Blue Ocean Club
7 days · 7 stops

The Bonifacio Strait and its Archipelagos

The air, scented with wild rosemary and pine, warms as your yacht departs Porto-Vecchio’s lively quayside. Ahead lies a passage between two mythic islands, Corsica and Sardinia. You navigate the Bonifacio Strait, a channel of sapphire water squeezed between sculpted granite coastlines. Explore the elemental beauty of the Lavezzi archipelago, a maze of stone and turquoise pools, before discovering the idyllic coves and chic harbours of La Maddalena. This is a journey defined by wind, stone, and the clearest water in the Mediterranean.

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  1. DAY 01

    Porto-Vecchio & Baie de Santa Giulia

    Embark in the chic harbour of Porto-Vecchio, its citadel overlooking the salt marshes. After settling in, a short, scenic cruise brings you to the Baie de Santa Giulia. The yacht anchors in a lagoon of startlingly clear water, fronting a perfect crescent of white sand backed by stone pines.

    • Welcome cocktails on the aft deck upon arrival in Porto-Vecchio.
    • First dip into the crystalline waters of Santa Giulia bay.
    • Using the yacht's water toys, from paddleboards to seabobs.
    • A sunset stroll along the beach to the southern headland.
    Anchorage
    Mouillage de Santa Giulia
    Dining
    Le Santa Giulia restaurant, for refined dining with your toes almost in the sand.
  2. DAY 02

    Îles Lavezzi Marine Reserve

    A morning cruise south takes you to the elemental world of the Lavezzi islands. This protected marine reserve is a raw collection of granite islets, worn smooth by millennia of wind and waves. Anchor in Cala Lazzarina, a natural swimming pool surrounded by colossal, sculptural boulders, feeling a world away from civilisation.

    • Snorkelling amongst the abundant marine life in the protected waters.
    • Exploring the unique granite formations of Cala Lazzarina by tender.
    • Paying respects at the Cimetière de la Sémillante, a memorial to an 1855 shipwreck.
    • Watching the sun set behind the granite sentinels from the sundeck.
    Anchorage
    Cala Lazzarina
    Dining
    Dinner aboard prepared by your private chef, anchored in perfect seclusion.
  3. DAY 03

    Bonifacio

    The approach to Bonifacio is pure theatre. The yacht glides into a deep, fjord-like harbour, dwarfed by towering white limestone cliffs upon which a medieval citadel precariously rests. The air is thick with history as you moor stern-to, ready to explore one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular towns.

    • The dramatic entry into the 'calanque' of Bonifacio harbour.
    • Climbing the 187 steps of the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, carved into the cliff face.
    • Wandering the narrow, atmospheric streets of the Haute Ville (Old Town).
    • Exploring the starkly beautiful Cimetière Marin de Saint-François.
    Anchorage
    Port de Bonifacio
    Dining
    L'Auberge du Pêcheur for impeccably fresh seafood on the harbourfront.
  4. DAY 04

    La Maddalena Archipelago: Isola Spargi

    Crossing the Strait of Bonifacio, you officially enter Italian waters and the La Maddalena archipelago. Your destination is Isola Spargi, an uninhabited granite jewel. Drop anchor in Cala Corsara, a stunning bay on the island's southern coast, known for its fine sand beaches and wind-sculpted rock formations.

    • Swimming ashore to the pristine sands of Cala Corsara.
    • Discovering the famous 'Witch's Head' rock by tender.
    • Snorkelling in the transparent waters of the nearby Cala Soraya.
    • Enjoying a peaceful afternoon of reading and sunbathing on deck.
    Anchorage
    Cala Corsara
    Dining
    A classic Italian aperitivo at sunset, followed by dinner aboard featuring Sardinian specialities.
  5. DAY 05

    Isola Caprera & La Maddalena Town

    Explore Isola Caprera, the second-largest island, known for its pine forests and as the final home of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. After a swim at the celebrated Cala Coticcio, cruise to the main port of La Maddalena. The archipelago's only town offers a lively contrast, with handsome 18th-century buildings and bustling piazzas.

    • A visit to the Compendio Garibaldino, Garibaldi's house and museum.
    • Anchoring off Cala Coticcio, nicknamed 'Tahiti' for its exotic beauty.
    • Strolling the pastel-hued streets and waterfront of La Maddalena town.
    • Enjoying a pre-dinner negroni in the central Piazza Umberto I.
    Anchorage
    Porto di La Maddalena (Cala Gavetta)
    Dining
    Ristorante La Scogliera, reached by tender for a glamorous waterfront experience.
  6. DAY 06

    Costa Smeralda & Porto Cervo

    Cruise past the famous pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa on Isola Budelli before turning south to the legendary Costa Smeralda. The coastline becomes a curated landscape of manicured villas and exclusive bays. Your arrival in Porto Cervo, the coast's epicentre, places you in a world of sophisticated design, luxury boutiques, and spectacular yachts.

    • Viewing the protected Spiaggia Rosa from the yacht.
    • Anchoring for lunch and a swim in the magnificent Grande Pevero bay.
    • Perusing the designer stores of the Piazzetta and Promenade du Port.
    • An evening stroll through Marina di Porto Cervo to admire the superyachts.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Porto Cervo
    Dining
    Pedri Garden Restaurant for a refined meal in an elegant garden setting.
  7. DAY 07

    Disembarkation at Marina di Olbia

    Awake to a final, leisurely breakfast on the aft deck, enjoying the morning light on the Costa Smeralda. A short and pleasant cruise south along the coast, passing the imposing island of Tavolara, brings you to the well-appointed Marina di Olbia. Here, you will disembark with memories of two islands and a strait of unparalleled beauty.

    • A final Sardinian breakfast at anchor in the Gulf of Cugnana.
    • One last swim in the emerald waters of the coast.
    • The scenic cruise towards Olbia, with views of the Sardinian mainland.
    • A smooth and professional disembarkation at Marina di Olbia.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Olbia
    Dining
    A farewell breakfast of fresh local fruits, pastries, and Italian coffee aboard.
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