The strait contains the Lavezzi Islands, where over 200 species of birds have been recorded.
Posidonia oceanica, which covers large sections of the reserve's seabed, is a protected seagrass that produces significant amounts of oxygen.
The reserve protects the shipwreck site of the Semillante, a French frigate that sank in 1855.
It is the only site in France where the Mediterranean shag nests on coastal cliffs.
The park's creation was driven by the need to regulate maritime traffic and prevent oil spills in the narrow strait.
The limestone cliffs of Bonifacio reach heights of up to 70 meters directly above the sea.
The seabed features a complex topography of canyons and plateaus, providing varied habitats for grouper and other Mediterranean fish species.
The Réserve naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio is a protected marine and terrestrial area spanning over 80,000 hectares between southern Corsica and northern Sardinia. Established in 1999, it serves as the largest nature reserve in metropolitan France. The park encompasses the Bonifacio cliffs, the Lavezzi archipelago, and extensive Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. Its geographical location within the Strait of Bonifacio creates unique hydrodynamic conditions, resulting in high levels of biodiversity. The reserve strictly regulates human activity to protect endemic species such as the Mediterranean shag and the osprey. Marine zones are zoned to restrict anchoring and speed to preserve fragile underwater ecosystems. Visitors access the area primarily via boat excursions originating from the port of Bonifacio. The landscape features rugged granite coastlines, limestone cliffs, and diverse coastal scrubland known as maquis.
From the water-level vantage point of a boat moving between the Lavezzi Islands and the white limestone cliffs of the Bonifacio citadel.
Book boat tours in advance during peak season to ensure access to the protected Lavezzi islands.
Bring specialized waterproof bags for gear, as salt spray is common on boat transfers.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid damaging the protected seagrass meadows when swimming.
Attempting to access the Lavezzi islands without a pre-arranged boat transfer or visiting during high-wind 'Mistral' conditions, which can lead to tour cancellations.
Boat excursions are heavily dependent on weather conditions and are most frequent from late spring to early autumn.
Strict 'leave no trace' policy; anchoring is prohibited in designated marine sanctuary zones; collection of seashells or rocks is forbidden.
