Tavolara & Molara Boat Tour: Snorkeling & Sardinian Aperitif

Four Snorkeling Stops in Sardinia's Clearest Waters

You board at Olbia Marina and visit four snorkeling spots across the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, including Molara's natural pools and the Ear of Ulysses cave. A naturalist guide leads the group, equipment is provided, and a mid-day aperitif with Sardinian products is included. The boat returns to Olbia by early afternoon, with the exact stops adjusted for weather and sea conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour and snorkeling around Tavolara

• Depart from Marina of Olbia
• Pass Capo Cesareo granite promontory
• Admire beaches and red granite cliffs
• Stop at Pools of Molara and Ulysses cave
• Snorkel in crystal clear waters
• Stop snorkeling with Sardinian aperitif

The experience

You're standing at Olbia Marina wondering if the water is really that blue, or if every travel site just says that. It is. The boat leaves from here and heads straight toward Capo Ceraso, where the granite cliffs drop into water so clear you'll see the bottom at depth. The guide (a naturalist who actually knows what lives down there) points out the route as you move toward Tavolara and Molara. You get four stops to swim or snorkel, not two or three. That matters when you're trying to find the spot that feels right.

The first real stop is usually Molara's natural pools, where the water sits so still it looks like it's been filtered. You can snorkel without much current, which is why families and nervous swimmers tend to relax here. The cave called Ear of Ulysses is nearby if you want to paddle over and look inside. After that, the boat moves to Doctor's Beach and Isola Piana: each one a different shade of blue depending on the sand and depth underneath. The Marine Protected Area keeps the fish count high and the crowds low, so you're actually seeing something when you put your head down. Three hours in the water across four stops means you're not rushing between them.

Around midday, the boat anchors for an aperitif with local Sardinian products: cheese, cured meat, bread, wine if you want it, or water and juice if you don't. It's not a full meal, but it's real food, not a plastic cup of something. The guide stays on board and answers questions about what you just saw underwater. Weather can shift the exact stops around, so the itinerary isn't fixed, but the four-stop structure and the snorkeling time are what you're paying for. Free parking at the marina, snorkeling gear included, and you don't need to bring anything except a towel and sunscreen.

What’s included

Your day includes free parking at Olbia Marina, hotel pickup is not offered (you arrange your own transport to the marina), expert naturalist guide on board, all snorkeling equipment, four snorkeling stops in the Marine Protected Area, access to Molara's natural pools and the Ear of Ulysses cave, a mid-tour aperitif with Sardinian cheese, cured meat, bread and drinks, and return to Olbia Marina by early afternoon.

Before you book

Lasts 4h, from € 70 per person, with a live guide in English and Italian, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by BlueSea Charter and Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want multiple snorkeling spots without arranging your own boat or gear: the four stops and the naturalist guide mean you're seeing the best of the Marine Protected Area in one morning, and the fixed schedule gets you back by lunch.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years). Children under 3 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.

How long is the boat tour?

The full excursion runs approximately 4–5 hours from departure to return, with around 3 hours spent at the four snorkeling stops.

What's included in the aperitif?

Typical Sardinian products (cheese, cured meat, bread), drinks (water, tea, juice, and wine if you choose), served during a mid-tour break.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and equipment is provided. The stops include shallow natural pools where you can swim without snorkeling if you prefer.

What if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may change due to marine weather conditions, but the four-stop structure and snorkeling time remain the same. The tour operates in mild to moderate conditions.

Is there parking at Olbia Marina?

Yes, free parking is available. There are also public transportation options nearby if you prefer not to drive.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a small bag only (large bags are not allowed on board). All snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is there a weight or health restriction?

The tour is not recommended for travelers weighing more than 120 kg, or those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Check with the operator if you have health concerns.