation of the maquis that runs down to the beaches.
These grandiose panoramas, combined with speed and physical sensations, create an immersive, multi-sensory experience. It’s a dynamic, fun way to experience the beauty of the south Corsican coastline.
What’s more, the quality and temperature of the water in summer make the experience particularly enjoyable. Any waterfalls turn into refreshing plunges in crystal-clear water ranging from 22°C to 26°C.
This combination of an ideal climate, clear, warm water and world-renowned scenery makes Corsica a prime spot for towed buoy sailing.
South Corsica ‘s popularity as a tourist destination has encouraged the development of an abundant and structured range of water sports, including towed buoys.
You’ll easily find service providers offering this activity on most popular beaches and in the main seaside resorts such as Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, Propriano or aroundAjaccio. This competition boosts the quality of our services and keeps our rates relatively competitive.
The professionals operating in Southern Corsica are generally experienced and subject to strict regulations guaranteeing the safety of participants. They have suitable, powerful boats, recent, standard-compliant buoys, and life jackets in good condition and of various sizes.
According to a survey conducted by the Corsican Tourist Board in 2024, customer satisfaction with the island’s supervised water sports activities is very high, testifying to the professionalism of the local players.
This abundance of supply also means you can choose the service provider or spot that best matches your expectations or your location. Whether you’re looking for a busy base with lots of other activities, or a smaller, family-run facility on a quieter beach, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
However, it’s advisable to book your session, especially in the middle of August, as the activity is very popular and slots can fill up quickly.
The world-renowned beaches around Porto-Vecchio are naturally top locations for towed buoy activities in Southern Corsica. Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, with their vast stretches of fine sand and shallow turquoise waters, are home to several watersports centers offering this activity.
Towing a buoy here means combining thrills with the contemplation of a postcard landscape, a doubly memorable experience.
In Santa Giulia, the highly protected bay often offers a calm stretch of water, ideal for fast, intense sessions. Boats can safely pick up speed in the central part of the bay.
At Palombaggia, the wider expanse of water allows for a variety of courses, slaloming between anchorages (at a respectable distance) or taking advantage of the slight chop that sometimes forms offshore for a few extra bounces.
As these beaches are very popular, the areas dedicated to motorized water sports are clearly demarcated to ensure the safety of bathers. Sessions generally take place a little offshore, in reserved lanes.
The advantage of these spots is also the lively atmosphere and the presence of numerous other services (beach restaurants, deckchair hire, other activities) to complete your day. It’s the perfect option for those looking to combine idleness on a famous beach with anadrenalin rush.
The Gulf of Valinco, around Propriano, offers an excellent compromise between scenic beauty, available space and accessibility. Less glamorous perhaps than the beaches of the far south, this gulf has the advantage of being very vast and generally less crowded by boats at anchor, offering large areas for safe towed buoy practice.
The beaches of Lido, Portigliolo and Campomoro are home to dynamic service providers.
The gulf’s well-protected configuration often guarantees a relatively calm stretch of water, but its size also makes it possible to find areas where a small swell or chop forms in a sea breeze, offering varied conditions suited to different levels of thrill-seeker.
Local professionals know the specifics of the Gulf inside out, adapting courses to suit the day’s conditions and customers’ expectations.
An added bonus for Valinco is the beauty of its mountainous backdrop, with the foothills of the Alta Rocca plunging towards the sea. Towing a buoy with such a view adds a grandiose dimension to the experience.
What’s more, rates are sometimes slightly more competitive than in the far south. So it’s an excellent choice for those looking for space, great practice conditions and an impressive natural setting.
For those who prefer a slightly less hectic atmosphere than on the very large beaches, some smaller but equally magnificent bays also offer the chance to try out towed buoys. The bay of Rondinara, famous for its perfect shell shape and calm waters, usually has a service provider offering this activity. Its intimate, unspoilt setting makes for a particularly enjoyable experience.
Further west, the bay of Figari, although better known for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its exposure to the wind, can also offer great towed buoy sessions when conditions are calmer, particularly in the morning. Its wilder, less touristy character will appeal to those seeking a more authentic experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the big seaside resorts.
It should be noted that the offer may be more limited or seasonal on these smaller spots. It is therefore advisable to enquire in advance about the actual presence of a service provider, and to make reservations if possible. However, towing a buoy in these more confidential natural settings is a privileged experience, bringing you closer to the raw beauty of the South Corsican coastline.
Even if towed buoys are a fun activity, safety remains the top priority. There are several basic rules to follow to ensure a risk-free experience. Firstly, listen carefully to the safety briefing given by your instructor before you set off. He’ll explain how the session unfolds, how to communicate with the pilot, and what to do in the event of a fall.
Secondly, always wear your lifejacket, properly fitted and closed. This is mandatory and non-negotiable, even if you’re an excellent swimmer. Thirdly, hold on tightly to the handles provided. Never wrap the rope around your hands or arms. In the event of a fall, let go of the spreader bar immediately. Don’t try to hold on to it while swimming.
Fourthly, after a fall, signal to the pilot that all is well by raising one arm out of the water. Wait calmly for the boat to return to you at slow speed. Do not swim towards the boat when the engine is running. Climb aboard via the stern ladder when the pilot invites you to do so. These simple but essential rules ensure that the fun continues without compromising your safety or that of others.
The time of day can influence your towed buoy experience. In the morning, the sea is often calmer (“flat”), which favors pure speed and tight turns. In theafternoon, a light thermal breeze can lift a small chop, making the session more “bouncy” and sometimes harder to hold on to, but also potentially more exciting for thrill-seekers.
Discuss your preferences with the service provider.
The choice of service provider is also crucial. Give preference to well-established structures, with recent, well-maintained equipment and qualified, experienced staff. A good indicator of this is the clarity of the safety briefing and the attention paid to vest fitting.
Customer reviews can also help, but keep a critical eye. A serious professional will adapt speed and maneuvering to your requirements and apparent comfort level, and won’t try to scare you off at any cost.
Finally, don’t hesitate to communicate your expectations and limits clearly. If you want a calmer session, say so. If, on the other hand, you’re ready for the big thrill, ask for a “sporty” session. This open communication with the pilot is the key to a successful experience tailored to each individual.
It’s best to be comfortable in the water, but being able to swim perfectly isn’t strictly essential, as wearing a lifejacket is compulsory and ensures your buoyancy in the event of a fall. The important thing is not to panic if you fall, and to wait calmly for the boat to return.
The minimum age varies according to the provider and the type of buoy, but is generally around 6 or 7 years. For younger children, sessions at reduced speed and on more stable buoys (sofa-type) are often offered. Accompaniment by an adult on the same buoy may also be possible or required.
A towed buoy session is an intense but short activity. The actual time on the buoy is generally 10 to 15 minutes. This is enough time to get the right sensations without excessive fatigue. Allow around 30 minutes in total, including briefing, equipment and boat rides.
Rates vary from spot to spot and from provider to provider, but on average you should expect to pay between €20 and €30 per person for a 10-15 minute session. Reduced rates are sometimes available for groups or if you book several sessions.
As with any thrill-seeking activity, there is a minimal risk, mainly associated with falls or bumps between participants on the same buoy. However, if you follow the safety instructions (hold on tight, let go in the event of a fall, wear a lifejacket) and have a professional, responsible pilot, towed buoys are considered a very safe water activity. Serious accidents are extremely rare.
Yes, most service providers offer different types of buoys. You can generally choose according to the number of participants and the type of sensations you’re looking for (more stable, more “ejectable”, etc.). Don’t hesitate to ask the staff at the base for advice on which buoy is best suited to your group and youradrenaline desires.
