Tavolara & Molara Sailing Tour from San Teodoro with Lunch

Summary

Sail Tavolara’s wild coast, swim clear coves, taste Sardinian wine

You’ll board a comfortable sailboat near San Teodoro for a full day exploring Tavolara & Molara’s protected marine area. Swim in emerald coves, spot dolphins by Capo Figari, enjoy a Sardinian lunch with local wine on deck, and hear stories from your guide as you glide between islands. It’s relaxed, sun-soaked, sometimes quietly beautiful — perfect if you want to feel part of this wild bit of Sardinia for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and swimming near Tavolara and Molara

• Board sailboat near ferry dock
• Stop near fish farm to spot dolphins
• Swim at Moresca cove beach
• Sail to Tavolara island
• Swim and visit Tavolara beaches
• Enjoy aperitif with Sardinian products
• Sail to Molara island
• Swim and lunch at Piscine di Tavolara
• Sail back at sunset

Top questions

How long does the sailing tour from San Teodoro to Tavolara & Molara last?

The tour lasts most of the day with several stops for swimming and lunch before returning by sunset.

Is lunch included on the Tavolara & Molara sailing trip?

Yes, lunch is included along with an aperitif featuring typical Sardinian products and local wine.

Can you spot dolphins during this sailing tour?

Yes, there is a stop near a fish farm before Capo Figari where dolphins are often seen.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes, drinks such as Vermentino white wine, beer, myrtle liqueur (mirto), soda/pop, bottled water, coffee or tea are included.

Is snorkeling equipment available during the tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your sailing tour package.

Where does boarding take place for this sailing trip?

You board near the ferry dock at San Teodoro port; Olbia port is nearby as well.

Is this sailing tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers and all fitness levels are welcome.

Does the boat have restrooms on board?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on board during your day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at San Teodoro near Olbia with all drinks—Sardinian Vermentino wine, beer, mirto liqueur—as well as bottled water and soft drinks. You’ll get brunch plus a full lunch served right on deck with local specialties. Snorkeling gear is ready for swims in clear coves; there’s WiFi if you need it (though honestly you might forget your phone), plus coffee or tea whenever you want it. Restroom facilities are available throughout the trip before returning at sunset.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the Beneteau at San Teodoro just as the morning breeze started to pick up — you could smell the salt before you even saw the water. Our skipper, Paolo, greeted us with a grin and a quick “state pronti?” which I think means “are you ready?” (My Italian is basically hand gestures.) We set off toward Tavolara, passing Olbia’s port where ferries were already rumbling. The boat felt steady and quiet, except for the soft slap of waves and someone’s phone playing old Italian pop songs. I didn’t expect to see dolphins so soon — but near the fish farm by Capo Figari, Paolo pointed them out. They surfaced in pairs, chasing each other under that pale blue sky. I probably took too many photos.

First swim was at Moresca cove — water so clear it almost looked fake. There was this sharp scent of juniper from somewhere on shore, mixing with sunscreen and coffee (Paolo made espresso on deck; I still don’t know how he managed that without spilling). When we reached Tavolara itself, it really did look like some giant granite tooth rising straight out of the sea. We had just over an hour to swim and wander around — there’s this story about the “King of Tavolara” that Paolo told us while slicing pecorino for our aperitif. I’ll admit I only caught half of it because I was distracted by the Vermentino wine and those little pane carasau crisps they serve everywhere in Sardinia.

After that we drifted toward Molara and anchored near these shallow turquoise pools — locals call them “le piscine.” Lunch happened right there on the boat: cold cuts, olives, more cheese (of course), and another round of wine. Someone passed around mirto liqueur after, which tastes like wild berries and herbs but also kind of burns (in a good way). There was a moment when everyone just went quiet watching sunlight flicker on the water — one of those pauses you don’t plan for but remember later. The sail back was slower; wind had picked up and Paolo let us take turns at the wheel. I definitely didn’t steer straight but nobody seemed to mind.