Blue Ocean Club
7 days · 7 stops

The Bonifacio Strait

The scent of wild maquis perfumes the air as your yacht carves through the deep blue channel of the Bonifacio Strait. To the north, the ancient citadel of Bonifacio clings impossibly to its limestone cliffs, a sentinel guarding the treasures of Corsica. Southward, the granite isles of Sardinia’s La Maddalena archipelago lie scattered like jewels across an emerald sea. This is a passage of dramatic contrasts, from fortress towns to deserted coves, where French savoir-faire meets the untamed spirit of the Gallura coast. Each anchorage reveals a new wonder, a private beach, or a taste of la dolce

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  1. DAY 01

    Bonifacio, Corsica

    Your journey begins as you glide into Bonifacio’s spectacular natural harbour, a deep fjord-like inlet slicing into the limestone peninsula. Above, the medieval Haute Ville stands guard, a labyrinth of narrow lanes and sun-drenched squares perched precariously over the turquoise water. The air hums with the energy of the port, a fitting overture to the week ahead.

    • Climb the 187 steps of the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, cut into the cliff face.
    • Explore the winding streets and historic Genoese architecture of the Haute Ville.
    • Take the tender to discover the sea caves, including the Grotte di Sdragonato.
    • Enjoy a sunset aperitif at a clifftop bar overlooking the strait.
    Anchorage
    Port de Bonifacio
    Dining
    L'Auberge Corse
  2. DAY 02

    Îles Lavezzi

    A short cruise south brings you to the protected nature reserve of the Lavezzi Islands. This uninhabited archipelago is a world of wind-sculpted granite boulders, pristine sandy coves, and water of astonishing clarity. The raw, elemental beauty provides a stark and wonderful contrast to the fortified town of Bonifacio.

    • Snorkel or dive amongst the friendly grouper in the marine reserve at Cala Lazarina.
    • Go ashore to visit the two simple cemeteries, a memorial to the Sémillante shipwreck of 1855.
    • Swim in the sheltered, turquoise waters of Cala della Chiesa.
    • Explore the exclusive, private island of Cavallo by golf buggy.
    Anchorage
    Cala di u Grecu
    Dining
    A gourmet dinner prepared by your private chef, anchored under the stars.
  3. DAY 03

    Isola La Maddalena, Sardinia

    Crossing into Italian waters, you arrive at the main island of the La Maddalena archipelago. The namesake town is a charming cluster of 18th-century buildings with pastel-hued facades lining a bustling harbour. Feel the shift in culture as you trade French for Italian, exploring the naval history and lively streets of this Sardinian gem.

    • Wander the granite-paved streets and piazzas of La Maddalena town.
    • Cross the 600-metre bridge to the neighbouring Isola Caprera.
    • Visit the Compendio Garibaldino, the home and museum of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi.
    • Hike to the secluded Cala Coticcio on Caprera, known locally as 'Tahiti'.
    Anchorage
    Cala Gavetta
    Dining
    Ristorante Sottovento
  4. DAY 04

    Isola Spargi & Isola Budelli

    Today is dedicated to the wild, uninhabited islands of the archipelago. Spargi greets you with idyllic bays like Cala Corsara, where fine white sand meets turquoise shallows, framed by granite formations. The day is for pure immersion in nature, dropping anchor in what feels like your own private corner of the Mediterranean.

    • Drop anchor in the celebrated beauty of Cala Corsara on Isola Spargi.
    • Kayak or paddleboard around the wind-eroded granite rocks, shaped like a bulldog and a witch's head.
    • Cruise past the protected Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on Isola Budelli, its colour derived from crushed coral.
    • Swim in the 'Piscine Naturali', the shallow channel between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria.
    Anchorage
    Cala Corsara, Isola Spargi
    Dining
    A relaxed beach barbecue prepared by the crew on a secluded shore.
  5. DAY 05

    Isola di Santa Maria

    Navigate to the northern edge of the archipelago, where the islands of Santa Maria and Razzoli offer a sense of quiet seclusion. Santa Maria, the only inhabited island besides La Maddalena and Caprera, has a wide, sweeping bay perfect for a day of watersports and relaxation. The dramatic, rocky coast of Razzoli and its lonely lighthouse provide a formidable backdrop.

    • Enjoy the expansive, shallow bay of Cala Santa Maria, perfect for swimming.
    • Walk the path to the 10th-century Benedictine monastery ruins.
    • Take a tender excursion to the rugged, windswept Isola Razzoli.
    • Photograph the iconic black-and-white Faro di Razzoli lighthouse.
    Anchorage
    Cala Santa Maria
    Dining
    Ristorante La Casitta
  6. DAY 06

    Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda

    The glamour of the Costa Smeralda awaits as you cruise south to the legendary bay of Cala di Volpe. The coastline transforms, revealing manicured landscapes, exclusive villas, and the world's most impressive superyachts. The water here is a mesmerising shade of emerald, giving the 'Emerald Coast' its name, and the air is fragrant with juniper and myrtle.

    • Swim at the famous beaches of Spiaggia del Principe or Liscia Ruja.
    • Anchor in the bay and enjoy the yacht's full array of water toys.
    • Tender ashore to the iconic Hotel Cala di Volpe for a cocktail.
    • Play a round of golf at the prestigious Pevero Golf Club.
    Anchorage
    Bay of Cala di Volpe
    Dining
    Matsuhisa at Hotel Cala di Volpe
  7. DAY 07

    Marina di Porto Cervo

    Awake to the gentle hum of Porto Cervo, the epicentre of the Costa Smeralda. Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast on the aft deck, watching as the world-famous marina comes to life. This carefully designed village, with its luxury boutiques and terracotta-roofed villas, provides a suitably stylish conclusion to your voyage through the Bonifacio Strait.

    • Savour a final breakfast on board, overlooking the marina.
    • Stroll through the Piazzetta and its designer boutiques.
    • Visit the Stella Maris church, designed by Michele Busiri Vici.
    • Browse the high-fashion stores of the Promenade du Port.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Porto Cervo
    Dining
    A farewell espresso and pastry at a café in the Piazzetta.
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