Sardinia: Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling Figarolo Island Tour

Summary

Dolphin watching in golfo aranci with snorkeling stops figarolo

You’ll watch wild dolphins near Figarolo Island in Sardinia with a small group and local guide, then swim and snorkel in clear blue coves like Cala Greca. Snacks and drinks are served on board after your swim — expect laughter, salty air, and moments you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you see that?” someone whispered, pointing just past the bow — and there it was, a flash of silver breaking the blue, then another. Dolphins, real ones, not some aquarium show. Our guide Marco grinned like he’d seen this a hundred times but still loved it. The boat rocked gently as we drifted near Figarolo Island, everyone holding their breath for a second round. I could smell salt and sunscreen (and maybe my own nervousness) while Marco started explaining how these dolphins hang around Golfo Aranci because the fish are plentiful here — he even showed us how to spot them by the way the water rippled ahead of their fins.

We’d left from Golfo Aranci earlier that morning, sun already high but not too hot yet. The ride out to Capo Figari was bumpy in a good way — you know that feeling when you’re half-laughing because your hat keeps flying off? Anyway, after we watched the dolphins play (they really do look like they’re having fun), Marco handed out masks and snorkels. I hesitated; the water looked cold but turned out to be perfect once you slid in. Cala Greca was our first stop for swimming — fish everywhere, darting through rocks below. Someone found a sea urchin shell and passed it around; I dropped mine almost immediately (sorry).

Snack time felt like a reward after all that swimming — iced tea so cold it made my teeth ache and some kind of local cracker that crumbled everywhere. Nobody seemed to care about crumbs or wet hair or anything else by then. Marco told us about how they keep dolphin watching respectful here, no chasing or loud engines, which honestly made me feel better about being there at all. On the way back toward Cala Moresca, I tried saying “Figarolo” right; Marco laughed and said I sounded French. Still think about those dolphins sometimes when I hear water slapping against a dock.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin watching and snorkeling tour

• Embark on boat to Figarolo Island
• Sail towards Capo Figari area
• Watch dolphins playing in water
• Learn about dolphin behavior and ecology
• Sail to Cala Greca and Cala Moresca
• Swim and snorkel at scenic spots
• Stop at Figarolo Island for snorkeling
• Receive eco-sustainable sighting education

Top questions

Where does the dolphin watching tour start?

The tour starts from Golfo Aranci in Sardinia.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during the tour.

Can children join this dolphin watching tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

Yes, mineral water, iced tea, and snacks are provided on board.

How likely is it to see dolphins near Figarolo Island?

There is a high probability of spotting dolphins in the area surrounding Capo Figari and Figarolo Island.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it’s not suitable for people with motor disabilities or those over 286 lbs (130 kg).

Will there be a guide during the trip?

Yes, a local guide accompanies the group throughout the dolphin watching and snorkeling tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Golfo Aranci by boat with a local guide leading dolphin watching near Figarolo Island and Capo Figari. Snorkeling equipment is provided for swims at scenic spots like Cala Greca and Cala Moresca. Mineral water, iced tea, and light snacks are served on board before heading back ashore together.