7 days of sea kayaking from Ajaccio to Saint-Florent, travelling along a coastline of UNESCO-listed sites, historic citadels and wild beaches, with 6 nights aboard our catamaran Colada.
The great North Corsica sea kayaking journey
From the port of Ajaccio, we travel north along Corsica’s western coast to Saint-Florent. The Sanguinaires Islands mark the beginning of the journey, followed by the Calanques of Piana, the Gulf of Porto, Girolata and the Scandola Nature Reserve. Further north, we continue towards Galeria, Calvi and its citadel before reaching the white-sand beaches of the Agriates Desert.
Sea kayaking lets us explore cliffs, caves, headlands and secluded coves at close range. Each evening, Colada becomes our floating base camp: the catamaran follows our progress, provides selected transfers and welcomes us at a new anchorage.
👉 Small group of 4 to 6 participants, guided by a state-certified sea kayaking instructor.
Trip at a glance
North Corsica · Ajaccio → Saint-Florent
Available on request
We can look at opening a scheduled group departure or arranging a private trip for an existing group.
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Kayaking days
- 7 days
- Accommodation
- Catamaran with cabins
- Technical level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Daily paddling
- 4 to 5 hours · approx. 20 to 25 km
- Group size
- 4 to 6 participants
- Price
- €2,100 per person
Times, distances, launch points, anchorages and stages are indicative. They may be adapted according to the wind, sea conditions, protected-area regulations and the group’s pace.
Why this sea kayaking journey is unique
- A true point-to-point journey from south to north: starting in Ajaccio and finishing in Saint-Florent, rather than returning to the same place each evening.
- An exceptional natural environment: the Calanques of Piana, Gulf of Girolata and Scandola Nature Reserve are part of a UNESCO World Heritage property.
- Landscapes that change every day: red volcanic rock, Mediterranean maquis, cliffs, deep coves, Calvi’s citadel and the white beaches of the Agriates.
- Kayaking & sailing: selected transfers are made aboard Colada and, when conditions allow, under sail.
- A mobile base camp: the catamaran carries the equipment, gives us flexibility to adapt stages and lets us sleep close to the areas we explore.
From Ajaccio to Saint-Florent: three faces of Corsica’s western coast
The first part of the journey takes us from the Sanguinaires Islands to the Gulf of Porto. The coastline becomes increasingly dramatic around the Calanques of Piana, before Girolata and the volcanic formations of Scandola. The Gulf of Porto, the Calanche of Piana, the Gulf of Girolata and the Scandola Nature Reserve form a UNESCO World Heritage property.
Beyond Scandola, the coast opens out towards Galeria and then Calvi. Approaching the citadel by sea kayak is one of the highlights of the journey. Further north, the scenery changes again: after Ostriconi, the Agriates Desert unfolds as a succession of rocky headlands, maquis and pale sandy beaches all the way to Saint-Florent.
This variety means the itinerary must remain flexible. Each day, the guide and skipper adapt launch points, transfers and anchorages in search of the best conditions while maintaining the overall progression from Ajaccio to Saint-Florent.
Want to know more?
The full Road Book and the Colada catamaran technical sheet provide more details about the itinerary, expected paddling level and life on board.
Life aboard the catamaran
At the end of each afternoon, we meet Colada at an anchorage chosen according to the wind, sea conditions and local regulations. The boat becomes our living base: we rinse the equipment, share dinner and rest before setting out along a new stretch of coastline the next day. It also gives us valuable flexibility to connect different areas or shorten a stage when conditions require it.
Space & comfort
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42: 4 double cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 indoor bathrooms and an outdoor shower.
- Large outdoor deck and cockpit for relaxing, sharing meals, enjoying the anchorages and taking part in sailing.
- Simple liveaboard comfort: proper sleeping spaces with storage, naturally more compact than a hotel room.
Accommodation & cabins
Accommodation is based on a shared double cabin. Colada has 4 double cabins and 2 single cabins, and the allocation depends on the composition of the group. Couples and pairs share a double cabin. For solo travellers, we aim to provide a cabin for individual use whenever possible; if sharing is necessary, you will be informed before confirming your booking.
A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy can also be offered to solo travellers in limited numbers and subject to availability.
Meals & life together
- Breakfasts and dinners on board, prepared with fresh, local ingredients and organic produce whenever possible.
- Picnic lunches during the kayaking journey.
- Meals are prepared by the skipper and guide in a relaxed, shared atmosphere; helping out is always welcome.
💡 Want to know more about life on board?
Read our dedicated article: Sea kayaking & catamaran — the other way to explore
One week from Ajaccio to Saint-Florent
Indicative itinerary, adapted according to the weather, sea conditions, wind, protected-area regulations and the group’s level.
- Day 1 — Ajaccio → Sanguinaires Islands → Gulf of Sagone
We meet in the morning at the port of Ajaccio. After introductions, a safety briefing and settling aboard, we launch the kayaks and head towards the Sanguinaires Islands. A first stage of around twenty kilometres opens the journey, followed by a transfer aboard Colada towards the Gulf of Sagone. - Day 2 — Calanques of Piana → Porto
A full day of sea kayaking beneath the dramatic landscapes of Piana. Cliffs, sculpted rock formations, caves and small coves punctuate the route to the Porto area, where we meet the catamaran.
- Day 3 — Porto → Girolata
After exploring the Gulf of Porto, we paddle towards the Bay of Girolata. The coastline tightens around steep headlands, isolated beaches and fragrant Mediterranean maquis. - Day 4 — Scandola Nature Reserve → Galeria
We explore the volcanic formations, caves and cliffs of the Scandola Nature Reserve by sea kayak. Depending on conditions, the day continues towards the Gulf of Galeria, where Colada joins us.
- Day 5 — Galeria → Calvi
We head north for a long stage along a wild stretch of coastline. Approaching Calvi from the sea gradually reveals a remarkable view of the citadel and the mountains beyond. - Day 6 — Ostriconi & Agriates Desert
During breakfast, Colada moves north towards Ostriconi Beach. We then return to the kayaks and enter the Agriates Desert, paddling between rocky headlands, maquis and pale sandy beaches.
- Day 7 — Agriates → Saint-Florent
A final sea kayaking stage follows the beaches and headlands of the Agriates before reaching Saint-Florent. After meeting Colada and packing the equipment, a road transfer takes us back to Ajaccio. The trip ends in the late afternoon, subject to conditions and the actual arrival time.
🧭 Pace & distances: expect around 20 to 25 km per day, usually 4 to 5 hours of kayaking including breaks. The catamaran allows us to adapt a stage, move a launch point or cover a transfer whenever conditions or the group make it useful.
What does a typical day look like?
Breakfast on deck, a weather briefing and preparation for the day’s paddle. We launch the kayaks in the sector offering the best conditions and set out for several hours among headlands, cliffs, caves, beaches and protected coastline. Lunch is a picnic. At the end of the day, we return to Colada for a swim, snorkelling, time to relax at anchor, dinner on board and a night in your cabin before continuing north.
Comfort & equipment
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 catamaran: 4 double cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 indoor bathrooms and an outdoor shower. 220 V power sockets are available in the cabins and saloon.
- Single sea kayaks: DAG Ysak, Zegul Reval Low Volume and Medium Volume, P&H Scorpio Medium Volume and High Volume, TRAK 2.0.
- Tandem sea kayak: DAG Biwok. The fleet includes different volumes to provide a suitable fit for a range of body sizes.
- Paddles & equipment: Werner and Aqua Bound paddles in different lengths and blade sizes; PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and dry tops are provided.
- Safety & guiding: a state-certified sea kayaking instructor and a professional skipper. The itinerary and daily paddles are adapted to the conditions.
🔎 For those who want the details: Everything you need to know about the boat and life on board
Is this trip right for you?
- You have previous sea kayaking experience and want to take part in a genuine point-to-point coastal journey.
- You have the physical fitness to paddle for around 4 to 5 hours and 20 to 25 km per day.
- You enjoy trips where the itinerary remains adaptable to the wind, sea conditions and protected-area regulations.
- You want an active adventure while still returning each evening to a cabin, a shower and a hot meal.
- You want to discover several faces of Corsica through a continuous journey from Ajaccio to Saint-Florent.
A kayak roll is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our paddling-level questionnaire.
Dates, price & organisation
Available on request
How can a departure be opened? Tell us which period would suit you. If you are travelling alone or as a pair, we can register your interest and look at opening a group departure when several compatible requests come together. For an existing group, a private departure can be considered with dates adapted to your plans.
The price includes: 7 days / 6 nights aboard Colada according to cabin allocation, with a professional skipper; guiding by a state-certified sea kayaking instructor; sea kayaking equipment throughout the trip; all meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7; road transfer from Saint-Florent to Ajaccio at the end of the trip.
Solo travellers: we aim to provide a cabin for individual use whenever the composition of the group allows. To guarantee a double cabin for single occupancy, a supplement of €450 per trip applies, in limited numbers and subject to availability.
Not included: transport to reach Ajaccio and travel onward after the trip, cancellation / assistance / repatriation insurance, personal expenses and tips, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and any other drinks not included, additional nights.
Reviews of our kayak & catamaran trips
These reviews relate to different Voyage Kayak itineraries in the Mediterranean combining sea kayaking with life aboard the catamaran.
Useful information
Getting there & starting the trip
Meet in the morning of Day 1 at the port of Ajaccio. The exact time will be provided with the departure information. Ajaccio can be reached by air via Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport or by ferry from mainland France. We recommend arriving the day before to allow a comfortable margin.
End of the trip
The sea kayaking journey finishes in Saint-Florent on Day 7. A road transfer back to Ajaccio is included after arrival and packing the equipment. The final timing depends on sea conditions and the duration of the transfer; allow plenty of time before any onward connection and choose a flexible ticket whenever possible.
Level
Previous sea kayaking experience and good physical fitness are required. Participation is subject to approval of our paddling-level questionnaire. See our Difficulty of our trips and holidays page.
Weather & protected areas
Corsica’s western coast is exposed to wind and swell. Conditions may require the guide and skipper to adapt stages, launch points, anchorages or selected transfers. Regulations applying in the Scandola Nature Reserve and other protected areas are taken into account in the daily decisions.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the trip?
7 days / 6 nights travelling from Ajaccio to Saint-Florent, with sea kayaking stages every day and nights aboard the catamaran Colada.
What level is required?
You must be able to swim, have previous sea kayaking experience and have the physical fitness to paddle for around 4 to 5 hours and 20 to 25 km depending on the stage. A kayak roll is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our paddling-level questionnaire.
How far do we paddle each day?
Around 20 to 25 km depending on the stage, usually 4 to 5 hours of kayaking including breaks. These distances are indicative and are adapted to the conditions and the group’s level.
Where does the trip start and finish?
We meet in the morning of Day 1 at the port of Ajaccio. The sea kayaking journey finishes in Saint-Florent on Day 7, followed by an included road transfer back to Ajaccio. Exact timings depend on conditions and are provided with the departure information.
What role does the catamaran play during the trip?
Colada serves as our floating base camp, carries the equipment and welcomes the group each evening. Selected transfers are made aboard to connect the kayaking areas. The boat also allows us to adapt or shorten a stage if conditions or fatigue make it necessary.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Stages, launch points, anchorages, transfers and timings may be adapted according to the weather, sea conditions, wind, protected-area regulations, the group’s level and safety requirements. The guide and skipper make the necessary decisions to preserve both safety and the quality of the trip.
How are cabins organised for solo travellers?
The standard price is based on accommodation in a shared double cabin. For solo travellers, we aim to provide a cabin for individual use whenever the group composition allows, but this cannot be guaranteed at the standard price. If sharing is necessary, the travellers concerned are informed before confirming their booking. A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy is available, subject to availability, with a supplement of €450 per trip.
How are meals organised?
Breakfasts and dinners are served on board; lunches are provided as picnics during the kayaking journey. Menus use fresh, local and organic produce whenever possible.
How can I request a departure?
Tell us your preferred period and the number of participants. If you are travelling alone or in a small party, we can register your interest and look at opening a group departure if several compatible requests come together. For an existing group, a private departure can be considered with dates adapted to your plans.
What is the price and what does it include?
The price is €2,100 per person. It includes 6 nights aboard Colada according to cabin allocation with a professional skipper, guiding by a state-certified sea kayaking instructor, sea kayaking equipment throughout the trip, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7 and the road transfer from Saint-Florent to Ajaccio at the end of the trip.
Want to know more?
Request the “North Corsica” Road Book and the complete technical sheet for the catamaran Colada.