Olbia: catamaran tour in the Tavolara Marine Protected Area

The best part of this Olbia catamaran tour is the small boat setting. The Lagoon 400 carries only 12 passengers with two crew, giving you more room to stretch out, eat lunch, and enjoy the coast without the feel of a crowded excursion boat. You sail through the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, with time for swimming and snorkeling around Cala Moresca and Capo Ceraso.

I like the mix of clear-water stops and a proper Sardinian lunch, rather than a quick sandwich between swims. I also like the personal touch from Massimo and Silvia, whose warm hosting and careful attention have earned especially strong praise. The main consideration is the long day in the sun: snorkeling gear is not included, extra drinks cost more, and the boat is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before booking

• Small-group catamaran: The 13-meter Lagoon 400 carries up to 12 passengers and two crew members.
• Several possible swim stops: The route may include Cala Moresca, Capo Ceraso, Molara, Tavolara, Porto Istana, Capo Coda Cavallo, or Cala Girgolu.
• Sardinian lunch included: Expect an aperitif, seafood pasta, chilled Vermentino, beer, fruit, sweets, and myrtle liqueur.
• Morning to late afternoon: Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with return around 5:30 p.m.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not included, so pack a mask and snorkel if you have them.
• Multilingual crew: The tour is offered in Italian, English, and Spanish.

Sailing from Olbia aboard the Lagoon 400

You meet the skipper at the Isola Bianca quay in Olbia, near a caravan park. The boat leaves at about 9:30 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point around 5:30 p.m., making this a full-day outing rather than a short harbor cruise.

The Lagoon 400 is 13 meters long and 7.30 meters wide. It has four cabins, four bathrooms, an outdoor shower, a tender with an outboard motor, and a music system. Only one bathroom is available for the day trip, so you should not expect the facilities of a large cruise boat. Still, the wide catamaran layout gives you a useful advantage: it is easier to find a quiet corner, move around, and enjoy the ride without feeling boxed in.

The listed capacity is 14 people total, including 12 passengers and two crew members. That is a sensible size for this kind of day. You get the social feel of a shared boat, but not a mass-market outing with dozens of people competing for deck space.

Massimo and Silvia are an important part of the experience. Their hosting has been praised for making the day feel unusually welcoming, with one guest describing the pair as excellent guides and hosts. That matters on a boat trip, where the crew controls the pace, meal service, safety instructions, and general mood of the day.

Tavolara Marine Protected Area by sea

The boat heads along Sardinia’s east coast toward Tavolara and Molara. This protected area is known for clear water, rocky coastal scenery, and small beaches that are best appreciated from the sea. From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the islands and the coves rather than seeing just one beach from the sand.

The exact order of stops can change. Possible locations include Molara, Tavolara, Capo Ceraso, Porto Istana, Capo Coda Cavallo, Cala Moresca, and Cala Girgolu. That flexibility is useful because conditions at sea can affect which cove feels best for a swim on the day.

Tavolara is the visual anchor of the route. You can admire the island from the water while the boat moves through the marine protected area. Molara adds another scenic point, while Capo Ceraso and Capo Coda Cavallo bring more coastal variety.

Do not book this expecting a land tour with a fixed schedule at every stop. The appeal is the sailing day itself, with the crew choosing among several attractive spots. If you want to step ashore at each island or spend a fixed amount of time at one beach, this is not that kind of trip.

Cala Moresca and Capo Ceraso for swimming

The first major pleasure of the day is getting into the water. Cala Moresca and Capo Ceraso are named as key places for swimming and snorkeling, with clear water and views of Sardinia’s coast.

You can expect stops where the boat anchors or pauses so you can swim from the catamaran. Snorkeling equipment is not provided, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface. The tour includes the boat, skipper, fuel, and lunch, but not personal water gear.

That small detail can make a real difference. If you already own a compact snorkeling set, pack it along with a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat. If you arrive without equipment, you can still swim, but your time in the water may be less interesting.

The boat also has a tender with an outboard motor, though the supplied information does not specify how it is used at each stop. You should follow the crew’s directions rather than assume you can reach every cove independently.

The water is the star here, but remember that a marine protected area is not a private swimming pool. Conditions, anchoring rules, and the day’s sea state can shape the experience. The itinerary lists several possible locations for a reason.

A Sardinian lunch served on board

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to compare this tour with a basic boat excursion. The meal begins with an aperitif of typical Sardinian products, followed by a seafood first course. You also get chilled Vermentino wine, beer, fruit, Sardinian sweets, and myrtle liqueur.

This is more than a practical midday stop. Eating on the catamaran keeps the day moving and gives you a chance to enjoy the setting without leaving the boat for a restaurant. The combination of seafood, local sweets, and myrtle gives the meal a clear Sardinian character.

The seafood course may not suit everyone. Food intolerances and special requests should be raised in advance, but alternatives are not guaranteed. A no-fish or vegetarian option is possible, so you should contact the provider before booking if that matters to you.

Extra drinks are not included. The lunch already covers wine and beer, but you should not assume that every beverage you might want throughout the day is part of the price. Bring the essentials allowed by the operator, and clarify drink arrangements if you prefer something beyond the included selection.

One guest specifically praised the delicious food and drinks, while another singled out the crew and the international mix on board. Those comments point to the meal’s wider value: it is a shared, hosted part of the day rather than a meal break you have to organize yourself.

Porto Istana or Cala Girgolu before returning

Before the boat heads back to Olbia, you may get another swim at Porto Istana or Cala Girgolu. This final stop is a good counterpoint to the earlier coves, giving you one more chance to cool off before the return sailing.

Porto Istana is described as a beautiful beach with turquoise water. Cala Girgolu is another possible coastal stop. Since the route is not guaranteed in a fixed order, you should treat these as possible destinations rather than promises that both will be visited.

A late swim can be especially welcome after several hours in the sun. Still, you will want to pace yourself. This is a 7.5-hour outing, and much of the day takes place outdoors. Use sunscreen regularly, drink water, and keep your hat handy even when the boat is moving.

The return to Olbia is scheduled for about 5:30 p.m. That timing makes the tour workable as a full-day activity during an Olbia stay, but it leaves little room for a separate afternoon plan. I would keep the evening flexible rather than booking an important dinner at a tight time.

What the $173.89 price includes

At $173.89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Tavolara area. You are paying for a full day, a small catamaran, a skipper, fuel, and lunch, rather than simply paying for transport to a beach.

The value improves if you want an easy, hosted day. You do not have to arrange a boat, fuel, navigation, lunch, or a series of swim locations. The catamaran also offers more personal space than a standard large-group vessel, and the meal includes several local items rather than just a basic snack.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short swim or if you already have access to a boat. It is also worth remembering that snorkeling equipment and extra drinks cost extra, at least in the sense that they are not part of the package.

I would compare the price with the cost and effort of booking a private boat, buying lunch, and visiting several spots independently. For someone who wants a social but relatively small group and a complete day on the water, the package is reasonable. For a budget-minded visitor who only wants beach time, it may feel high.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend this tour to couples, friends, and solo visitors who like swimming, scenic sailing, and a communal meal. The group size is small enough for conversation, and the international mix can make the day more social without turning it into a party boat.

It is also a good choice if you want to see several parts of the Tavolara area without changing hotels or arranging separate transport. You can settle into one boat and let the crew handle the movement between stops.

You should think twice if you dislike being on the water for most of a day, need a highly fixed schedule, or want guaranteed access to every named location. The route includes possible stops, not a promise to visit all seven places.

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Pets are not allowed. The tour is confirmed with at least six participants, so the departure depends on reaching that minimum.

Practical advice for a smooth day

Wear a swimsuit under easy beach clothes. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat, all specifically useful on a boat with long periods in open sun.

Pack snorkeling equipment if you own it. Since the tour does not supply masks or snorkels, this is the most important item that many people might otherwise overlook.

Keep your expectations flexible about the route. The crew may choose among Molara, Tavolara, Capo Ceraso, Porto Istana, Capo Coda Cavallo, Cala Moresca, and Cala Girgolu according to the day’s conditions and timing.

The meeting point is at the Isola Bianca quay, near a caravan park. One guest had worried about finding the organizer, but found the meeting arrangement straightforward once there. Even so, I would arrive with enough time to locate the quay rather than walking up at the last minute.

The crew speaks Italian, English, and Spanish. If you have food restrictions, explain them before departure. Vegetarian and no-fish alternatives may be possible, but they are not guaranteed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sardinia plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Tavolara catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a full Sardinian day on the water, not just a quick boat ride. The combination of a spacious Lagoon 400, a 12-passenger limit, several possible swimming areas, and a substantial local lunch gives the outing real value.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to anyone who values good hosting. Massimo and Silvia have been praised for making people feel well cared for, and that personal service can turn a simple sailing trip into a memorable day.

Skip it if you need guaranteed stops, included snorkeling gear, or a low-cost beach transfer. For everyone else, this is a polished way to see the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, enjoy the water, and let the crew take care of the practical details.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at the Isola Bianca quay in Olbia, near a caravan park. It also ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about 7.5 hours. Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with return to the port at approximately 5:30 p.m.

What places may the catamaran visit?

Possible stops include Molara, Tavolara, Capo Ceraso, Porto Istana, Capo Coda Cavallo, Cala Moresca, and Cala Girgolu. The exact route may vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes an aperitif of typical products, a seafood first course, chilled Vermentino wine, beer, fruit, Sardinian sweets, and myrtle.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Pets are not allowed, and the departure is confirmed with at least six participants.