Blue Ocean Club
8 days · 8 stops

South Corsica & La Maddalena Explorer

The sheer limestone cliffs of Bonifacio give way to a scattering of granite isles, where the sea glows an impossible turquoise. Your yacht charts a course through the wind-sculpted Lavezzi archipelago, a raw and protected marine park, before crossing the strait into Italy’s La Maddalena. Here, the glamour of the Costa Smeralda awaits, with chic harbours and secluded coves culminating in the legendary enclave of Porto Cervo. This is a journey of two cultures, linked by one mesmerising sea.

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  1. DAY 01

    Bonifacio, Corsica

    Arrive at the dramatic, fjord-like harbour of Bonifacio, where the ancient citadel teeters on sheer limestone cliffs. The narrow streets of the Haute Ville are alive with the scent of myrtle and salt from the bustling quayside below, where superyachts provide a modern counterpoint to the old Genoese towers standing guard.

    • Climbing the 187 King of Aragon's Steps, carved into the cliff face.
    • Exploring the labyrinthine streets and historic churches of the Old Town.
    • A tender excursion into the Grotte di Sdragonato sea cave.
    • Sunset cocktails on the sundeck overlooking the Bouches de Bonifacio strait.
    Anchorage
    Anse de Fazzio
    Dining
    L'Auberge du Pêcheur for fresh seafood on the quayside, or Ciccio for authentic Corsican dishes.
  2. DAY 02

    Lavezzi Islands, Corsica

    The yacht glides into the heart of the Lavezzi archipelago, a protected marine reserve scattered with immense, wind-sculpted granite boulders. The water here is exceptionally clear, shifting from deep sapphire to brilliant turquoise over white sand. This is a raw, elemental landscape, perfect for quiet contemplation and underwater exploration.

    • Snorkelling among the friendly grouper in the protected waters of Cala Lazzarina.
    • Walking the marked trails across Île Lavezzi to the two historic cemeteries.
    • Kayaking and paddleboarding around the smooth granite formations of the bay.
    • Tendering to the secluded beach at the nearby Cala di u Grecu.
    Anchorage
    Cala Lazzarina
    Dining
    A private beach barbecue prepared by the crew, featuring grilled langoustines and local rosé wine.
  3. DAY 03

    Île de Cavallo, Corsica

    Drop anchor off the exclusive Île de Cavallo, a private island known for its understated luxury and pristine environment. Golf carts are the only transport, tracing paths between discreet villas and impeccably manicured shores. The atmosphere is one of serene privacy, with the scent of pine and the sea carried on the gentle breeze.

    • Playing a round at the renowned Sperone Golf Course (a short tender ride away on the mainland).
    • Enjoying the yacht's water toys in the sheltered bay of Cala Zeri.
    • Exploring the island's coastline and hidden beaches by electric golf cart.
    • A quiet afternoon on the fine white sands of Plage de la Double.
    Anchorage
    Cala Zeri
    Dining
    Hôtel & Spa des Pêcheurs for elegant waterfront dining with Italian and French influences.
  4. DAY 04

    Isola Budelli & Spargi, Sardinia

    Crossing the Strait of Bonifacio, you enter the Italian realm of the La Maddalena Archipelago. Your first stop is Isola Budelli, where the legendary Spiaggia Rosa reveals its subtle pink hue. The surrounding waters are a mosaic of blues, lapping against the granite shores of nearby Isola Spargi, an island indented with perfect sandy coves.

    • Viewing the protected Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) from the yacht's tender.
    • Swimming and snorkelling in the crystalline waters of Cala Corsara on Isola Spargi.
    • Discovering the 'Testa della Strega' (Witch's Head) rock formation at Cala Conneri.
    • Using the Seabobs to explore the vibrant marine life between the islands.
    Anchorage
    Cala Corsara, Isola Spargi
    Dining
    An alfresco lunch on the aft deck with views of Budelli, followed by a classic Italian aperitivo at sunset.
  5. DAY 05

    La Maddalena Town, Sardinia

    Cruise to the archipelago's main island and its namesake town, a lively hub of Sardinian life. The harbour at Cala Gavetta is fringed with palm trees and pastel-coloured 18th-century buildings. Explore the pedestrianised streets, where boutiques and gelaterias sit alongside traditional food shops selling local pecorino and mirto liqueur.

    • Berthing in Cala Gavetta and exploring the historic town centre on foot.
    • Driving the scenic 'Strada Panoramica' for views over the entire archipelago.
    • Visiting the Garibaldi Compendium museum on the neighbouring island of Caprera.
    • Shopping for local crafts and delicacies along Via Garibaldi.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Cala Gavetta
    Dining
    Ristorante La Scogliera, a destination restaurant reached by tender, for a sophisticated seafood experience.
  6. DAY 06

    Isola Caprera, Sardinia

    Connected to La Maddalena by a causeway, Caprera offers a wilder, more rugged experience. The island is a national park, covered in pine forests and fragrant maquis scrub. Its eastern coast is indented with a series of exquisite coves, including the celebrated Cala Coticcio, whose water is so intensely turquoise it has earned the name 'Tahiti'.

    • Swimming in the famously clear waters of Cala Coticcio (a short hike is required from the tender drop-off).
    • Exploring the historic home and memorial of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi.
    • Kayaking into the hidden coves and along the granite shoreline.
    • Anchoring in the peaceful Porto Palma bay for an afternoon of water sports.
    Anchorage
    Porto Palma
    Dining
    A simple, elegant dinner on board prepared by your chef, featuring Sardinian specialities like fregola with clams.
  7. DAY 07

    Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda

    Arrive at the epicentre of the Costa Smeralda, the glamorous Cala di Volpe. This deep, protected bay is a showcase of the world's most significant superyachts, all anchored before the iconic, village-like hotel of the same name. The surrounding hills are dotted with exclusive villas, and the air is thick with the promise of an elegant evening ashore.

    • Anchoring amongst the world's most impressive superyachts.
    • Tendering ashore for a Bellini at the legendary Hotel Cala di Volpe.
    • Swimming at the nearby fine-sand beaches of Liscia Ruja or Spiaggia del Principe.
    • People-watching from the comfort of the yacht's sundeck jacuzzi.
    Anchorage
    Bay of Cala di Volpe
    Dining
    Matsuhisa at Cala di Volpe for world-class Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, or Le Grand for classic Italian.
  8. DAY 08

    Porto Cervo, Sardinia

    A final, short morning cruise brings you into Marina di Porto Cervo, the architectural masterpiece of Jacques Couëlle. The village is a chic warren of terracotta roofs, designer boutiques, and exclusive clubs, all arranged around the world-famous Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. It is a fittingly stylish conclusion to your voyage through these two remarkable archipelagos.

    • A final, leisurely breakfast on board with views of the bustling marina.
    • Browsing the designer boutiques of the Piazzetta and Promenade du Port.
    • Enjoying a final espresso at a waterfront cafe overlooking the Old Port.
    • A farewell toast with the crew before disembarking for your onward journey.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Porto Cervo
    Dining
    Enjoy a farewell coffee and pastry at the bar of the Cervo Hotel, overlooking the Piazzetta.
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