Olbia Catamaran Tour: Dolphins & Tavolara Island

Sail past dolphins and swim in turquoise coves off Sardinia's northeast coast

A full-day catamaran tour departing from Marina di Olbia explores the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area with stops for swimming, snorkeling and lunch. The boat sails near Figarolo and Cala Moresca where dolphins often feed, then continues to Tavolara Island and the Molara Swimming Pools. A live guide in English, Spanish or Italian narrates the route. The skipper adjusts stops based on weather and sea conditions to keep the day safe and comfortable.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran tour and dolphin watching

• Board catamaran at Marina di Olbia
• Sail near Siola di Figarolo and Cala Moresca
• Swim in Cala Moresca waters
• Aperitif swim and lunch at Tavolara beach
• Swim at Molara swimming pools
• Explore Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo marine area
• Afternoon sail searching for dolphins

The experience

The catamaran leaves Marina di Olbia, just minutes from the international airport, and heads toward Figarolo and Cala Moresca: the stretch of water where dolphins hunt and surface most often. You'll swim in Cala Moresca's clear water, then the boat continues to Tavolara Island, the centerpiece of a 76-kilometer marine protected area. The skipper decides the day's exact route based on conditions: stops might include the Molara Swimming Pools with their transparent turquoise water, Porto Istana, Cala Girgolu or Capo Ceraso, all chosen to keep you safe and in the best water for the day.

Lunch is served aboard, typically at Tavolara beach, and includes a choice of fish or vegetarian options if you've flagged dietary needs in advance. An aperitif with Vermentino wine and local Sardinian products comes early in the day. Coffee and tea are available throughout. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat has a restroom on board. The afternoon brings another sail in search of dolphins, which frequently visit this area. The whole day runs seven to eight hours from departure to return.

Children sit on an adult's lap or in a stroller if needed, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Most of the day is spent on the boat or swimming in calm water. The boat is brand new, built in 2026, and the guide speaks your language: English, Spanish or Italian depending on the departure you book.

What’s included

• Lunch with fish or vegetarian options.
• aperitif with Vermentino wine and local Sardinian products.
• bottled water, coffee and tea throughout the day.
• snorkeling equipment.
• on-board restroom.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sardinia Sailing Tour

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian, so you follow the commentary in your own language without translation delays or confusion about what you're sailing past.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

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

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.

Where do we sail from and how far is it from Olbia airport?

Marina di Olbia (MOYS) is the departure point, just a few minutes from Olbia's international airport, so you can head straight to the boat after landing.

Will we actually see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins often feed in the waters near Figarolo and Cala Moresca, and they frequently visit the Tavolara area in the afternoon, but sightings are not guaranteed. The skipper sails where they are most likely to appear based on the day's conditions.

What swimming stops are included?

The boat stops at Cala Moresca for a swim, then typically at the Molara Swimming Pools, and may also visit Porto Istana, Cala Girgolu or Capo Ceraso depending on weather and sea conditions: the skipper chooses the safest and clearest water for the day.

Is lunch included, and can you handle dietary restrictions?

Lunch is served aboard and includes fish or vegetarian options. If you have food intolerances or special requests, confirm them when you book so the kitchen can prepare a packed lunch instead, since the boat cannot manage complex dietary needs on board.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs seven to eight hours from departure at Marina di Olbia until return, with multiple swimming and snorkeling stops throughout the day.