Sailboat charter to Corsica with or without a skipper

The types of sailboats to rent in Corsica

Depending on your budget and your sailing plans, several types of sailboats are available for a yacht charter in Corsica:

Monohull sailboat rental: 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 unspoiled anchorages of the island thanks to its size. The heel and the sensations typical of this type of sailboat are particularly enjoyable in the Corsican winds, especially on the west coast.

Sailing catamaran rental: for those looking for comfort, stability, and space. Catamaran rental in Corsica offers particularly generous living areas on board and a shallow draft 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 offered for your sailboat rental in Corsica:

Bareboat sailboat rental: if one of the members of your crew has the required experience and licenses, you can sail entirely on your own. The sailboat is fully private and you explore Corsica at your own pace, depending on the weather and your wishes.

Sailboat rental 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 spot without local knowledge. They also adjust the itinerary based on the wind, particularly useful in exposed areas such as the Strait of Bonifacio or the west coast.

Crewed sailboat rental: offered on luxury sailboats over 65 feet, this option generally includes a skipper, a hostess, and sometimes a chef. It lets you fully enjoy the cruise without any hassle, with a level of service close to that of a hotel.

If you prefer to board without privately chartering a whole boat, you can also check out our cabin cruise offer in Corsica.

How much does a sailboat rental in Corsica cost?

The table below gives a rough estimate of the average prices for a one-week rental in Corsica. These prices may vary based on the season, availability, model, and the age of the sailboat…

The price includes: the sailboat rental and the main onboard equipment (sails, dishware, dinghy, bed linens, 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, paddle SUP…), and provisioning.

For the rental of a premium sailboat or a yacht in Corsica, please contact us directly to get a personalized quote.

We strongly recommend that you take out our cancellation insurance, which covers the entire crew, as well as security deposit insurance, which is particularly useful in case 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. Spectacular sunsets, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and a visit to Napoleon's birthplace make this area a must-see.
• 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 planned for.
• Propriano and the Gulf of Valinco: a more low-key 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 snorkeling 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 toward Bonifacio or north toward 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, ideal for varying landscapes in a single week. Formalities are eased as both destinations are part of the EU.

When to sail in Corsica?

The sailing season runs from April to October.

Spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best conditions: pleasant weather, smaller crowds, 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 overall favorable sailing conditions, with a great variety of landscapes and anchorages along a relatively compact coastline.

The dominant winds in Corsica are the Mistral (northwest), the Libeccio (southwest), the Sirocco (southeast), and the Grecale (northeast). 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 rent a bareboat sailboat in Corsica

To rent a bareboat sailboat in Corsica, you must hold:

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

Useful information for your sailboat rental 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 travelers.

What currency is used in Corsica?

The official currency is the euro (€). Corsica is an integral part of France and of the eurozone. Credit cards are accepted in the vast majority of marinas, restaurants, shops, and gas stations. Still, 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 Europe and the US, 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. From the US, flights generally operate with a connection via Paris, London, or Rome:
  • 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 finalize the booking of your sailboat in Corsica?

Once we receive your inquiry, 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 sailboat proposals tailored to your plans, with personalized 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 planned for:

• 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 planned for

Good to know