Tavolara & Molara: Boat Tour, Snorkeling & Sardinian Aperitif

Summary

Swim coves of Tavolara snorkel Molara pools taste Sardinian flavors

You’ll board in Olbia and cruise past Capo Ceraso’s granite cliffs before snorkeling clear blue pools at Molara and Tavolara. A local guide shares stories as you swim with fish and relax on fine white beaches. Enjoy an aperitif of Sardinian cheese and sausage with drinks before heading back — it’s the kind of day you’ll remember every time you smell sea air.

What’s the experience like?

The second we stepped onto the boat in Olbia’s marina, I could smell sunscreen and salt — that mix always reminds me of summer as a kid. Our guide, Marco, had this easy way about him, like he’d been doing this forever but still loved pointing out the odd shapes in the granite cliffs along Capo Ceraso. He called one rock “the elephant,” though honestly it looked more like a sleeping dog to me. The sea was that weird shade of blue you only get in Sardinia — almost fake-looking, but real enough when you lean over and let your fingers trail through it.

First stop was near Tavolara, where the island just rises up out of nowhere. We jumped straight into the water — colder than I thought — and I got a mouthful of salty splash because I forgot how to use the snorkel for a second (Marco laughed and handed me a tip about biting down on the mouthpiece). Fish everywhere, silver flashes darting around my legs. Someone said they saw an octopus but I missed it; still kicking myself about that. The light shifted as clouds drifted over Molara, making the pools look almost green for a moment.

After swimming we drifted toward these tiny beaches with sand so fine it stuck to everything — even now I find grains in my bag. There was this cave Marco called “the ear of Ulysses” (I probably misheard that), echoey inside and cool against my sunburned back. Later he laid out an aperitif: pecorino cheese, some kind of sausage, bread that crunched like autumn leaves. We ate with our feet dangling off the side while gulls yelled overhead — not sure if it was the food or just being there after swimming all morning, but it tasted better than anything back home.

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet floating there after lunch, just watching Tavolara’s cliffs glow pinkish in late sun while everyone talked softly or dozed. It felt like we’d been let in on something special for a few hours — then suddenly we were heading back to Olbia again, hair tangled from salt and skin tight from sun. I still think about that view over my shoulder as we left; maybe next time I’ll spot that octopus.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and snorkeling around Tavolara

• Depart from Marina of Olbia
• Pass Capo Cesareo and coves
• Visit Tavolara and nearby islands
• Swim at Pools of Molara
• Explore cave of the ear of Ulysses
• Snorkel in crystal clear waters
• Stop snorkeling with Sardinian aperitif

Top questions

How long is the Tavolara boat tour?

The tour lasts several hours with three main stops for swimming or snorkeling before returning to Olbia marina.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

An aperitif with typical Sardinian products plus water, tea or juice is included during one stop.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat leaves from Marina di Olbia.

Are there any age restrictions?

Children under three years old are not allowed on this tour.

Can I bring large bags on board?

No, only small bags are allowed due to space limits on the boat.

Is free parking available at departure point?

Yes, free parking is available at Marina di Olbia for guests joining the tour.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available near Marina di Olbia.

What’s included

Your day includes free parking at Olbia marina, all fees and taxes covered up front, use of snorkeling equipment for every stop along Tavolara and Molara, plus an expert naturalist guide who shares local stories throughout. There’s also an aperitif with typical Sardinian products—cheese, sausage, bread—and drinks like water or juice before heading back in the afternoon.