Snorkeling in Alghero: Dolphin research with marine biologists

Search for dolphins alongside researchers and learn their names and stories

Snorkel in Alghero's Marine Protected Area for three hours with MareTerra NGO marine biologists, spotting bottlenose dolphins and observing real scientific research on the water. The boat carries certified guides who brief you on dolphin biology and behavior before departure, use photo-identification to name individual dolphins, and play recordings of dolphin sounds collected by the research team. Entry to the protected area, interpretive guides, and species identification booklets are included. The excursion operates in spring and autumn when sea conditions permit.

The experience

You board a boat powered by the latest low-emission engines: part of MareTerra's commitment to minimizing underwater noise and disturbance to marine life. For three hours, the boat navigates the Gulf of Alghero in search of bottlenose dolphins, with an 80% spotting rate thanks to the presence of MareTerra researchers who know the population and their movements. Before the search begins, a briefing covers dolphin biology, behavior and conservation status, so you understand what you're watching for and why it matters.

When dolphins appear, the crew approaches them according to a strict code of conduct certified by the High Quality Whale Watching program: designed to protect the animals' well-being. The researchers use photo-identification to recognize individual dolphins by their dorsal fins and can tell you their names (Suzeo, Taz and Shark Junior are among the famous residents), their age and health status. You'll hear recordings of dolphin sounds that the MareTerra team has collected for bioacoustic study, turning the moment into a window onto how these animals communicate. Between sightings, the boat moves along one of Sardinia's most dramatic coastlines, all within the boundaries of the Capo Caccia–Isola Piana Marine Protected Area.

A guide stays with you during any snorkeling time to show you the underwater life and explain what you encounter. You're never alone on the water. The crew keeps you informed about what the researchers are observing and why. Species identification booklets and other educational materials go home with you, and by booking, you support MareTerra's ongoing conservation and research projects.

What’s included

• Marine biologists and certified interpretive guides on board.
• entry to the Marine Protected Area of Capo Caccia–Isola Piana.
• species identification booklets and educational materials.
• snorkeling with an underwater guide.
• recordings of dolphin sounds collected by the research team.
• support for MareTerra NGO's conservation and research work.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for back problems

Operated by Progetto Natura

Is this one for you?The three-hour window fits a morning or afternoon in Alghero without consuming your whole day, though you'll need calm seas and a minimum group size for the excursion to depart. If you're a first-time snorkeler or prefer watching rather than swimming, ask about the option to stay on board and observe the researchers' work. The marine biologists are there either way.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the chance of actually seeing dolphins on this snorkeling trip?

The excursion has an 80% dolphin spotting rate, thanks to the MareTerra researchers on board who study the bottlenose dolphin population in the Gulf of Alghero and know where to find them. When dolphins are spotted, the crew approaches them using a certified code of conduct to protect their well-being.

What happens if the weather or sea conditions aren't suitable?

Suitable sea conditions and a minimum number of participants are required for the excursion to run. If cancellation occurs, you can choose another date if available or receive a full refund. The guides may also end the excursion early if weather or sea conditions make it unsafe or prevent the planned program, in which case the ticket cost may be reduced.

What marine life will I see besides dolphins?

The snorkeling guide takes you to discover underwater life in the Marine Protected Area, and you'll receive species identification booklets to help you recognize what you encounter. The crew shares observations about what the researchers have seen during the navigation.

How long is the entire excursion, and what should I bring?

The activity runs for three hours. Bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and water. There is no toilet on board, so plan accordingly. The boat has no facilities for changing, so wear your snorkeling gear under your clothes if you prefer.

What's included in the price?

Entry to the Marine Protected Area of Capo Caccia–Isola Piana, marine biologists on board, certified interpretive nature guides, and species identification booklets and other informative materials are all included. By booking, you also support MareTerra NGO's scientific research and conservation projects.