Sailboat hire in Corsica, with or without a skipper

The types of sailing yachts to hire in Corsica

Depending on your budget and your sailing plans, several types of boat rentals are available for sailing in Corsica:

Monohull sailing yacht hire: this is the most common option in Corsica and the one best suited to sailors looking for a real sailing feel. The monohull makes it easy to access the coves and unspoilt anchorages of the island thanks to its size. The heel and the sensations typical of this type of yacht are particularly enjoyable in the Corsican winds, especially on the west coast.

Sailing catamaran hire: for those looking for comfort, stability and space. Catamaran hire in Corsica offers particularly generous living areas on board and a shallow draught that allows you to anchor as close as possible to the beaches. It is the ideal option for a relaxing cruise with family or friends, particularly in shallow anchorage areas such as the Lavezzi Islands or the Palombaggia beaches.

The services available for your sailing yacht hire in Corsica:

Bareboat sailing yacht hire: if one of the members of your crew has the required experience and licences, you can sail entirely independently. The yacht is fully private and you explore Corsica at your own pace, according to the weather and your wishes.

Sailing yacht hire with skipper: this is a very popular option in Corsica, particularly for those discovering the destination. The professional skipper handles the navigation and guides you to the finest anchorages, which are often hard to find without local knowledge. They also adapt the itinerary to the wind, particularly useful in exposed areas such as the Strait of Bonifacio or the west coast.

Crewed sailing yacht hire: offered on luxury sailing yachts over 20 metres, this option generally includes a skipper, a hostess and sometimes a chef. It lets you enjoy the cruise to the full without any hassle, with a level of service close to that of a hotel.

If you prefer to board without chartering a whole boat, you can also have a look at our cabin cruise offer in Corsica.

How much does a sailing yacht hire in Corsica cost?

The table below gives an order of magnitude of the average prices for a one-week hire in Corsica. These prices may vary according to the season, availability, model, age of the yacht…

The price includes: the sailing yacht hire and the main onboard equipment (sails, crockery, tender, bed linen and outboard engine).

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

For the hire of a premium sailing yacht or a yacht in Corsica, please contact us directly for a personalised quote.

We strongly advise you to take out our cancellation insurance, which covers the whole crew, as well as security deposit insurance, which is particularly useful in the event of damage.

Where to sail in Corsica?

Corsica offers varied cruising grounds between wild coves, nature reserves and authentic ports:

• The Gulf of Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands: an iconic starting point in Corsica, the Gulf of Ajaccio offers beautiful anchorages and direct access to the Sanguinaires Islands, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular starting point for a sailing itinerary in Corsica, with spectacular sunsets, swimming in crystal-clear waters and a visit to Napoleon's birthplace.
• The Scandola Nature Reserve and the Gulf of Porto: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scandola is a unique natural gem in the Mediterranean with its red porphyry cliffs, its sea caves and its exceptional wildlife. Nearby, the Calanques of Piana offer a spectacular mineral landscape. Anchoring is regulated within the reserve and should be anticipated.
• Propriano and the Gulf of Valinco: a more confidential area, Valinco appeals for its long beaches (Campomoro, Portigliolo) and its more authentic atmosphere. Propriano is an ideal base to explore the south-west coast and reach Bonifacio.
• Bonifacio and the Strait of Bonifacio: the city of cliffs is one of the most spectacular stopovers in the Mediterranean. A historic port carved into the limestone rock, Bonifacio is the gateway to the Strait and the Lavezzi Islands. The anchorages of Cala di Paraguan, Sant'Amanza and Rondinara are among the finest in Corsica.
• The Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands: a true natural paradise, the Lavezzi archipelago is a protected marine park between Corsica and Sardinia. Turquoise waters, sculpted granite rocks and exceptional seabeds make it one of the finest snorkelling spots in the Mediterranean. Cavallo, more exclusive, is home to a few luxury villas.
• Porto-Vecchio and the eastern coast: the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio offers beautiful sheltered bays and direct access to the legendary beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, among the finest in Corsica. It is also an ideal base to head south towards Bonifacio or north towards the Biguglia reserve.
• The east coast of Corsica: less frequented than the west coast, the east coast of Corsica appeals for its long sandy beaches, its coastal ponds (Diana, Urbino) and its Greco-Roman archaeological remains of the Aléria plain. Solenzara is a pleasant stopover for a quiet cruise between Porto-Vecchio and Bastia, with shallow anchorages ideal for catamarans.
• Cap Corse and Saint-Florent: in the north of the island, Cap Corse offers a wilder character with its hilltop villages, its marinas and its Genoese towers. Saint-Florent, nicknamed "Corsican Saint-Tropez", is an ideal departure base to explore the Agriates desert and the beaches of Saleccia and Lotu, accessible only from the sea.
• Sailing to Sardinia: from the south of Corsica, it is easy to reach Sardinia and its Maddalena archipelago. Distances are short and make a combined Corsica-Sardinia cruise perfectly feasible. Corsica is also an ideal extension to a wider sailing itinerary in the south of France, easily combined with a departure from the French Riviera or Provence.

When to sail in Corsica?

The sailing season runs from April to October.

Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best conditions: pleasant weather, fewer people and more accessible anchorages.

In July and August, visitor numbers are higher, particularly in the Strait of Bonifacio and around the Lavezzi Islands. Conditions remain excellent but anchorages can be crowded in high season.

Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in Corsica: 

Sailing conditions in Corsica

Corsica enjoys generally favourable sailing conditions, with a great variety of landscapes and anchorages along a relatively compact coastline.

The dominant winds in Corsica are the Mistral (north-west), the Libeccio (south-west), the Sirocco (south-east) and the Grecale (north-east). In summer, thermal breezes set in regularly during the day and drop in late afternoon.

The west coast, more exposed, offers more pronounced sailing sensations, while the east coast, more sheltered, is ideal for a first sailing experience or a quieter cruise. The Strait of Bonifacio can be particularly windy and requires special attention, especially with a westerly wind.

The documents required to hire a bareboat sailing yacht in Corsica

To hire a bareboat sailing yacht in Corsica, you must hold:

• A coastal skipper's licence (or equivalent),   
• Sufficient sailing experience.
• A sailing CV may be requested by the charter company.
• For larger units, an offshore skipper's licence or equivalent may be required.

Useful information for your sailing yacht hire in Corsica   

What language is spoken in Corsica?

The official language is French. Corsican, a regional language of Italo-Romance origin, is also spoken by part of the population, particularly in inland villages and on bilingual road signs. In tourist areas such as Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio and Calvi, English and Italian are widely spoken in marinas, restaurants and shops. Communication is easy for both French-speaking and English-speaking travellers.

What currency is used in Corsica?

The official currency is the euro (€). Corsica is an integral part of France and of the eurozone. Bank cards are accepted in the vast majority of marinas, restaurants, shops and petrol stations. However, it is recommended to keep some cash on board for small anchorages, local markets and certain inland villages where more traditional establishments may not accept cards for small amounts. ATMs are widely available in all coastal towns.

How to get to Corsica?

Corsica is easily accessible from France and Europe, by plane or by ferry:

• By plane: four international airports serve the island with direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and several European capitals:
  • Ajaccio (AJA): ideal for sailing on the west coast and the Gulf of Ajaccio
  • Bastia (BIA): entry point for Cap Corse and Saint-Florent
  • Calvi (CLY): for the Balagne and the north-west coast
  • Figari-Sud Corse (FSC): for Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio and the south coast
• By ferry: several companies (Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale, Corsica Linea) run regular connections from Marseille, Toulon and Nice, as well as from Livorno, Savona and Genoa in Italy. The ferry allows you to bring your own car, which is handy to extend your stay on land after the cruise.

How to finalise the booking of your sailing yacht in Corsica?

Once we have received your enquiry, a Filovent advisor will contact you to understand exactly what you have in mind: dates, budget, crew composition, experience level and expectations (comfort, itinerary, skipper…).

You will then receive several sailing yacht proposals tailored to your plans, with personalised recommendations on cruising areas and options (skipper, hostess, equipment…).

Once the boat has been chosen, payment of a deposit secures the booking.

Are there any cruising taxes in Corsica?

In Corsica, there is no specific cruising tax equivalent to the Greek TEPAI. However, some costs should be anticipated:

• Port fees: variable depending on the marina (higher in Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio and Calvi in high season)
• Mooring taxes: applied in protected areas such as the Strait of Bonifacio reserve and the Scandola marine park, where anchoring is regulated
• Crossing to Sardinia: eased formalities as both destinations are in the Schengen area and in the EU, but Italian port fees should be anticipated

Good to know