Four swims, one fast boat day. The semi-rigid speedboat from Porticcio along Ajaccio’s southern shore turns Corsica into a moving front-row seat, with stops like Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. I especially like the speedboat ride feel—off at high speed, then easing into quiet coves—shaped by captains you may hear praised like Baptiste, and skippers such as Bebel.

My second big win is the way the day blends swimming with food and drink. You’ll get an onboard aperitif of cold meats and cheese with rosé, served as you watch the light shift across the water.

One consideration: this is a RIB-style boat experience, so it’s not for everyone. Pregnant women aren’t allowed, children under 6 aren’t permitted, wheelchair users aren’t suitable, and if you have a health issue that doesn’t match the excursion, you must declare it at booking—otherwise the captain can refuse boarding.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Ajaccio’s south shore by boat: You’ll cruise where the coastline looks best from the water.
• Multiple swim breaks: The day is built around breaks at sandy beaches and coves, not just one long stop.
• Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao: Early stops set the tone with scenery plus easy bathing-water access.
• Onboard charcuterie + rosé: Your snack break isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of the experience.
• Plage d’Argent at the end: You finish with a final swim at one of the better-known beach stops.
• Small group size: Limited to 12 participants, which usually means less waiting and a more relaxed vibe.

From Porticcio to Ajaccio’s Southern Shore on a Semi-Rigid RIB

This tour works because it gives you speed with purpose. Instead of spending the day bouncing between distant viewpoints, you ride a semi-rigid speedboat out of Porticcio and track the southern shore of Ajaccio from the best angle—over open water, then straight into the coves where you can actually swim.

The boat format matters here. A semi-rigid speedboat isn’t for people who want a slow, luxury cruise pace. But if you like the sensation of moving fast across the sea and then cooling off in warm water, it’s a fun match. Captains can vary by departure, but you’ll often hear praise for careful, attentive crews—names like Baptiste and Bebel show up in past comments, which hints at the general style: safety-first with a friendly tone.

The Sea-Day Flow: Sette Nave, Isula Piana, and the Cove of Cacao

The day starts with a ride from Porticcio and a first push toward Sette Nave. That early stretch is where the trip starts to feel like a proper escape—Corsica’s coast doesn’t just look pretty from a viewpoint; from a boat, you see how the shoreline folds into small, sheltered pockets.

From there, you head toward Isula Piana and the cove of Cacao. These stops are built for the same idea: short, scenic windows where you can take in the view and then get into the water when conditions allow. If you’re the type who hates wasting vacation time in transit, you’ll like how the route is structured to keep momentum while still giving you payoff.

A quiet practical tip: the best photos usually come just before a swim break, when you’re still looking out across the coastline rather than rushing to get your towel. Keep your sunscreen and towel accessible so you’re not digging around once the boat stops.

Swim Break Strategy: Cupabia, D’Orzu, and Plage d’Argent

The headline of this tour is swimming in multiple places. You’re not stuck with one single beach. Instead, you get a sequence of stops that includes Cala di Cupabia, Cala D’Orzu, and then a final swim at Plage d’Argent.

Cupabia is the kind of stop you remember for the water. You’ll have time to lounge in warm, turquoise water and enjoy the sandy setting. It’s also a good “reset” point in the middle of the day—after earlier scenery, you can switch into pure relaxation mode.

Cala D’Orzu adds variety. You’ll pass the time with another opportunity to drink in the scenery and get back into the water. Then, you have that extra option to go to Chez Francis for a drink on land—costs are not included, so treat it like an optional add-on rather than part of the main package.

Plage d’Argent is saved for later, which is smart. By the end of a boat day, you’re usually happier to stretch out and enjoy the last swim without worrying about the next stop. If you’re deciding which part of the day you care about most, this is the one that tends to land as the final highlight.

Onboard Aperitif: Charcuterie, Cheese, and Rosé Under the Sun

This is not a “here’s a snack, good luck” situation. The tour includes a guided tasting-style aperitif onboard: cold meats and cheese, plus rosé wine prepared for you as part of the ride.

In practical terms, this is one of the best value pieces of the day. You get a full-on food moment that would otherwise cost money either as a restaurant meal or a separate picnic. And because it’s timed during the cruise portion, it also breaks up the day so you’re not only thinking about sun and swim logistics.

It also helps that this is local food, not generic convenience. The charcuterie and cheese are served as you watch the water outside the boat, which makes the meal feel more like part of the journey than a chore. If sunset vibes are your thing, plan to slow down during this portion—don’t spend the whole time photographing. Let the moment happen.

The Chez Francis Stop at Cala D’Orzu: Worth Planning, Easy to Skip

One of the unique choices here is your free time at the legendary hut Chez Francis at Cala D’Orzu. You can have a drink there if you want, and you’ll hear it described as a famous stop—so even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a recognizable anchor point during the day.

Important detail: drinks at Chez Francis cost extra. So I recommend two plans depending on your style:

• If you want a full experience, bring a little cash or card budget for a drink.
• If you prefer to keep costs controlled, use the time to enjoy the pause—then head back to the boat and keep your focus on the next swim.

Either way, it’s a simple break in the timeline. Not everyone wants a long beach hang after already swimming, so this hut stop gives you a different kind of atmosphere.

Speed, Comfort, and Safety on a Small Group Boat

The tour runs with a small group—limited to 12 participants. That number matters more than it seems. On a speedboat tour, fewer people generally means smoother boarding, less crowding at stops, and quicker movement once the crew starts prepping the next segment.

You’ll also feel the “speed” part of the experience. The boat zigzags across the sea and picks up high speeds between stops. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this might not be your ideal activity—even if the day is gorgeous. It’s worth thinking about your comfort level before you go, especially if the sea is choppy.

Safety-wise, the rules are clear and strict. Children under 6 aren’t permitted, pregnant women aren’t allowed on rigid inflatable boats, and wheelchair users aren’t suitable. If you have any health condition, declare it when booking, because the captain can deny boarding without a refund if you didn’t make the declaration.

Price and Value: Is $88 Worth It for a Half-Day Adventure?

At $88 per person, this tour isn’t trying to be the cheapest way to see the coastline. The value comes from four things working together: boat transport, guide-led routing, included swimming time at multiple sites, and an included aperitif of charcuterie, cheese, and rosé.

If you tried to recreate it on your own—renting a boat or finding a way to hit several swim stops in a tight timeline—you’d almost certainly spend more, plus you’d lose the guidance that helps you time the day and move efficiently between coves.

Also, the included food shifts the math. Wine and charcuterie aren’t free on the coast. Here, they’re part of the package, served onboard as part of the sailing time, which makes the cost feel more justified.

So the real question isn’t just Is $88 low? It’s: Do you want a day that combines speed, swimming, and a proper food-and-drink break without turning it into a planning project? If yes, the pricing makes sense.

What to Bring (and What to Do So You Enjoy the Swim Stops)

You’ll be happier if you pack like a beach day is built into every hour. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. That’s the short list—and it’s exactly what you need to move fast between swim breaks without hunting for supplies.

One smart behavior: keep your towel dry until the moment you need it. Boat days can mean spray, so if your towel sits in the wrong place, it can turn into a damp annoyance.

Also, think about your timing for drinking and food. You’ll have rosé with charcuterie onboard, so if you’re planning to stop at Chez Francis too, stay mindful and pace it. You’re on the water all day, so comfort and hydration matter.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This works best for people who want active cruising plus frequent water time. If you love swimming, don’t mind speedboat motion, and prefer a day with built-in food rather than searching for restaurants, you’ll likely feel like it’s money well spent.

It’s also a good match for couples and friend groups who want a small group day. Limited to 12 people, it’s less about big group chaos and more about a controlled rhythm: ride, stop, swim, eat, repeat.

If you’re traveling with kids, note the safety limits. Children under 6 aren’t permitted on RIBs, so plan accordingly.

Should You Book This Speedboat Day to Cupabia?

I’d book it if you want a “best of” coastal day without long land transfers. The mix of multiple swim breaks (Cupabia, D’Orzu, Plage d’Argent), the included onboard aperitif (meats, cheese, rosé), and the fact that it’s organized in a small group makes it feel like more than a simple sightseeing ride.

I wouldn’t book it if you need wheelchair-friendly access, you’re pregnant, or your health situation makes speedboat time a risk. And if you’re very motion-sensitive, consider whether a high-speed zigzag day will feel good for you.

If your idea of a great Corsica day is sun, swimming coves, and a simple food-and-wine break where you don’t have to think too hard—this is the kind of tour that delivers.

FAQ

How long is the Speedboat Tour from Porticcio to Cupabia Beach?

The duration is listed as 270 to 390 minutes, depending on the available starting times and what the day looks like.

What is the price per person?

The price is $88 per person.

What’s included in the tour?

Included are the boat tour, a local guide, an appetizer of cold meats and cheese, rosé wine, a visit along the southern shore of Ajaccio, and free time at the Chez Francis hut.

Are meals like lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Will I have time to swim?

Yes. The day includes swimming breaks at different spots, including Cupabia area stops and a final swim at Plage d’Argent.

Is spending money needed at Chez Francis?

Drinks at Chez Francis are not included, so if you want a drink there, you’ll pay separately.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Experience Provider

JPS Aventure

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