From Porticcio: Speedboat Tour to Cupabia Beach with Stops

The best part of this Porticcio speedboat tour is how quickly it moves you from the harbor to Corsica’s quiet coves. You race along the southern shore of Ajaccio, stop four times for swims, and reach Cupabia Beach without spending the day on a crowded ferry. The boat carries no more than 12 people, so the ride feels personal rather than like a floating bus.

I like the mix of fast open-water riding and slow swim breaks, and I like that the captain prepares Corsican charcuterie, cheese, and rosé instead of handing you a forgettable snack box. The main drawback is the RIB itself: it is exciting but firm and exposed, with no access for wheelchair users and no place for pregnant passengers. Children under six cannot join, either.

Key points to know before booking

• Four swim stops: Expect time in the water at Isula Piana, Cacao Cove, Cala di Cupabia, Cala d’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent, with the exact flow shaped by the captain.
• Cupabia is the main prize: Its fine sand and turquoise water give the outing its postcard moment.
• A proper Corsican aperitif: Local cold meats, cheese, and rosé are served on board, often as the sun begins to drop.
• A small boat matters: The maximum group size is 12, and one August departure had only six people aboard.
• French-speaking crew: Skippers may include Baptiste or Bebel, both singled out in recent feedback for friendly, attentive service.
• Plan for a long half-day: The outing lasts from 270 to 390 minutes, or about 4.5 to 6.5 hours.

Why this Porticcio cruise feels different

Many coastal boat trips give you one beach, one swim, and a quick ride back. This one gives you a string of stops along the southern shore of Ajaccio, with speed between them and time to pause when you reach the good water.

That rhythm is the real appeal. You get the thrill of a semi-rigid inflatable boat, known as a RIB, without sacrificing the lazy parts of a beach day. The captain can bring you close to coves and beaches that are easier to appreciate from the sea than from a road.

I also like the social scale. With a limit of 12 people, you are not fighting for a view or shouting across a large deck. One group reported only six passengers on a boat built for 12, which made the ride especially comfortable. Group size can vary, but the cap keeps this from becoming a mass outing.

The tour is guided in French. That is important to know before booking. The scenery needs no translation, but safety instructions, timing, and casual conversation will be in French.

Leaving Porticcio for Isula Piana and Cacao Cove

The route begins near Sette Nave, then heads toward Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. This early part sets the tone: open sea, rocky shore, and clear water that invites you to stop rather than simply admire it from the boat.

I would treat the first section as a settling-in period. You get used to the RIB’s movement, take in the southern Ajaccio shoreline, and wait for the first chance to swim. The captain handles the route, while you focus on the views and the changing color of the sea.

These stops are valuable because they break up the ride. You are not sitting in one position for hours. After a fast section, the boat slows and becomes a platform for swimming in warm, clear water.

Bring a towel that dries fairly quickly, since the day shifts between wet swimwear and open-air cruising. Sunscreen is essential, too. On a small boat, there is little shade mentioned, so sun protection is not a minor detail.

The four swim breaks and what they add

The planned route includes several chances to get in the water, including Isula Piana, Cacao Cove, Cala di Cupabia, Cala d’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent. The supplied details describe four swim breaks, so the exact pattern may change with the day’s timing and conditions.

That flexibility is useful. The captain can keep the outing moving if one stop is busy or spend more time where the water looks best. You should not expect a rigid schedule with a stopwatch at every beach.

The water is described as warm and turquoise, and the stops are built around swimming rather than long walks ashore. Pack swimwear from the start. This is not the tour for someone who wants to remain dry and simply photograph the coast from a protected cabin.

Plage d’Argent is especially appealing as the final swim. Its name means Silver Beach, and the tour presents it as a famous last stop, with pale sand and clear water. Ending there gives the day a strong final swim instead of a rushed return from the main beach.

Cupabia Beach is the day’s centerpiece

Cala di Cupabia and Cupabia Beach are the main destination. The beach is known here for fine sand and turquoise water, and it is easy to see why it anchors the route.

Cupabia works best as a place to slow down. After the speedboat ride, you get a more relaxed stretch of shore and sea. I would not think of this as a sightseeing stop with a long list of monuments. Its value is simple: sand, swimming, and the chance to enjoy one of southern Corsica’s most attractive coastal settings.

The stop may appeal most to people who prefer scenery and water time over organized activities. There is no mention of guided walking, beach equipment, or a formal beach program. You are there to swim, sit, and enjoy the setting.

The one practical point is time. The overall outing can last anywhere from 4.5 to 6.5 hours. That is a wide range, so check the available departure option carefully. A shorter version may feel brisk, while a longer version gives more room for swimming and the aperitif.

Cala d’Orzu and the Chez Francis option

The boat also reaches Cala d’Orzu, where you have the option to stop for a drink at the well-known Chez Francis hut. This cost is not included, so bring a payment method if you want to use that option.

Chez Francis adds a bit of local flavor to the route, but it is not essential to the experience. You can enjoy the cove and turquoise water without buying anything there. I see this as a pleasant extra rather than a reason to book the tour.

Because lunch is not included, do not confuse the hut stop with a supplied midday meal. The included food is an appetizer of cold meats and cheese, paired with rosé. If you need a full lunch, plan accordingly, though the exact food schedule depends on the chosen duration and route.

The boat ride: thrilling, exposed, and not for everyone

The semi-rigid speedboat is central to the experience. It lets the captain cover more coastline than a slow boat and gives you the sensation of zigzagging across open water at speed.

I like that this makes the outing feel active. You are not simply being carried along. The boat’s pace creates a clear contrast with the quiet coves, and that contrast gives the day its energy.

The trade-off is comfort. A RIB is exposed, and the ride can feel bouncy. Anyone with back problems, reduced mobility, a heart condition, a severe disability, or another condition that could make the excursion unsafe must declare it when booking. The company may refuse boarding if a relevant health condition was not disclosed, with no refund for the refused passenger.

Pregnant women cannot join, and wheelchair users are not accepted. Children under six are also barred for safety reasons. These rules are firm, not minor notes hidden in the fine print.

For the right passenger, the boat is a feature. If you want a quiet, stable cruise with broad seats and shelter, this is probably the wrong format. If you enjoy speed, sea air, and frequent swims, the RIB gives the trip its character.

Corsican charcuterie, cheese, and rosé at sea

The captain prepares an aperitif of locally sourced charcuterie, cheese, and rosé. This is one of the most appealing details because it turns a standard boat ride into a distinctly Corsican break.

Expect cold meats and cheese rather than a full lunch. The food is designed for sharing and grazing, not for replacing a restaurant meal. I would think of it as a generous pause after swimming, especially when you are ready to sit down, dry off, and enjoy a drink.

The timing can also make the food feel like part of the scenery. The tour describes a sunset setting, with local charcuterie and wine enjoyed while the sun drops over the water. Since the duration and departure time vary, you should check the start time if a sunset aperitif is important to you.

Alcohol and a moving boat are not always a perfect match for everyone. Drink slowly, stay hydrated, and remember that the boat ride continues after the tasting. The captain remains responsible for the boat, but you are responsible for knowing your own comfort level.

The skippers and the feel of the service

The crew is French-speaking, and names connected with recent departures include Baptiste and Bebel. Baptiste was praised for creating a fun day around good swim spots and for preparing excellent charcuterie and cheese. Bebel was described as attentive and careful with the group.

Those details matter because a small boat depends heavily on its skipper. The captain decides how the ride feels, how long you stay at each cove, and how smoothly the food service fits into the route.

The overall rating is 4 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while 93 percent of people gave the transport a perfect score. That combination suggests a strong boat experience, with the usual possibility that weather, sea conditions, language, or personal expectations affect the day.

I would book this for someone who values a friendly captain and an informal group setting. I would not book it for someone who needs a fully English-speaking guide or a tightly fixed timetable, since the guide language is French and the duration varies considerably.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a Corsican beach. But the price includes a boat tour, a local guide, multiple swim stops, access to the southern shore of Ajaccio, and the charcuterie, cheese, and rosé aperitif.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a coastal cruise, beach transfer, and food. You are also paying for a small group, a faster boat, and a route that reaches several attractive places in one half-day.

The price is less convincing if you mainly want to sit on Cupabia Beach. In that case, a simple beach outing may give you more unhurried time for less money. This tour earns its cost through variety: five named coastal areas, fast runs between stops, and food on board.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Your meeting point depends on the option booked, so confirm it before setting out from your accommodation. A little planning here can prevent a rushed start.

Who should book this speedboat outing?

I would recommend it to active couples, friends, families with children six and older, and anyone staying around Porticcio or Ajaccio who wants a strong coastal sampler.

It is also a good fit if you want a mix of swimming, speed, and local food rather than a formal sightseeing cruise. The small group helps solo passengers and couples avoid the feel of a large organized excursion.

I would be cautious if you have a back or heart condition, reduced mobility, or strong sensitivity to boat motion. The company specifically requires health conditions to be declared at booking, and some passengers cannot join at all.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Since lunch is not included, consider eating before departure or confirming how the chosen option handles the day’s food timing. If you want a drink at Chez Francis, that cost is extra.

Should you book the Porticcio to Cupabia tour?

Book it if you want to see a lot of southern Corsica from the water in one outing. The combination of a small RIB, four swim breaks, Cupabia Beach, Plage d’Argent, and a Corsican aperitif gives you more range than a simple beach transfer.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, a calm enclosed boat, an English-speaking guide, or a full meal included. For everyone else, $88 is a reasonable price for a long coastal outing with a personal feel, especially if your ideal day includes warm water, fast boat rides, and cheese with rosé as the sun goes down.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The trip starts in the Porticcio area, with the route beginning near Sette Nave. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

How long does the tour last?

The duration ranges from 270 to 390 minutes, which is about 4.5 to 6.5 hours. Check the available departure option for the exact timing.

Which beaches and coves does the tour visit?

The route includes Isula Piana, Cacao Cove, Cala di Cupabia, Cala d’Orzu, Cupabia Beach, and Plage d’Argent. The outing includes four swim breaks.

Is food included?

Yes. The captain prepares an appetizer of locally sourced cold meats and cheese, served with rosé wine. Lunch is not included.

Can I buy a drink at Chez Francis?

Yes. The tour allows free time at the Chez Francis hut in Cala d’Orzu, but drinks there cost extra.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under six are not allowed on the rigid inflatable boats. Children aged six and older can join, subject to the company’s safety requirements.

Can pregnant women or wheelchair users join?

No. Pregnant women and wheelchair users are listed as unsuitable for this activity. Passengers with health conditions, disabilities, back problems, reduced mobility, heart conditions, or similar concerns must declare them when booking.