Two swims, one sail, big Stintino views. This half-day catamaran pairs Fornelli natural pools with La Pelosa’s iconic turret for a fast way to see two of northwest Sardinia’s prettiest water spots. I also like how the trip stays simple: skipper-led sailing, guaranteed swim stops, and an aperitif timed for when you’ll actually feel like you earned it.

My one heads-up: it’s a 3-hour outing, so you should expect swimming from the boat (not a long beach hangout) and don’t count on snorkeling extras or a super-close approach to the shoreline.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Fornelli Natural Pools stop in bright, clear water south of the Asinara National Park
• La Pelosa swimming stop with the famous turret lining up on the horizon
• Aperitif included: white wine plus a sausage and pecorino cheese board
• Skipper + fuel + guide service included so you’re paying for the boat experience, not hidden add-ons
• At least two swim stops are guaranteed (weather and skipper decisions can adjust details)

Why La Pelosa and Fornelli work so well together

If you’re coming to Stintino, the big dream is usually La Pelosa beach. The famous part is easy to understand once you’re there: the water looks unreal, and the turret on the horizon becomes a visual anchor while you swim and float. What I like about combining it with Fornelli is that you get two different “wow” moments without wasting a day.

Fornelli Natural Pools give you that shallower, rock-edged feel where the water clarity is the star. You’ll be sailing south of the Asinara National Park area, so the scenery changes as you move along the coast. Then you circle back toward La Pelosa for the iconic view and another swimming stop. In three hours, you get variety: pools first for that glassy-water hit, then La Pelosa for the beach postcard.

This is also a good tour format if you don’t want to plan a full transport day or hunt down the right viewpoints on your own. The catamaran handles the movement, you handle the swims, and the guide keeps the timing and the route steady.

Stintino check-in: where the catamaran actually is

You’ll meet at the harbor end of the rightmost pier. It’s not a vague “near the port” situation. If you’re driving, there’s free parking available on Lungomare Levante Street, which matters in peak season when parking can turn into a mini adventure of its own.

Plan to arrive a touch early. With a short 3-hour schedule, you don’t want your whole day to start with a scramble. Once aboard, you’ll have a live guide speaking Italian, English, and French, so you can ask quick questions about what you’re seeing as you sail.

Fornelli Natural Pools: your first real swim moment

The first stop is the Fornelli Natural Pools. They’re located south of the Asinara National Park, and the goal here is straightforward: swim in bright, clear water where the sea looks almost filtered.

Why this stop is such good value for your time:

• You start with the water. Getting the swim early means you’re more likely to enjoy it fully, even if later conditions change.
• The pools feel different from an open beach. You’re not just jumping into open sea; you’re swimming in a natural setting that tends to look calmer and more defined.

There’s one practical note. The tour says stops are guaranteed, but the exact rhythm can shift depending on weather and the skipper’s decisions. That’s normal in this area, where wind and sea state can change quickly. Still, Fornelli is one of the two anchor stops you’re counting on.

Also, set your expectations about gear. One review complained about not having extra swimming equipment like snorkels, floats, or noodles. So if you’re the type who loves “gear-based” water time, I’d plan on going in with just what you normally use (and don’t assume the boat will supply a full kit).

Sailing the coast and spotting islands on the way to La Pelosa

After Fornelli, the catamaran circumnavigates Piana Island. This is one of those parts that sounds basic, but in practice it’s what keeps a short trip from feeling like two static stops. You’re moving, you’re getting sea views from different angles, and you’re not stuck staring at the same horizon line.

As you sail, keep your eyes on the way the coastline frames the water. Northwest Sardinia has a lot of visual contrast—rocky edges, low coastal shapes, and that bright water that makes even the simple sailing sections feel special.

Then comes the big moment: La Pelosa.

La Pelosa swimming stop: the turret view is the whole point

La Pelosa is the second guaranteed stop, and it’s where the tour earns its reputation. The catamaran makes a swimming stop in front of the beach, and you’ll have time to relax in the water while admiring the iconic turret on the horizon.

Two useful expectations to hold:

• You’ll swim from the boat. One review noted they didn’t see La Pelosa from up close. That’s a fair reality check. This is not a landing-and-walking-the-boardwalk-style tour.
• You’re here for the view and the swim, not for a long shore session. With only 3 hours total, the experience is designed to be quick and effective.

If you’re wondering what to aim for during the swim, aim for the horizon line with the turret. It’s the detail that makes this beach famous, and from the water you get the easiest version of that iconic composition.

The aperitif: wine plus pecorino and sausage board

Before heading back to port, you’ll toast to the day with an aperitif. It includes a glass of white wine and water, plus a sausage and pecorino cheese board.

This is a nice touch because it doesn’t feel like the tour is trying to distract you from the water. It’s timed before you’re done sailing, so you get a relaxed finish without turning it into a long meal.

Now the balance: one review called the aperitif a bit improvable, while others described it as a nice, small add-on. So treat it as an included bonus, not a substitute for dinner.

Service on board: skipper-led sailing and a multi-language guide

This tour includes a skipper and a live guide who speaks Italian, English, and French. In plain terms, that means you’re not just watching a route happen—you can get context about what you’re seeing and why the timing works.

The reviews also point to friendly, attentive guidance and good service on a comfortable boat. That matters, because on-water trips can feel rushed if the crew doesn’t manage the stops well. Here, multiple comments praised the experience overall, and at least one specifically highlighted the timing of the 3 hours as ideal for swims included.

Price and value: what $98 is really paying for

At $98 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” The price includes fuel, the skipper, and the aperitif items (wine plus a sausage and pecorino board). It’s also a small-time commitment compared to a full-day coastal plan, which can save money on transport and separate activity bookings.

That said, value depends on what you want:

• If you want two swim stops + iconic views in a short package, this price can feel fair because you’re effectively buying access to prime water locations without self-navigation.
• If you expect snorkel gear, floats, or a close-up beach approach, you may feel less satisfied. One review specifically complained about the lack of extra equipment and that the trip didn’t get near enough to certain points of interest.

My practical suggestion: read the itinerary like a promise of swims and scenery, not a promise of gear or a beach-hopping route with lots of walking.

Timing and weather reality check

The tour is set for 3 hours, which is perfect for a half-day break. But the timing of exact movements and the feel of each stop can be affected by wind and sea conditions, and the skipper has discretion. The good news is that at least two stops are guaranteed: the Natural Pools of Fornelli and the La Pelosa beach area.

So if you’re planning your day, keep this tour as a main event and don’t stack it with something that needs a perfect, fixed return time for reservations. It’s not about panic—it’s about respecting how sea conditions work.

Who this catamaran trip suits best

This tour makes the most sense for you if:

• You’re coming to Stintino and want two iconic water stops without renting a car or building a route
• You like the idea of swimming from a boat and then moving on
• You want a relaxed group outing with a guide and an included aperitif

It’s not a great fit if:

• You’re pregnant (not suitable)
• You have mobility impairments (not suitable)
• You want a long beach day with shore time rather than a short swim-and-sail plan
• You’re bringing pets (pets are not allowed)

One more small planning note: smoking traditional cigarettes is not allowed during the experience. Electronic cigarettes are allowed only in agreement with the crew and as long as they don’t bother others.

What to bring so the swims feel easy

The tour is about water time, so plan like you’ll use it. Even if the boat is comfortable, you’ll be stepping into and out of the swim routine.

In your day bag, I’d prioritize:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes for after
• Sun protection (it’s Sardinia and the water reflects light)
• Anything you personally need to feel comfortable in the water

And because one review pointed out limited swimming extras, don’t rely on the boat to supply snorkeling-style gear.

Should you book this Stintino catamaran with aperitif?

I think this tour is a strong choice if you want a simple, scenic half-day that hits both Fornelli Natural Pools and La Pelosa with a guide and an included aperitif. It’s especially good for first-time visitors who don’t want to spend hours figuring out the best places to swim.

Skip it or be cautious if your idea of value is equipment-heavy water fun, long time on the beach, or super-close sailing right up to shore. The experience is built around quick, well-timed swim opportunities and views from the catamaran, not a long “gear-and-beach” day.

If you match the vibe—short, scenic, swim-focused—you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do we meet the catamaran in Stintino?

The catamaran is docked at the end of the rightmost pier. Free parking is available on Lungomare Levante Street.

What stops are included during the trip?

At least two stops are guaranteed: the Natural Pools of Fornelli and a swimming stop in front of La Pelosa beach. The order or timing can change based on weather and the skipper’s decisions.

What is included in the aperitif?

The aperitif includes a glass of white wine and water, plus a sausage and pecorino cheese board.

What languages are the live guides available in?

The live tour guide is available in Italian, English, and French.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No, pets are not allowed.