A day on the water, chosen by the wind. This traditional sailing ship tour around Tavolara and Molara is one of my favorite ways to see Sardinia’s protected coves with a small group and an included seafood lunch. The trade-off: the exact stops and timings can shift day to day since the skipper picks the most beautiful options based on wind and weather.

What I like most is the format. You’re not stuck chasing a fixed checklist—you sail, swim, and eat while the captain uses experience to work with conditions. Still, you should know the sea can be the boss out there, and the schedule is designed around that.

Key highlights you can count on

• Max 12 people on board for more space, calmer vibes, and easier time in the water
• Reduced-draft sailing boats can pass closer to the coast for cliff-and-cove views
• Snorkeling gear included so you can jump in without last-minute shopping
• Seafood lunch plus drinks setup with charcuterie/cheese and a fresh first course
• Weather-led itinerary that changes stops to match wind shelter and sea conditions

A 7-hour sailing day that changes with the wind

This is a long, proper slice of Sardinia—about 7 hours from 10:00 am to back where you started. The day is built around the protected marine area around Tavolara and Molara, and the skipper chooses the best spots from a long menu depending on conditions.

That flexibility is a big deal. If the wind is wrong for one cove, you’ll likely get a different one instead of wasting time bouncing around looking at it from afar. The result feels more like living on the coast than ticking boxes.

The tour caps at 12 participants, which matters on a boat. You get more room to move, easier access when you want to snorkel or swim, and less crowding when it’s time for lunch.

Where you meet in Porto San Paolo (and how to prep)

You’ll start at the Port of Porto San Paolo, Via S. Paolo 27, 07026 Loiri Porto San Paolo (SS), Italy. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to plan a second transport puzzle.

A couple practical points:

• You get a mobile ticket, so bring it on your phone and keep it charged.
• Sun cream and towels aren’t included, so pack them.
• The tour says most travelers can participate, and it’s recommended for pregnant women, which suggests the day is paced with comfort in mind.

The boat experience: traditional sailing, close to the coast

This uses traditional sailing ships with a reduced draft. Translation: the boats can go where deeper boats can’t, which means you can often see more of the shoreline up close—cliffs, rock formations, and that shallow-water magic that makes Sardinia’s coves look unreal.

You’ll also appreciate this when the skipper is choosing inlets for shelter. On windier days, it’s not just about pretty water—it’s about getting you into spots where swimming feels safe and enjoyable.

Stop 1: Tavolara Island—time to explore the old quarry feel

Tavolara is the anchor of the day. You’ll moor for about 1 hour, and you can go ashore (how long you stay is decided together on the day).

The boat also cruises along the south-eastern side of Tavolara, aiming to show you:

• dramatic cliffs
• the old lime kilns where boats worked in the past
• the island’s scale, seen from the water rather than from a viewpoint

Why this stop works: Tavolara isn’t just a backdrop. It gives you a sense of place—rock, wind, and a coastline with real working history. If you like walking a bit, use your hour ashore. If you prefer staying on the water, you’ll still get great views while the boat circles.

Stop 2: Molara’s natural pools—swimable beauty on a private island

Next up is Isola di Molara, also about 1 hour. Molara is known for its natural pools, and the tour generally visits two points:

• Cala del Pastore
• the natural pools area

This is where the day’s snorkeling potential really starts to shine. Natural pools often mean calmer water in the right spots, and that’s ideal for floating, observing fish, and getting a feel for the seabed.

If you’ve never snorkeled from a boat before, this is a good chance to do it without fuss. You’ve got snorkeling equipment included, so you can focus on enjoying the water instead of trying to rent gear at the last minute.

Stop 3: Porto Istana—your “mistral wind” safe harbor

When the mistral wind shows up, Porto Istana is one of the favorite fixes. You’ll have around 40 minutes here.

Porto Istana is described as easy to reach by car, which hints it’s a practical, steady option for the day. In other words: if conditions make other places harder, this stop is designed to keep your schedule feeling full.

Stop 4: Spiaggia del Dottore—famous for color and fish

You’ll spend about 30 minutes at Spiaggia del Dottore, reached after roughly a 10-minute boat ride. It’s one of the best-known beaches in Sardinia, and the main draw is the water color transition:

• clear near shore
• moving toward cobalt-blue in the cove

The tour also emphasizes that you can swim in water full of fish. That’s the sweet spot: beautiful color plus life you can actually spot.

A practical note: this kind of beach can get busy on land, but from a boat stop you get a more flexible, short-and-satisfying window. Bring your snorkel mindset—don’t just stare at the view.

Stop 5: Spiaggie di Capo Ceraso—dangerous rocks, expert guidance

Capo Ceraso is said to be fascinating and dangerous because of the many outcropping rocks. You’ll get about 30 minutes here, and the key is that the skipper leads you safely using the boat’s reduced draft.

From your perspective, that means you don’t have to guess where it’s safe to swim or how to approach the shoreline. You’ll get into the best inlets without feeling like you’re improvising.

Stop 6: Punta Don Diego—shelter for strong mistral days

At about 40 minutes, Spiaggia di Punta Don Diego is described as a small inlet in front of the Don Diego hotel. It’s especially attractive on days with strong mistral wind, because it offers shelter.

You’ll see red rocks and very clear water—described as crystalline green—and you can swim and see the seabed just a few meters down. This stop is a great option if you want a more protected feel, less wind pushing you around.

Porto Taverna stroll—nice if the sea is calm enough

There’s also a Porto Taverna beach stop where you generally do a walk along the shoreline. The schedule doesn’t specify a set duration here, but it’s clearly meant as an easy break from swimming.

I like this kind of stop because it gives your body a reset. Even on a boat day, constant water time can tire you out. A shoreline walk is also a good way to spot what the coast looks like from land for a change.

Stop 7: Spiaggia della Tartaruga—rocky, popular, and slippery in spots

The turtle beach stop is about 40 minutes. It’s described as popular and set like a diamond in flat stones.

Here’s the important caution: the rocks can be slippery. So plan your feet accordingly. If you’re the type who hates the feeling of sand between your toes, you might still enjoy this stop—but walk slowly and test surfaces before committing your weight.

The tour typically stops nearby so you can reach it by swimming or from the flat rocks. That means you’ll want to feel comfortable in shallow water around rocks.

Stop 8: Le Farfalle (Cala Suaraccia)—more “Sardinia of the past” vibe

Around 40 minutes goes to Le Farfalle – Cala Suaraccia. This is the stop with the more character-driven feel: vegetation reaches up toward the beach, and the tour says it reminds them of Sardinia from the past.

You won’t just get a photo background here. The idea is you stop nearby and go down for a swim closer to shore. If you love gentler visual texture—plants touching the waterline—this one tends to win people over.

Stop 9: Capo Coda Cavallo—best shelter when the sirocco blows

Spiaggia Capo Coda Cavallo is another about 40 minutes stop. The key detail is wind shelter: it’s described as the most sheltered inlet when the sirocco wind blows.

The tour also points out:

• a more homogeneous sandy seabed
• famous views in summer

A sandy seabed is a huge quality-of-life detail if you want easier swimming and more predictable footing during snorkel sessions. It’s often the kind of place where you can spend time looking around without feeling like you’re navigating rock edges.

Stop 10: Cala Brandinchi—picked on strong west wind days

When the west wind is strong, the skipper chooses Cala Brandinchi, because it offers shelter when other tourist boats might struggle. This stop is about 30 minutes.

If you’ve ever noticed that some tours seem to avoid certain weather instead of working with it, this one tries to do the opposite—people who know the sea help you find the sheltered water so you still get a full day.

Food and drinks on board: more than a snack break

Lunch is included and it’s not just bread and fruit. You’ll get:

• charcuterie and cheese platters
• a fresh seafood first course
• plus bottled water
• and fuel/skipper costs are covered too (parking fees are covered as well)

One review also adds a fun practical tip: there’s a bell involved with the food and drinks service, and it helps you get attention quickly. If you’re the type who prefers clear, simple signals, remember that.

Food timing on a sailing day matters. You’ll want something filling enough to keep your energy up after swimming, but not so heavy that it ruins the next swim window. This menu is designed for that balance.

What the price covers (and why it feels fair for a boat day)

The price is $115.64 per person for a roughly 7-hour experience. What makes it feel like good value is that several things that can add up elsewhere are already included:

• snorkeling equipment
• lunch (charcuterie/cheese plus seafood first course)
• bottled water
• skipper and fuel
• parking fees

Yes, you still need to bring sun cream and plan for towels. But when a tour includes the core day costs—gear, lunch, and the boat operation—your “real budget” is easier to estimate.

Who this sailing day is best for

This tour is ideal if you want:

• small-group comfort (max 12)
• a classic sailing ship experience
• plenty of swimming and snorkeling
• a captain-led plan that works with the wind instead of fighting it

It’s also a nice fit for couples, friends, and small families who don’t want a chaotic crowd scene at each stop.

If you hate any uncertainty at all—like not knowing the exact cove order—this may feel different. But the uncertainty here usually results in better water choices, not fewer experiences.

Should you book this Tavolara and Molara sailing ship tour?

I’d book it if your ideal day includes snorkeling-ready stops, a real lunch, and the comfort of sailing with a small group. The skipper’s job here is smart navigation and smart weather reading, and the itinerary is designed to keep you in the best conditions.

I’d think twice if you’re extremely sensitive to changing schedules. The tour is designed around wind and sea, so the order and exact feel of the day can shift. Still, that’s part of what makes a sailing tour feel authentic—and in this case, it’s clearly built to work.

If you’re choosing between a quick cruise and a more complete day, this one leans toward the complete option. You get time for islands, coves, swimming, and a proper sit-down meal.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the traditional sailing ship tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at the Port of Porto San Paolo, Via S. Paolo 27, 07026 Loiri Porto San Paolo (SS), Italy.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is this tour recommended for pregnant women?

Yes. It is recommended for pregnant women, and it says most travelers can participate.

Does the itinerary stay the same every day?

The captain decides the most beautiful places based on daily weather conditions, so the exact route can change.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch includes charcuterie and cheese platters plus a fresh seafood first course, along with bottled water.

What happens if it’s canceled due to poor weather or if I cancel myself?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.