Catamaran charter in Porto-Vecchio with or without skipper

The types of catamarans to hire in Porto-Vecchio

Depending on your budget, the size of your crew and your sailing plans, different types of catamarans are available to you:

• The sailing catamaran: this is the preferred choice to make the most of the sailing conditions in southern Corsica. Its stability, generous living spaces and shallow draught will allow you to access the most beautiful coves and white sandy beaches around Porto-Vecchio. Ideal for a week-long cruise with family or friends.
• The power catamaran: faster and more manoeuvrable, this type of boat lets you make more stops and cover significant distances, particularly to reach the Lavezzi islands or Bonifacio in a shorter time. An ideal option for short cruises or holidaymakers wishing to explore as many spots as possible without depending on wind conditions.

The services offered for your catamaran hire in Porto-Vecchio

Here are the different services we offer to hire a catamaran in Porto-Vecchio:

• Bareboat catamaran hire: if a member of your crew has sufficient sailing experience, they will be able to handle the catamaran independently. The boat will be entirely privatised and you will be able to enjoy your cruise with family or friends in the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.
• Skippered catamaran hire: this is the ideal option if no one is able to skipper the boat or if you wish to enjoy a fully relaxing holiday. The professional skipper will take care of the sailing and draw on their knowledge of the Corsican coastline to take you to the most beautiful anchorages and recommend the best restaurants in the region.
• Crewed catamaran hire: this type of service is included on luxury catamarans over 20 metres. It is also available as an option on catamarans between 13 and 20 metres. A crew is generally made up of a captain, a chef and a hostess who will attend to your every need and make sure your cruise in Corsica is unforgettable!
• Cabin cruise: you book a cabin on board a high-end, human-scale catamaran that you share with other travellers and a professional crew responsible for navigation, cooking and on-board hospitality service. This option is to be favoured if you wish to travel as a couple or if you do not have the budget required to privatise a catamaran.

What is the price for catamaran hire in Porto-Vecchio?

The table below gives you an order of magnitude for the average prices of catamaran hire in Porto-Vecchio for one week. These prices can vary depending on the season, availability, the model, the age of the boat...

The price includes: the catamaran hire and the main equipment on board (sails, tableware, wifi, tender, bedding and outboard engine).

The price does not include: insurance, harbour and mooring fees, skipper, hostess, cleaning (often included in a compulsory pack), extras (kayak, paddle SUP...) and provisioning.

If you wish to hire a luxury catamaran in Porto-Vecchio, we invite you to contact us directly to obtain the price list. The price range on this type of model is in fact very wide. Lina, our specialist in the crewed and luxury boats segment, will be able to send you the best offers.

We advise you to take out our cancellation insurance for your catamaran hire in Porto-Vecchio. It covers all members of the crew, whereas individual cancellation insurance or cover via your bank card will only cover the cardholder.

We also encourage our clients to take out the deposit waiver insurance. At sea, damage can happen even to the best sailors. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant part of your deposit in the event of sailing-related damage.

Where to sail from Porto-Vecchio?

Several sailing areas are accessible by catamaran from the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio:

• The Gulf of Porto-Vecchio and its paradise beaches. Just outside the harbour, you will discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. The beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Cala Rossa offer a picture-postcard setting with their white sand, turquoise waters and the Corsican maquis as a backdrop. Perfect for a gentle first day of sailing.
• The Lavezzi Islands nature reserve to the south. This granite archipelago located between Corsica and Sardinia is a true natural jewel classified as a reserve. The anchorages around the islands of Lavezzu, Cavallo and Piana offer crystal-clear waters and exceptional seabeds for diving and snorkelling.
• Bonifacio and its spectacular cliffs. Located about thirty nautical miles south of Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio is a must-see. Entering the strait and the view of the old town perched on top of the white cliffs remain a highlight of any cruise in southern Corsica. Take the opportunity to anchor in the Bay of Rondinara or at the Cerbicale Islands along the way.
• Northern Sardinia and the Maddalena archipelago. Just a few hours' sailing from Bonifacio, the Italian Maddalena archipelago offers a natural extension to your cruise. The islands of Caprera, Budelli (famous for its pink beach) and Spargi are as many treasures to discover. The crossing of the Strait of Bonifacio is a classic and highly appreciated passage.

When to sail in Porto-Vecchio?

The Mediterranean and sunny climate of southern Corsica makes it an excellent sailing area from April to October. In summer, air temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. Water temperatures are around 24°C in high season.

Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in Porto-Vecchio:

The best time for a catamaran cruise in Porto-Vecchio remains the summer, from June to the end of August, with ideal weather and warm waters. The months of May, September and October also offer excellent conditions with fewer crowds in the anchorages.

Sailing conditions in Porto-Vecchio

Sailing around Porto-Vecchio is generally pleasant but requires vigilance. Prevailing winds are usually moderate, with a thermal breeze that picks up in the middle of the day, ideal for coastal sailing.

Be aware, however, that Corsica is known for its sometimes surprising winds. The Libeccio, a south-westerly wind, can quickly build up the sea on the eastern coast. The Mistral and the Tramontane, north-westerly winds, can also blow strongly, particularly in the Strait of Bonifacio, which forms a technical sailing area with accelerated winds and a marked current.

The passages between Porto-Vecchio, the Lavezzi and Bonifacio are short and essentially carried out by sight. However, be vigilant regarding reefs and shallows, which are particularly numerous around the Lavezzi and Cerbicale islands. Electronic charts and a good reading of the waters are essential.

The documents required to hire a bareboat catamaran in Porto-Vecchio

You will need a coastal skipper licence as well as a radio certificate (SRC / CRR) if you opt for bareboat catamaran hire in Porto-Vecchio. To hire a catamaran of 45 feet (14 metres) or more without a skipper, you will need the offshore licence (Yachtmaster Offshore or equivalent). Significant sailing experience on this type of boat will also be required by the charter company, which may request a detailed sailing CV.

Useful information for your catamaran hire in Porto-Vecchio

What language is spoken in Porto-Vecchio?

The official language is French. Corsican is also spoken locally and is an integral part of the island's culture. In tourist areas, English and Italian are commonly used.

What currency is used in Porto-Vecchio?

The currency used is the euro (€). Bank card payments are accepted in the vast majority of shops, restaurants and marinas.

How to get to Porto-Vecchio?

The nearest airport is Figari Sud Corse (FSC), located about 25 km from Porto-Vecchio, served by numerous direct flights from mainland France (Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon). You can also reach Corsica by ferry from Marseille, Toulon or Nice, with direct links to Porto-Vecchio or Bastia.

How do I finalise the booking of my catamaran in Porto-Vecchio?

Once we have received your hire request, an advisor will contact you by phone to understand your sailing plans. They will then send you catamaran proposals by email. Once the boat has been found, you will be able to pay a deposit in your client area to validate the hire and secure the boat.

If I hire a catamaran in Porto-Vecchio, am I allowed to sail in Sardinia?

Yes, it is entirely possible and even highly recommended! The Strait of Bonifacio separates Corsica from Sardinia by only 11 km, making the crossing short and accessible. Most catamarans based in Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio or Figari are approved to sail in Sardinian waters. Just remember to declare your itinerary clearly to the charter company at the time of booking and to comply with the regulations of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, which requires a paid permit to sail and anchor within it.

Good to know