Tavolara & Molara: Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Snack

Swim Molara’s natural pools and Tavolara cliffs by boat

You’ll skim across turquoise waters from Olbia to Tavolara on a small-group boat tour with a local skipper, stopping at Molara’s natural pools for swimming and snorkeling (gear included). Enjoy salty pastries and cold drinks on board as you explore Capo Ceraso’s wild coves—and maybe laugh at your own attempts at Italian along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat ride from Olbia through Tavolara Marine Protected Area with stops for swimming and snorkeling (all gear provided), a small salty snack or sweet treat plus cold drinks like iced tea or beer served onboard—you can also bring your own food or drinks if you want more variety before heading back ashore.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour in Tavolara Marine Area

• Board 7.5m rubber dinghy
• Tour Natural Pools of Molara
• Admire limestone cliff of Tavolara
• Stop at Capo Ceraso coves
• Swim and snorkel with free gear
• Enjoy savoury snack and cold drink
• Stop to admire Molara seabed

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the color of the water—almost fake, like someone turned up the brightness. We’d barely left the dock near Olbia when our skipper, Matteo, grinned and pointed ahead at Tavolara’s limestone cliffs. “That’s where we’re headed,” he said. The dinghy bounced a little over the waves (not as much as I expected), and I could smell sunscreen mixing with sea spray. There was this salty tang that stuck to my lips. Someone tried to pronounce “Molara” right—Li laughed when I butchered it. Sardinia makes you feel like you’re always getting something slightly wrong but in a good way.

We stopped at these natural pools off Molara—honestly, I didn’t even want to get back in the boat. The water was so clear you could see every ripple of sand below, and Matteo handed out masks and fins without fuss. I floated for ages, half-watching tiny fish dart around my feet, half-listening to someone nearby talk about how old these islands are (Matteo knows all the stories). There’s this quiet out there—except for gulls and the slap of water on rubber—and it gets under your skin.

Later we drifted toward Capo Ceraso’s coves. The rocks looked almost pink in the sun, which was starting to get high but not hot yet. Matteo passed around cold iced tea and some kind of salty pastry—I never caught the name but it was flaky and gone in two bites. People shared snacks they’d brought too; nobody seemed to mind. There were kids giggling over snorkels that didn’t fit right, grownups trying not to look awkward in borrowed fins. It felt easy somehow.

I still think about that last view back toward Tavolara—the cliffs white against blue sky, everyone a little sunburned and tired but not wanting it to end just yet. Sardinia does that to you.

Top questions

How long is the Tavolara boat tour?

The duration isn’t specified but typically these tours last several hours with multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment including fins is available free of charge on board.

Are snacks or drinks included during the trip?

A small savory snack or typical sweet plus cold drinks like iced tea, juice, coke, or beer are served on board.

Can children join the Tavolara & Molara boat tour?

Children under 2 years old are not allowed; older kids can join if accompanied by adults.

Where does the tour depart from?

The departure point is near Olbia; free parking is available nearby and public transport options are close too.

Are there bathrooms available before boarding?

Yes, bathrooms with showers are located a few meters from where you board.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No full lunch is included but guests receive snacks and can bring their own food or drinks aboard.

Are service animals allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board during the excursion.