Sardinia’s color turns you into a believer. This full-day Tavolara and Molara sail on the 1968 vintage boat DULCEMAR is all about short, fun hops between coves and serious time in the water, not long bus rides. I love the old-ship charm (wood deck, deck music, proper swim ladder setups) and the snorkeling-focused stops around Molara. One possible drawback: if you’re prone to seasickness, this day on open water is not a great fit.

I also like that the mid-day food moment feels real and Sardinian. At Cala Girgolu, you get an apéritif with fresh Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG plus finger food, cold cuts and a cheese board, then coffee with a Sardinian digestive to close the meal break.

The timing is built for sun and swims (about 8 hours), starting at 9:30 AM from Porto San Paolo. Just plan your expectations around a floating day on the sea—some stops are closer than others—so come with “swim and enjoy” energy, not “perfect beach landing every time” energy.

Key highlights to know before you go

• 15-meter vintage comfort: DULCEMAR (built 1968) with modern refit features like GPS, radar, a fridge/freezer, and a proper onboard bathroom system for marine parks.
• Aperitif at Cala Girgolu: Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG mid-day, plus finger food, sardinian cold cuts and cheese board, and a coffee with a Sardinian digestive after.
• Small group (max 9): more deck space per person and an easier day to ask questions across the table.
• Real swim cadence: multiple swim/snorkel stops across Tavolara, Molara pools, Isola Cavalli, and the final Isola Piana swim.
• No open bar: drinks are part of the plan, but you still keep personal drinks controlled—bring water for yourself.

On a 1968 DULCEMAR: the ship matters more than you think

This tour runs on a 15-meter vintage sailboat called DULCEMAR, built in 1968 and designed by Carlo Sciarrelli. It’s made with mahogany laminate and teak, so it feels like what it is: an older craft with character, not a faceless “tour boat.”

What I appreciate is that “vintage” doesn’t mean “primitive.” After a refit in 2021, the boat runs with a Volvo Penta 130 HP auxiliary engine and includes features that make a full day on the water much easier: an awning, outdoor cushions and sun loungers, swim ladders, a deck stereo system, and a fridge/freezer to keep things comfortable for food and drinks. There’s also an outdoor fresh-water shower and a cabin bathroom with an electric toilet plus a black water tank designed for entry to marine protected areas.

That last detail is more important than it sounds. When you’re in a protected marine zone, you want operations that don’t cut corners. This boat is set up for that—so you spend less time thinking about rules and more time thinking about your next swim.

The day starts at Porto San Paolo (and why early matters)

Check-in is at 9:00 AM, with departure at 9:30 AM from Porto San Paolo, Porto Turistico via Caprera, near the ferry boarding area. The skipper waits on the pier, so don’t show up fashionably late and then wander around looking confused.

Why the early start matters: the Tavolara–Molara Marine Protected Area looks best when the light is crisp and the water is calm enough for easier snorkeling. Also, the day is packed. Even though the experience is listed as about 8 hours, return timing can vary; one past booking noted being back around 5 PM, not the later end of the stated window. So, I’d treat this as a full-day commitment with a bit of flexibility.

Bring a towel and your own bottle of fresh water. Water is provided onboard (still and sparkling), but you’ll appreciate having your own stash for comfort, especially on a warm sea day when you’re going in and out for swims.

Porto San Paolo to the Tavolara area: your first tastes of the color

The itinerary begins right on the water, so your first “stop” isn’t a long walk—it’s your first swim chance. After the ferry-port area departure, you’ll get a break/photo/free-time window around Porto San Paolo, with time to swim and snorkel and to look for marine life.

Then you move through the protected area toward the Tavolara side and later Molara. The tour rhythm is built around short sailing segments and multiple time blocks of water activity, which is ideal if you want photos, snorkeling, and that signature Sardinian “bottle-of-gatorade” turquoise look.

Possible drawback to factor in: you might not always get a super-close mooring right beside an island’s postcard beach. One booking specifically noted the boat wasn’t brought as close to the islands as expected in terms of currents. In practical terms, that means your swim entrance might be from a more open point, not a direct step-off.

If you’re okay with that—if you’re mostly there for water time and views—you’ll love how much you get without feeling stuck.

Molara pools: the snorkeling focus (and the kind of water you want)

This is the heart of the trip for a lot of people: Molara and its pool-like areas. The experience is described as time in turquoise water with fish around you, and the snorkeling/swimming is the main point.

Here’s the vibe you should expect: shallow-enough water to see movement below, clear color, and the fun of repeatedly jumping back in for another look. The tour also includes snorkeling kit, so you don’t have to bring your own mask and snorkel unless you’re picky about fit.

This stop is particularly valuable because it isn’t just “pretty coastline.” It’s an ecosystem moment—lots of fish activity around the shallows is exactly what makes snorkeling feel alive instead of just scenic.

One more practical note: if you’re not confident in the water or you hate being out in waves, don’t force it. The tour is not positioned as a gentle, slow boat cruise—it’s a series of swim-friendly windows.

Isola Cavalli and the other swim breaks: short sails, long views

You’ll spend more time than you’d expect in the water, and a chunk of that comes from stops around Isola Cavalli and additional cove areas connected to the Tavolara–Molara circuit. The day includes breaks that mix photo time, free time, and marine viewing paired with snorkeling.

These segments matter because they’re where you notice the real payoff: the sea color shifts hour to hour, and the coastline changes from rocky edges to pale sand patches. Even if you’re not a “nature photographer,” it’s the kind of scenery where your eyes keep upgrading the frame.

Expect a consistent pattern: brief sail, then another swim window. That’s great for people who get bored sitting still. It’s less great if you’re the type who wants one long, single beach session with no movement.

Cala Girgolu: the apéritif and brunch-style break that keeps the day fun

Around the later part of the itinerary, you reach Cala Girgolu, where the day slows down in the best way. This is your mid-day anchor point: apéritif, brunch/meal onboard, and regional food time lasting about 2 hours.

This is where the tour earns its value beyond “swims and views.” You get an apéritif with fresh Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG, plus finger food and a sardinian cold cuts and cheese board spread. Then you get coffee with a Sardinian digestive to close the meal break.

I like this approach because it doesn’t strand you on a schedule that forces you to hunt for food later. It’s planned, it’s local-leaning, and it gives you a proper fuel stop without ending the day early.

One important note: it’s not an open bar. Alcohol is part of the apéritif plan, but you won’t have unlimited pouring. That’s good for quality and it keeps the day safer and calmer, especially on a boat.

Also note the practical onboard food setup: the boat includes a fridge/freezer from the 2021 refit, which supports having food ready without feeling like everything is “stale and forgotten.”

Isola Piana and the final swim before heading back

Toward the end, you’ll reach Isola Piana for what’s essentially your last big swim-and-reset moment. A short sail takes you there, and it’s described as the last stop for a swim before returning to port around 5:30–6:00 PM.

This final swim is valuable because you’re not just chasing one more postcard. It’s a chance to enjoy the sea without the pressure of being tired from early morning logistics. If the first water windows felt rushed, the last one often feels freer.

Just remember: after a day with multiple water entries, you’ll feel the sun. Bring your water, take breaks, and use the awning when you need shade.

Comfort, gear, and that SPF rule that surprises people

On paper, this is a “sailboat tour.” In real life, it’s a comfort game: shade, seating, and easy back-on-board transitions.

DULCEMAR has an awning, outdoor cushions, and sun loungers. There are also swim ladders, plus an outdoor fresh-water shower, so rinse-off isn’t a fantasy.

One rule I really want you to notice: sun cream with SPF 50 or higher is prohibited because it’s too greasy and can stain the furnishings and cushions indelibly. That’s unusual, but it’s clearly part of how they protect the boat’s upholstery. If you use sunscreen, plan to bring what fits that requirement and apply before you board when you can.

Also plan around what’s included and what’s not:

• Included: snorkeling kit, still/sparkling water, snacks, coffee, finger food, and food plates during the apéritif meal break.
• Not included: a towel/bath towel, sun cream, and any extra drinks beyond the apéritif plan (no open bar).

And yes, the tour specifically says it’s not suitable for children under 5 and not suitable for people prone to seasickness or with pre-existing medical conditions. That’s not a “maybe it’ll be okay” situation. If you know you don’t do well at sea, choose a different day.

Price and value: what $106 buys you for a full day at sea

At about $106 per person for a full day, the price feels more reasonable when you compare what’s bundled. You’re paying for:

• A full-day boat tour on a 15-meter vintage sailboat
• A skipper, fuel, VAT, and insurance
• Multiple swim/snorkel stops
• Snorkeling kit
• Mid-day apéritif with Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG
• Finger food plus a local cold cuts and cheese board spread
• Coffee with a Sardinian digestive

Where the value really shows is in the structure: you get several chances to enjoy the water without spending time changing plans or commuting between separate tours. The small group (up to 9) also helps. Less crowd pressure usually means you can enjoy the deck, relax during breaks, and spend more of the day on the experience.

The main “value trade” is that you’re not doing a land tour. This isn’t about walking historic streets or museum time. It’s about being on the water, seeing the coast from the sea, and getting in for snorkeling multiple times.

What it’s like with a real skipper day after day

Skippers matter on these trips because they set the rhythm and make the sea day work. The provided info emphasizes an experienced skipper, and bookings name captains such as Peppe and Giuliano—both described as friendly, relaxed, and helpful with communication, plus keeping the vermentino flowing and the tunes playing.

Even if language isn’t perfect, the best captains are still clear about safety, timing, and how the day will run. Here, the itinerary has enough swim windows that you’ll want consistent guidance for where to be, when to get back onboard, and how to handle snorkeling times without feeling rushed.

Should you book the DULCEMAR Tavolara and Molara tour?

Book it if you want a full day focused on sea views plus repeated swim and snorkeling windows, and you’re comfortable spending most of the day away from a beach restaurant lineup. The apéritif break at Cala Girgolu is a real plus: Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG, local food plates, and coffee with a Sardinian digestive.

Skip it if you know you get seasick, you need lots of on-land sightseeing, or you’re hoping for an effortless “step off onto shore” beach landing at every stop. It’s a boat day. Some stops are more mooring-friendly than others, and the day is built for floating enjoyment, not land tourism.

If you do book, come prepared with a towel, bring your own water bottle, and respect the SPF 50+ sunscreen rule so you don’t accidentally mess up the boat’s cushions.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Check-in is at 9:00 AM, and the boat departs at 9:30 AM from Porto San Paolo.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at Porto San Paolo (Porto Turistico via Caprera), near the ferry boarding area. The skipper waits on the pier.

How long is the tour?

The experience is listed as about 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the full-day boat tour on the 15-meter vintage sailboat, skipper, fuel, insurance, VAT, snorkeling kit, mid-day apéritif with Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG, finger food, sardinian cold cuts and cheese board, still and sparkling water, snacks, and coffee. There is no open bar.

What should I bring and what’s not included?

Bring a towel and water. Sun cream is not included, and sun cream with SPF 50 or higher is prohibited.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for children under 5, people prone to seasickness, or people with pre-existing medical conditions.