Boat rental on the East Coast
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Boat rental on the East Coast: sailing along the Costa Verde
The East Coast of Haute-Corse is unlike either Cap Corse or Balagne. Here, the coastline runs almost straight for several dozen kilometres, lined with long sandy beaches and overlooked by the first foothills of the Castagniccia. No cliffs or hidden coves at every turn: the atmosphere is more open, more family-friendly, and the sea often offers calm waters, especially in the morning. Renting a boat here is above all about enjoying the eastern light, the colours of the Costa Verde and the shallow waters bordering the plain.
Our selection of boat rentals for the East Coast
Costa Verde Loisirs
Located at the port of Taverna, in Santa-Maria-Poggio, Costa Verde Loisirs is a key local…
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The best campsites near the East Coast
A coast of sand and light
Between Bastia and Aléria, the east coast stretches its beaches in a single sweep, on the side facing Italy and the Tuscan archipelago. Sunrise over the sea is a highlight of the day, and the coastline remains easy to read from offshore: you can constantly see the beach, the villages in the background and the mountains rising inland.
This geography has a practical consequence: the coastline is straight and offers few natural shelters. So you sail by hugging the coast, at a reasonable distance from the beach, rather than aiming for a series of coves as on the west coast. This is good news for beginners, as the landmarks are simple.
Moriani, Costa Verde and the villages of the plain
Here are the useful landmarks for locating a sea trip on this coastline:
- Moriani-Plage: an extensive sandy beach in the heart of the Costa Verde, with its seaside campsites.
- San-Nicolao and Santa-Maria-Poggio: villages and seaside resorts that follow one another along the coast.
- Cervione: the hilltop village of Castagniccia, visible from the sea on its slope.
- Ghisonaccia: the large plain in the south of the area, more agricultural than seaside.
To put this stretch of coastline into context, the Eastern Coast page presents the whole area, and the village profile of Cervione is worth a visit on land if the weather allows.
Sandy beaches and calm waters: the family asset
The eastern coast is known for its large fine-sand beaches and gentle slope, making it an ideal setting for a family boat trip: you can anchor at a safe distance from the beach, swim from the boat with children comfortable in the water, and then return to the coast in just a few minutes.
To identify the beaches to aim for, the article on the fine-sand beaches of the Eastern Coast mentions in particular Moriani, the Arinella near Bastia, and Padulone, which is quieter. Each beach has its own character: some are lively in summer, others more discreet.
The Biguglia pond and the nature of the plain
Behind the sandbar, the eastern plain is home to precious natural environments. The Biguglia pond, near Bastia, is a wetland renowned for its biodiversity, especially water birds. It is best discovered on land or from the shores rather than by rental boat, but it is part of the landscape visible from the coast.
Further south, the Aléria plain and its ponds complete this picture of a coast where nature remains close to the beach. A morning sea trip often allows you to observe this plain in beautiful light, with the mountains as a backdrop.
Which boat to choose on the eastern coast?
The choice depends on the distance you plan to cover and your experience:
- Boat without a licence: at sea, an engine under 6 HP (4.5 kW) can be operated without a licence. This is the simplest option for a short trip along the beach.
- Boat with a coastal licence: required above 6 HP, it allows you to go further or faster along the coast.
- With a skipper: convenient for enjoying the day without worrying about navigation or the weather.
Before setting off, ask the rental company for the authorised navigation area, the deposit amount, and the safety equipment provided. Distances are sometimes limited to a coastal strip near the beach.
Beginners and families: a gentle first outing
With a straight coastline and gently sloping seabed, the eastern coast is an excellent school for learning to manoeuvre. Opt for a short trip in the morning, when the sea is calmest, and choose a simple landmark (a bell tower, a tower, a group of houses) to keep your bearings.
For families, logistics matter as much as navigation: hats, sunscreen, water, life jackets, and a comfortable return time. To sleep near the sea, the campsites in Moriani and Bravone page lists beachfront accommodation.
When to go: the best time on the Costa Verde
The ideal period runs from June to September, with warm sea and long days. In July and August, visitor numbers increase, so it's better to book in advance and set off early. Outside the summer season, the sea remains pleasant in early autumn, with fewer people on the beaches.
On this coast, wind is the factor to watch: it often picks up during the day, with the sea building in the afternoon. An early start and a return before late afternoon are simple habits for smooth sailing. To stay in the area, the campsite in Moriani: nature, sea and tranquillity page gives an idea of the setting.
Other activities to combine with a boat trip
The eastern coast lends itself to many water activities. For a change, the towable buoy delights families, the pedal boat suits younger children, and the paddleboard lets you explore the coast at your own pace.
Diving enthusiasts can also try scuba diving, as the coast is home to the wreck of the Alcyone C, a small 54 m tanker sunk in 1943 off Moriani-Plage, at a depth of 24 to 35 m.
