Corsica · France
Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands by boat
The route looks short on a map, yet the Strait of Bonifacio concentrates wind, current and traffic. A sound plan leaves early, keeps a fallback near Sperone and commits to Lavezzi only when the sea state, boat and crew all support it.
- Departure
- Bonifacio, Piantarella or Porto-Vecchio
- Indicative distance
- 25 to 45 NM depending on the base and detours
- Time under way
- 3 to 5 hours under way in total
- Season
- May to September, with an early start
- Exposure
- Accelerated wind, current and short crossed seas
Indicative route
A day plan with room to change
This outline starts in Bonifacio. Shorten it, reverse it or remain under the coast whenever the forecast, boat or crew calls for less exposure.
Leave Bonifacio early
The harbour entrance quickly reveals the actual state of the strait. Make the first go-or-turn decision off the cliffs instead of carrying on because the itinerary says so.
Pause near Sperone or Piantarella
A nearby swim stop keeps the return short. Shallows, marked channels and heavy traffic still demand careful chart work and attention to local signs.
Cross to Lavezzi only in a clear window
The archipelago rewards a slow visit. Select an authorised area that suits the boat’s draught and never assume every cove is an anchorage or shelter.
Return before the afternoon builds
Start back with time and fuel in hand. A coastal fallback, or skipping Lavezzi altogether, is better than chasing a schedule through a rising chop.
Conditions
The strait sets the agenda
The terrain funnels and accelerates several wind directions. Conditions that look manageable inside the harbour can be materially harder off Pertusato and in the passes, while residual swell and current may keep the water rough after the wind eases.
The nature reserve controls navigation, stopping and seabed protection. Authorised zones and temporary restrictions must be checked against official information and local notices on the day.
Check before departure
- Check notices to mariners, reserve rules and authorised stopping or mooring areas.
- Compare wind, gusts, waves and current at both outbound and return times.
- Carry a fuel reserve that is separate from the theoretical trip consumption.
- Name Sperone, Piantarella or a direct return as an explicit fallback.
Distances and times are planning ranges. Check official charts, notices to mariners, local regulations and a current marine forecast. The skipper remains responsible for every decision.
FAQ
Practical questions
Can Lavezzi be visited in one day?
Yes from Bonifacio with a suitable boat, crew and weather window. Distance alone does not make the trip safe; the state of the strait and the return margin decide.
Where can a boat stop around Lavezzi?
Only where reserve rules, depth, seabed and conditions allow. Seagrass and protected zones rule out many spots that look open in photographs.
How much fuel should be allowed?
Fuel depends on the boat, load, speed and sea state. Calculate the chosen route and add a reserve rather than copying a generic online figure.