Tavolara & Molara Sailing Tour from San Teodoro with Lunch

Summary

Sardinia’s Tavolara sailing day—swim, eat, watch dolphins

You’ll set sail from San Teodoro with a small group and local skipper, swimming in Tavolara’s turquoise bays and tasting Sardinian food right on deck. Snorkel in Molara’s crystal pools, sip local wine under the sun, and maybe spot dolphins gliding by as you drift home—there’s something quietly special about this day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and swimming around Tavolara

• Depart from San Teodoro port
• Swim at Cala Brandinchi beach
• Stop at Molara swimming pools
• Aperitif and lunch near Tavolara beach
• Sail in Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo marine area
• Dolphin watching while sailing
• Return to San Teodoro port

Top questions

What time does the Tavolara & Molara sailing tour start?

The tour departs from San Teodoro port at 9:45 am.

Is lunch included during the sailing trip?

Yes, lunch with typical Sardinian dishes and drinks is prepared and served on board.

Can children join this sailing tour?

Yes, the tour is suitable for children, families, and groups with up to 10 participants.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks provided?

Snorkeling gear is included along with bottled water, Vermentino wine, beer, coffee/tea, and myrtle liqueur.

Do we have a chance to see dolphins during this day trip?

Dolphin watching is part of the itinerary; sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

How long does the sailing excursion last?

The trip lasts approximately 7-8 hours, returning around 17:30.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at San Teodoro port.

Are vegetarian or special meal requests possible?

No-fish or vegetarian options are possible; other dietary needs may not be accommodated onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes a 7-8 hour sailing cruise from San Teodoro with stops for swimming and snorkeling in Tavolara and Molara’s protected bays. On board you'll enjoy an aperitif with Vermentino wine and Sardinian snacks plus a freshly prepared lunch featuring regional products; drinks like beer, coffee or tea are available throughout. Snorkeling equipment is provided so you can explore those clear waters before returning in late afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll just say it: I missed the first turn to the port in San Teodoro. My friend was laughing at my “excellent navigation skills” (her words). But we still made it before 9:45, just in time to meet Marco—our captain for the day. He had that sun-creased face you only get from years at sea. The boat wasn’t fancy-fancy, but honestly, once you step on deck and smell that mix of salty air and espresso (he offered us some right away), you kind of stop caring about anything else.

We sailed out toward Tavolara, passing these little coves where the water looked almost fake—like someone turned up the color filter too high. The wind picked up a bit and I nearly lost my hat (Marco caught it with one hand, didn’t even blink). Our first swim was at Cala Brandinchi—locals call it ‘Sardinian Tahiti’, which sounded like a stretch until I actually saw the sand. It’s so white it almost hurts your eyes. The water was cool but not cold, and there were tiny fish darting around my ankles while I tried to adjust my snorkel mask (not gracefully). Lunch was simple—fresh bread, cheese that tasted sort of grassy, Vermentino wine—and everyone sat wherever they liked on deck. There was this moment where nobody spoke for a minute, just chewing and watching the island float by.

Later we anchored near Molara’s famous swimming pools. The sea here is so clear you can see every ripple on the sand below. A couple of kids from another group started a splash fight; their laughter echoed off the rocks. Marco poured us a tiny glass of myrtle liqueur after lunch (“for digestion,” he grinned), and told us stories about Tavolara being its own little kingdom—apparently there’s still a king? Sardinia is full of these odd facts nobody tells you until you’re actually here.

The last part was quieter—a slow sail along Punta Coda Cavallo while everyone scanned for dolphins. We did spot two fins gliding alongside for a few minutes; not close enough for photos but close enough to make everyone go quiet again. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end—I mean, I’m usually checking my phone or worrying about missing something—but out there you really do forget about all that stuff for a while.