Tavolara & Molara: Snorkeling Tour with Shipwreck & Snacks

Summary

Snorkeling Tavolara’s wild corners with shipwrecks and fish

You’ll float above an old shipwreck near Porto San Paolo, snorkel in Molara’s crystal pools surrounded by curious fish, and share simple snacks with your group under Tavolara’s towering cliffs. With gear provided and a local guide adjusting stops for weather, you’ll experience Sardinia’s wild side up close — salty skin, laughter, and all.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about squeezing into the wetsuit — never my best look — but somehow it felt right as we left Porto San Paolo behind. Our guide, Marco, joked about “Sardinian fashion” while handing out fins. The boat ride to the marine protected area of Tavolara was choppy but in that fun way where you taste salt on your lips and everyone laughs at the spray. The island just sort of rises up out of nowhere, all stone and green scrub. I didn’t expect it to feel so remote.

First stop was the Crisso shipwreck. Marco tossed a handful of bread into the water and suddenly there were fish everywhere — silver flashes darting around our ankles. I hesitated before sliding off the boat (cold shock!) but then you’re floating over this old wreck, watching sunlight flicker through broken metal. It smells faintly like seaweed and something metallic if you get close enough. There’s a weird peace to it. Someone tried to ask Marco how long it’s been down there but he just grinned and said “longer than me.”

We drifted over to Molara for the natural pools next. The color is unreal — not blue exactly, more like liquid glass with streaks of turquoise. You can hear nothing but your own breathing through the snorkel and sometimes a distant gull. At one point I lost sight of everyone else for a minute and just floated there staring at tiny fish nibbling at rocks below. Snacks tasted better than usual after that swim; maybe saltwater makes everything good? We sipped iced tea and watched clouds slide past Tavolara’s cliffs.

I keep thinking about that wall of rock on Tavolara itself — how small we looked bobbing in the water underneath it, how quiet it got when nobody spoke for a bit. It’s not fancy or dramatic really, just real Sardinia: rough edges, sunburnt noses, friendly guides who know when to let you drift or when to call you back in for snacks. Not sure I’ll ever forget that feeling of floating above a shipwreck with strangers who suddenly felt like friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day snorkeling excursion in Tavolara

• Visit Crisso shipwreck in Porto San Paolo
• Swim at natural pools of Molara Island
• Contemplate sea wall of Tavolara Island
• Stop at Punta Spalmatore for swimming
• Snorkel with expert guides
• Use mask, fins, and buoyancy vest

Top questions

How long does the Tavolara snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts around 4 hours from departure to return.

Is snorkeling equipment included on the Tavolara tour?

Yes, mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and buoyancy jacket are provided for everyone.

Are snacks or drinks included during the excursion?

Yes, mineral water, iced tea, and snacks are served on board during breaks.

Can beginners join this snorkeling trip?

The excursion is suitable for all fitness levels except young children or those with certain health conditions.

What are the main stops on this snorkeling day trip?

The main stops are the Crisso shipwreck near Porto San Paolo, Molara natural pools, Tavolara island cliffs, and Punta Spalmatore beach area.

Is pickup included in this Tavolara snorkeling tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point in Porto San Paolo.

Are children allowed on this snorkeling excursion?

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old or people over 130 kg (286 lbs).

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, buoyancy aid), guidance from an expert local guide throughout each stop in Tavolara’s marine protected area, plus mineral water, iced tea and snacks served on board between swims before returning to port after about four hours.