Scandola Nature Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve with dramatic red volcanic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas, better light
Scandola Nature Reserve
Best Time
Calmer seas, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve with dramatic red volcanic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife.
"The most amazing place to visit in Corsica. Just choose carefully your boat agency."
Choose Your Boat Wisely
Smaller boats can access caves and get closer to the cliffs. Avoid large ferries for a more intimate experience.
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun is intense on the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Red Cliffs
Coastal cliffs
Towering red rock formations plunge dramatically into the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
Crystal-Clear Waters
Coastal waters
Dive into incredibly clear waters teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkeling.
Abundant Wildlife
Sea and sky
Spot diverse sea birds like cormorants and eagles in their natural, protected habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Trip Essentials
Respecting the Reserve
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Your Boat Wisely
Smaller boats can access caves and get closer to the cliffs. Avoid large ferries for a more intimate experience.
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun is intense on the water.
Leave No Trace
This is a nature reserve! Pack out all your trash and respect the environment.
Snorkeling Gear Recommended
The water is exceptionally clear, offering great underwater visibility for marine life.
Tipps for a short trip
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Boat Wisely
Smaller boats can access caves and get closer to the cliffs. Avoid large ferries for a more intimate experience.
Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun is intense on the water.
Leave No Trace
This is a nature reserve! Pack out all your trash and respect the environment.
Snorkeling Gear Recommended
The water is exceptionally clear, offering great underwater visibility for marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of Scandola Nature Reserve, highlighting its dramatic red cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The experience is overwhelmingly positive when enjoyed via smaller boats that can explore sea caves. Some negative feedback stems from uncomfortable experiences on large, fast boats or a general lack of understanding of the reserve's protected status.
"Very beautiful, red rocks with high cliffs falling straight into the ocean.
Beautiful surroundings and the feeling of "middle of nowhere".
Highly recommended"
Eitan Newman
"Lovely to see and best by boat, make sure you get on one of those small boats, not the big ferries. The small boats can actually go even in some kind of caves. Very interesting rock formations and very beautiful views from the sea."
Manuel Niebhagen
"Amazing and beautiful area to visit. Clear water for snorkling with a lot of fish and interesting structure under water. Great landscape with huge and different colored rocks. But please remember, its a nature reservate so no garbage! No fishing! No fast driving with boots!"
Alexander B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scandola Nature Reserve is accessible only by boat. Tours typically depart from nearby towns like Cargèse, Porto, or Calvi. It's recommended to book a boat trip in advance, especially during peak season.
Popular departure points include Cargèse, Porto, and Calvi. Each offers different tour durations and types of boats.
No, the reserve is a marine protected area and can only be visited by boat. There are no roads leading directly into the reserve.
Public transport to towns like Porto or Cargèse can be limited. Renting a car or arranging private transport might be necessary if you're not staying locally.
Travel time varies depending on the departure point and boat speed, but expect at least 30-60 minutes each way for most tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't buy tickets for the reserve itself, but rather for a boat tour that visits the reserve. Prices vary by agency and tour duration.
Costs can range from €40 to €100+ per person, depending on the boat size, tour length, and inclusions. Smaller boats might be pricier but offer a better experience.
The reserve is always accessible by boat, but tour operators have their own schedules, typically running from morning to late afternoon.
Yes, many tour operators allow online booking, which is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during the summer months.
Tours usually include the boat trip, a guide, and sometimes a stop for swimming. Check with your chosen agency for specifics.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The reserve is famous for its dramatic red volcanic cliffs, sea caves, clear waters, and diverse marine and bird life, including eagles and cormorants.
Yes, many boat tours include stops for swimming and snorkeling in designated areas. The waters are exceptionally clear and rich in fish.
You can see various seabirds like cormorants and eagles, as well as diverse marine life underwater.
No, Scandola is a marine reserve and is not accessible for hiking. All exploration is done by boat.
Visitors must not litter, fish, or disturb wildlife. Boats must maintain slow speeds to protect the marine environment.
📸 📸 Photography
The striking red cliffs against the blue sea, sea caves, and abundant birdlife offer incredible photographic moments.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light, with softer shadows and warmer tones on the red rocks.
Drone usage is generally restricted in nature reserves to protect wildlife and maintain tranquility. Check specific regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the dramatic landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Waterproof protection is advisable.
The best views are from the boat itself as you navigate the coastline and enter sea caves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Choose a tour with a reputable operator that prioritizes safety. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as options on board are usually limited. Ensure everyone has sun protection, including hats and high SPF sunscreen, as the sun can be intense on the water.
🐠 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
The underwater world is equally impressive. The clear waters offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, revealing a rich variety of fish and marine invertebrates. The protected status of the reserve ensures that the ecosystem remains largely undisturbed, providing an authentic glimpse into Mediterranean biodiversity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Scandola by Boat
When choosing a tour, consider the departure point. Towns like Cargèse, Porto, and Calvi are common starting points. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with stunning coastal scenery leading up to the reserve. Many tours offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the reserve's clear, protected waters, allowing you to witness the vibrant marine life firsthand.
It's crucial to remember that Scandola is a strictly protected area. Visitors are expected to respect the environment by not littering, fishing, or disturbing the wildlife. Boat operators are also required to maintain slow speeds. This collective effort ensures the preservation of this unique natural wonder for generations to come.
The Unique Geology of Scandola
The vibrant red hues of the rocks are a signature feature, contrasting sharply with the deep blue of the sea and the green Mediterranean scrub clinging to the higher slopes. This geological tapestry provides a stunning backdrop for the abundant wildlife that calls Scandola home. The underwater landscape is equally fascinating, with submerged rock formations creating diverse habitats for marine species.
Understanding the volcanic past of Scandola adds another layer of appreciation for its raw beauty. It’s a testament to the powerful forces of nature that have shaped this Corsican coastline into a truly spectacular and protected natural reserve.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit