Small coves, big water color.

This Sardinia cruise turns famous beaches into a practical day of boat-based stops and snorkel from the dinghy, with a maximum of 12 people for an uncrowded feel. I especially like the two swim moments from the boat—jump in, look around, then back on—plus the chance to spend real time at Cala Goloritzé (UNESCO) instead of just passing by. One thing to consider: you’ll need to plan for what’s not included, like water/drinks and snorkeling gear, and there’s no mention of on-board restrooms.

The day runs from 9:00 a.m. to about 5:00 p.m., with pickup options in Arbatax, Lotzorai, and Santa Maria Navarrese. Expect steady movement by speedboat, short photo breaks along the coast, and three longer beach stretches where you can actually relax and swim at your pace.

Key points I’d bank on before you book

• Max 12 passengers keeps the vibe friendly and flexible during stops.
• Dinghy swim time means you get that close-to-the-water look at Sardinia’s clearest spots.
• Cala Goloritzé (UNESCO) is part of the day, not an afterthought photo stop.
• Three major beach stops: Cala Gabbiani area, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu, each with about 1.5 hours.
• Pools of Venus (Piscine di Venere) are built in for another standout swimming/snorkeling moment.
• Grotta del Fico is optional and costs extra, but it’s guided once you add it.

A speedboat day that feels like a beach hopping plan

This isn’t a slow cruise with hours of sailing and very little water time. It’s a focused, expert-led route designed around access: coves and sea-carved spots you can’t reach easily from shore, plus beaches where you’ll actually have time to get in and enjoy the water.

I like that you get both kinds of moments. There are the dinghy-based swims where you’re not stuck trying to swim long distances to see anything. And there are the longer beach stops where you can change from “looking at water” mode to “settle in” mode.

You’ll also appreciate the small-group setup. With up to 12 passengers, you’re less likely to feel herded, and it’s easier for the guide to manage time for photo moments, snorkeling, and the little logistics that come with boat days.

Where the day starts: Arbatax, Lotzorai, Santa Maria Navarrese

Pickup is built around the east coast, so you’re not driving across the island just to reach the boat. You can join from:

• Port of Arbatax: the east pier next to the AGIP petrol station
• Lotzorai: Lido delle Rose beach, opposite Camping Iscrixedda
• Port of Santa Maria Navarrese: on the road down from the port, the first office on the left

You depart at 9:00 a.m. and return with drop-offs around 5:00 p.m. at those same areas. In practice, that timing gives you a full day without dragging into late evening.

The route along the coast: photo stops + sea-only sights

Between the beaches, the schedule includes short sailing legs and a couple of photo stops along the coast. That matters because the landscape from the water is part of why this region is so famous. You’ll see natural fjord-like coastal cuts and caves that are accessible by sea and best approached from the dinghy.

There’s also a built-in rhythm: short speedboat transfers, then a defined chunk of time where you’re doing something—snorkeling, swimming, walking a bit, or just hanging out on a beach.

Swimming stops from the dinghy: how the “Cala” magic really happens

You get two different swimming stops where you jump off the dinghy into standout waters. One is tied to Piscine di Venere (Pools of Venus), and the other is the famous cove of Cala Goloritzé.

This is one of the best parts of the whole day because it solves the common problem on beach tours: you want the water, but you don’t want to waste your vacation time fighting distance or awkward entry. From the dinghy, the water is right there, and you can spend your energy where it counts.

Bring a practical mindset for these stops:

• Have your swimwear + towel ready to go.
• If you’re using your own snorkeling gear, keep it accessible so you’re not fumbling once the crew is moving.

Stop-by-stop breakdown: Cala Goloritzé, Gabbiani, Biriala, Mariolu (plus optional cave time)

Cala Goloritzé: UNESCO coast time, not a quick glance

Cala Goloritzé is the one stop that most people already recognize. Here, you get time that’s long enough to do more than take a few photos. The plan includes:

• a photo stop and visit
• time for swimming/snorkeling and marine life viewing
• about 30 minutes at the cove

This stop works well because it combines a moment of “wow” with enough water time to actually enjoy it. Also, since it’s UNESCO, it tends to be the kind of place where you’ll want your time managed. Having a guide helps you spend your energy wisely instead of guessing where to look.

Practical note: this is a boat day, so come prepared for getting in and out of the water easily.

Cala dei Gabbiani (Cala Gabbiani area): a long beach block

Next up is Cala dei Gabbiani with about 1.5 hours. You’ll get:

• a break with photo stop and visit
• swimming/snorkeling and marine life viewing time
• time to breathe, relax, and not feel rushed

The drawback here is the same as any long beach stop: you’ll feel the sun and the heat more than during the dinghy swims. That’s why your sunscreen and hat matter. The tour specifically asks for biodegradable sunscreen, plus a hat and biodegradable insect repellent.

Grotta del Fico (optional): guided cave visit if you add it

If you want something different than just water-and-beach, you can add Grotta del Fico at an additional cost. The cave visit is listed as a 45-minute guided tour.

Important: tickets for this are not included, so you’ll want cash ready and be prepared to pay the extra cost on your own. If you’re deciding whether to add it, think about your priorities: if you love caves and want a structured inland/rocky experience, this can balance the rest of the beach-focused day. If your goal is pure relaxation and swimming time, you can choose to skip it.

Cala Biriala: another 1.5-hour beach stretch with the same water-focus

Then comes Cala Biriala for about 1.5 hours, including:

• photo stop and visit
• time for swimming/snorkeling and marine life viewing

This is a nice pairing with the prior stops because you get variety without losing the formula that’s working all day. You’re still spending meaningful chunks of time at the water, but the beach setting changes enough that it doesn’t feel repetitive.

Pools of Venus (Piscine di Venere): built-in second water highlight

Between Cala Biriala and Cala Mariolu, you get Pools of Venus for about 20 minutes, including:

• photo stop
• swimming/snorkeling and marine life viewing time

This one tends to feel special because it’s a distinct swimming moment rather than just “another stop.” If you’re the type who wants to maximize the best water experiences, this extra structured swim slot is a big reason the day has so much value.

Cala Mariolu: your longer finish with a bar option

The final major beach stop is Cala Mariolu with about 1.5 hours again. The tour includes:

• break time with photo stop and visit
• swimming/snorkeling and marine life viewing time

You’ll also have a practical advantage here: there’s a bar in Cala Mariolu where you can purchase drinks. That’s useful because the tour notes that no food or drinks are served during the tour otherwise. So Cala Mariolu can be your fallback if you didn’t pack enough.

If you want an easier day, pack ahead anyway. The provided packing list specifically encourages you to bring packed lunch, plus water and drinks.

Boat day logistics: what you’ll notice (and what to pack)

This excursion mixes transfers, photos, swims, and beach time, so small details matter. A couple of the most useful ones:

1) Snorkeling kit is not included.

Bring your own if you have it. If you don’t, you can still snorkel, but the tour data clearly lists snorkeling gear as something to bring.

2) Plan for no served meals and limited facilities.

Water and drinks are not included, and meals aren’t provided. Restrooms are listed as not included too. So treat this as a bring-your-own refreshment day and use beach time wisely.

3) Bring cash.

You might need it for:

• the €2 ecological tax
• any Grotta del Fico tickets if you choose to add it

4) Footwear matters.

High-heeled shoes are not allowed. The tour also lists flip-flops and beachwear in the packing suggestions, which fits the boat-and-beach rhythm.

The vibe on board: small, friendly, and well-run

The tour is guided and capped at 12 passengers, which I found is a sweet spot for a day like this. It’s big enough that the day feels lively, but small enough that the skipper and guide can actually manage timing.

One detail that stood out from the experience feedback: the guide Francesco and the skipper both contributed to a fun, relaxed atmosphere. You’ll still want to listen when they brief you—especially when it’s time to get moving between beach sections—but the overall tone sounds upbeat rather than strict.

Is this “relaxation day” really relaxing?

Yes—with a caveat.

It’s dedicated to relaxation in the sense that you’re spending hours in water and on beaches, not sitting in a bus or museum schedule. The short sailing segments keep things moving, but the longer beach blocks give you time to actually unwind.

The trade-off: it’s still a boat tour, so you’ll be “on” for the day—ready to swim, ready to move when the crew calls it, and keeping track of your essentials. If you like that active-relax balance, you’ll probably love it. If you want a lazy, no-rhythm cruise, this may feel like a bit too much movement.

Price and value: why $93 can make sense here

At $93 per person for an 8-hour guided speedboat day, the price is easiest to justify when you look at what’s included:

• skipper
• guided tour
• fuel
• three beach stops
• two swimming stops from the dinghy
• multiple “time blocks” for photos, visits, and water

Where costs can add up is on the add-ons and personal supplies:

• water and drinks are not included
• meals are not served
• snorkeling kit isn’t included
• Grotta del Fico requires tickets at extra cost
• €2 ecological tax may apply

So the value depends on your planning. If you pack your own lunch and water and you’re ready with snorkeling gear, you’re likely to feel like you got a full day’s worth of water access and expert pacing for the cost.

Who should book this tour?

This works best for people who:

• want multiple beach coves in one day without ferry logistics
• care about time in the water (not just shore views)
• enjoy a guided day with small group energy
• are comfortable with boat entry/exit and active water time

It’s not a fit if you’re looking for:

• an all-inclusive meal-and-snack experience (it’s not)
• guaranteed restroom facilities (none listed)
• an itinerary designed for people with mobility or back concerns
• a trip suited to pregnant travelers, babies under 1 year, or people over 70, based on the tour’s limits

Should you book this Cala tour?

If your priority is water time—especially at Cala Goloritzé and the additional beach lineup—this is a smart choice. The combination of small group size, dinghy-based swim stops, and multiple longer beach blocks gives you a day that feels like you actually used the coastline instead of just viewing it.

I’d book it if you’re the type who likes to pack a towel, take care of your own snacks and water, and spend hours in the sea. I’d think twice if you want food included, a guaranteed restroom, or a slow cruise pace.

If you do book, bring the basics the tour requests: swimwear, towel, hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you have it. That’s the difference between a good day and a truly smooth one.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart and when do you return?

It departs at 9:00 a.m. and the drop-off is scheduled for about 5:00 p.m.

Where are the pickup locations?

You can be picked up at the Port of Arbatax (east pier next to the AGIP petrol station), Lotzorai at Lido delle Rose beach opposite Camping Iscrixedda, or the Port of Santa Maria Navarrese (on the road down from the port, first office on the left).

What beaches and water stops are included?

The day includes three different beach stops (Cala Goloritzé, Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu are listed as key stops) plus swimming stops from the dinghy, including Cala Goloritzé and the Pools of Venus (Piscine di Venere).

Is Grotta del Fico included?

Grotta del Fico is optional and requires an additional cost. Tickets are not included, and the guided visit is listed as 45 minutes.

Are drinks, meals, or snorkeling gear included?

Water and drinks are not included, and no meals are served during the tour. A snorkeling kit is also not included. There is a bar in Cala Mariolu where you can buy drinks.

Is there a limit on passenger size?

Yes. The boat has a maximum of 12 passengers on board.