The only way to reach the Lavezzi Islands is by boat. The simplest departure is Bonifacio harbour: the SPMB shuttle (circuit no. 4) takes about 30 minutes and lets you choose your return time; it was listed at €37 per adult (checked on 9 November 2026). From Porto-Vecchio, half-day and full-day trips also stop at Lavezzi, often with Cavallo and the Bonifacio cliffs. With a boating licence, you can also hire a boat and anchor in the permitted areas.
Key facts
- Bonifacio shuttle: about 30 min crossing, return at a time of your choice.
- SPMB circuit no. 4: €37 adult, €26 child aged 4 to 12 (2026), free under 4.
- From Porto-Vecchio: 4 to 9 hour trips, stops vary.
- Trips are cancelled in bad weather or heavy swell.
Three ways to get there
| Option | Departure | Time | Price checked | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle (SPMB circuit no. 4) | Bonifacio harbour | 30 min each way | €37 adult, €26 child | spending time on the island |
| Trip with a landing | Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio | 3 to 9 h | €60 to €190 depending on the trip (GetYourGuide) | also seeing Cavallo and the cliffs |
| Hired or private boat | Bonifacio, Piantarella, Santa Manza | flexible | varies | skippers with a licence, groups |
Prices checked on 9 November 2026 on the SPMB website and on GetYourGuide.
The shuttle from Bonifacio
This is the cheapest and most flexible option. The boat crosses in about thirty minutes, drops you on Lavezzu island, and you take the return boat of your choice. For the season, SPMB lists departures at 10 am and 2 pm and returns at 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm (its circuit no. 4 timetable); Visit Corsica says that in high season boats leave every hour between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm. Check at the quay on the day: the weather changes the rotations.
SPMB has closed its circuits for the winter and plans to reopen in April 2027. Out of season, it runs a non-stop circuit past Lavezzi and Cavallo (11 am and 2 pm, €40). Details on Lavezzi from Bonifacio.
Trips from Porto-Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio is further away (28 km by road to Bonifacio), but several companies run trips there that stop at Lavezzi, often with Cavallo, the Cerbicale islands or the Bonifacio cliffs. Allow half a day (about 4 hours) or a full day. See Lavezzi from Porto-Vecchio.
By hired boat
With a boating licence (compulsory above 6 hp), you can hire a boat in Bonifacio or Piantarella and anchor in the permitted areas. The reserve strictly regulates anchoring: no anchoring in seagrass meadows, and sailing is banned north of Lavezzu and around three islets. Read boat hire and the reserve rules before you set off.
Reaching Bonifacio
Bonifacio is 21 km from Figari airport (25 min by car), 121 km from Ajaccio airport (about 2 hours) and 156 km from Bastia airport (about 2 hours 55), times calculated with OpenStreetMap. All the options are on getting to southern Corsica.
Book a trip
Book your crossing to Lavezzi
From Bonifacio: Lavezzi Islands Half-Day Boat Tour3 hours★ 4.8 (229 reviews)from €60Check availability
Half-day: relaxing afternoon to the Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands4 hours★ 4.7 (103 reviews)from €90Check availability
Porto-Vecchio: Trip to the cliffs of Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands9 hours★ 4.4 (101 reviews)from €70Check availability
"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
Affiliate links: IlesLavezzi.com earns a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. "Show live prices" loads the GetYourGuide module, which sets its own cookies (learn more (in French)).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the Lavezzi shuttle?
SPMB says you can book by phone and that last-minute seats are often available at the harbour. In July and August, booking the day before saves waiting for the next boat.
How long should I stay on the island?
Walking round the island takes about 1 hour 30. With a swim and a picnic, allow half a day. The shuttle lets you stay from one hour to the whole day, depending on the return times offered.
Can you kayak to Lavezzi?
Visit Corsica mentions kayaking from Piantarella bay, weather and regulations permitting. The crossing is exposed to the wind and currents of the strait: for experienced paddlers only, or with a guide.
Is there parking near the Bonifacio boarding point?
Yes, at the harbour, and cheaper all-day car parks about 500 metres away towards Sant'Amanza and Sperone, according to SPMB.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Timetables, prices and rules change: confirm before you go.
- SPMB, circuits, timetables and prices (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- SPMB, FAQ: booking, parking, weather (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Visit Corsica, the Lavezzi archipelago: access and timetable (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- OSRM on OpenStreetMap, driving times from Bonifacio harbour, accessed 9 November 2026
- Corse Net Infos, closure of northern Lavezzi and the Ratinu, Sperduti and Purragia islets (30 April 2023, in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Somme prefecture, 2023 boating guide: licence above 4.5 kW, i.e. 6 hp (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
