Snorkeling in Sardinia: Private boat with dolphin spotting

Swim and snorkel from a private boat while the skipper finds the dolphins

A private boat snorkeling tour in Sardinia carries up to six people with an English-speaking skipper who navigates the Costa Smeralda's best coves and beaches. You swim and snorkel at each stop in clear water, with chances to spot dolphins near Capo Figari and the Island of Figarolo. Wine and cheese are included.

The experience

The boat departs from the Gulf of Cugnana and heads into the Costa Smeralda's protected coves. Your skipper chooses the stops based on conditions and wildlife sightings: Capo Figari is the area where dolphins often gather, and the Island of Figarolo and Cala Moresca are the standout spots for swimming and snorkeling in water clear enough to see the seafloor. At each stop you drop anchor and get in the water. There's no rushing between sites or watching from the deck.

The three-hour tour is built around the water time, not the travel. You bring your own snorkel gear or ask the operator about rentals when you book. The skipper speaks English and handles navigation and safety, so you focus on the moment, whether that's spotting a school of fish, floating over the rocks, or simply drifting in the calm bays Sardinia is known for. Wine and cheese come aboard, so there's time to sit, eat and look at the coastline between swims.

A private boat means no schedule tied to other groups and no crowded entry points. The skipper adapts to what's happening that day: if dolphins appear, you stay. If the wind picks up at one cove, you move to a calmer one. Infants can come along (they ride on an adult's lap), and the boat works for swimmers of any level as long as you're comfortable in the water.

What’s included

• English-speaking local skipper.
• wine and cheese tasting.
• three hours of snorkeling and swimming at multiple stops in the Costa Smeralda.
• private boat for up to six people.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ecosport Sardinia

Is this one for you?The skipper speaks English, so language isn't a barrier to understanding where you're going and what you're seeing. Book this if you want to snorkel at your own pace without a large group, and you're comfortable swimming in open water from a boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The skipper will show you how to use the gear and can stay close while you get used to breathing through the snorkel. The water at each stop is calm and shallow enough to stand in, so you're never far from the boat or the seafloor.

What are the chances of seeing dolphins?

Capo Figari is where groups of dolphins are often spotted, especially in the morning and early summer. There's no guarantee (dolphins are wild animals), but the skipper knows the area and the times they're most likely to appear. Even without dolphins, the snorkeling itself and the coastline make the trip worthwhile.

How long do we actually spend in the water?

The tour runs three hours total. Most of that time is spent at the stops snorkeling and swimming. The boat moves between coves but doesn't spend hours traveling. You'll have multiple chances to get in the water at different spots.

What's included in the wine and cheese tasting?

Wine and cheese are served aboard as part of the tour. The operator will confirm the specific items and quantities when you book, and can note any dietary preferences or restrictions.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

You can bring your own mask, fins and snorkel if you prefer. Ask the operator about rental options when booking if you don't have your own gear.

Is this boat suitable for young children?

Infants and small children can ride along. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The boat is private and the pace is relaxed, so there's no pressure to snorkel if a child prefers to stay aboard. Confirm with the operator about any specific needs for your group.