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From the harbor at Marina di Olbia, small boat tours reach islands, limestone cliffs, and hidden coves that are difficult to access from land.
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A complete immersion in Sardinia's marine world; spot dolphins, see limestone coves, and snorkel its clear waters on a boat tour.
- Starting from: Marina di Olbia, Sardinia.
- Everything you get: Set out on a RIB (rubber dinghy) excursion along the Golfo Aranci coastline. Cruise to Figarolo Island for dolphin spotting, with pods often surfacing and gliding through the waters. Catch sight of falcons and seabirds at Capo Figari, swim and snorkel near its limestone cliffs, or dive near Cala Moresca or Figarolo Island (conditions permitting). Enjoy a light snack before heading back to Olbia.
- Sights covered: Figarolo Island, Capo Figari limestone cliffs, Cala Moresca, and the inlets and coves along the Golfo Aranci coastline.
- Why choose this: Experience the joy of sighting world's most intelligent aquatic mammals before diving into Sardinia’s clear waters for your own swim and snorkel for a perfect coastal adventure.
A complete immersion in Sardinia's marine world; spot dolphins, see limestone coves, and snorkel its clear waters on a boat tour.
- Starting from: Marina di Olbia, Sardinia.
- Everything you get: Set out on a RIB (rubber dinghy) excursion along the Golfo Aranci coastline. Cruise to Figarolo Island for dolphin spotting, with pods often surfacing and gliding through the waters. Catch sight of falcons and seabirds at Capo Figari, swim and snorkel near its limestone cliffs, or dive near Cala Moresca or Figarolo Island (conditions permitting). Enjoy a light snack before heading back to Olbia.
- Sights covered: Figarolo Island, Capo Figari limestone cliffs, Cala Moresca, and the inlets and coves along the Golfo Aranci coastline.
- Why choose this: Experience the joy of sighting world's most intelligent aquatic mammals before diving into Sardinia’s clear waters for your own swim and snorkel for a perfect coastal adventure.
Inclusions
- Dinghy (RIB) excursion with awning along the Golfo Aranci coastline
- A professional skipper
- Multilingual dolphin fact sheets
- Snorkeling equipment including masks and fins
- Short wetsuits available on request
- Light snacks and drinks onboard
What’s not allowed
- Avoid disturbing wildlife during dolphin sightings. Do not shout, feed, touch, or attempt to interact with the dolphins.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- This tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems or for pregnant travelers.
Additional information
- Dolphin sightings occur about 80% of the time, though increased boat traffic from June to September may reduce chances.
- Dolphins are wild animals; the crew will minimize disturbance and may move away if too many boats gather near the sighting area.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Choose between a fast-paced dinghy tour in the Tavolara Marine Reserve or a relaxed catamaran cruise with swim stops and a Sardinian lunch.
- Starting from: Marina di Olbia, Sardinia.
- Everything you get: Set out on a half-day rubber dinghy excursion into the Tavolara Marine Reserve. Cruise south from the Gulf of Olbia to Capo Ceraso for your first snorkel stop, then continue to Tavolara Island to admire its 500m-high limestone cliffs before heading to the clear pools of Molara Island. Enjoy multiple swim and snorkel stops, plus light snacks and soft drinks onboard, before returning to Olbia.
- Sights covered: Capo Ceraso, Tavolara Island limestone cliffs, Molara Island natural pools, and the islands and coves of the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area.
- Why choose this: Access protected waters with minimal human intervention on a fixed route with planned snorkel stops, perfect for adventure with no last-minute changes.
- Option: Prefer a slower pace? Swap the dinghy adventure for a comfortable catamaran cruise with flexible swim stops along the Tavolara or Cala Moresca coast and a Sardinian lunch served onboard.
Choose between a fast-paced dinghy tour in the Tavolara Marine Reserve or a relaxed catamaran cruise with swim stops and a Sardinian lunch.
- Starting from: Marina di Olbia, Sardinia.
- Everything you get: Set out on a half-day rubber dinghy excursion into the Tavolara Marine Reserve. Cruise south from the Gulf of Olbia to Capo Ceraso for your first snorkel stop, then continue to Tavolara Island to admire its 500m-high limestone cliffs before heading to the clear pools of Molara Island. Enjoy multiple swim and snorkel stops, plus light snacks and soft drinks onboard, before returning to Olbia.
- Sights covered: Capo Ceraso, Tavolara Island limestone cliffs, Molara Island natural pools, and the islands and coves of the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area.
- Why choose this: Access protected waters with minimal human intervention on a fixed route with planned snorkel stops, perfect for adventure with no last-minute changes.
- Option: Prefer a slower pace? Swap the dinghy adventure for a comfortable catamaran cruise with flexible swim stops along the Tavolara or Cala Moresca coast and a Sardinian lunch served onboard.
Inclusions
- A professional skipper
- Half day excursion by dinghy or catamaran (as per option selected)
- Tour through the Tavolara Marine Reserve or Cala Moresca (as per option selected)
- Snorkel equipment or stand up paddleboards (as per option selected)
- Soft drinks and snacks or local beverage and Sardinian lunch (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Transfer service (available on request after booking)
- Personal expenses
- Items not explicitly mentioned as included
What to bring
- Carry essentials for a comfortable day on the water, including sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), and beachwear.
- If you’re opting for the catamaran tour and wish to snorkel, you may also bring your own snorkeling gear.
- Guests prone to seasickness may want to carry motion sickness medication.
What’s not allowed
- For safety reasons, baby strollers, baby carriages, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted on board.
Accessibility
- This experience is not suitable for pregnant women, guests with back problems, or those prone to severe seasickness or motion sickness.
- For safety reasons, guests over 95 years old cannot participate in this experience.
Additional information
- Participants must be physically comfortable with boat travel and water-based activities.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why do boat tours in Olbia?
Discover Sardinia’s island coast
Highlights of Golfo Aranci boat tours
See all photos
Plan you Golfo Aranci boat tour experience
Timings
Location
Practical considerations
Facilities
What to bring
- Operating hours: Boat tours from Marina di Olbia typically run between 8:30am and 6pm, with several morning and afternoon departures depending on sea conditions.
- Duration: Most experiences last 3–4 hours, making them ideal half-day excursions along Sardinia’s northeast coast.
- Last departure: The final departures usually take place mid-afternoon, depending on daylight and weather conditions.
- Best time to visit
- Season: The best conditions typically occur between May and October, when the water is warm and marine activity is high.
- Day: Morning tours generally offer calmer seas and clearer snorkeling visibility, while afternoon departures provide warmer water for swimming.
Tours depart from Marina di Olbia, the main harbor area close to Olbia’s waterfront and city center. Guests usually meet the skipper or guide directly at the dock before boarding the RIB boat. Exact dock locations are shared after booking.
- Address: Marina di Olbia, 07026 Olbia, Sardinia, Italy. Find on Maps
Getting there
- By car: Parking is available near the marina, though spaces may be limited during peak summer months.
- By public transport: Local buses connect the marina area with central Olbia and the airport, typically within a 10–15 minute ride.
- Physical effort: Minimal physical effort is required, though boarding a small RIB boat and swimming during stops may require basic mobility.
- Weather dependency: Routes and snorkeling stops may change depending on wind and sea conditions for safety and comfort.
- Wildlife sightings: Dolphin sightings near Figarolo Island are frequent but never guaranteed, as animals move freely in the wild.
- Participation restrictions: RIB boat tours may not be recommended for pregnant travelers or guests with severe back problems.
- Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available at Marina di Olbia before departure. Boats generally do not have onboard restrooms due to their compact size.
- Seating: RIB boats include cushioned seating areas designed for stability and comfort during coastal cruising, while catamarans offer spacious decks and relaxed seating areas suited for a more leisurely ride.
- Food & beverages: Some tours offer light snacks or refreshments onboard, especially during longer excursions. Guests may also bring bottled water.
- Safety equipment: All participants are provided life vests and snorkeling equipment, with safety briefings conducted before departure.
- First aid: Boats carry basic first-aid kits, and skippers are trained to handle minor emergencies.
- Photography opportunities: Guests are welcome to bring phones or cameras to capture coastal scenery and marine wildlife.
- Clothing recommendations: Wear light, breathable clothing or swimwear, as swimming and snorkeling stops are common during these boat tours.
- Footwear: Comfortable sandals or water shoes are recommended for boarding and moving around the boat safely.
- Weather considerations: Bring sun protection such as bio-degradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially during summer departures when sun exposure is strong.
- Swimwear & towels: If you plan to snorkel near Molara Island or other coves, carry a towel and dry clothes for after the swim.
- Carry-ons: A small waterproof bag is useful for protecting phones, cameras, and personal items from sea spray.
- Leave behind: Avoid bringing large bags, valuables, or fragile electronics, as storage space on RIB boats is limited.
Frequently asked questions about Golfo Aranci boat tours
Will I definitely see dolphins on the tour?
Dolphins are frequently spotted near Figarolo Island, but sightings are never guaranteed because these animals move freely in the wild.
How long do boat tours last?
Most experiences run for about 3–4 hours, offering a half-day adventure with multiple scenic stops and time for swimming or snorkeling.
How far in advance should I book?
During summer months, departures often sell out several days ahead. Booking at least 10-14 days in advance helps secure preferred time slots.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If sea conditions become unsafe, tours may be rescheduled or canceled. In most cases, you’ll receive the option to rebook or receive a full refund.
Are snorkeling stops suitable for beginners?
Yes. Snorkeling usually takes place in calm, shallow waters near islands like Molara Island, making it accessible even for first-time snorkelers.
Are these boat tours suitable for children?
Most tours welcome families, but RIB rides may not be recommended for very young infants or travelers with severe back issues due to boat motion.