Haute Corse, with its sublime coastline and crystal-clear waters, offers an ideal playground for lovers of nautical thrills . Among the most popular activities during the summer season, towed buoys are a must-do experience, combining thrills and laughter.
This activity, accessible to almost everyone, allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the Corsican coastline while enjoying fun times with family or friends . While sailing on the turquoise waters of the Isle of Beauty, you will discover a perfect cocktail of adrenaline and discovery of exceptional seascapes .
Towed buoys are one of the most popular water activities in Haute Corse. The principle is remarkably simple : comfortably seated on an inflatable buoy, you are towed by a motorboat that takes you zigzagging across the water.
To this end, the activity provides thrills while remaining accessible to beginners. It must be said that it is precisely this combination of accessibility and adrenaline that makes it such a popular pastime for vacationers.
exceptional moments of complicity with your loved ones. Imagine yourself clinging to the handles of the buoy, desperately trying not to fall into the water while the boat takes a sharp turn !
Laughter and shouts of joy are guaranteed, and these moments will remain etched in your memory as precious souvenirs of your Corsican vacation .
At Moriani Plage, one of the most renowned water sports centers in Haute Corse, this activity is offered by qualified professionals who adapt the intensity of the water sports according to the preferences and age of the participants.
As a result, young and old alike can fully enjoy the experience in a safe and supervised setting . Sessions generally last around ten minutes, which is more than enough to experience thrills without exhausting participants.
The exceptional beauty of Corsican waters adds an extra dimension to the experience of towed buoys . Beyond the simple sensations of gliding, a complete immersion in an exceptional maritime environment awaits you. The translucent waters sometimes allow you to glimpse the seabed during your frantic race, adding a touch of magic to this already exhilarating adventure .
The contrast between the power felt during acceleration and the softness of the surrounding landscapes creates a unique sensory experience . In addition, each turn, each bounce on the water generates an adrenaline rush that fully satisfies thrill seekers. Even the most reluctant are generally tempted and end up enjoying this activity which perfectly combines pleasure, discovery and strong emotions .
water temperature in Haute Corse , particularly between June and September, makes the inevitable falls into the water particularly refreshing. Although falling is not the primary objective, these impromptu dips are an integral part of the experience and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the activity.
It is precisely this mix of excitement , challenge and moments of relaxation that makes tubing such a complete activity.
One of the great advantages of towed buoys is their ability to adapt to different participant profiles . Service providers in Haute Corse generally offer several types of buoys and different intensity levels to suit all audiences. For families with young children, gentler sessions allow you to safely try this fun activity.
Teenagers and young adults looking for more intense thrills will also find what they’re looking for with more technical courses and tighter turns. Some providers even offer challenges between friends to spice up the experience: who can stay on the buoy the longest without falling? These friendly little competitions add an extra dimension to the fun of the activity.
Less adventurous types shouldn’t feel excluded, however. Instructors systematically adapt the intensity of the ride to the participants’ wishes. Observing from the boat can also be an entertaining experience, especially for capturing photos or videos of the often hilarious facial expressions of participants during their tubing session.
Moriani Plage has established itself as the leading destination for towed buoys in Haute Corse. Located on the island’s east coast, this seaside resort boasts ideal sea conditions for this water sport.
The Costa Verde Aventure water sports center , located directly on the beach in the city center, offers towed buoy sessions supervised by state-certified professionals. This structure is particularly appreciated for its professionalism and family approach.
The rates at Moriani Plage are particularly attractive, starting from €18 per person. The opening hours , from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., allow for great flexibility in organizing your day. In addition to towed buoys, this base also offers other water activities such as jet ski rentals and parasailing, ideal for diversifying your maritime experiences during your stay.
The undeniable advantage of Moriani Plage lies in its accessibility. Its immediate proximity to the Merendella campsite makes it a preferred option for holidaymakers staying at this establishment. Campsite residents also benefit from discount vouchers on water sports, a touch particularly appreciated by families wishing to control their holiday budget .
About 40 minutes from Bastia, Saint-Florent is another remarkable spot for tubing in Haute Corse. This charming seaside town perfectly combines cultural heritage and water sports. The exceptional setting of Saint-Florent , with its picturesque village and unspoiled coastline, adds an extra dimension to the tubing experience.
Sessions in Saint-Florent generally take place in groups of three people, creating a friendly atmosphere conducive to challenging friends. The average towing speed reaches around 20 km/h, or 11 knots, providing sufficient thrills while maintaining an optimal level of safety .
These sessions usually last around ten minutes , but the intensity of the experience makes this time seem much longer!
Saint-Florent’s professionals stand out for their particular attention to safety and participant support. A comprehensive briefing is systematically conducted before each session to explain essential instructions and maximize enjoyment while minimizing risks. In addition, the exceptional water quality in this region of Haute Corse adds an undeniable aesthetic dimension to the activity.
Cap Corse, the peninsula that stretches towards the north of the island, also boasts some prime spots for towed buoys . Fewer in number than on the east coast, the structures offering this activity in Cap Corse are distinguished by the exceptional beauty of the sites in which they operate. The particularly clear waters and the unspoiled nature of the beaches make them popular places for this activity.
Several beaches in Cap Corse host providers offering towed buoys during the summer season . However, it is recommended to book in advance, as the offer remains more limited than in larger seaside resorts like Moriani. In return, you will benefit from a more exclusive experience and will be able to discover particularly preserved corners of the coastline during your session.
The activity in Cap Corse also has the advantage of often being combined with other nautical discoveries . Some service providers offer packages including, for example, a short boat excursion to coves inaccessible from the mainland, before or after your towed buoy session .
This more comprehensive approach allows you to enrich your experience and take full advantage of the natural riches of this exceptional region.
Before embarking on the adventure of towed buoys in Haute Corse , a preparation phase is essential. Upon your arrival at the nautical base, you will be welcomed by the team who will present the activity to you.
Safety being paramount , suitable equipment will be systematically provided to you. This mainly involves a buoyancy vest , an essential element which must be correctly adjusted to your body shape to guarantee optimal safety.
The supervisory team will then take the time to explain the basic safety instructions to you. How to properly hold onto the buoy handles , what position to adopt during towing, and the signals you need to know to communicate with the boat’s pilot .
This is all important information that deserves your full attention. This initial briefing also includes instructions on what to do in the event of a fall into the water.
Once equipped and briefed, you will board the boat that will take you to the practice area . In accordance with regulations, this is located beyond the 300-meter coastal strip and less than 2 miles from a shelter.
As a result, the towed buoy never goes too far out to sea, which helps to reassure even the most anxious participants . The travel time to the activity area is generally used to complete the explanations and answer any questions you may have.
Once you’re in the activity area, the experience can really begin. You sit comfortably on the buoy , usually lying flat on your stomach, holding on tightly to the handles provided for this purpose. The boat then starts gently to tighten the tow rope before gradually accelerating. This is where the thrills really begin !
The boat driver adapts his driving according to the level and expectations of the participants. For beginners or families with children , the course remains relatively gentle, with wide turns and moderate speed.
For the more daring, the pilot does not hesitate to accentuate the turns and vary the trajectories to create bouncing zones on the water , thus multiplying the sensations. As an indication, the average towing speed is around 20 km/h.
The session generally lasts around ten minutes, which may seem short but turns out to be perfectly calibrated. Indeed, the physical effort to stay on the buoy is not negligible , and even the most seasoned athletes feel a certain muscular fatigue after this duration. In addition, the intensity of the sensations is such that these ten minutes often seem much longer to the participants !
Once the session is over, you return to dry land, usually with a beaming smile and a good dose of adrenaline still pumping through your system. The cool-down after the excitement of the towed buoy is a great time to share your impressions with your fellow adventurers and the team.
Many providers in Haute Corse now offer additional services to extend the experience . Some have a photographer who immortalizes your exploits from the boat, allowing you to leave with visual memories of your facial expressions – often hilarious – during the activity.
Others offer a refreshing drink at the end of the session, a friendly moment appreciated to debrief the experience .
For those who particularly enjoyed this first experience, it is often possible to immediately book a new session for the following days. Note that some providers offer reduced rates for multiple bookings, an interesting opportunity for families wishing to repeat the experience during their stay in Haute Corse.
Towed buoys, like any nautical activity, are subject to strict regulations aimed at guaranteeing the safety of participants and other sea users. In Haute Corse, as everywhere in France, this practice must respect certain fundamental rules .
First, the activity must take place beyond the 300-meter coastal strip and within 2 miles of a shelter. This provision helps prevent accidents with swimmers while maintaining reasonable proximity to the coast in the event of an incident.
The towing boat must be equipped with a quick-release system, allowing the buoy to be released immediately if necessary. In addition, it must display a 2-meter-high orange fluorescent flag to signal its activity to other boats. It must be said that these regulatory provisions, far from being restrictive, constitute essential guarantees for your safety.
The number of people on board the boat is also regulated. In addition to the pilot, who must hold a motorboat driving license, a person over the age of 16 must be present to monitor the towed buoy . This constant monitoring allows for rapid response in the event of a fall or difficulty encountered by the participants.
Participant safety depends largely on the equipment used . Buoys must be brightly colored to be easily spotted on the water. Similarly, participants must wear brightly colored life jackets that are properly adjusted to their body shape. This equipment, provided by the service providers, is systematically checked before each use to ensure that it is in good condition.
The tow rope is another key element of the safety device . It must be specially designed for this practice and have a length of between 1 and 20 meters.
ropes or “sandow” are strictly prohibited due to the risks they present. It should be noted that professionals regularly check the condition of their ropes and replace them at the first signs of wear : discoloration, fraying, or the presence of knots.
For participants, certain personal precautions are also required. Wearing sunglasses with a retaining cord is strongly recommended to protect your eyes from splashes and the sun.
Applying waterproof sunscreen beforehand is also recommended, as the reflections from the water significantly amplify the effects of UV rays. Finally, avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that could come loose and potentially injure you during the activity.
Weather conditions play a decisive role in the practice of towed buoys. Service providers in Haute Corse closely monitor weather reports and may have to postpone or cancel sessions in the event of adverse conditions . Generally, the activity is maintained as long as the wind force does not exceed 3 on the Beaufort scale and the sea remains relatively calm.
Visibility is another vital factor. Towed buoy sessions are systematically interrupted in case of fog or poor visibility, as constant monitoring of participants by the boat crew is essential to the safety of the activity. In addition, sunlight conditions must allow the pilot to anticipate potential obstacles and adapt his trajectory accordingly.
The water temperature, less critical in Haute Corse where it remains pleasant throughout the summer season, is also taken into account. At the beginning and end of the season (April-May and September-October), it is not uncommon for service providers to provide thin neoprene suits to ensure the comfort of participants .
This attention to customer well-being demonstrates the professionalism of Corsican service providers who seek to offer an optimal experience in all circumstances.
To fully enjoy towed buoys during your stay in Haute Corse, it’s a good idea to plan ahead . The season generally runs from mid-April to October, with peak activity in July and August.
During this peak season, demand is particularly high , and it is strongly recommended to book several days in advance to ensure a place. However, during the pre- and post-season, reservations can often be made the day before or even the same day.
Regarding prices, they generally vary between €18 and €25 per person for a standard ten-minute session. Family or group packages can offer attractive sliding scale rates.
In addition, many providers collaborate with local campsites and accommodations to offer discounts to holidaymakers . The Merendella campsite, for example, distributes discount vouchers to its residents for water sports offered at Moriani Plage .
It is also worth noting that some providers offer packages combining several water activities (jet-skiing, parasailing, towed buoy) at advantageous rates. These packages allow you to discover different aquatic sensations while making substantial savings . Inquire directly with the water sports centers for special offers for the 2025 season.
Choosing a service provider is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. There are several criteria you should consider when making this selection. First, check that the organization has the required professional qualifications .
Instructors must hold the BPJEPS (Professional Certificate for Youth, Popular Education and Sport), a guarantee of their competence and knowledge of safety protocols.
The condition of the equipment is another indicator of reliability . Don’t hesitate to examine the equipment (buoys, life jackets, tow ropes) before committing. Well-maintained and regularly renewed equipment demonstrates the professionalism of the service provider and their concern for customer safety. Conversely, visibly worn or damaged equipment should alert you.
Reviews from previous customers , easily available online, can also help you make your choice. On this point, Costa Verde Aventure in Moriani Plage and the service providers in Saint-Florent generally receive excellent ratings for the quality of their welcome and their professionalism.
It should be noted that local reputation is often a guarantee of reliability in this sector of activity where word of mouth plays a decisive role.
To get the most out of your tubing experience , there are a few practical considerations worth considering. First, choosing the right time of day can significantly impact your comfort.
Morning sessions (between 9 and 11 a.m.) generally offer calmer sea conditions and less oppressive heat. Conversely, late afternoon sessions often benefit from magnificent light for possible souvenir photos.
These small preparations will greatly contribute to the comfort of your experience. Furthermore, it is wise to plan a relatively calm activity after your tubing session, as it can be physically demanding, especially for the muscles of the arms and shoulders that are not used to this type of effort .
For families with children of different ages, be aware that water sports centers generally offer several parallel activities . So, while teenagers enjoy the joys of towed buoys, younger children can participate in gentler water activities such as pedal boats or paddleboarding . This organization allows each member of the family to enjoy an experience adapted to their age and desires.
The minimum age requirement varies by provider, but is generally around 10 years old. This limit is set for safety reasons and the physical ability needed to stay on the buoy.
For children between the ages of 10 and 16, parental permission is always required. Some providers offer sessions specially adapted for younger children, with gentler courses and buoys designed to make them easier to handle.
If you would like to introduce this activity to younger children , contact the water sports centres directly, as some offer special family packages.
Yes, knowing how to swim is a prerequisite for towing a buoy, although wearing a life jacket is mandatory. Indeed, in the event of a fall, you could find yourself momentarily underwater before resurfacing. A minimum level of comfort in an aquatic environment is therefore necessary to practice this activity safely.
Most providers check this ability upon registration and may refuse access to the activity to those who cannot swim, even if equipped with a life jacket. This strict measure is intended to ensure the safety of all participants.
When practiced in compliance with safety regulations and supervised by professionals, towed buoys present a controlled risk . Serious accidents are extremely rare. The main risks concern bruises or minor sprains in the event of a fall, or muscle pain due to the effort of staying on the buoy.
To minimize these risks, listen carefully to the instructions given during the briefing , wear your life jacket correctly and do not hesitate to tell the pilot if the speed or movements seem too intense. Ultimately, this activity remains accessible and safe when practiced in a professional setting .
Absolutely! Towed buoys are a water sport that requires no experience or special technical skills , which explains its immense popularity. Providers in Haute Corse welcome complete beginners every day and adapt the intensity of the experience accordingly.
Before each session, a complete briefing is given to explain the basics: how to hold on, what position to adopt, what to do in the event of a fall. These few minutes of explanation are generally enough to fully enjoy the activity from the first session. The intuitiveness of the towed buoy makes it an activity perfectly accessible to novices .
A simple swimsuit is enough for tubing in the summer in Haute Corse. However, avoid overly baggy two-piece swimsuits for women, which could shift during falls. For men, well-fitting swim shorts are preferable.
At the beginning and end of the season (April-May or September-October), some providers provide thin wetsuits to maintain a comfortable body temperature . Regarding accessories, bring sunglasses with a retaining cord and avoid any jewelry or watches that could come loose or hurt you during the activity.
The towed buoy season generally runs from mid-April to the end of October in Haute Corse . The months of July and August offer optimal weather conditions, with a particularly pleasant water temperature (around 25°C).
However, this period also corresponds to the peak tourist season, with high crowds and higher prices . The months of June and September are excellent alternatives, combining favorable sea conditions, more advantageous prices and less crowds. For those who are more sensitive to the cold, avoid April-May and October where the water can be a little chilly despite the sun.
This activity places a lot of strain on the back and joints , especially when bouncing on the water. People with lower back, neck, or other musculoskeletal problems should consult their doctor before engaging in this activity.
Some providers offer specific buoys, which are more stable and generate less impact, and which may be suitable for people with slight physical limitations . In all cases, inform the provider of any physical limitations before booking; they will be able to advise you and adapt the intensity of the session to ensure your comfort and safety .
