Asinara: Sailing Tour with Seafood Lunch & Island Swim

Summary

Sail asinara’s blue bays eat seafood lunch swim from boat explore island shore

You’ll sail Asinara’s coast with a small group, stopping to swim in quiet coves and sharing stories over seafood lunch on deck. Snorkeling gear is included if you want to chase fish under the surface. There’s time ashore to explore Asinara island itself—and maybe spot one of those famous donkeys—before drifting home salty and sun-warmed.

What’s the experience like?

Salt air hit my face the second we pushed off from the dock—Asinara was already stretching out ahead, all rough hills and that weirdly clear blue water. Our skipper, Paolo, handed me a coffee (he called it “fuel for sailors,” which made me laugh because I’m not exactly sailor material). The boat creaked a little as we got going. I kept watching the coastline slip away, thinking how close Sardinia looked but how quickly it felt like another world out here.

The first stop was this hidden bay—I think Paolo called it Cala Reale?—and everyone just sort of paused before jumping in. The water was cold at first, sharp against my skin, but after a minute I didn’t want to get out. There were these tiny silver fish darting around my ankles. Someone passed me a snorkel mask and I tried to follow them underwater but mostly just ended up swallowing saltwater. Mid-morning, Paolo brought out some kind of local cheese and olives for an aperitif. I tried saying “pecorino” like he did but he grinned and shook his head—apparently my accent is hopeless.

Lunch came later than I expected—a big bowl of pasta with clams and whatever fish they’d caught that morning, plus white wine that tasted like sunlight (or maybe that was just the sea talking). We ate sitting on deck, legs dangling over the side. There was no rush at all; even the gulls seemed lazy overhead. Afterward, we landed on Asinara itself for about an hour—just enough time to wander dusty paths and spot one of those wild albino donkeys everyone talks about. It stared right back at us like we were the odd ones.

I still think about that last swim before heading back—the sun had shifted and everything looked gold instead of blue. My hair felt sticky with salt and wind, and honestly I didn’t care what time it was or where my phone was buried in my bag. If you want a day trip from Sardinia that feels both easy and quietly wild, this Asinara sailing tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day sailing and island visit

• Depart at 9:30 am
• Stop at bays for snorkeling
• Enjoy mid-morning aperitif
• Descend to island for one hour
• Have seafood lunch with drinks onboard
• Return at 5:00 pm

Top questions

What time does the Asinara sailing tour start?

The tour departs at 9:30 am from Sardinia.

How long is the Asinara day trip?

The sailing trip lasts until 5:00 pm, so about 7.5 hours.

Is lunch included on board?

Yes, a seafood lunch with appetizer, first course, drinks, and a mid-morning aperitif is served on board.

Do you stop on Asinara island during the tour?

Yes, there’s about an hour ashore to walk around Asinara island.

Can you swim or snorkel during the sailing trip?

Yes, there are several stops in bays where swimming and snorkeling are possible; equipment is provided.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are restrooms available during the excursion?

Yes, there are restrooms available on board the boat.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure area.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling equipment if you want to explore underwater life; a seafood lunch served on board with drinks; a typical mid-morning aperitif; an hour-long stop ashore on Asinara island; plus restroom access throughout your sailing trip before returning by evening.