Exploring Sardinia from the Water: A Full-Day Boat Tour to Tavolara and Molara
Imagine cruising along Sardinia’s coast on a comfortable, classic boat with only a handful of fellow travelers. That’s exactly what this Porto San Paolo day tour offers—an intimate, relaxed way to experience some of the island’s most captivating sights, with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy delicious, homemade seafood. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, this trip promises a memorable day in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters.
What we love most about this tour is the friendly and knowledgeable guidance from Max, the skipper who combines expertise with a laid-back vibe. The delicious seafood lunch prepared by Max’s wife, the vast sundeck for relaxing, and the chance to explore Tavolara’s charming island all make this excursion stand out.
A small caveat? The tour’s flexible nature means the schedule can shift based on sea conditions and your preferences. That’s probably a good thing, but it’s worth noting if you’re a traveler who prefers a tightly scheduled day. This tour suits those looking for a personalized, authentic experience rather than a large, commercial cruise.
Good To Know
- Intimate Group Size: Max keeps the experience friendly and relaxed with a maximum of 8 guests.
- Authentic Food: Homemade seafood, Sardinian sweets, and fresh fruits onboard.
- Beautiful Scenery: Stunning views of Tavolara cliffs, Molara swimming pools, and Cala Girgolu.
- Flexible Itinerary: Adaptable to weather, sea conditions, and guest preferences.
- Snorkeling Equipment Included: Plenty of chances to see marine life up close.
- Expert Guidance: Max shares deep knowledge and stories about the area’s history and landmarks.
An Insider’s Look at the Itinerary
This tour is designed to balance sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, with a well-paced itinerary that allows you to savor each stop without feeling rushed. Starting from Porto San Paolo, you’ll hop aboard Max’s classic boat—cozy yet spacious enough for comfort, with a wide sundeck, large shade, and an easy ladder for water access.
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The First Stop: Spiaggia del Dottore
Just a few minutes out from the dock, Spiaggia del Dottore offers a fantastic first taste of Sardinia’s waters. This little gem is perfect for a quick swim and snorkeling, with marine life that fascinates both novice and seasoned snorkelers. One reviewer mentions, “We took several baths in wonderful places,” highlighting how relaxing this spot can be. Plus, the coffee and sightseeing here set a pleasant tone for the day.
Tavolara Island: The Star Attraction
Next, the boat drifts toward Tavolara, a striking limestone island with a dramatic profile. You have about an hour to explore, walk around, or just relax on the boat. The island itself is described as “enchanting and very chilled,” perfect for a peaceful break. If you prefer land, you can stroll around, enjoy the views, or take a quick swim—many passengers appreciate the freedom to choose.
Max’s stories about Tavolara’s history add a meaningful layer—this island is a former royal domain, making it more than just a pretty face. After the walk and swim, you’ll continue to admire Tavolara cliffs, boasting arches and dramatic diving and climbing spots that adventurous travelers might want to come back for.
Molara Swimming Pools and Lunch
The next highlight is Molara, with its famous natural swimming pools. Here, you’ll have the chance to cool off again and enjoy the calm, clear waters—an ideal spot for some snorkeling. Then, it’s time for the homecooked seafood meal that’s often praised as a real highlight. Fresh seafood, Sardinian sweets, and fruits are served with wine, creating a feast in the middle of the sea. One reviewer notes, “Lunch was fabulous, cooked by Max’s wife,” emphasizing how the food elevates the experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Scenic Drive and Other Stops
After lunch, the tour continues with scenic stops like Cala Chiesa and Cala Girgolu, each offering stunning landscapes and unique rock formations. Stops at Sassi Piatti, Spiaggia delle Vacche, and Costa Dorada provide more chances to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun.
In the afternoon, the boat heads towards Isola dei Cavalli, providing yet another opportunity for a quick dip with incredible views. The flexible nature of the tour means you can choose your preferred spots for swimming, making the experience personalized.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Max’s guidance truly enhances the experience. His deep knowledge of the area’s geology, marine life, and history adds context and storytelling that many tours lack. Guests frequently mention how engaging and professional he is, making them feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the day.
The home-prepared seafood lunch is another highlight. It’s not just a meal but an authentic Sardinian experience—simple, fresh, and delicious, served with local wine and finished off with Sardinian sweets. Many reviews mention how good the food is, noting that it’s cooked by Max’s wife, adding a family-run touch.
The boat’s amenities are designed with comfort in mind. The wide sundeck allows plenty of space for lounging, while the large shade keeps those who prefer to stay out of the sun comfortable. For water lovers, the easy ladder and snorkeling equipment make for seamless water access.
Snorkeling is a key part of the tour, with equipment provided onboard. Multiple stops mean you can explore marine life in different settings, from Molara’s pools to the rocky coves around Tavolara.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
At $147.27 per person for 6.5 hours, this tour offers a lot of value—especially considering the small group size, personalized attention, and included homemade meal. The price covers the boat, fuel, expert guidance, snorkeling gear, and a memorable Sardinian feast. Many guests have expressed satisfaction with the quality of the food and the overall experience, considering it money well spent.
While it’s an indulgence, it’s one that’s well justified if you want an authentic, relaxed day on the water, away from crowded tours. The limited group size and flexibility mean you get personalized service and the chance to adapt the day to your preferences.
Who is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for small groups or couples who enjoy relaxed, intimate outings. It’s perfect if you’re keen on learning about local spots from a friendly guide, snorkeling, and eating fresh seafood in a stunning setting. If you prefer a structured, packed schedule, this might not be your best fit, but if you value flexibility and authenticity, this is a great choice.
Practical Info & Tips
- Transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so plan to arrive at the floating harbor a few minutes early.
- The tour starts from the middle harbor, so look for the boat and Max’s team waiting there.
- Bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, jacket, and beachwear—the weather can change, and you’ll want to stay comfortable.
- The tour is conducted in Italian and English, accommodating diverse travelers.
- Cancellation policy is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
FAQs
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6.5 hours, with multiple stops along the way, so you can expect a full but relaxed day on the sea.
What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the skipper and guide, fuel, homemade seafood meal, wine, fresh fruits, water, coffee, Sardinian sweets, snorkeling equipment, and boat amenities like a sundeck and shower.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy the onboard meal.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is provided onboard, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, a light jacket, and beachwear are recommended. Pack light but cover your bases for sun protection.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and focus on swimming and sightseeing make it suitable for families with older children who can swim and enjoy water activities.
How many people will be on the boat?
Maximum 8 guests, making for an intimate experience with plenty of space to relax or mingle.
Can I customize the stops?
The itinerary is flexible and can adapt to sea conditions and guest preferences, allowing for some customization.
What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
Check availability for the specific dates, but generally, the warm months from spring to early autumn will offer the best weather for swimming and sailing.
In summary, this Porto San Paolo boat tour to Tavolara and Molara offers a relaxing, authentic way to explore Sardinia’s stunning coastline. With a small group, a friendly guide, delicious homemade seafood, and plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a laid-back yet immersive day on the water. Perfect for those who appreciate personalized service, scenic beauty, and authentic local flavors—this trip promises a genuine Sardinian adventure.
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