North-east Sardinia by catamaran is a solid plan. This 7-hour ride (longer in summer) takes you out from Olbia toward either the protected marine area around Tavolara or the Cala Moresca side, with frequent chances to swim in clear water and enjoy views off the horizon.

I especially like the small-group feel on a 14-person boat, and I love that lunch and an onboard aperitif are part of the day, not an afterthought. The main drawback to consider is weather: the exact coastline stops can shift depending on conditions, so you’ll want a flexible mindset about which bays you reach.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Tavolara or Cala Moresca, chosen by weather: you get different scenery and different odds for dolphins.
• Aperitif + lunch onboard: cold cuts, cheese, bruschetta, and a proper Sardinian meal with wine/beer included.
• A 14-person catamaran setup: comfortable for a day on the water, with cabins, a shower, and a ladder to get back aboard.
• Swim options plus 2 SUP boards: you can paddle when conditions are right.
• Dolphins as a real possibility: especially around the Figarolo area on the Cala Moresca side.

Olbia Port to the Open Sea: what this cruise really feels like

This is the kind of day trip that helps you experience north-east Sardinia without juggling buses, parking, and long drives. You meet at the quay by the Brin Pier area in Olbia, then you’re quickly out on a catamaran built for relaxing—space for sun time, easy access for getting in the water, and a crew that runs the day smoothly.

The route is designed around protected coastlines and big-picture beauty. You’ll spend hours sailing past rocky outlines and headlands, then you’ll get time to slow down in coves and swim when the sea is calm enough.

Your Boat: Pajot Maldives 32 Hakuna Matata and why it matters

The catamaran used on this tour is the Pajot Maldives 32, called Hakuna Matata. It’s small enough to feel personal (capacity is 14 people with 12 passengers), but still practical: there are 4 cabins, 1 bathroom, a shower onboard, and a climbing ladder for swimmers.

A few details make the difference on a day like this:

• Sunbathing net plus room to spread out when you’re not swimming
• Life jackets and a first aid kit onboard
• Climbing ladder that makes it easier to get back after a swim
• Two SUP boards included, so you’re not stuck just watching the water

Also, smoking is only allowed in the stern. That’s a small rule, but it helps keep the rest of the boat pleasant.

Tavolara Side Itinerary: rocky silhouette, white sand coves, and the famous bays

If conditions favor the north-east marine area, you’ll explore around Tavolara. The general idea is simple and effective: you cruise out while you pick up big views, then you move through a chain of beaches and headlands that look dramatic from the water.

Here’s the kind of coastline you can expect on the Tavolara side:

• Tavolara’s rocky silhouette on the horizon as you sail north
• Dottore beach, a famous white-sand stop for swimming and photos
• Capo Coda Cavallo and Capo Ceraso passed along the way for scenic coastline moments
• Stops that can include Isola Piana and Molara, depending on weather and sea conditions

What I like about this side is the mix of drama and softness. You get the rugged rock faces and headlands, then you also get the bright sand and calm water zones where you’ll actually want to spend time.

One practical note: because this is weather-dependent, don’t plan on a single perfect stop. Think of the day as a menu—if one bay is too rough, the crew will route you toward what’s workable that day.

Cala Moresca Side Itinerary: Figarolo islet, dolphin luck, and sea caves

On the other route option, you head toward the Bay of Cala Moresca and related protected waters. This side feels a bit more “seaside nature” and less “single standout beach,” and it’s the one where dolphins are specifically part of the hope.

In the Cala Moresca area, you might see:

• The islet of Figarolo, where dolphins may be spotted in their natural habitat
• Capo Figari for sweeping coastal views
• Grotta della Madonnina (a sea-cave stop noted on the route)
• The islet of Mortorio, with its granite conformation and emerald-colored water

About the dolphins: you’re not guaranteed anything, but the tour is structured around areas where that kind of wildlife sighting can happen. If you’re the type who loves animal luck in the moment, this is a great match.

Even if dolphins don’t show up, you still get the best part of the coast—rocky edges, clear water, and viewpoints that don’t look the same from shore.

Swimming, SUP, and how to make the most of your water time

Your day isn’t just sailing past scenery. It’s built around time in the water—clear enough that it’s genuinely worth the effort to jump in. The boat is set up for it, with a ladder and a practical shower onboard so you’re not stuck feeling gross after your swim.

If you want to do more than float:

• Use the SUP boards when conditions allow
• Keep an eye on where the crew directs everyone for the easiest entry/exit spots
• Bring a towel and plan to dry off right after you climb back aboard

The best strategy is to rotate: swim, back to shade, then snack or sip something from the aperitif. That rhythm keeps the day from turning into a one-note sunburn session.

Aperitif and Lunch onboard: Sardinian comfort food, not sad catering

Food is a big part of why this cruise feels like a full day and not a long transfer. You’ll get an aperitif plus a lunch, and the menu is built around typical ingredients rather than processed snacks.

The aperitif includes:

• Cold cuts and cheese platter
• Bruschette with tomato
• Olives
• A glass of your choice of red or white wine (plus beer, water, soft drinks)

Then lunch is served with:

• A pasta dish or rice salad (choice described as either/or)
• A glass of red or white wine (plus beer, water, soft drinks)

One detail I really like: the lunch is fresh and tied to the crew’s kitchen setup. In particular, Fabio is associated with the food coming from his mother’s garden and kitchen, and you can often taste that difference with simple, seasonal cooking.

Dietary note: vegetarian and vegan options are available. If you need special solutions for allergies or gluten intolerance, you must request it at least 2 days in advance and contact the phone number on your voucher.

Timing and Day Length: plan around the season, not just the itinerary

The tour length changes with the month:

• April to June and October: 6 hours, typically 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
• July to September: 7 hours 30 minutes, typically 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Outside those windows, you’ll need to check available start times, since exact hours can vary. Either way, the lesson is the same: this is a day event, so pack as if you’ll be out in the sun most of the time.

Meeting Point and What to Bring so the Day Runs Smoothly

You’ll meet your guide at the quay between the Brin Pier car park and the tourist car park. Parking is available in the area, which helps if you’re driving into Olbia before the cruise.

What to bring is straightforward and worth taking seriously:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen and water
• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting damp

Also, you can’t bring pets.

One more “know before you go” item: the tour is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. If any of those apply, it’s best to look for a different format.

Price and value: $134.81 feels fair for what’s included

At about $134.81 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement excursion. But it also isn’t just a ride with views. You’re paying for a small catamaran day with:

• fuel included
• a live crew and guide
• aperitif + lunch with drinks
• equipment for time on the water (2 SUP boards)

When you add up boat time plus meals plus activities, the price starts to make sense—especially if you’d otherwise spend money on a rental car, separate lunches, and tickets to a bunch of disconnected stops.

Where you’ll feel the value most is if you want:

• one organized day that covers multiple coastal spots
• swim time without worrying about finding the right cove
• food that doesn’t feel like a compromise

If you mainly want to take photos from a viewpoint and you’re not interested in swimming or food onboard, you might want to compare with other shore-based options. But if you like being on the water, this price is pretty reasonable.

Who should book this Olbia catamaran cruise?

I think this is a great fit for couples, friends, and small groups who want real sea time. It works well if you:

• like swimming in calm, clear water
• enjoy coastal variety—rocky headlands plus white sand bays
• want a guided day without planning stress

It’s also a good option if you care about food. The onboard lunch has a local angle, and the day flows around aperitif and meal breaks rather than rushing past everything.

If you’re traveling with mobility limitations, have very young kids, or you’re pregnant, this one isn’t listed as suitable. In those cases, I’d steer you toward a different type of coastal experience that’s more accessible.

Should you book the Tavolara or Cala Moresca catamaran from Olbia?

Yes, if you want the easiest path to north-east Sardinia by sea and you’re happy with a weather-driven route. I’d book it especially if dolphins interest you and you also care about getting fed well onboard.

Before you go, keep your expectations grounded in how these tours work: the exact stops depend on conditions, and the dolphins are a chance event, not a scheduled performance. Bring the basics (hat, towel, sunscreen), plan to swim, and let the day be about the water. If that sounds like your kind of vacation, this cruise is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour from Olbia?

It’s 6 hours from April to June and in October, and 7 hours 30 minutes from July to September. Other months may have different start times, so check availability.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet the guide at the quay between the Brin Pier car park and the tourist car park in Olbia.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the catamaran excursion, crew, fuel, 2 SUP boards, an aperitif, and lunch (plus drinks described for the aperitif and lunch).

Is there an onboard aperitif and lunch?

Yes. You get an aperitif with items like cold cuts and cheese, bruschette with tomato, olives, and a choice of wine/beer/soft drinks. You also get lunch with a pasta dish or rice salad and a choice of red or white wine, plus beer, water, and soft drinks.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Special meal solutions for allergies or gluten intolerance are available with at least 2 days’ notice—contact the phone number on your voucher after booking.

Can you see dolphins on this tour?

You may be able to see dolphins on the Cala Moresca side, especially around the Figarolo islet, depending on luck and conditions.

What stops will the tour visit?

Depending on weather, you’ll explore either the Tavolara or Cala Moresca protected marine areas. Stops mentioned include Tavolara, Dottore beach, Capo Coda Cavallo, Capo Ceraso, Isola Piana, Molara, Figarolo, Capo Figari, Grotta della Madonnina, and Mortorio.

Are SUP boards included?

Yes. Two SUP boards are included with the excursion.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and water, plus comfortable clothes.

Is the tour suitable for children, pregnancy, or mobility needs?

It’s not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. Pets are not allowed.