A small catamaran day can feel like a secret. This one leaves from the port of La Caletta and spends the day sailing Sardinia’s east coast with relaxed stops where you can swim, snorkel, and just hang out on deck. I like the focus on quiet coves instead of rushing through big stops.

What makes it especially appealing is the small-group setup and the onboard extras. I’d expect a smoother day when there are only up to 9 travelers, and the experience is built around comfort: the boat comes with snorkeling gear (like fins) and there are even anti-boat-sickness bands for anyone who tends to feel it.

The only real drawback to consider is weather. This trip requires good conditions, so if the day turns rough, plans can change or you may get a different date or a refund.

Key highlights at a glance

• Up to 9 travelers means less crowd pressure and more relaxing time in the water
• Skipper-led sailing from La Caletta keeps the pace easy and the anchoring calm
• Swim-and-snorkel friendly stops with crystal-clear water at all three locations
• Three standout east-coast stops: Santa Lucia, Capo Comino, and Bèrchida
• Onboard comfort items include snorkeling equipment and anti boat-sickness bands
• Food and drinks served during the day based on what you’ll have onboard, including Sardinian snacks

Sailing from La Caletta: the easy start that sets the tone

I like how this tour starts like a day, not a production. You meet at the Port of La Caletta at 9:00 am, then you’re off on a catamaran along Sardinia’s east coast. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to solve any end-of-day transportation puzzles.

This is an “on the water first” outing. You’re not racing from sight to sight. Instead, the sailing itself is part of the fun, and the time is built around swim stops at quieter anchorages. That balance matters: you get the coastal scenery without spending your entire day climbing steps and squeezing into crowds.

With a maximum of 9 travelers, you also tend to feel like you’re part of the day, not just another seat on a tour bus. It’s the kind of group size that makes questions easier and small adjustments more likely.

Why the small group (max 9) really changes the day

On paper, max 9 doesn’t sound dramatic. In real life, it changes the vibe fast.

First, you get more personal space at anchor. When you’re floating near a beach or stepping into clear water, it’s nicer when there aren’t dozens of people trying to do the exact same thing. Second, it makes the onboard feel more relaxed. You’re more likely to talk with your skipper and fellow travelers, and it stays social without turning into a noisy scene.

Third, this kind of group size usually supports a more flexible plan. The coast you’re exploring is beautiful, but conditions at sea and in each cove can vary. A smaller group makes it easier to shift timing or focus to keep the day comfortable.

In short: you’re buying time on the water. The small group is how you actually get that.

Stop 1: Santa Lucia from the water (fishing village + sandy swimming)

The first stop is Santa Lucia along Sardinia’s east coast. What you’re aiming for here is the view from the sea: the traditional fishing village with stone houses and narrow streets is the backdrop, but the real draw is what sits just offshore.

From the water, you can anchor near long, pristine sandy beaches with clear water. This is where snorkeling and swimming make the biggest difference, because the setting is made for you to go straight from boat to water and back again without a complicated hike or a long walk.

The upside: Santa Lucia gives you both scenery and access. You get that postcard look of the village, but you’re not stuck doing only sightseeing on land. The downside to consider is simple: this stop is best if you’re comfortable spending time in the water. If you prefer only land walking, you may wish you had more time ashore (the stop time is about an hour).

Stop 2: Capo Comino for dunes, turquoise water, and peace

Then it’s on to Capo Comino, which is basically made for “slow down” moments. Expect dream beach terrain with sand dunes, plus turquoise water and a more natural, unspoiled feel than the busier stretches.

This stop is a great match for travelers who like the feel of being somewhere calmer. You can settle in, swim, snorkel, and float around. Because this is a catamaran day, you’re not arriving by crowds of cars and tour groups. You’re arriving by sea, which tends to keep the mood quiet.

The consideration here is timing and energy. With a roughly one-hour stop, you’ll want to come ready. Bring your swimsuit and essentials so you’re not spending the best water time searching for what you need. If you’re hoping for a long beach walk, plan to enjoy a slower walk while you’re there rather than expecting hours on land.

Stop 3: Bèrchida (fine white sand and snorkeling-friendly water)

The last swim-focused stop is Spiaggia di Bèrchida. This is one of those beaches that seems tailor-made for water time: fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and conditions that make swimming and snorkeling feel natural.

If you’ve had enough of “look but don’t touch” tourism, Bèrchida is the fix. You can spend your hour getting in the water, spotting shoreline shapes in the shallows, and using the boat’s easy access to repeat the cycle: swim, rest on deck, swim again.

The catch is the usual one for beach-heavy days: sun and wind. Even when the water looks inviting, you can still feel chilled on deck if it’s breezy. That’s not a safety issue, just a comfort thing. A lightweight layer can help.

What you get onboard: sailing comfort, gear, and real food

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The day isn’t just “here’s a boat, good luck.” The boat is equipped so you can actually use the water time.

From what I see reflected in the experience details and guest feedback, you can expect:

• Snorkeling gear, including fins
• A setup that’s friendly for water activities
• Stand up paddle available on board
• Anti boat-sickness bands for anyone who gets a bit queasy
• Food and drinks during the day, including Sardinian snacks, with options like charcuterie, pasta, and drinks such as wine/rosé depending on the day

This matters because it keeps the experience friction-free. You don’t want your best beach moments interrupted by “I forgot the mask” or “I’m going to buy fins at the last minute.” Having the gear on board turns the itinerary into actual time in the water.

Also, the food component is more than a snack. Multiple accounts highlight cooking done carefully and with care, not just something basic you eat while moving. That’s a real value add on an 8–9 hour day.

One note: alcoholic beverages have an age rule in Italy. If you’re under 18, alcohol won’t be served to you. If you’re traveling as a family, that’s good to know.

Value check: is $166.56 per person worth it?

Let’s talk money without pretending it’s cheap. At $166.56 per person, this isn’t a “grab any local boat” price. You’re paying for three things:

1) Access to multiple high-water stops

Three different beach anchorages across the east coast in a day is what usually costs time and logistics if you try to DIY. Here, the sailing handles the distances.

2) A small-group setup

Up to 9 travelers means you’re not competing for space on a crowded shoreline. You’re also more likely to get personal attention from the skipper, which shows up in how the day feels.

3) Onboard extras that actually matter

Snorkeling gear, comfort aids for motion, and food/drinks turn it into a full-day experience. If you end up using the water gear (and most people do on this itinerary), the value gets much easier to justify.

The only reason it might not feel worth it is if you’re the type who prefers a super light day with zero structure and no meals. This trip is built as a structured, sea-and-swim day with planned stops.

Who this catamaran day trip is best for

This tour fits best if you want:

• Easy sailing with time to swim and snorkel
• A relaxed pace and quiet anchorages
• A small group day where conversation and comfort are part of the experience
• A mix of coastal scenery and actual beach time

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with kids or families who can handle boat time and quick water breaks. Several notes highlight that even with younger travelers, the schedule works when the day is short-stop focused.

If you hate the idea of being out on the water for hours, or you prefer long land-based hikes, you’ll likely get less out of this format.

Practical planning: what to bring for three swim stops

I’d pack for a day where you’re in and out of the water multiple times. At minimum:

• Swimsuit you can wear right away (so you don’t waste stop time)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A lightweight layer for deck time if it gets breezy
• Your own towel if you like having one (the data doesn’t specify, so consider it a personal preference item)
• Any seasickness support you already use, even though there are anti boat-sickness bands onboard

One more practical thought: bring swim comfort first. The day is built around water access at each stop, so the more comfortable you are in your gear, the more you’ll actually enjoy all three anchorages.

Should you book this catamaran day from La Caletta?

I think you should book it if your ideal Sardinia day looks like this: short boat ride moments, then swim time, then back on deck, with a small group and a skipper who keeps the day easy.

You may want to think twice if:

• You’re sensitive to motion and want maximum control over conditions (weather and sea state matter)
• You mainly want long walking tours on land
• You’re after big city sightseeing rather than quiet coves and beach water

If your goal is east-coast Sardinia by sea—with time in the water and a relaxed pace—this is the kind of trip that delivers what it promises.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at the Port of La Caletta.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

Are alcoholic beverages served?

Alcoholic beverages will not be served to anyone under the Italian legal drinking age, which is 18.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.