Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee.
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Last updated on May 3, 2021
Located on the main island’s north coast, Cala della Chiesa is one of the three recommended snorkel spots on the Lavezzi Islands. Their picture-perfect landscapes complete with granite blocks, white sand, many small coves and intense blue water are worth any tropical destination. This spot is located further north than the others, and the distance to the pontoons is greater. Logically, its rocky islets are also less frequented.
The easiest (and cheapest) way to get to the Lavezzi Islands is to take the maritime shuttle leaving from Bonifacio harbor (round trip: 37€/adult, 2021). Departure times are flexible (several round trips per day, expect even more boats during summer) and you will be free to explore the islands the way you like.
The crossing to the islands is direct and takes about 30 minutes, but the return trip takes one hour, as the boat makes several stops at touristic points of view (Cavallo Island, Bonifacio cliffs…).
Many operators also offer cruises to the islands from Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio. They include a meal onboard, stops to bathe in the sea and even sometimes an aperitif drink at sunset (prices from 60€/adult for a day). Finally, you can rent a boat, or drive your own boat, to the islands.
Once on the island, walking is the only means of transportation. A few paths lead to the beaches and creeks. Cala della Chiesa is located on the island’s north coast, about 900 meters from the eastern jetty (walking distance: 30 minutes) and 1600 meters from the western jetty (walking distance: 35 minutes). Tags will guide you down the paths.
You can enter the water either from the beach or from the rocks on its eastern side. The latter is closer to the recommended snorkeling area (see map).
The exploration area covers the whole bay, made of a maze of rocks and islets. Rocky areas, Posidonia meadows and sandy patches make the waterscape heterogeneous, and water depth is variable. Just like all the spots around the Lavezzi Islands, this one boasts slightly bigger fish than Corsica’s unprotected areas.
Exploring the rocky areas (↕0,5-2m/2-6ft), you will see Mediterranean rainbow wrasse and colorful ornate wrasse darting over the granite blocks. East Atlantic peacock wrasse are also common there (the males have blue fins, making them easier to recognize).
Also look for painted combers, with their flashes of blue and yellow. Those cousins to groupers are shyer but just as elegant.
Water is deeper over Posidonia meadows (↕2-3m/6-10ft). Big sargo and large groups of salema porgy glide over the seabed. You might also spot a red starfish or a noble pen shell in this area.
The sandy areas, notably the channel located on the northernmost part of the spot, attract saddled seabream in numbers: you might observe schools of dozens of them.
The spot indicated on the map is quite large: it stretches over about 300 meters from north to south. If you are not a good swimmer, or not used to fin, consider remaining close to the place where you entered the water. Mind the boats sometimes mooring in the area. Depending on the time of year, jellyfish can be present in the bay.
If you have enough time, consider combining this spot with a visit to Cala Achiarina’s natural pool (located 1 000 meters to the south) or to Cala di u Grecu (located 500 meters to the east).
The Lavezzi Islands are included in a nature preserve, where you won’t find any drinking water or food. Most visitors bring their lunch and have a picnic (bring your waste back with you as there are no garbage bins). Bring a lot of water: the island is barren, and shade is rare. Beach umbrella day rental is possible at the maritime shuttle counter in Bonifacio.
This reference identification guide includes all the 860 marine fish species that may be encountered while snorkeling in coastal Western Europe and the Mediterranean.
These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
