Snorkeling in Sardinia: the 20 best excursions

The Maddalena Archipelago sailing day is a "full day" excursion that will take you to discover the most striking bays of this very famous archipelago.

This is an experience for all sailors and non-sailors on an elegantly designed sailboat, designed for maximum comfort, thanks to the comfortable cockpit and bow sun cushions.

This experience will take you closer to the most beautiful beaches of the La Maddalena archipelago composed of seven main islands, La Maddalena, Spargi, Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli, S. Stefano and an endless series of smaller islands and atolls.

During the excursion, between swimming, snorkeling, aperitifs and a plate of pasta will be the guests who will be "the captains" of the day on the boat having the possibility to choose some of these fascinating islands taking into account the weather conditions.

The experience is available both as a group tour and as a private tour (between August 10 and 18 only).

The Maddalena Catamaran Day from Poltu Quatu is an excursion to discover the most striking bays of the La Maddalena archipelago.

Departure is set at the port of Cannigione at 9:30 am. Here the journey to the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago begins.

During the tour it will be possible not only to relax and sunbathe, but also to enjoy the crystal clear waters and snorkel. For those who want to have a relaxing and unique experience, the catamaran is ideal for the comfort of sailing, sunbathing cushions, covered fly bridge, and ample shade area.

Lunch will be served on board and includes 2 courses: an appetizer with typical Sardinian products, a fish entrée, white wine, still water and coffee.

Don't forget to bring your own towel, flip-flops and sunscreen. Return is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

A catamaran trip to the Maddalena Archipelago is an ideal experience for visiting Sardinia's islands and its best-known beaches. You can dive and snorkel with company among the archipelago's many coves.

Departing from Porto Rafael, the excursion heads to Spargi Island, and the sailing includes two or three stops, depending on weather conditions, at Spargi and other islands in the archipelago such as Budelli, Santa Maria and Caprera. During the stops you will be able to swim, swim and do surface snorkeling among the different coves and beaches.

During the trip you will be treated to a lunch on board that includes:

• Aperitif of typical products
• First course of fish
• Vermentino wine
• Beer
• Sardinian sweets
• Myrtle

No-fish and vegetarian options are also available. In case of food allergies or intolerances, it is recommended to bring a packed lunch.

The excursion takes about 8 hours and is suitable for everyone. During stops, you will be escorted to the beach by tender.

Maximum capacity: 12 people per boat. 3 boats are available.

The Corsica sailing excursion from Santa Teresa di Gallura will take you around southern Corsica while enjoying a typical Sardinian lunch on board.

The skipper will take you to the coast of Corsica with possible stops at Lavezzi and Isola Piana, depending on weather conditions. You will enjoy swimming, surface snorkeling and swimming to the island's various coves and beaches.

During the excursion you will enjoy a lunch on board that includes:

• Aperitif of typical products
• First course of fish
• Vermentino wine
• Beer
• Sardinian sweets
• Myrtle

No-fish and vegetarian options are also available. In case of food allergies or intolerances, it is recommended to bring a packed lunch.

The excursion takes about 8 hours and is suitable for everyone. During stops, you will be escorted to the beach by tender.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Departing from Palau, the sailing excursion will have you exploring some of Sardinia's most renowned islands, enjoying a lunch on board and snorkeling.

The boat will take you to Spargi Island and, depending on the weather, stops at Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli will be possible. You will have the opportunity to dive in the many coves and beaches along the way.

During the excursion, a lunch on board will be provided consisting of:

• Aperitif with typical products
• First course of fish
• Vermentino wine
• Beer
• Sardinian sweets
• Myrtle

No-fish and vegetarian options are also possible. For food allergies or intolerances, it is advisable to bring a packed lunch.

The excursion takes about 8 hours and is suitable for everyone. During stops, you will be accompanied to the beach by tender.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Enjoy a kayak tour to Capo Coda Cavallo and snorkel the crystal clear waters of Sardinia.

Departure is at 6:00 am, 10:00 am or 6:00 pm to enjoy the lights of sunrise, morning or sunset.

During the tour there will be opportunities to dive and snorkel (masks and equipment will be provided to you on board).

Depending on the time you choose, you will be able to sip a good coffee (6:00 am) enjoy some excellent fresh fruit (10:00 am) or an aperitif of beer and carasau bread (6:00 pm).

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.

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.

Enjoy a kayak tour to Capo Coda Cavallo and snorkel the crystal clear waters of Sardinia.

Departure is at 6:00 am, 10:00 am or 6:00 pm to enjoy the lights of sunrise, morning or sunset.

During the tour there will be opportunities to dive and snorkel (masks and equipment will be provided to you on board).

Depending on the time you choose, you will be able to sip a good coffee (6:00 am) enjoy some excellent fresh fruit (10:00 am) or an aperitif of beer and carasau bread (6:00 pm).

The dinghy trip to the islands of Tavolara and Molara is a relaxing experience to visit the Emerald Coast's most beautiful coves and beaches.

Departing from Porto San Paolo, you will reach fascinating destinations such as Tavolara, Molara and Girgolu cove in no time. Here you can dive into the turquoise waters and admire the local marine flora and fauna by snorkeling. You will also be treated to an aperitif of appetizers and beverages of your choice during the cruise.

In addition, the tour includes a shuttle service from Olbia and San Teodoro to make the experience accessible to everyone, eliminating transportation concerns.

The excursion lasts half a day and can be arranged on a shared or exclusive basis. If the excursion is private, you will have the option to customize the itinerary to suit your needs. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, in each case the stops may be changed.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Excursion aboard an inflatable boat that will take you to explore the Tavolara Marine Area Park departing from Salina Bamba.

For this experience you have a choice of 3 different tours:

Half-day tour

This tour can be done in the morning, leaving at 9:00 am or in the afternoon leaving at 2:00 pm and lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

You will coast the Beach of Cala Brandinchi and the Island of Molara, and then arrive at Tavolara. The excursion will continue to Cala Girgolu, to admire the turtle rock, and finally you will return via the Bay of Capo Coda Cavallo.

During the excursion, you will have the opportunity to stop at different points to dive into the sea and snorkel with the equipment already on board.

Evening tour with aperitif

Departing by 6:30 pm, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from a new vantage point. Also included in this experience is an aperitif of local products. The return, at dark, is scheduled around 9:30 pm.

Afternoon tour and aperitif

This tour is a combination of the 2:00 pm afternoon outing and the 6:30 pm sunset aperitif.

With this tour you can enjoy the sun, beaches, and snorkeling, all followed by a relaxing sunset ride and aperitif on board, included in the evening tour.

In addition, during the outings, the skipper will tell you about the fascinating history of Tavolara and be ready to answer any questions you may have.

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.