Bonifacio sits on the southernmost tip of Corsica, its medieval citadel hanging on white limestone cliffs above the strait that separates France from Sardinia. The natural harbour, a long narrow fjord carved into the limestone, provides one of the most dramatic port approaches in the Mediterranean. Charter motor yachts use Bonifacio as a hub between two island chains: the beaches of southern Corsica to the north and the Costa Smeralda of Sardinia to the south.
Motor yachts between 35 and 65 metres dominate charter traffic in Bonifacio. The harbour can accommodate larger vessels on the outer quay, while the marina handles boats up to around 50 metres. The town is well supplied with chandleries, provisioners and restaurants, making it a practical reprovisioning stop mid-charter. The key draw is access: from Bonifacio, the Lavezzi marine reserve is thirty minutes, the beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia on the east Corsican coast are less than two hours by sea, and Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda is ninety minutes south.
Weekly charter rates for motor yachts based in Bonifacio run from around 50,000 to 400,000 euros. Budget 30 percent for the advance provisioning allowance, which covers fuel for the Strait crossing and Sardinian passages, food, berthing and local dues. High season is July and August.
French charter yachts crossing into Italian waters for the Sardinian leg of an itinerary typically do so under a cruising permit handled by the broker before departure.
