The 8 best boat trips around Sardinia

Do you love the sea and want to get some fresh air by boat? Then discover the best boat trips around Sardinia!

The riches of the Italian boot are countless and varied. From north to south, the country offers an exceptional diversity of discoveries and unsuspected beauties. Among these wonders, the island of Sardinia seems to be known to all.

The second largest island in the Mediterranean is the perfect example of Italian diversity, with beautiful towns, magnificent beaches and pleasant hiking trails. But Sardinia is also the ideal starting point for sea outings.

Generation Voyage has selected the best boat trips around Sardinia. Follow the guide!

1. Tavolara

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Eller

Departing from Olbia, Tavolara is just a few kilometers from the Sardinian town. Above all, it’s one of the best boat trips around Sardinia. It has to be said that the island of Tavolara boasts many assets and an incredible diversity of activities for such a small territory!

Tavolara is all about exceptional colors. The sea is a rare shade of blue, an impeccable, sublime turquoise color, as if it had been painted. A protected marine reserve, Tavolara is home to four beaches of fine white sand, red granite cliffs and small islands. For some, it’s the prettiest corner of Sardinia and one of the most beautiful in Italy.

This excursion is highly recommended if you want to admire dreamy landscapes and swim in crystal-clear Caribbean waters.

2. La Maddalena archipelago

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In fine weather, the La Maddalena archipelago can be seen from Bonifacio, and is one of the must-see boat trips around Sardinia. The archipelago is made up of several islands. This long trip allows you to admire the archipelago’s sublime landscapes, especially its beaches. From fine white sand to pebbles, all the archipelago’s beaches are marvelous.

The most beautiful is undoubtedly Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli, an uninhabited island. When you see this beach for the first time, you can’t believe your eyes – the colors are so exceptional, from the crystalline blue of the water to the pinkish hue of the sand! On the main island, we discover the village of La Maddalena, with its traditional narrow streets, local stores and restaurants.

Finally, if Spiaggia Rosa isn’t enough for you, you can always go and relax at Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio, a dreamy cove at the eastern tip of the archipelago.

3. Bonifacio and the southern tip of Corsica

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A boat trip around Sardinia to France? Why not? After all, unless you live on the Isle of Beauty, you don’t go to Corsica every day! From Bonifacio, you can see the northern tip of Sardinia every day of the year, and it’s easy to get there.

For a day trip, you have two options. The first is to take a classic ferry from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio. You can then visit the magnificent town of Bonifacio at your leisure, with its narrow streets, its fortress and its very special location, the town being built on a cliff!

The other option is to take a private cruise for a few hours to admire the southern tip of Corsica. Yes, Bonifacio is sublime, but the whole of southern Corsica is well worth a visit! The program includes visits to coves and caves, and snorkeling.

4. Dolphin watching and snorkeling at Golfo Aranci

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Looking for an original boat trip around Sardinia? Then choose an excursion from Olbia! Head for Golfo Aranci, a nearby village. A colony of dolphins has taken up residence here, to the delight of young and old alike.

Unless they’re shy or distant, the dolphins will accompany you for most of the cruise. It’s a unique and magical moment, one that will stay with you forever. This comprehensive excursion also takes you close to the island of Tavolara, where you can go snorkeling, and to the uninhabited islet of Figarolo, from where the panorama is splendid.

5. Asinara National Park

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Asinara, located on the northeastern tip of the island, is a national park as well as a protected nature reserve. It’s also a popular boat trip around Sardinia! To visit Asinara is to discover wild landscapes, remote beaches and virtually untouched by human hands.

You can also visit traditional fishing villages and explore the island’s biodiversity, including rare and endemic plants. Finally, while the island is generally best visited by Jeep, hikers will be in heaven on Asinara. The island boasts some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Sardinia.

6. Sailing trip in the Gulf of Cagliari

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During these three hours of fun, you’ll stay at sea for this boat trip around Sardinia. Depart from Cagliari aboard a sailboat to discover the island’s hidden treasures.

The program includes caves such as Pigeons, the beaches of Cala Fighera and Poetto, where you can swim at the end of the excursion, and the Calamosca lighthouse.

All around you, the panorama is exceptional, and it’s a pleasure to discover it while taking a breath of fresh sea air!

7. Cruise in the Gulf of Orosei

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Among the boat trips around Sardinia, the Gulf of Orosei is one of the lesser-known. Departing from the southern tip of Sardinia, this excursion offers the chance to take a long cruise lasting almost 15 hours. The boat will sail along the coast to the Gulf of Orosei to discover all its treasures.

These include the many caves in the Gulf of Orosei and, above all, the beach at Cala Mariolu. Almost inaccessible from the mainland, this marvel of Sardinia is best discovered by boat. To make the most of it, avoid July and August, when the beach is often very busy.

For the rest of the cruise, you can enjoy the sea air and stop pretty much anywhere you like in the Gulf. There are plenty of places to snorkel, so make the most of it!

8. Bosa Bay

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We end our selection with this boat trip around Sardinia, more precisely in the Bay of Bosa. You’ll have the chance to discover a sea of exceptional color and the wild environment of the bay, between Alghero and Oristano, in western Sardinia.

During this long excursion, you can discover the seabed by snorkeling and the superb marine biodiversity. The views of Sardinia’s cliffs are breathtaking, and you’re clearly in the best place to admire them!