Catamaran charter in Porto-Vecchio with or without a skipper

The types of catamarans to rent in Porto-Vecchio

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

• The sailing catamaran: it is the preferred choice to fully enjoy the sailing conditions of southern Corsica. Its stability, its generous living spaces and its shallow draft will allow you to access the most beautiful coves and white sand beaches around Porto-Vecchio. Ideal for a week-long cruise with family or friends.
• The motor catamaran: faster and more maneuverable, this type of boat allows you to multiply the stopovers and cover considerable distances, particularly to reach the Lavezzi islands or Bonifacio in a short time. An ideal option for short cruises or vacationers wishing to explore a maximum of spots without depending on wind conditions.

The services offered for your catamaran rental in Porto-Vecchio

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

• The bareboat catamaran rental: if a member of your crew has sufficient sailing experience, they will be able to maneuver the catamaran autonomously. The boat will be entirely privatized and you will be able to enjoy your cruise with family or friends in the gulf of Porto-Vecchio.
• The skippered catamaran rental: it is the ideal option if no one can skipper the boat or if you wish to enjoy a 100% relaxed vacation. The professional skipper will take care of the maneuvering and will make the most of his knowledge of the Corsican coastline to take you to the most beautiful anchorages and recommend the best restaurants in the region.
• The crewed catamaran rental: this type of service is included on luxury catamarans over 20 meters. It is also available as an option on catamarans between 13 and 20 meters. A crew is generally made up of a captain, a chef and a hostess who will be at your service and ensure that your cruise in Corsica is unforgettable!
• The cabin cruise: you book a cabin aboard a high-end catamaran on a human scale, which you share with other travelers and a professional crew in charge of sailing, cooking and hotel service on board. This option is to be favored if you wish to travel as a couple or if you do not have the necessary budget to privatize a catamaran.

What price for a catamaran rental in Porto-Vecchio?

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

Prices indicated in US dollars are provided for guidance only, based on an average EUR/USD exchange rate. The rental contract is invoiced in euros by the local charter company.

The price includes: the rental of the catamaran and the main equipment on board (sails, dishware, wifi, dinghy, bed linen and outboard engine).

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

If you wish to rent 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 indeed 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 rental in Porto-Vecchio. It will indeed cover all crew members, whereas an individual cancellation insurance or one via your credit card will only cover its holder.

We also encourage our clients to subscribe to 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 damage linked to sailing.

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 paradisiacal beaches. Just outside the port, you will discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. The beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Cala Rossa offer a postcard setting with their white sand, turquoise waters and the Corsican maquis in the background. Perfect for a first gentle 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 snorkeling.
• Bonifacio and its spectacular cliffs. Located about thirty nautical miles south of Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio is a must. The entrance into the narrows and the view over the old town perched at the top of the white cliffs remain a highlight of any cruise in Southern Corsica. Take the opportunity to anchor in the Rondinara bay or at the Cerbicale Islands along the way.
• The north of Sardinia and the Maddalena Archipelago. Just a few hours' sailing from Bonifacio, the Italian archipelago of Maddalena offers a natural extension to your cruise. The islands of Caprera, Budelli (famous for its pink beach) and Spargi are just as many treasures to discover. The crossing of the Strait of Bonifacio is a classic and much appreciated leg.

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, the air temperature ranges between 68°F and 86°F. The water temperature is around 75°F in high season.

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

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

The sailing conditions in Porto-Vecchio

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

Beware, however: Corsica is known for its sometimes surprising winds. The Libeccio, a southwesterly wind, can quickly build up the sea on the east coast. Conversely, the Mistral and the Tramontane, northwesterly winds, can also blow hard, particularly in the Strait of Bonifacio which is a technical sailing area where accelerated winds are accompanied by a strong current.

It is also worth bearing in mind the late summer thunderstorm season, particularly in August and early September. After several weeks of accumulated heat, the Corsican reliefs can generate sometimes violent thunderstorms at the end of the day, with downslope gusts (foehn effect) that can exceed 40 knots within a few minutes. These episodes are generally short but intense: check the weather forecast every morning, plan a safe anchorage for the afternoon and avoid highly exposed areas in case of a storm alert.

The sailing legs between Porto-Vecchio, the Lavezzi and Bonifacio are short and essentially in sight of land. Be nonetheless vigilant of the reefs and shallows, particularly numerous around the Lavezzi and Cerbicale islands. Electronic charts and a good reading of the waterway are essential.

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

You will need a coastal boating license as well as a radio operator's certificate (SRC) if you opt for a bareboat catamaran rental in Porto-Vecchio. To rent a catamaran of 45 feet (14 meters) or more without a skipper, you will need an offshore license (Yachtmaster or equivalent). US sailing licenses (ASA 104 or higher, USCG captain's license) are generally accepted, but we recommend checking with our team before booking. Significant sailing experience on this type of boat will also be required by the charter company, which may request a detailed sailing resume.

Useful information for your catamaran rental 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 culture. In tourist areas, English and Italian are commonly spoken.

What currency to use in Porto-Vecchio?

The currency used is the Euro (€). Credit card payments are accepted in the vast majority of shops, restaurants and marinas. You can easily withdraw cash from ATMs using your US debit or credit card.

How to get to Porto-Vecchio?

From the United States, you will generally fly into Paris (CDG) or another major European hub, then connect to Figari Sud Corse Airport (FSC), located about 15 miles from Porto-Vecchio. Several direct flights connect Figari to Paris, Marseille, Nice and Lyon. You can also reach Corsica by ferry from Marseille, Toulon or Nice, with direct connections to Porto-Vecchio or Bastia.

How to finalize the booking of my catamaran in Porto-Vecchio?

When we have received your rental request, an advisor will contact you by telephone or email 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 in order to validate the rental and block the boat.

If I rent 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 over only 7 miles, 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 clearly declare your itinerary to the charter company at the time of booking and to comply with the regulations of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, which requires a paid authorization to sail and anchor there.

As a guide, the Maddalena permit fee for a sailing catamaran is around $70 for 7 days on a boat between 33 and 46 feet, and around $100 for 7 days on a boat between 46 and 56 feet (2026 rates with the 40% sailing boat discount automatically applied, plus an extra 5% for online payment). The permit can be requested directly on the official website of the National Park, ideally a few days before your crossing.

Good to know