Snorkeling in Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei dinghy trip

Dive into turquoise coves without leaving the boat behind

A seven-hour dinghy snorkeling trip from Cala Gonone explores the Gulf of Orosei's protected coves and underwater life with a skipper guide. You'll anchor at Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzè and the Venus Pools, snorkeling from the boat at each stop, with snorkeling equipment available on board and an aperitif served at the end of the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dinghy trip exploring Gulf of Orosei

• Depart from Cala Gonone
• Sail along Gulf of Orosei coast
• Stop at Cove Ziu Santoru for snorkeling
• Visit Cala Luna beach
• Explore Cala Mariolu beach
• Admire Cala Goloritzè
• See the Venus Pools
• Enjoy aperitif on board

The experience

How do you reach the best snorkeling spots on Sardinia's east coast without a car or a long trek? The dinghy leaves Cala Gonone's port at either 8:30 or 9:00 and sails an hour and a half along the Gulf of Orosei, stopping at four named coves. The skipper knows which sites hold the clearest water and the most fish, and he speaks basic English, French and Spanish. Snorkeling equipment is on board if you need it. You ask the skipper when you're ready to go in.

Each stop is built around the water itself. Cala Luna sits in a limestone cove with a half-moon beach and small caves; Cala Mariolu is famous for white pebbles and turquoise shallows; Cala Goloritzè is a National Monument with water so clear the boat appears to float on air. At Cove Ziu Santoru you'll have about 45 minutes in the water. The Venus Pools and other smaller sites fill the gaps between them. The boat stays anchored while you snorkel, so you're never far from the dinghy or the skipper's eye.

You'll need to arrive at the car park in front of Puddu Carburanti at the port an hour before departure to find parking and board. Bring cash for the municipal landing fee, which runs 2 to 8 euros and is paid on site. The itinerary and stop times shift with the skipper's judgment and the sea state, so flexibility matters. At the end of the day, before the boat heads back, an aperitif is served on board.

What’s included

• Skipper guide.
• snorkeling equipment on request.
• fuel surcharge.
• aperitif on board at the end of the day.

Before you book

Lasts 7h, runs every day at 09:00, from € 125 per person, with a live guide in English, French and Italian and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (7 to 12 years) · Child (2 to 6 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish, French 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.

Paid on site€ 8

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Escursì

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to visit four different snorkel sites in one morning by dinghy, each with distinct rock formations and marine life, rather than committing to a single beach.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 12 years); Child (2 to 6 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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 is Cala Goloritzè like when you get there?

Cala Goloritzè is a small cove with water so clear and transparent that boats appear to be floating on air. It's a National Monument and one of the most distinctive spots on the Sardinian coast, reachable mainly by boat or a long trek inland.

How much time do you actually spend snorkeling in the water?

The longest single snorkeling stop is about 45 minutes at Cove Ziu Santoru. The other coves offer time in the water as well, though the exact duration at each stop depends on the skipper's judgment and sea conditions.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is available on board the dinghy. If you want to use it, ask the skipper when you're ready to enter the water. You don't need to arrange it in advance.

What happens if the weather turns rough?

The itinerary and duration of stops may vary at the skipper's discretion or due to sea weather conditions. The skipper will adjust the route and timing to keep the trip safe and still show you the best of the Gulf.