Cala Gonone puts the Gulf in your hands. I love that the 40 HP outboard lets you go without a licence, and I like the 6-metre dinghies with awning and comfy cushions for long, lazy stops. The catch: fuel can bite, since you pay again on return.

You get the boat from 8:30 to 16:30 and you choose where to anchor across the Gulf of Orosei, all the way to Cala Goloritzè. Staff are along the coast daily, and you get a proper hands-on briefing before you head out.

It’s limited to a maximum of 10 people, so it feels like your own private day on the water. If you want extra confidence, a skipper can be arranged by appointment, but it isn’t included.

Key things I’d highlight before you book

• No licence required thanks to the 40 HP Yamaha/Mercury engine
• Comfort first: 6-metre dinghies with awning, cushions, and ladder for easy reboarding
• Real autonomy: cruise the Gulf of Orosei and decide your own stops up to Cala Goloritzè
• Limited to 10 people: a smaller, more personal outing than most boat tours
• Support on standby: staff are present along the coast daily for assistance
• Fuel is the main variable: you refill on return at the port petrol station

Why rent a 6-metre dinghy in Cala Gonone without a licence?

Cala Gonone is built for this kind of day. Instead of following a fixed route, you’re steering your own plan across the Gulf of Orosei, with freedom to linger where it feels right and move on when you’re ready. That flexibility is the real reason this rental works so well.

What I especially like is the licence-free setup. The dinghy runs on a 40-horsepower outboard (Yamaha or Mercury), and that keeps the experience from feeling like a technical test. You’re focused on the water, the coastline, and making simple choices—rather than coordinating a group tour schedule.

The other big win is scale. This is a 6-metre dinghy with space fore and aft and a sun shade overhead. So you can comfortably split up a bit, sit facing the sea, and still regroup easily. It’s not a tiny skiff where everyone is jammed shoulder-to-shoulder.

One thing to keep in mind: autonomy also means responsibility. If you blast around, fuel use rises. If you pace it, you’ll enjoy the same freedom with less stress when you refuel on the way back.

The boat and safety setup: 40 HP, cushions, ladder, and full equipment

This rental is designed for comfortable day use. You get a 6-metre dinghy with a large awning and cushions that make a big difference if you plan to anchor for swims or just hang out at sea for a while.

Reboarding matters more than people think, especially if the water’s not perfectly calm. These boats come with a ladder, so getting back on board after a swim at anchor is straightforward. It’s the kind of detail that turns a good outing into a smooth one.

Safety is handled in a practical way. The dinghies are equipped with all safety gear onboard, and you’ll also receive a detailed explanation of how to use the boat and equipment before departure. If it’s your first time renting a dinghy, don’t rush through that briefing—this is where you’ll reduce risk later.

Engines are specified as 40 HP Yamaha and Mercury. That’s useful because it tells you this isn’t some mystery motor situation. Reliability is part of the pitch, and it’s what you want when you’re cruising along a coastline for hours.

How your 8-hour day works on the water (8:30 to 16:30)

This is an 8-hour rental window, with the boat available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You’ll want to treat it like a full day at sea, not a quick hop. The time matters because you’re not bound to a set itinerary, and the farthest points (like Cala Goloritzè) take planning.

Here’s how the day typically flows, step-by-step:

1. Meet at the harbour: you gather at box 8 in the port of Cala Gonone.
2. Be early on purpose: you meet 30 minutes before departure for the briefing and checks.
3. Get explained and go: the staff explain boat use and safety equipment, then you head out.

Once you’re underway, the whole point is choice. You can decide whether you want a relaxed day with long anchor stops and swims, or a more ambitious route where you spend more time cruising between coves.

The Gulf of Orosei offers lots of places to pause, but you won’t find yourself stuck in a schedule. You can change your mind mid-day based on wind, mood, and how the water looks. Then you head back to the port of Cala Gonone at the end of the rental window.

A useful practical note: even though you’re in charge, you’re not totally alone. Staff are present along the coast daily to provide constant assistance if something comes up or you need help with the boat.

Your flexible route: the Gulf of Orosei, your stops, your pace

This rental is sold on total autonomy through the Gulf of Orosei. That means you can shape the day around what you want to do: more time at anchor for swimming, more coastline cruising, or a mix.

Think of the Gulf as a playground with many potential pause points. You’re free to:

• pick one big anchor stop and spend the afternoon there
• hop between several calmer spots
• head toward the furthest option and accept that you’ll have less time for detours

The boat is set up to make those choices comfortable. With the sun shade overhead and cushions onboard, you can stay relaxed instead of burning time sheltered in a cramped seat. And the ladder makes it easier to go from boat to swim and back without turning it into an event.

The main drawback with a route like this is also simple: you’re doing navigation and time management. The coastline is beautiful, but your day can slip away if you bounce around too fast. If you want a worry-free experience, pick a plan early and then allow for small changes as you go.

Farthest reach: planning around Cala Goloritzè

Cala Goloritzè is the farthest destination listed for this rental. Reaching it is the kind of goal that can define your whole day—especially because you’re in charge of how long you stay everywhere else.

If Cala Goloritzè is your priority, you’ll likely want to be intentional about your in-between stops. Keep time for cruising, and don’t assume you can zigzag endlessly and still make a smooth return. Your engine time and your return fuel needs are directly connected to how far you run the motor.

If Cala Goloritzè isn’t your top must-do, you can build a more chilled day. There’s no requirement to push to the endpoint. You can treat the rental like a series of anchor-and-relax moments across the Gulf of Orosei, choosing spots based on what looks best when you arrive.

Either way, the smart move is to decide your priorities before you leave the dock:

• If you want the farthest reach, commit early.
• If you want a calmer day, save your energy for anchor time and swimming.

Anchor time comfort: what “6-metre” feels like in real use

A 6-metre dinghy sounds small on paper. On the water, it can feel ideal for a group of up to 10 because the space fore and aft is part of the design. That fore-and-aft layout helps people spread out instead of clustering in one spot.

You’ll also have a sun shade, which is a big deal on a full-day outing. If you’re anchoring, you’ll spend real time in the shade—especially if the sun shifts behind clouds and you suddenly find it’s hotter than you expected.

Then there’s the ladder for reboarding after a swim at anchor. This is one of those practical features that saves you time and keeps things calm. It also makes it easier for different ages and comfort levels in the group to enjoy the water without turning every return to the boat into a scramble.

One more comfort point: the boats are described as spacious and equipped with cushions, so you’re not sitting on bare surfaces for hours. That translates into fewer complaints and more actual relaxing.

Fuel, costs, and why the final bill can surprise you

The rental price is listed as $226.57 per group up to 10. On paper, that can look like great value, especially if you split it among friends or family. The boat is set up for a full-day outing and includes a full tank of petrol before departure.

But here’s the reality check: petrol isn’t fully covered for the entire day. You pay for petrol on return directly at the port petrol station. That’s a key cost factor because engine time can add up quickly.

One common theme: the boat can consume quite a lot of fuel, and some people ended up paying around an extra €50 at the end. Your exact number will depend on how fast you run, how many direction changes you make, and how far you go—especially if you push toward Cala Goloritzè.

So how do you think about value?

• If you cruise thoughtfully and keep an eye on how often the engine is running, the group price can feel very fair.
• If you make lots of long jumps between distant anchor spots, you’re basically paying more to “buy” that speed and distance.

Also budget these extra fees:

• €3 per person environmental contribution for beaches, paid before departure
• petrol on return at the port

Staff support and optional skipper by appointment

Even though you’re renting independently, you get support. Staff are present along the coast daily, with constant assistance available if problems arise or if you need something during the outing.

That matters for first-timers. When you’re learning how to handle a dinghy, you want to feel that help is nearby. The combination of a pre-departure briefing plus daily presence is the safety net that makes autonomy feel more relaxed.

There’s also the option of a skipper by appointment. That can be helpful if:

• you’re comfortable on boats in general but want a local hand for navigation
• you’re going with a mixed group and want everyone to relax

The drawback is obvious: a skipper option isn’t included in the standard rental, so it’s an added cost that you’d need to confirm at booking.

If you do skip the skipper, your best move is to pay close attention during the explanation of boat operation and equipment. It’s there to prevent little mistakes from becoming big ones.

Getting started smoothly: box 8, early arrival, and what to bring

This rental is very specific about where you show up and when. If you want a calm start, treat the meeting instructions seriously.

• Meeting point: box 8 at the harbour of Cala Gonone
• Timing: meet 30 minutes before departure
• What to bring: passport or ID card

If you’re driving, you can park inside the port area, with parking listed at €6 for the whole day. That’s worth knowing because it removes one headache when you’re arriving with a group and trying to keep everyone together.

Also plan for the environmental contribution of €3 per person for beaches, payable before departure.

Languages at the meeting point include Spanish, English, French, and Italian, so you should be able to understand the briefing without guessing.

Who should rent this dinghy, and who should skip it?

This rental makes the most sense if you want to control your own day. It’s especially good for:

• groups up to 10 who want flexibility instead of a fixed tour schedule
• confident boat users who enjoy planning their own route and stop times
• families and friend groups who want comfortable anchor time, not just scenic viewing from a seat

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate thinking about routes and timing
• you expect all fuel costs to be included (they aren’t)
• you want a fully hosted, hands-on guided experience (you only get that if you arrange a skipper by appointment)

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which is another plus for groups coordinating a mixed set of needs. Still, the practical comfort of getting around on and off a small boat is something you’ll want to consider with your group.

Should you book this 6-metre licence-free dinghy rental in Cala Gonone?

If your dream day is freedom—cruising the Gulf of Orosei and choosing your own anchor stops—then yes, this is a strong option. The value works best when you treat the day like a plan: pick priorities early (especially if Cala Goloritzè is on your list), keep an eye on fuel use, and use the included comfort features to actually enjoy the time.

Book it if:

• you’re traveling with a group (up to 10) and want a cost that scales together
• you want the licence-free ease of a 40 HP dinghy
• you prefer autonomy over a set route

I’d think twice if you:

• are expecting a low-fuel, low-effort experience with zero extra costs
• want a fully guided experience included in the price

If you do book, show up early for the box 8 meeting, listen carefully during the equipment briefing, and plan your cruising distance with common sense. Get that right, and this becomes one of the most practical ways to experience the Gulf at your own pace.

FAQ

Do I need a boat licence to rent this dinghy?

No. The boat is powered by a 40 HP engine and is stated as not requiring a boat licence.

How many people can the dinghy carry?

Maximum capacity is 10 people.

What time does the rental run?

The boat is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for an 8-hour experience.

Where do we meet?

You meet at box 8 in the harbour of Cala Gonone. You also meet 30 minutes before departure.

What’s included in the rental price?

Included items are sun shade, large space fore and aft, and a full tank of petrol before departure (plus the capacity of up to 10 people).

Is petrol included for the whole day?

No. Petrol is included as a full tank before departure, but petrol on return is paid directly at the port petrol station.

Can I add a skipper?

A skipper is possible by appointment, but it is not included in the standard rental.

What should I bring to board the boat?

Bring a passport or an ID card.

What extra fee should I expect for beaches?

There is an environmental contribution of €3 per person for beaches, payable before departure.