Sardinia: Kayak Tour Cala Moresca, Figarolo & Dolphins Aperitif

Summary

Kayak through clear waters, swim off wild beaches and watch dolphins play near Figarolo island in Sardinia

You’ll paddle clear waters from Baracconi beach with a local guide, stop for swims and snorkeling at Cala Moresca, share a Sardinian aperitif on Figarolo island, and—if luck’s on your side—spot dolphins near the fish farm. Expect laughter, salt on your lips, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for this kayak tour around Cala Moresca mostly because I wanted to see dolphins (who wouldn’t?). But the first surprise hit me before we even got on the water. Our guide, Marco, handed out life jackets and waterproof bags with this easygoing smile that made me feel like I’d known him longer than five minutes. He ran through the basics — how to hold the paddle so you don’t splash yourself every stroke (I still did) — and then we pushed off from Baracconi beach. The water was so clear it looked fake, all glassy turquoise over pale sand. There was this salty-bright smell in the air that stuck to my skin.

Paddling along the coast felt almost meditative after a while. Every now and then Marco would point out something — once it was a wild boar rooting around in the brush by the shore (didn’t expect that), another time he showed us a cove where kids were jumping off rocks. The sun kept shifting on the water; sometimes it was blinding, sometimes just soft blue-green light. We stopped at Cala Moresca for a swim and some snorkeling. I’m not much of a snorkeler but even floating on my back I could see flashes of orange starfish and these little silver fish darting around my toes.

The best part? Hard to pick between drifting towards Figarolo island with everyone quietly scanning for fins (the anticipation was real), or sitting on warm rocks sharing pane carasau and pecorino during our Sardinian aperitif. When someone spotted dolphins near the fish farm, there was this ripple of excitement — not everyone shouted but you could feel it, like we were all holding our breath together until they surfaced again. I tried to take photos but honestly, I just ended up watching them instead. On the way back, arms tired but happy, Marco told us stories about growing up here — his accent got thicker when he talked about his favorite beaches.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour with swim and aperitif

• Attend kayak lesson
• Depart from Baracconi beach
• Explore Cala Moresca coves
• Swim and snorkel in Cala Moresca
• Kayak to Figarolo island
• Enjoy Sardinian aperitif on island
• Watch dolphins near fish farm
• Return to starting point

Top questions

Do you need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; there’s a lesson before departure and guides help beginners throughout.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this kayak tour?

Dolphin sightings are likely near Figarolo island but can’t be guaranteed as they are wild animals.

Where does the kayak tour start?

The tour begins at Baracconi beach in Sardinia.

Is equipment provided for kayaking?

Yes, all kayak equipment including waterproof bags and life jackets is included.

Is lunch included in the tour?

A typical Sardinian aperitif is included during the stop at Figarolo island.

Can children join this kayak trip?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; check with operator for suitability based on age and fitness.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

The description mentions swimming and surface snorkeling at Cala Moresca; check directly if masks/snorkels are provided or bring your own.

What’s included

Your day covers all kayak equipment—life jackets, waterproof bags—and includes a relaxed Sardinian aperitif with local snacks on Figarolo island. Guides lead you from Baracconi beach through clear coves to dolphin-watching spots before returning together in the afternoon.