Independent guide: this is not the official website of the nature reserve, the town of Bonifacio or the tourist office.
Lavezzi IslandsThe guide to the archipelago
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Low scrub and granite without a single tree on Lavezzu island
The Lavezzi Islands

Planning your day on the Lavezzi Islands: what to bring

Updated · Independent guide, sourced information

On Lavezzu, there is not a tree to shelter under. Photo: Alex Riechert, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lavezzu island has no facilities: no drinking water, no food, no toilets, no bins and almost no shade. So you need to bring your own water and picnic, serious sun protection (hat, sunscreen, parasol), closed shoes for the path and a bag to take your rubbish home. Note the time of the last return boat, stay on the marked paths and leave the dog at home.

Key facts

  • Water: at least 1.5 litres per person, there is no water point on the island.
  • Shade: a parasol or a hat, the island has no trees.
  • Closed shoes for the stony path.
  • A bag to take all your rubbish back: no bins on the island.

The checklist

What to bring Why
Water (at least 1.5 l per person) no water point on the island
Picnic no restaurant or snack bar
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses no shade, glare off the granite
Parasol recommended by SPMB if you land
Closed shoes stony path
Swimsuit, towel, mask and snorkel shallow coves, very clear water
Rubbish bag no bins, everything goes back with you
Light windproof the wind is frequent in the strait

The amount of water is a cautious estimate: in July and August, the average high at Cape Pertusato is above 27°C.

What to leave behind

  • The dog: banned in the strict protection zone.
  • The drone: banned on the island.
  • Fishing rod and speargun: all fishing is banned on the Lavezzi plateau.
  • The tent: camping and bivouacking are banned.

Details on the reserve rules.

Coves and granite rocks on Lavezzu island
The sand heats up fast: wear shoes. Photo: Alex Riechert, CC BY-SA 3.0

Before you board

  1. Check the marine forecast: in heavy swell, the trip may be cancelled or changed.
  2. Use the toilets at the harbour: there are none on the island.
  3. Note the time of the last return and the meeting point at the jetty.
  4. Take the first boat if you want to walk before the heat and beat the crowds.

On the island

Stay on the sand and the marked paths, do not climb the rocks (bird refuges), and do not pick up shells or plants. Do the walk first, then swim in one of the coves. For the best period, see when to go; to compare every trip, see the activities table.

Book a trip

Choose your Lavezzi trip

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Frequently asked questions

Is there anywhere to eat on Lavezzu island?

No. There is no restaurant, snack bar or water point. Bring your picnic and water, as Visit Corsica and SPMB recommend.

Are there toilets on Lavezzi?

No, the island has no toilets and no bins. Plan for this before you board.

Where can I get a parasol for Lavezzi?

Snorkeling Report says parasols can be hired at the shuttle kiosk at Bonifacio harbour. SPMB advises bringing one if you land.

Sources

Information checked against the sources below. Timetables, prices and rules change: confirm before you go.