Tavolara & Molara Sailing: Swim Bays, Lunch & Wine from Porto San Paolo

Summary

Sail Porto San Paolo to Tavolara’s clear bays with lunch and local wine

You’ll board a sailing boat from Porto San Paolo to explore Tavolara and Molara’s turquoise bays with stops for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy an aperitif with Vermentino wine, a Sardinian lunch on board (with options), plus coffee or tea — all while your local skipper shares stories and maybe even spots dolphins along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the boat rocked gently as we left Porto San Paolo — not what I expected after a morning coffee that was already making me jittery. Our skipper, Marco, grinned at us like he’d seen this a hundred times. The wind had a saltiness that stuck to my lips. We were barely out of the marina when someone pointed — dolphins? No, just the first glint of Tavolara’s granite cliffs catching the sun. It looked almost unreal, like something out of a storybook but then you get closer and it’s just… there, massive and quiet.

Our first swim stop was at Isola Piana. I hesitated before jumping in (the water always looks warmer than it is), but wow — it was so clear you could see every pebble on the bottom. Marco handed me a mask and snorkel and said something about “not missing the little fish,” which made me laugh because I’m pretty sure they were avoiding me anyway. There was this smell of wild herbs drifting over from shore — rosemary maybe? Or something sharper I couldn’t name. After that, we headed towards Molara’s turquoise pools for an aperitif; Vermentino white wine and some cheese that crumbled in your fingers. The sea here really does look like those filtered Instagram photos, except you’re actually in it.

Lunch happened anchored off Tavolara itself — plates of seafood (and a veggie option for my friend who never eats fish), more wine, bread that tasted faintly sweet. There was a moment when everyone just went quiet, watching sunlight flicker on the water while Marco told us about Tavolara being “the smallest kingdom in the world.” He said it half-joking but I think he meant it too. Later we tried some myrtle liqueur (I probably made a face) before setting off again along Punta Coda Cavallo’s protected coast.

On the way back, we sailed slow looking for dolphins — didn’t spot any this time but honestly? Didn’t matter much by then. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen and I kept thinking how different everything feels when you’re out on the water all day, just drifting between islands with strangers who start feeling less strange by lunchtime.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and swimming in Tavolara area

• Board sailing boat at Porto San Paolo
• Swim at Isola Piana and nearby island
• Swim at Molara swimming pools
• Aperitif and lunch at Tavolara beach
• Sail and search for dolphins

Top questions

How long does the sailing trip from Porto San Paolo to Tavolara & Molara last?

The tour lasts about 7.5 hours.

Is lunch included during the sailing cruise?

Yes, lunch is served on board with both seafood and vegetarian options available.

Are drinks provided on this sailing tour?

Yes, Vermentino white wine, beer, myrtle liqueur, bottled water, coffee and tea are included.

Can I snorkel during this trip?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included at several swim stops.

Where does the tour depart from?

The sailing trip departs from Marina di Porto San Paolo between Olbia and San Teodoro.

Are infants or small children allowed on board?

Yes, infants can sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a stroller/pram.

What happens if there are food intolerances?

No-fish or vegetarian options are possible; other intolerances can’t be managed so bringing your own packed lunch is advised.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed during the afternoon sail.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Porto San Paolo with several swim stops around Tavolara and Molara, use of snorkeling gear, an aperitif with Vermentino wine and Sardinian snacks, a full lunch served on board (with vegetarian options), local beer and myrtle liqueur to try, plus coffee or tea before heading back in the afternoon.