7 days of sea kayaking between Bonifacio, the Lavezzi Islands and the granite islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago
Between Corsica and Sardinia, the adventure begins on the water
From Bonifacio, we leave Corsica’s limestone cliffs behind and head towards the granite maze of the Lavezzi Islands, then on to Razzoli, Santa Maria, Budelli, La Maddalena, Caprera and Spargi. For a full week, sea kayaks take us into secluded coves, narrow passages and transparent waters across two protected island areas.
Each evening we meet up again with Colada, our floating catamaran base camp, at a different anchorage: a cabin, a shower, a hot meal and the freedom to keep moving from island to island without setting up camp ashore.
👉 Small group of 4 to 8 participants, usually 6 or 7, led by a French state-certified sea kayak guide.
Trip essentials
Corsica · Sardinia · La Maddalena
Fully booked
Guaranteed departure
Private departures are available on request for pre-formed groups.
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Kayaking days
- 7 days
- Accommodation
- Catamaran with cabins
- Technical level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Daily paddling
- 4 to 5 hours · approximately 20–25 km
- Group size
- 4 to 8 participants
- 2027 price
- €2,100 per person
Durations, distances and the itinerary are indicative and may be adapted to the weather, sea conditions and the pace of the group.
Why this sea kayaking trip is different
- Two countries, one journey: start in Bonifacio, paddle through the Lavezzi Islands, then explore Sardinia’s La Maddalena Archipelago.
- An archipelago made for sea kayaking: sculpted granite, hidden coves, shallow channels and turquoise water that kayaks allow us to explore at close range.
- True island-to-island travel: every day reveals a new area, while the catamaran meets us again at a different anchorage each evening.
- Kayaking & sailing: when conditions are favourable, some crossings are made under sail and anyone who wishes can take part in sail handling and manoeuvres.
- A mobile base camp: in both the Lavezzi reserve and La Maddalena National Park, camping, access and anchoring are regulated. The catamaran allows us to respect these restrictions while keeping the expedition feel of the journey.
From the Lavezzi Islands to La Maddalena: two protected areas, one strait
The Strait of Bonifacio separates Corsica and Sardinia in a stretch of water where wind, currents and sea state are part of the experience. To the north, the Lavezzi Islands form a maze of granite boulders; farther south, Razzoli, Santa Maria and Budelli lead into La Maddalena National Park, followed by wild Caprera and then Spargi and Cala Corsara.
The route is deliberately flexible. Access rules at certain sites, visitor numbers in the national park, wind and sea conditions can all change the order of the stages. That flexibility is part of the trip: each day we look for the best and most rewarding paddling conditions.
Want to go further?
The complete Road Book and the Colada catamaran technical sheet explain the itinerary, the required level and life aboard in detail.
Life aboard the catamaran
Colada follows the journey and meets the group again each evening. This mobility lets us adapt the stages, choose anchorages according to the conditions and enjoy the comfort of the boat after an active day on the water.
Space & comfort
- Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42: 4 double cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 heads with showers, plus an outdoor shower.
- Cockpit and generous outdoor spaces for shared meals, relaxing and enjoying the anchorages.
- Simple cruising-catamaran comfort: proper sleeping spaces with storage, naturally more compact than a hotel room.
Accommodation & cabins
The standard price is based on shared double-cabin accommodation. Cabin allocation is adapted to the composition of each group: couples and people booking together share a double cabin, while for solo travellers we prioritise a private cabin whenever the group configuration allows. If cabin sharing is required, you will be informed before confirming your booking.
A guaranteed double cabin for single occupancy is also available to solo travellers in limited numbers, subject to availability.
Meals & life on board
- Breakfasts and dinners on board, using fresh, local produce and organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Picnic lunches during the day’s kayak journey.
- Meals are prepared by the skipper and guide in a relaxed, participative atmosphere; helping out with the small everyday tasks is always welcome.
💡 Want to know more about life aboard?
Read our dedicated article: Sea kayaking & catamaran – another way to explore the Mediterranean
A week of island-hopping by sea kayak
Indicative itinerary, adapted to weather, sea state, national park regulations and the group.
- Day 1 — Bonifacio → Cavallo
Meet at 10:00 at the port of Bonifacio. After a welcome, safety briefing and kayak fitting, we paddle beneath the limestone cliffs, explore sea caves and head towards Cavallo. Our first night is spent at anchor in a sheltered spot selected by the crew. - Day 2 — Lavezzi → towards Sardinia
We explore the Lavezzi Islands among pale beaches, granite boulders and narrow passages between the islets. After our picnic lunch, we meet Colada and cross towards northern Sardinia, under sail or motor depending on conditions. - Day 3 — Razzoli, Santa Maria & Budelli
A long loop links three gems of the national park: the granite coast of Razzoli and its lighthouse, then Santa Maria and Budelli. Turquoise water and subtle shades of pink sand accompany us through this strictly protected environment.
- Day 4 — La Maddalena, Caprera & Cala Coticcio
We head south-east towards La Maddalena and then Caprera. Secluded coves, pink-granite cliffs and clear-water passages shape the day. Depending on conditions and access permissions, we explore Cala Coticcio before meeting the catamaran again for the night. - Day 5 — Around Caprera & the Gulf of Stagnali
We continue exploring Caprera among granite hills, Mediterranean scrub and small coves. The route remains flexible according to wind and sea state; at the end of the day we meet Colada in the Gulf of Stagnali. - Day 6 — La Maddalena, Spargi & Cala Corsara
We follow the coast of La Maddalena before crossing to Spargi. From the kayak, a succession of coves and bright-water beaches opens up before we reach the island’s southern coast and the spectacular setting of Cala Corsara.
- Day 7 — West coast of La Maddalena → return to Bonifacio
Final paddle strokes along the west coast of La Maddalena, between rocky headlands and pale beaches. We then rejoin Colada for the crossing of the Strait of Bonifacio, under sail whenever conditions allow. Arrival in Bonifacio is planned for late afternoon.
🧭 Pace & distances: around 20–25 km per day, generally 4 to 5 hours of paddling plus breaks. Stages, launch points, anchorages and crossings may be adapted according to weather, sea state, wind, national park decisions and the level of the group.
What does a typical day look like?
Breakfast on deck, then a weather briefing and preparation for the day’s paddle. We launch in the area offering the best conditions and spend several hours exploring islands, coves, granite passages and beaches. Lunch is a picnic during the journey. By late afternoon we meet Colada again for a swim, snorkelling and time to relax at anchor, followed by dinner on board and a night in your cabin before setting off towards a new island the next day.
Comfort & equipment
- 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 covers different kayak volumes so that we can provide an appropriate fit for a wide range of paddlers.
- Paddles: Werner and Aqua Bound, with straight or bent shafts, in several lengths and blade sizes.
- Equipment provided: PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and dry tops, together with the safety equipment required for professional sea kayak guiding.
- Professional team: a French state-certified sea kayak guide responsible for the kayaking programme and on-water leadership, plus a professional skipper responsible for navigation and safety aboard Colada.
🔎 For more detail: All about the boat and life aboard
Is this trip right for you?
- You have previous sea kayaking experience and want to experience a genuine island-hopping journey.
- You have a good level of fitness and are comfortable paddling for around 4 to 5 hours and 20–25 km per day.
- You enjoy trips where the itinerary remains flexible around wind, sea conditions and protected-area regulations.
- You like active adventure, but also value returning each evening to a cabin, a shower and a hot meal.
Rolling is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our sea kayaking experience questionnaire.
Dates, prices and booking
Fully booked
Guaranteed departure
The price includes: 7 days / 6 nights aboard Colada according to the cabin allocation, with a professional skipper; guiding by a French state-certified sea kayak guide; sea kayak equipment for all 7 days; all meals during the trip; and all catamaran crossings and navigation between Bonifacio and the archipelago.
Solo travellers: whenever the group configuration allows, we prioritise a private cabin. To guarantee a double cabin for single occupancy, a supplement of €450 per trip applies, in limited numbers and subject to availability.
Not included: travel to and from Bonifacio, cancellation / assistance / repatriation insurance, personal expenses and tips, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and other non-included beverages, and additional nights.
Private departures available on request: dates and format can be discussed for pre-formed groups according to your project.
Guest reviews — Sardinia
Useful information
Access & departure
Meet at 10:00 on Day 1 at the port of Bonifacio. Figari Sud-Corse Airport (FSC) is the most convenient airport, around 20 minutes from Bonifacio. Porto-Vecchio is around 30 minutes away. We recommend arriving the day before for a relaxed start to the trip.
End of the trip
We return to the port of Bonifacio in the late afternoon on Day 7 after crossing back from the archipelago. The exact time depends on conditions in the Strait of Bonifacio, so choose a flexible ticket and allow a comfortable time buffer; an additional night in Bonifacio can be a sensible option.
Level
Previous sea kayaking experience and a good level of physical fitness are required. Participation is subject to prior approval of the experience questionnaire. See our Trip difficulty and levels page.
Weather & national park
In September, conditions are generally still summery in Corsica and the La Maddalena Archipelago. Wind, particularly the Mistral, and sea state may nevertheless lead the guide and skipper to adapt the itinerary. The catamaran allows us to move our floating base to seek out the areas offering the best paddling conditions, while respecting access and anchoring regulations in protected areas.
FAQ — Essentials
How long is the trip?
7 days / 6 nights of sea kayaking, with nights aboard the catamaran Colada.
What level is required?
You must be able to swim, have previous sea kayaking experience and have a good level of physical fitness for around 4 to 5 hours and 20–25 km of paddling per day. Rolling is not required. Participation is subject to prior approval of our sea kayaking experience questionnaire.
How far do we paddle each day?
Around 20–25 km, generally 4 to 5 hours of paddling plus breaks. Distances are indicative and are adapted to conditions, the group and access restrictions within the national park.
Where does the trip start and finish?
Meet at 10:00 on Day 1 at the port of Bonifacio. The trip finishes at the port of Bonifacio in the late afternoon on Day 7, after the return crossing from the La Maddalena Archipelago. The exact arrival time depends on conditions in the Strait of Bonifacio.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The day-by-day programme is indicative. Stages, launch points, anchorages, crossings and timings may be adapted according to weather, sea state, wind, group ability, national park decisions and safety requirements. If sea kayaking is not suitable on a particular day, sailing, hiking or an exploration ashore may replace the planned paddle.
How are cabins allocated for solo travellers?
The standard price is based on shared double-cabin accommodation. Couples and people booking together share the same cabin. For solo travellers, we prioritise a private cabin whenever the group configuration allows, but this is not guaranteed at the standard price. If sharing is required, the people concerned are informed before confirming their booking. A double cabin for guaranteed single occupancy is available, subject to availability, for a supplement of €450 per trip.
How are meals organised?
Breakfasts and dinners are served on board; lunches are picnics during the kayak journey. Meals are prepared by the skipper and guide using fresh, local produce and organic ingredients whenever possible.