Anchorage

Isola Piana

4.3FranceCorsica

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Shelter: NW, N, W, SW
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage in the channel between Isola Piana and the Corsican shore, in the Bouches de Bonifacio, south of Bonifacio.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the north through the Passe de la Piantarella, clear of the rocks off the island's eastern tip; do not try the southern approach with a deep keel, as the water shoals fast. Drop on the sand patches in 3 to 5 m. Anchoring is confined to the strip between the yellow-buoyed ferry channel and the shallows to its south; the ferry runs every 20 to 30 minutes and the maritime police move boats off the channel at night. Holding is good, but the west gives only partial shelter and the wind funnels hard through the strait.

Practical

Land the tender to the left of the old concrete pontoon. The mooring buoys are taken overnight by sailing-school catamarans, roughly 8pm to 9am. No shop nearby: the nearest is a 40-minute walk along a road with no verge, or a costly taxi. Bins are scarce and the beach restaurant is dear. Bonifacio 2.9 NM W and Sant'Amanza 1.9 NM N for full services.

Ashore

Isola Piana is private and landing is restricted. The Piantarella beach on the Corsican side, 500 m north of the anchorage, is a well-known windsurfing and kitesurfing spot with a seasonal beach club. The Bouches de Bonifacio are a Natura 2000 site and part of the Parc Marin International.