Tavolara & Molara: 5-Island Boat Tour from San Teodoro

Five islands, nine stops, one boat: the Sardinian coast the way locals see it.

You board at La Cinta Beach and visit five islands in one day: Tavolara, Molara, Isola Cana, Ruia, and Coda Cavallo, with nine stops for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. The skipper is a lifeguard who navigates the marine reserve and explains the caves and rock formations. Fuel, landing fees and facilities are included. You bring your own snorkeling gear and lunch, or eat at the beach restaurant on Tavolara.

Step-by-step itinerary

5 Island and Beach Tour from La Cinta

• Depart from La Cinta Beach
• Photo stop at Punta Aldia camp
• Stop at Cala Brandinchi for swimming
• Pass Punta della Guardia and Lu Impostu beach
• Sail past Ruia Island near Salina Bamba
• Visit Lu Furru cave for photos and swim
• Swim and snorkel at Molara Island pools
• Stop at Cala Spagnola
• Explore Tavolara Island caves and rock formations
• Swim and free time at Spalmatore di Tavolara beach
• Sail to Isola Cana for photos and swim
• Visit Cala Girgolu and Cala delle Vacche for snorkeling
• Anchor at Coda Cavallo cove for swimming
• Return to La Cinta Beach

The experience

The boat leaves La Cinta Beach and within minutes you're past the day-trippers. This isn't a crowded beach tour. It's a working route through the Tavolara marine reserve, where the skipper, also a qualified lifeguard, knows which caves reflect light like cathedrals and where the fish gather. You'll stop at Cala Brandinchi first, the beach with the daily visitor limit, and the reason becomes obvious the moment you see the water. Then it's Punta della Guardia, where locals once spotted pirate ships, and Lu Impostu beyond it. The boat moves steadily. You're not rushed, but you're not lingering either.

The five-island tour around Sardinia hits the landmarks most people miss. Ruia Island sits across from Salina Bamba, then you round Capo Coda Cavallo toward Lu Furru, locals call it "The Oven", a cave with a hole in the roof that throws light onto the water in ways that make you forget your phone for a moment. Molara Island's natural pools are the turquoise you see in photos, except you're actually in them, snorkeling where the water stays that color because almost nobody knows to come here. The skipper will tell you about the Cathedral Cave at Tavolara, the Eye of God formation, and the Ghigliottina Cave (you see it from a distance, it's in the protected zone). At Spalmatore beach on Tavolara, there's a restaurant and time to walk to the vanishing beach if you want lunch ashore.

After Tavolara comes Isola Cana with its own clear pools, then Cala Girgolu, where granite rocks sculpted by centuries of wind and water have names: the Turtle, the Coffee Pot, the Dromedary, the Eagle, the Cat. You stop to swim and snorkel at each one. The final anchor is Coda Cavallo, a sheltered cove where the water is so calm it feels deliberate, and then you head back. Bring snorkeling gear if you have it, sunscreen (the sun reflects off the water), a towel, and lunch if you don't want to eat at Tavolara. The skipper organizes boats by age (families with young children on one boat, younger travelers on another), so the rhythm stays comfortable for whoever's aboard. Children under five don't come. Kids five to seventeen need an adult with them.

What’s included

• Your day includes the boat, skipper guidance, landing and facility fees at each island, and fuel surcharge.
• Snorkeling gear is not included.
• Bring your own or arrange a rental.
• Lunch is your choice: pack it, or eat at Tavolara's restaurant or beach kiosk.
• GST is included in the price.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, French 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.

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mediomare

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in or near San Teodoro who want to see multiple islands and caves without arranging their own boat or navigating the marine reserve alone. The full day out, nine stops across five islands, is what makes skipping the main beaches and reaching the quieter coves possible in one trip.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

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.

How long is the tour?

The full day includes travel time. Departure is from La Cinta Beach in San Teodoro.

Can I snorkel?

Yes. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or the skipper can advise on rentals. The Tavolara marine reserve is the main snorkeling area.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own or eat at the restaurant or beach kiosk on Spalmatore beach at Tavolara.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The skipper is a qualified lifeguard. Boats are organized by age group, and you can stay on deck during swimming stops.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, a towel, sandals, snorkeling gear if you have it, and lunch if you prefer not to eat on Tavolara. Bring an ID card or passport.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Boarding and moving between stops involves boat movement.

What if the weather is bad?

Contact the operator directly about weather-related changes or cancellations.