Cupabia Beach is the star of this half-day sea trip, but the best part is the journey there. You’ll skim along Corsica’s southern shore by semi-rigid speedboat, stop four times for swims, and finish with local charcuterie, cheese, and rosé as the light softens over the water. I like the small group of no more than 12 and the mix of fast boat rides with long, unhurried swim breaks. The main drawback is simple: this is not a quiet cruise. The boat can bounce over the water, and the French-only guiding may matter if you need detailed commentary in another language.

Key points to know before booking

• Four swim stops: Isula Piana, the Cacao cove, Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent form the route, with time in the water built into the day.
• Cupabia is the main beach stop: Expect fine sand and warm turquoise water, with a good stretch of free time to swim and relax.
• A proper Corsican aperitif is included: The captain serves locally sourced cold meats, cheese, and rosé wine on board.
• Chez Francis costs extra: At Cala D’Orzu, you can stop at the famous hut for a drink, but this is not part of the $88 price.
• The ride is active: The RIB offers speed and open-water excitement, not padded sightseeing comfort.
• French is the tour language: Guides such as Baptiste and Bebel have been singled out for their care, flexibility, and attention to safety.

What the Porticcio to Cupabia boat trip is really like

At $88 per person, this excursion gives you roughly four and a half to six and a half hours on the water. That is a useful amount of time for a sea outing because you are not simply racing to one beach, taking a quick swim, and heading back.

The route follows the southern shore of Ajaccio from Porticcio. You begin near Sette Nave, then head toward Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. From there, the boat continues to Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and finally Plage d’Argent.

The exact duration depends on the option and departure time you choose. That range matters. A shorter version may feel like a lively afternoon trip, while a longer departure gives you more room for swimming, the aperitif, and time at the beach. Check the available start times carefully before booking, since the meeting point can also change with the option selected.

This is a small-group outing, limited to 12 people. That makes a real difference on a rigid inflatable boat. You have a better chance of seeing the coast without feeling packed shoulder to shoulder, and the captain can keep the mood informal. One departure had only six people on a boat built for 12, which made the ride especially comfortable.

Speeding away from Porticcio toward Sette Nave

The first part of the trip sets the tone. A semi-rigid boat gives you a low, open view of the sea and coastline. It also gives you speed. The captain can cover more shoreline than a slow sightseeing boat, then reach coves and beaches where a larger vessel would be awkward.

That speed is part of the fun, especially on the open stretches. The boat may zigzag across the sea toward the final stops, giving you the sensation of being out on the water rather than simply being transported along it.

You should also know what this boat is not. It is not a large yacht with indoor seating, shade, or a smooth ride. The vessel is described as a rigid inflatable boat, so expect movement and spray. Hold on during faster sections, and pack your phone and camera with care.

The crew’s approach appears to be one of the strong points. Captains named Baptiste and Bebel have been praised for being attentive, friendly, and flexible. That is useful on a boat trip, where the day depends on good judgment about swim conditions, timing, and passenger comfort.

Isula Piana and the Cacao cove

The early stops near Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao give you your first chance to get in the water. These are scenic, sheltered-feeling places with clear water and a more natural setting than a busy beach resort.

The appeal here is not a long list of monuments or formal attractions. You are coming for the sea itself. Swim, look beneath the surface, and enjoy the change from the busy port area to open coves and sandy edges.

The tour includes four swim breaks, so you do not need to save all your energy for Cupabia. That pacing is one of the smartest parts of the route. If one stop is windier or less appealing on your day, another chance to swim is coming later.

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. The supplied information does not mention snorkeling equipment, so do not assume it will be provided. If you want to use your own mask, check the operator’s current rules before departure.

Cupabia Beach, the main reward

Cala di Cupabia is the central destination, and it is easy to see why. The beach is described with fine sand and turquoise water, giving you the classic Corsican beach scene without requiring a long drive overland.

This is where you should allow yourself to slow down. After the noise and speed of the boat, Cupabia offers time to lounge, swim, and take in the surroundings. The contrast is important. A trip made entirely of fast cruising can feel tiring, but a beach stop gives the day a calmer middle section.

The beach may be the most appealing stop for people who want a traditional sand-and-sea break. The coves earlier in the route feel more about access and swimming, while Cupabia gives you a clearer chance to settle in.

Still, remember that this is a shared excursion. The exact amount of time at Cupabia is not stated, and the captain may need to adjust the schedule. You should not book it expecting a full beach day with hours of independent time. Think of it as one part of a moving coastal itinerary.

Cala D’Orzu and a possible stop at Chez Francis

The route then reaches Cala D’Orzu, another chance to swim in warm, clear water. This stop adds variety because you can choose between staying in the sea, relaxing on the boat, or visiting Chez Francis.

Chez Francis is a legendary hut, but drinks there are not included. That small detail can affect your budget. The tour price covers the boat, guide, cheese and cold meats, rosé, the southern Ajaccio coast, and free time at the hut. It does not cover lunch or any purchase at Chez Francis.

I would treat the hut as an optional extra, not the reason to book the trip. If you want a drink there, bring a payment method accepted by the venue and expect to pay separately. If you are content with the included rosé and aperitif, you can simply enjoy the stop without adding to the cost.

The timing also matters. With a total duration of 270 to 390 minutes, the tour includes several moving parts. Spending a long time at the hut may reduce time for swimming or the final stop, depending on the captain’s schedule.

Charcuterie, cheese, and rosé on the water

The included aperitif is more than a snack thrown into a cooler. The captain prepares a board of locally sourced cold meats and cheese, served with rosé wine. It gives the outing a distinctly Corsican pause and makes the price easier to assess.

You are not receiving a full lunch. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or plan food for after the excursion. The included tasting is best understood as a generous aperitif, not a replacement for lunch.

The timing sounds especially appealing near the end of the day, when you can sit back with a drink and watch the sun lower over the coast. The experience has a social side, but the small group keeps it from feeling like a large party boat.

Wine is included, so passengers who do not drink should not feel they are missing the main feature. The sea stops, scenery, and boat ride carry much of the experience. You can ask the operator about alternatives if needed, since the supplied details only specify rosé.

Plage d’Argent and the final swim

The last stop is Plage d’Argent, where you get one final chance to enter the water. Ending with a swim works well. By this point, you have seen several coves and beaches, and a last break lets you enjoy the sea without immediately rushing back to Porticcio.

The return ride is described as a high-speed section, with the captain zigzagging across the water. That should appeal to anyone who likes a little motion and excitement. It may be less appealing if you want a peaceful sunset cruise with no bouncing.

Bring sunscreen even if you expect a late departure. You will spend much of the outing exposed to the sun, and the water can make the heat feel deceptive. A towel is essential, and a secure bag for valuables is sensible on any open boat.

Is $88 a fair price?

I think the $88 cost is reasonable if you use the included parts of the trip. You are paying for several hours on a small boat, a local guide, four swim opportunities, access to beaches and coves, and an aperitif of local food and rosé.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Cupabia and other southern beaches. A boat lets you connect several coastal stops in one outing, and the small group is more personal than a large day cruise.

The value is weaker if you do not enjoy swimming, dislike fast boat rides, or want a full meal included. Lunch is extra, drinks at Chez Francis are extra, and the French-only guiding may limit the benefit for anyone seeking detailed explanations in another language.

The free cancellation option up to 24 hours ahead and the ability to reserve without paying immediately add useful flexibility. They do not change the experience itself, but they make it easier to fit the boat trip into a Corsica schedule.

Who should book this Corsica excursion?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, friends, and families with children aged six or older who want a lively day at sea. One supplied comment specifically describes the experience as fun for children and adults, but the boat’s motion means every passenger should be comfortable with an active ride.

It also suits people staying around Porticcio who want to see the southern shore of Ajaccio without committing to a long land excursion. The combination of speed, beaches, swimming, and food keeps the day varied.

You should think twice if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or have a health condition that could make the boat unsuitable. Back problems, reduced mobility, severe disabilities, heart conditions, and other relevant issues must be declared when booking. Pregnant women are not permitted on the RIBs, and children under six cannot join.

If you fail to declare a medical or physical condition, the captain can refuse boarding without a refund. That rule is strict, so ask before booking if you are unsure.

Practical details that make the day easier

The guide language is French. You may still enjoy the scenery and the informal parts of the outing without fluent French, but do not book this as an English-language sightseeing tour.

The meeting point varies by the option selected. Confirm it carefully, especially if you are staying away from Porticcio or need to arrange your own transport. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Pack light. Your essentials are swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and secure personal items. A waterproof phone pouch is a sensible extra, though it is not listed as a required item.

The boat holds up to 12 people, and the smaller group can make it easier to move around and talk with the captain. If you prefer maximum space, check the group size for your date rather than assuming every departure will be full or half empty.

Should you book the Cupabia speedboat tour?

Book it if you want to combine Corsica’s best sea pleasures in one outing: quick rides, clear swimming water, sandy beaches, coastal coves, and a local aperitif. The careful pacing, small boat, and stops at Cupabia and Plage d’Argent give you more than a simple transfer to the beach.

Skip it if you need English guiding, a quiet and stable boat, included lunch, or easy wheelchair access. For everyone else, $88 is a fair price for a lively southern-coast trip, especially if Baptiste, Bebel, or another attentive captain is at the helm and the sea is calm enough to enjoy the ride.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour depart from?

The experience begins in the Porticcio area, near Sette Nave, but the exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. Check your selected departure details carefully.

How long does the tour last?

The duration ranges from 270 to 390 minutes, or about four and a half to six and a half hours. Available starting times depend on the date and option selected.

What beaches and coves does the boat visit?

The route includes Isula Piana, the cove of Cacao, Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent along the southern shore of Ajaccio.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The trip includes four swim breaks in warm, clear water. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is food and wine included?

The captain prepares an appetizer of locally sourced cold meats and cheese, along with rosé wine. Lunch is not included, and drinks at Chez Francis cost extra.

Who cannot join the RIB boat tour?

Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and children under six are not permitted. Passengers with disabilities or health conditions such as back problems, reduced mobility, severe disabilities, or heart conditions must declare them when booking.