Tavolara feels like a postcard from the sea. This is a 7.5-hour sailing cruise out of Porto San Paolo aimed at swim-friendly stops and sea views that only really work at water level. You’re also spending time in the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo protected area, so the day feels both relaxed and naturally controlled.

I especially love the food-and-drink flow. There’s wine tasting plus a brunch aperitif with Vermentino and typical Sardinian products, then coffee/tea and lunch with more drinks along the way. And with a maximum of 14 travelers, it stays social without feeling crowded, and you’ll likely be looked after by a crew that gets praised for being kind and fun (Captain Luigi shows up a lot in the best stories).

One thing to consider: if you have food intolerances or special requests, the boat can’t really handle them. The only alternatives specifically mentioned are no-fish or vegetarian, and otherwise they recommend bringing a packet lunch.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group sailing (max 14): more time with the crew, less waiting around on crowded boats.
• Multiple swim stops: Isola Piana, Tavolara, Molara, then protected waters for snorkel and swimming.
• Real Sardinian drinks: Vermentino wine plus beer and myrtle (including the local myrtle liqueur).
• Snorkeling gear included: you get what you need onboard, so you can travel light.
• Dolphin search in the afternoon: not guaranteed, but the timing is designed for wildlife-spotting conditions.

The route: Porto San Paolo to Tavolara and Molara, built for sea time

This sailing trip runs from Porto San Paolo (near S. Teodoro / Olbia) with a clear goal: get you out to Tavolara and Molara for a long, enjoyable day on the water. The pace is swim-first, not sightseeing-bus-first, which matters here because the best moments come when you’re in the water looking back at the islands.

The itinerary is guidance only, and the captain can adjust stops based on weather for safe navigation. That’s not a flaw; it’s the only way to make a day like this work in Sardinia’s variable conditions. If the day turns choppy, the captain’s goal is still the same: keep you in good water and safe routes so you still get meaningful swim time.

Getting on board around 9:30

The cruise starts at 9:30 am at Via Del Faro, 62, Porto San Paolo, and ends back at the same meeting point. I’d plan to arrive a bit early, because you want time to park and get settled before you’re pushed out to the first swim spot.

Also, bring your own towel. Beach towels aren’t included, and you’ll want one for drying off between swims and for the end of the day.

Isola Piana: the first swim that sets the tone

The day begins with a stop at Isola Piana for your first swim, about 30 minutes. This is the part that helps everyone find the rhythm quickly. You’re fresh, the boat is settled, and the water tends to be the kind that makes you forget schedules.

What I like about this first stop is that it’s short and focused. You don’t feel like you’re committing to a whole snorkel expedition before you’ve had your bearings. It’s more like a warm-up swim and a chance to judge how comfortable you feel with the water.

Practical note: pack sun protection early. Even if the morning feels cool, sea reflections can burn you faster than you’d expect.

Tavolara stop: aperitif swim and lunch with the best views

Next comes Isola di Tavolara, where the day’s vibe shifts into a slower, more scenic mode. You’ll get around 2 hours that include an aperitif-style moment with swimming, plus lunch served with the day’s drinks.

Tavolara is one of the islands that people think they know from photos. From the boat, though, the scale and closeness change everything. It feels more intimate, like you’re swimming in front of a real coastline, not just a backdrop.

The food rhythm matters more than you think

On a sailing day like this, food timing is part of the experience. You’ll have a brunch aperitif with Vermentino, then lunch and coffee/tea later. That “spread out” approach is smart because it matches the natural rhythm of sailing: swim, rest, eat, drift, swim again.

If you get seasick easily, eat something earlier rather than waiting. The included snacks and aperitif help take the edge off and make the water time more comfortable.

Molara: swimming pools and that turquoise water people rave about

Then it’s Isola Molara for about an hour, often described in terms of swimming pools and clear water. This is the stop where the sea looks almost unreal—transparent and bright enough that you can actually see what’s going on under the surface.

Why this stop works: it’s built for people who want a mix of relaxed floating and quick snorkeling. Even without snorkeling gear, the visibility makes ordinary swimming feel special. With snorkeling gear, you can do a more focused explore in a set area rather than guessing where the best water is.

What to do during the hour

I’d treat this hour like your main swim block. Take a few minutes to get comfortable, then spend the middle time actually looking under the surface. If the sea is calm, this is when you’ll feel most “present” in the water.

Bring a dry layer for after. After several swim stops, wind can feel chilly once the boat starts moving again.

The protected waters (Marina Protetta) and the dolphin search sail

The final active piece is time in the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo protected marine area, where you can swim and snorkel. It’s also where lunch is mentioned in the plan, which tells me the day’s meal service likely flows across the late part of the itinerary rather than being one single rigid moment.

After that, the plan includes an afternoon sail in search of dolphins, because they often show up in this area. No one can promise wildlife, but the point is timing and location—this trip is shaped around the chance rather than treating dolphins as a checkbox.

Snorkel and swim here for a different reason

Earlier swim stops feel like breaks. In the protected area, the vibe feels more “nature-forward.” Even if you don’t spot marine life right away, the water clarity and the sense of being in a protected zone make the snorkel time feel more purposeful.

If you’re trying for dolphins, be ready to stay on the deck. Wildlife spotting is one of those moments that rewards patience.

Food and drinks onboard: Vermentino, myrtle, and a real lunch

What you get here is more than a snack box. The cruise includes:

• Wine tasting
• Brunch aperitif with Vermentino and typical Sardinian products
• Lunch
• Coffee and/or tea
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic drinks like Vermentino white wine, beer, and myrtle (including the local myrtle liqueur)

This matters for value. On many day trips, you pay extra for decent drinks or you get a small lunch that leaves you hungry and cranky. Here, the included menu is the reason many people rank the trip as a highlight: you’re not hustling to find food, and you’re not stuck with basic bread-and-cheese.

Myrtle is the drink to try

If you’ve never had myrtle liqueur, this is one of the easiest ways to sample it without hunting it down later. It’s local, it’s part of the Sardinian flavor profile, and it fits the whole island mood of the day.

If you’re sensitive to alcohol, stick to water and pace yourself. It’s a long day that includes multiple swim stops, so you’ll feel better staying hydrated.

Snorkeling gear included: how to make it count

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent anything or bring bulky gear. That’s helpful if you’re also doing other activities in Sardinia and want to travel light.

To make the most of it:

• Put it on during the protected-water time and the Molara stop, where visibility is emphasized.
• Keep your expectations practical. You’re swimming in open water with real conditions, so keep it safe and comfortable rather than trying to “race” underwater.

If you’d rather just swim, you can still enjoy the day. The trip isn’t only for hardcore snorkelers.

Boat comfort and the crew vibe on a max-14 sailing

With a maximum of 14 travelers, this feels like a small boat experience without turning into a chaotic group hang. You get enough people for a fun atmosphere, but not so many that you’re constantly waiting for a turn at the best spot.

The crew style is a major reason people rave about this trip. Names that show up often in the best experiences include Captain Luigi, along with crew members such as Mateo, Ricardo, Agustino, Stefania, Laura, and Livia. The consistent theme is friendly, attentive service—people describe the crew as helpful, precise, and good at setting you up for the day’s rhythm.

English-friendly

The tour is offered in English, which is a big deal for a sailing day. You’ll understand what’s happening at each stop and why you’re moving to specific spots.

Price and value: does $119.77 make sense?

At about $119.77 per person, you’re paying for a full day that combines transport on the water, multiple curated swim spots, snorkeling gear, and a meal-and-drinks package. In practice, that’s what makes the price feel fair.

You’re also getting:

• 7 to 8 hours on the sea
• Lunch plus brunch/aperitif style snacks
• Wine tasting and included drinks
• A small-group cap (14)

If you were to piece together a comparable day—boat rental or private tour, snorkel gear, and then meals—it usually costs more. The value here is in the “everything is handled” feeling. You spend the day on the water instead of coordinating snacks, finding gear, and paying for add-ons.

Who should book this sailing trip to Tavolara and Molara

This trip is a strong match if you want:

• A swim-forward day rather than a bus-and-photos day
• Snorkeling opportunities with gear provided
• Included Sardinian flavors like Vermentino and myrtle
• A smaller group day at sea

It may be less ideal if:

• You need detailed food customization. Food intolerances/special requests can’t be managed onboard, and only no-fish or vegetarian options are mentioned.
• You hate spending time in the water. This is built around swimming at several stops, not just viewing from the deck.

Should you book this sailing to Tavolara and Molara?

If you’re choosing between a “look at the islands” day and a “be in the islands” day, this is the second option. The combination of multiple swim stops, included snorkeling gear, and real onboard food/drinks makes it one of those experiences where the logistics feel handled and the memories come from the water itself.

I’d book it if you can handle a long day outdoors and you’re comfortable with the fact that the captain may adjust the plan for weather. The protected waters and the dolphin search sail are the kind of bonus moments you only get when you’re out far enough and stay flexible.

If you have food restrictions beyond no-fish or vegetarian, plan ahead and bring a packet lunch so you’re not stuck hoping for a workaround.

FAQ

How long is the sailing cruise?

The cruise lasts about 7.5 hours, and the overall trip time is listed as approximately 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour start, and what time does it begin?

It starts at Via Del Faro, 62, 07020 Porto San Paolo SS, Italy, and the start time is 9:30 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included during the trip?

The trip includes stops at Isola Piana (for an initial swim), Isola di Tavolara, Isola Molara (Molara swimming pools), and the Marina Protetta Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo protected area.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes a brunch aperitif with Vermentino and typical Sardinian products, lunch, coffee and/or tea, bottled water, wine tasting, and alcoholic beverages such as Vermentino white wine, beer, and myrtle.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How many travelers are on board?

There is a maximum of 14 travelers.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Can the boat handle food intolerances or special requests?

The boat cannot manage special requests or food intolerances in general. Only no-fish or vegetarian options are possible. In other cases, they recommend bringing a packet lunch.

What happens if the trip is canceled due to weather?

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

If I cancel, do I get my money back?

You can cancel 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.