Rent a boat in Corsica

Boat charter in Corsica

With Nautal you can find boat rentals in Corsica with or without a skipper. Sailing boats, catamarans, motorboats and others are available in Corsica and all over the world. Flexible cancellation or date change up to 15 days prior to sailing is available for select boats. Corsica is one of the French regions and the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean. The island has many beaches with clear water, mountains, fortresses, citadels and chestnut trees. Aspects of Corsican culture such as cuisine, tradition and nature attract over 3 million tourists every year. By renting a boat here, you will have the opportunity not only to discover Corsica, but also to travel to other places: for example, to Sardinia or the Côte d'Azur.

How much does it cost to charter a boat in Corsica?

There are several factors that can affect the rental price: the type of boat, its length, age, capacity, and whether you are renting a boat with or without a skipper. Additional costs on board and many other factors also play an important role.  Below is a list of prices based on boat type.

Renting a catamaran in Corsica typically costs around $1596 a week.

Fishing boat charters usually cost about $341 per day or $2047 per week.

To hire a gulet, you can expect to pay at least $18884 for a week.

For RIBs, prices usually start at around $128 per day or $768 per week.

To rent a motorboat, you will pay about $305 a day or $1925 a week.

Sailboat rentals will usually cost around $101 per day or $915 per week.

To rent a trimaran, you can expect to pay around $12199 for a week.

For yacht hire, you will usually pay around $1305 for a day or $7807 for a week.

Is it possible to find a bareboat charter in Corsica?

Yes, it is possible to rent a boat either with or without a skipper in Corsica but it is obligatory to have a licence if the motor power is greater than or equal to 6 horsepower (4.5 kilowatts).

Renting a boat in Corsica with a skipper is ideal if you want to be shown the best places around the island, as well as having the opportunity to devote yourself exclusively to relaxation and adventure aboard a boat charter. You can rent a boat in Corsica without a skipper if you have the required license or if there are boats available for which you do not need a license. Without a doubt, there is no better feeling than being the captain of your own boat.

What to do in Corsica?

If you decide to spend your holidays in Corsica, you can cruise the island’s 1000 km (621 miles) of coastline aboard a rented boat while enjoying the unique natural beauty of the Mediterranean.

We highly recommend sailing on board a rented boat from the north of the island to the south. Start your cruise in Calvi, a cozy resort town considered by the locals to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. There are 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) of beaches and the picturesque Cento Mountain, meaning that this place will definitely suit those who like to take part in outdoor recreational activities. The main attraction of this area is the citadel with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built in the shape of a cross.

Sailing aboard a rented boat from Calvi to L’Ile-Rousse, you can visit the Scandola nature reserve, one of the most beautiful places on the island, located on a small peninsula.

Another famous resort on the west coast is Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. There are portraits and statues of him around every corner here and you should be prepared for the fact that there is a monument to him, built in honor of his capture of Moscow. Other attractions include the house in which Napoleon was born, the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, in which he was baptised, Letizia square, named after his mother, and the palace of Cardinal Fesch (named after his uncle).  If you want to learn more about this iconic historical figure, this is definitely the place to go.

Here you can also visit the resorts of Bonifacio, Cavallo and Porto Vecchio. They amaze tourists with huge white chalk cliffs and idyllic beaches.

Bonifacio is located in the very south of the island, built on a rock that rises 60 meters (197 ft) above sea level. After disembarking, we recommend taking a walk along the port, and then climbing up to the old town. In the old town, in addition to a fortress and churches (which are found in almost every town on the island), there is a seamen's cemetery.

On the east coast is one of the largest cities in the region - Bastia. Here, be sure to spend time in the huge central square, see the cathedrals, and also take a walk along the Jete du Dragon trail and discover the most beautiful part of the city.

What are the weather and sailing conditions in Corsica?

Corsica is warm and sunny throughout the year. In summer, the temperature never drops below 25ºC, while in winter, the island is cool, but not cold. The high season here lasts from late June to September.

There are three main winds in Corsica: Libeccio, Mistral and Maestral. Libeccio blows from the west and southwest and brings warm sea air of Atlantic or Mediterranean origin. The Mistral also blows from the west and southwest and brings cold sea air of polar or arctic origin. The last wind, Maestrale, is a dry northwest wind that is prevalent on the western and northern coasts of Corsica and brings with it lots of rain.

When is the best time to visit Corsica?

The best time to go to Corsica is dependent on many different factors, but in general, September is a fantastic time to visit this Mediterranean island, with low boat prices, quiet beaches and a sea that is still warm enough to enjoy a pleasant swim.  May and June are also great months to visit, as many of the flowers are in bloom and temperatures will be pleasant during these months.

While you will get the best weather and the hottest temperatures in July and August, the heat can make activities such as walking and cycling rather unpleasant.  This isn’t great if you want to see a little more of the island.  There will also be lots of tourists during these months, leaving the beaches crowded and sending the prices soaring.

What are the most popular ports in Corsica?

There are many amazing ports to visit in Corsica.  Each one is beautiful and sheds some light on Corsica’s rich history and so we thoroughly advise visiting as many as possible.  A few of our top picks include:

• Port Saint Florent

Located at the bottom of the citadel, it couldn’t be easier to reach the town’s main attractions from this beautiful port, surrounded by hills and old architecture.

• Port Calvi - Xavier Colonna

With white sand beaches and clear seas, it’s little wonder why this port is so popular.  Stop off here and visit the many boutiques, bars and restaurants, or explore the old town.

• Port Bonifacio

This is one of Corsica’s most beautiful marinas and has a wide range of amenities, as well as 170 berths.  It also offers great protection from the winds, meaning you can enjoy a calm night there.

• Port de Porto Vecchio

A popular tourist destination, this port has salt marshes nearby, which provide a home for many different animals, including small fish, insects and marine invertebrates.

Other popular ports include:

• Porto di Cavallo
• Le Vieux Port de Bastia
• Port de Solenzara
• Port de Toga
• Porto de Propriano
• Port Ajaccio Tino Rossi

How to get to Corsica?

In general, the quickest and easiest way to get to the island is by plane. There are 4 airports in Corsica: Napoleon Bonaparte Airport in Ajaccio, Poretta Airport in Bastia, Calvi St. Catherine Airport and Sud Cors Airport in Figari.  Currently, you can get direct flights to Corsica from many cities across France, including Paris and Marseille, Switzerland, London in the UK, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden.  However, you could also get there by boat from one of the nearby countries or islands, including Italy, France and Sardinia.

Frequently Asked Questions about Corsica

What is the daily cost to rent a boat in Corsica?

The average price of renting a boat in Corsica is approximately $513 per day. Prices typically range from $50 and $13,233 per day.

What is the daily cost of a skipper in Corsica?

The cost of a skipper varies depending on the destination and the boat owner. In Corsica, you can expect to pay an average of $293 per day for a skipper.

What is the typical length of a boat in Corsica?

The typical length of a boat in Corsica is 9 feet.

How many people can a boat accommodate overnight in Corsica?

On average, a boat in Corsica has 3 berths. You can find boats with up to 14 berths.

Which boat manufacturers are the most popular in Corsica?

The leading boat manufacturers in Corsica are Beneteau and Jeanneau.

Good to know