The 10 best boat excursions in Costa Smeralda

The sailing boat trip with aperitif on board in the Gulf of Cagliari will have you enjoy typical local products while sailing through the picturesque coves and caves along the Cagliari coast.

The excursion departs from the port of Cagliari and will take you by S. Elia, Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera, where there will be an initial swim stop. Afterwards, you will visit Grotta dei Colombi and Sella del Diavolo, before reaching Poetto.

During the cruise, you will be treated to an onboard aperitif of local cured meats and cheeses accompanied by local wine.

The tour is available on a shared basis every Friday and Saturday, and stops may vary depending on weather conditions and the decisions of the skipper, who will always be on board.

The experience is suitable for everyone and is an ideal opportunity to learn about the sights and stories of the Gulf of Cagliari on board in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 10 people.

The shared sailing trip in the Gulf of Angels will take you to Sardinia's hidden coves and nooks and crannies along the Cagliari coast where you can swim and, if you are lucky, spot dolphins.

The boat tour departs from the port of Cagliari and while sailing you will pass S.Elia, Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca and the old enclosure to Cala Fighera for your first swim stop. Then you will visit the Grotta dei Colombi (Cave of Pigeons) and tell the legend of the Devil's Saddle before reaching the Gasole and Poetto pools. After snorkeling in the gulf, you will return to the port.

The excursion has a duration of 3 hours, and scheduled stops during navigation can be changed or modified depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions. Drinks and snacks will also be available for purchase on board.

The experience is a unique opportunity to learn about the legends and ancient history of the caves and coves around Cagliari and to take a swim in the waters of Sardinia with friends and family.

Maximum capacity: 10 people.

Embark on an unforgettable boat trip from beautiful Cagliari and discover the coast of southern Sardinia. Departing from the Port of Cagliari, you can choose between a group outing or a private one, depending on your preferences.

Half-day tour

You will visit Calamosca beach to snorkel under the Spanish tower and lighthouse. Next, you will explore the picturesque Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) to dive into the crystal clear waters and enjoy an extraordinary landscape that can only be reached by sea. The tour ends with a visit to Poetto beach, beloved by locals and famous for its sandy seabed. The excursion can be organized on a shared or exclusive basis.

Private full-day tour

The tour departs at 10 a.m. from the Port of Cagliari. After boarding the private dinghy, the first stop will be Cala Regina, where you can take a dip in crystal clear waters. Next, we will explore Mari Pintau, an area with an enchanting sea. You will have the opportunity to snorkel and have a packed lunch (not included) or purchase it as an extra. Finally, we will visit the picturesque Blue Bay, with an ancient nuraghe on the headland. We will return to the port at 5 pm, with a total tour duration of 7 hours.

Sunset aperitif

Enjoy a sunset boat tour along the coast of Cagliari. You will visit the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) and Poetto and dive into the clear waters of Sardinia. You will be treated to a boat aperitif of typical products while you wait for the sunset.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

The dinghy excursion in the Gulf of Cagliari will take you to Devil's Cave and explore the coves of the gulf, among which you can swim and snorkel.

Departing from the Port of Cagliari, during the trip the skipper will take you along the coves of the gulf to Devil's Cave where you can swim and snorkel. You will also visit Poetto Beach and, with luck, you may spot dolphins.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours and can be done in the morning or afternoon.

The dinghy trip is suitable for everyone and will give you a unique experience along Cagliari's coastline in the company of experienced skipper Matteo.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Discover the Gulf of Cagliari with a sunset dinghy aperitif at Sella del Diavolo, with swim stops and snacks on board as the sun goes down.

Departing from the port of Cagliari, the dinghy excursion begins in the late afternoon and will take you along the creeks of the Gulf to Poetto beach, where, if you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins.

The sailing will be accompanied by a tasty onboard aperitif of Sardinian cold cuts and cheeses paired with local wine.

The excursion lasts about 2 1/2 hours and the start time is variable. Also, depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may vary.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

The dinghy excursion along the Cagliari coast is an exclusive experience to allow you to visit the most hidden coves and swim in the clearest waters. The sailing departs from the port of Marina di Perd'e Sali.

Half Day

The half-day excursion can be done in the morning at 09:30 or in the afternoon at 14:30. You will visit the Island of San Maccario in Pula. You will then move on to Capo di Nora and Roman Ruins with the possibility of swimming in Pula's natural pools and sea caves.

Full day

The full-day excursion is done only on an exclusive basis, and the itinerary includes a 9:30 a.m. departure and a 5:00 p.m. return. During the tour, several places such as the Island of San Maccario in Pula, the Cape of Nora and the Roman Ruins will be visited.

It will be possible to swim in Pula's natural pools and sea caves. The beaches of Chia, including Torre Chia, Su Giudeu and Cala Cipolla, will also be included in the tour. Lunch is not included in the tour and you will have to bring "packed" food or eat at one of the restaurants suggested by the captain.

Sunset aperitif

The itinerary includes a departure at 6:30 pm. You will visit the Island of San Maccario and take a swim in front of the Roman ruins of Nora.

Next, you will move on to swim and snorkel at Madonna del Naufrago beach in Nora. Finally, you will enjoy an aperitif in the Gulf of Nora, which includes Sardinian products served on a corkboard, accompanied by a bottle of prosecco or vermentino. The excursion ends with the return scheduled for 8:30 pm.

Maximum capacity: 7 people. For the sunset experience, the boat carries up to 5 people. The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions at the discretion of the captain.

Discover Tavolara Island and the coast of Capo Coda Cavallo with a private skippered boat tour, ideal for couples or small groups of friends. Up to 6 people on board.

Departure is set at 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. from Moys, Marina di Olbia. Return is scheduled 4h hours later at the same location. A tasting of local cheeses and wines is also included in the price.

During the trip there will be an opportunity to stop for swimming, snorkeling or a small canoe ride.

It is recommended to bring your own towel, swimsuit, a sun hat and sunscreen.

Discover the islands of Tavolara and Molara with an inflatable boat trip that will take you through the archipelago's Marine Protected Area.

Departing from Olbia, the tour lasts 4 hours and includes several stops for swimming at Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu and many others. You will also be treated to a tasting of typical Sardinian products.

The captain will provide snorkeling equipment and life jackets for everyone while sailing.

Maximum capacity: 6 people per dinghy. Depending on weather conditions, stops may be subject to change.

The sailing boat excursion with aperitif from Alghero will leave you with an unforgettable memory. An experience on board to enjoy the fantastic colors of the sky at sunset directly from the sea of Sardinia.

The tour lasts about two hours during which you can relax. You will sail in front of the city of Alghero following the course indicated by the wind, to the Maddalenetta lighthouse, where you can take the last dive of the day and admire a beautiful sunset.

On board, there will be music in the background and a magical atmosphere. In addition, you will be offered appetizers accompanied by delicious snacks.

Maximum capacity: 9 people per boat.

A catamaran day from Alghero with lunch is a great experience that will allow you to swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.

Departure is at 10:30 a.m. from the Port of Alghero, then you will make several stops to swim in different hidden coves and a longer one where the skipper will stop to prepare your lunch. There will not be an exact route but it will change daily depending on the weather and the crowding of the various coves.

Lunch will include typical items such as sausage and cheese appetizers, bruschetta, and seafood pasta, with pesto or simple fresh tomato options.

Wine and beer will be offered during the meal, while soft drinks such as water and Coca-Cola will be available for the rest of the day. Vegetarian or food intolerance menus are also available upon request.

Dinghy aperitif as the sun sets in the Porto Conte Natural Park. You will explore the coast of the Gulf of Alghero and swim or snorkel in its crystal clear waters during the sunset hours.

Departing from Porto Conte Marina in Maristella, the sailing will take you to the Porto Conte Natural Park, which includes cliffs at Capo Caccia and some of the area's most beautiful coves. Here you can swim or snorkel with the equipment provided during the excursion.

During the dinghy trip, an aperitif will be served on board with Sardinian cold cuts and cheeses, accompanied by local wine.

The excursion is organized on a shared basis and lasts about 2 hours. In addition, depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

The dolphin spotting boat aperitif from Alghero will give you the opportunity to experience a special moment, where you can relax, admire the beauty of the sea and its inhabitants, and enjoy pleasant company while savoring delicious appetizers and drinks.

The tour includes three itineraries, which vary depending on weather conditions: Cala Bolantì, Capo Galera and Fertilia. It begins with a brief tour of the coast, followed by a one-hour stop where you can swim or snorkel in an exclusive bay.

When the break is over, the adventure resumes with a passage near the mariculture plant, where you can spot dolphins.

During the tour you will be treated to a tasty appetizer on the boat.

The half-day dinghy trip along the coast of Alghero will have you explore the coast of the Coral Riviera and its picturesque coves, among which you can swim and snorkel.

During the excursion you will visit numerous beaches near Alghero, and two itineraries are provided:

• Northern Itinerary, which includes famous coves such as Cala Inferno and Capo Caccia. The sailing includes several stops along the coast north of Alghero.
• Southern Itinerary, which includes Poglina and Le Croci Reef. Sailing includes several stops along the south coast of Alghero.

The skipper will be on board at all times and will decide which stops to make, depending on weather conditions. During the navigation, you will also be offered an aperitif on board with fresh fruit and typical Sardinian products.

The dinghy trip lasts about 4 hours and can be organized on a shared or exclusive basis. The activity is suitable for everyone and is ideal for a summer experience in Sardinia in company.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

The boat excursion with lunch on board in the Gulf of Alghero will have you admiring Sardinia's marine wildlife while snorkeling and enjoying a lunch of local products. If you are lucky, you may spot dolphins.

Departing from the port of Alghero, you will explore Capo Galera and Capo Caccia. Then, you will visit Porto Conte Park and the Posidonia Oceanica Marine Protected Area, where you can snorkel and observe the seabed. To conclude the navigation, depending on weather conidictions and the skipper's decisions, you can visit some well-known coves such as Grotta dei Palombi and Cala Inferno.

A lunch on board of local cold cuts and cheeses accompanied by Sardinian wine is provided during the navigation.

The boat trip lasts a full day and is organized on a shared basis. You will be provided with snorkeling equipment and only need to bring your own towel. In addition, the exclusive trip does not include lunch on board and is done during the evening.

The experience is suitable for everyone and will give you an unforgettable time along the coast of Alghero and its seabed.

Maximum capacity: 16 people.

Discover the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a three-hour boat trip from Villasimius with bathroom stops.

The excursion can be done either in the morning or afternoon and can be done either by boat or dinghy depending on availability.

During the tour you will make 3 stops with swimming at the most picturesque places on the coast of the marine area.

The first stop is at Isola dei Cavoli and Baia della Madonna del Naufrago, where you can admire the Vergina statue placed 11 meters above the seabed. We then continue to the Balestra Fish Shoal, this stop is the most beautiful for snorkelers.
Finally, the last stop is at the bay of Punta Molentis.

Throughout the boat excursion you will always skirt the coast near Villasimius, having the opportunity to see coves, beaches, towers and islets.

You will be accompanied by experienced skippers who will make you dream with seafaring stories and anecdotes.

Explore the seabed of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a dinghy and snorkeling excursion, departure will be from Villasimius marina.

Snorkeling is a very simple activity, also suitable for children. One or more guides will accompany the group to swim near the coast, on the surface of the water, giving some information regarding the marine area and biodiversity.

All equipment will be provided on board, mask, snorkel, fins, neoprene wetsuit, and for those who wish, a float jacket. There is always water, hot or iced tea depending on the period, and snacks for the break (salted crackers and cookies).

Normally snorkeling is done at two/three different stops in the marine area, with a break in between. It is recommended to bring flip-flops or beach sandals.

Sea Baptism

An exclusive experience to experience the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time. A dive with a private guide, 1:1 ratio underwater for about 20 minutes.

The activity is preceded by a small theoretical lesson to familiarize you with the equipment and the main rules of diving. Once the equipment is donned, you stay on the surface for a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the marine environment and equipment.

You slowly descend to a maximum depth of 5 meters for those over 10 years old or a maximum depth of 2 meters for those 8 to 10 years old.

Excursions occur daily in the morning at 8:30 a.m. and return at about 12:30/13:00 p.m. and in the afternoon at 2:30 p.m. until about 6:30 p.m.

Discover the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a private dinghy excursion departing from Villasimius.

The private dinghy excursion to Villasimius consists of 3 main stops: Isola dei Cavoli and Baia della Madonna del Naufrago, where the 3-meter statue of the Virgin is located; the Balestra fish shoal, excellent for snorkelers; and the beautiful and unique Punta Molentis Bay.

However, depending on the duration of the excursion, it will be possible to reach in total freedom the coves and the most isolated points of the Villasimius coast, further embellished by the stories of the expert skipper.

Half Day

The half-day tour lasts three hours and can be done either in the morning or in the afternoon. Numerous stops for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Sardinia will be possible.

Full day

The full-day tour lasts seven hours and starts at approximately 10:00 am. Given the long duration, it will be possible to customize the itinerary more and make numerous stops for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Sardinia.

The dinghy rental does not include fuel, so the price will vary depending on your itinerary. Soft drinks will be served during the excursion.

The skippered dinghy excursion between Capo Carbonara and Isola dei Cavoli will take you through some of Sardinia's best-known islands and you will have the chance to swim among the coves and spot dolphins and Caretta Caretta turtles.

Departing from Villasimius, you will visit the Island of Cabbages, less than a kilometer from Capo Carbonara, and its museum, and then travel to some of Sardinia's best-known beaches and islands such as Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis, and Serpentara Island.

The excursion lasts 6 hours and a snack on board with drinks is provided. The excursion can be organized as a group or exclusively.

The experience is suitable for everyone and is a unique opportunity to learn about the beaches of South Sardinia in the company of friends and family.

Maximum capacity: 6 people.

The speedboat excursion departing from Villasimius Marina will take you through some of Sardinia's most famous islands, offering the opportunity to swim among its coves.

You will explore the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, which includes the Isola dei Cavoli and its museum. Later you will visit some of Sardinia's most famous beaches and islands, such as Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis and Serpentara Island. The skipper will always be on board and, depending on the wind conditions, will decide which destinations you can visit, including Serpentara Island, Cala Pira and Cala Pisanu.

The excursion will last 6 hours and includes a snack on board a speedboat equipped with many amenities, including sun cushions, tables for eating and cabins.

This experience can be organized as a group or exclusively and is suitable for everyone. It is a unique opportunity to discover the beaches of South Sardinia in the company of friends and family.

Maximum capacity: 8 people for the group excursion and 4 people for the private excursion.

The excursion will take you to the islands of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, including the island of Cavoli and some of Sardinia's best-known beaches, such as Porto Giunco and Punta Molentis, where you can swim and snorkel.

The excursion will last 3 hours and takes place at sunset. With luck you may spot dolphins and Caretta Caretta turtles.

This experience can be organized either as a group or exclusively and is suitable for everyone. It represents a unique opportunity to explore the beaches of South Sardinia at sunset with friends, family or your partner.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.