Catamaran tour Asinara island national park Buriana Charter

Asinara is best seen from the water, and this eight-hour catamaran trip gives you plenty of time to enjoy it. The small Aqua carries no more than 12 people, so you get room to stretch out on the forward net instead of spending the day shoulder to shoulder.

I like the mix of clear-water swimming and snorkeling with time ashore to see Asinara’s animals. I also like that lunch is a proper onboard meal, with mussels, a fish first course, bottled wine, dessert, coffee, and a digestif.

The main consideration is that this is mostly a boat day. You swim from the catamaran and stop at approved mooring points, so it may not suit you if you want long beach time or a full land tour of Asinara.

Five things to know before you book

• A small catamaran means a quieter day: The Aqua carries a maximum of 12 people.
• The sea is the main attraction: You stop in Asinara’s best bays for swimming and snorkeling from the boat.
• Lunch is included: Expect mussels, a fish pasta course, bottled wine, dessert, coffee, and a digestif.
• You get ashore at least once: The crew guarantees a land stop for a walk and animal viewing, or for the marine animal recovery center when it is open.
• The route follows the weather: The crew adjusts the day to find the best conditions, so the exact bays and timing can change.

Setting out from Stintino at 10 a.m.

Your day begins at the private little harbor called Porticciolo Privato, at Yacht Club Ancora, near La Pelosa Beach in Stintino. Look for the dark-gray catamaran with a black mast. The departure time is listed as 10 a.m., with a return around 6 p.m.

This meeting point matters. You are not leaving from central Stintino or from Asinara itself. You need to reach the private harbor near La Pelosa, and the activity ends at that same meeting point. The supplied information does not include transfer service, so plan to make your own way there.

The boat is a sailing catamaran, not a large excursion vessel. Its broad layout gives you a forward net where you can lie back in the sun while the boat is moving. If you prefer shade, quiet, or a place to sit away from the spray, check the available seating when you arrive.

The small group size is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. With up to 12 people aboard, swimming stops should feel less crowded than on a large day boat. It also means the crew can give the group a more personal welcome and keep an eye on changing conditions.

The crew speaks Italian and English. No individual guide or skipper name is provided, but the boat is operated by Buriana Charter.

Sailing through Asinara National Park

The day is built around Asinara National Park, an island area with protected bays and marine life. The catamaran moves between locations selected according to the weather and sea conditions on the day.

That flexibility is useful. A fixed route can sound reassuring, but the best bay for swimming depends on wind, waves, and the park’s boating rules. Here, the crew looks for the most comfortable conditions and uses moorings at buoys in bays permitted by the park.

You should think of this as a scenic sailing and swimming day rather than a checklist of famous sites. The pleasure comes from the changing views, the time on the water, and the chance to stop where conditions are good.

The boat may also pass areas where you can watch marine life. Cetaceans and dolphins live in the waters around Asinara, so you might see them during the crossing. Sightings are possible, not promised, and you should treat them as an extra rather than the reason to book.

Swimming and snorkeling from the catamaran

The swimming stops are the heart of the experience. The catamaran anchors or moors at approved buoys in some of Asinara’s most attractive bays, and you enter the water directly from the boat.

That setup is different from a beach excursion. You do not necessarily wade in from a sandy shore. Instead, you climb down from the catamaran, swim around the boat, and return aboard when you are ready or when the crew signals that the stop is ending.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from bringing your own mask and fins. The waters are described as clear, with fish and marine plant life visible below the surface. One specifically noted species is Pinna nobilis, the noble pen shell.

I would still bring your own mask if you have one that fits particularly well, though the included equipment makes this easy for casual snorkelers. You should also pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry layer for the ride back. Those personal items are not listed as provided.

Swimming from a boat works best for people who are comfortable in open water and can manage a ladder or boat access. The supplied information does not give details about the ladder, water depth, or assistance for swimmers, so ask the operator if you have mobility or swimming concerns.

Going ashore to see Asinara’s animals

Although the tour is mainly marine, the crew guarantees a stop ashore for a walk and animal viewing. This is important because it adds a small land-based view of the island rather than keeping you on the catamaran all day.

The exact place and length of the walk can change. The description promises a walk to see animals on the island, and when open, a visit to the CRAMA marine animal recovery center may be possible.

CRAMA is not included in the tour price if an admission ticket is required. Tickets for monuments and the marine animal recovery center are also listed separately, so keep a little extra money available if you want to enter one of these sites.

The island stop is not presented as a long guided hike. It is better understood as a chance to stretch your legs, see local animals, and get a closer feel for Asinara after several hours at sea. If your main goal is an extensive island tour by vehicle or on foot, this catamaran trip may feel limited.

Still, the balance is smart. You get the two sides of Asinara: the protected bays viewed from the water and a short chance to see the island itself.

A seafood lunch served aboard

Lunch is part of the price and is served on the catamaran. The meal includes a mussel appetizer, a fish first course, bottled wine, dessert, coffee, and a digestif.

That is more substantial than the snack box offered on many boat trips. You are not simply buying transport between swimming stops. The meal gives the day a relaxed pause and lets you stay aboard instead of searching for food on shore.

The menu is clearly seafood-focused. If you have a shellfish allergy, follow a vegetarian diet, or need another special meal, ask Buriana Charter before booking. No alternative menu is specified.

The bottled wine is included, but you should still pace yourself. You have more swimming and sailing ahead, and the boat will be moving in the afternoon. Coffee and a digestif round out the meal, while dessert adds a pleasant finish.

The lunch also helps explain the value of the $113.29 price. You are paying for eight hours aboard a small sailing catamaran, snorkeling equipment, a full seafood meal, and access to a route through Asinara National Park. Monument and CRAMA tickets are extra, and there is no stated land transfer, but the core day is covered.

How the weather can change your day

The route is not rigid. The crew may change the order of stops or choose different bays to match the conditions.

That can affect how much time you spend swimming, how long you remain ashore, and which parts of the park you see from the water. It is a practical choice, not a flaw. A comfortable bay is more valuable than a fixed schedule that takes you into rough water.

The return is expected around 6 p.m., with a final sailing section before reaching the private harbor. If the sea is calm, this may be a lovely end to the day. If you are prone to motion sickness, remember that this is a long outing on open water. The supplied information does not mention seasickness medication or onboard medical facilities, so prepare according to your own needs.

The tour can also be arranged with a sunset aperitif or as a boat-and-breakfast experience on request. These are separate requests rather than standard parts of the eight-hour daytime tour.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most

I would choose this experience if you want a full day on the sea, enjoy swimming, and prefer a small group to a crowded boat. It works especially well for couples, friends, and confident swimmers who want a calm mix of sailing, snorkeling, food, and island wildlife.

It also suits you if lunch matters. The included seafood meal is a real part of the day, not an afterthought, and bottled wine is included with it.

Families should check the age details carefully. The activity is not suitable for babies under one year or for people over 70. The information does not set a minimum swimming ability or explain how the crew assists passengers, so ask before booking if anyone in your party needs special help.

I would hesitate if you want a long island walk, monument visits, or a beach-based day. You will go ashore, but the trip remains primarily marine. I would also avoid booking it solely for dolphin watching, since sightings are possible but not assured.

The current rating is 5 out of 5 from four published ratings. The strongest praise centers on the splendid boat and the kind, capable commander, which fits the practical appeal of the trip: a well-liked vessel, a personal scale, and a crew-focused day rather than a mass excursion.

Is $113.29 good value?

At $113.29 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the waters around Stintino, but it offers a lot within one day.

You receive approximately eight hours on the catamaran, several swimming and snorkeling opportunities, snorkeling equipment, a guaranteed land stop, and a multi-course seafood lunch with drinks and coffee. The 12-person limit is also important. A smaller boat usually gives you more room and a less hurried feel, though the tour’s value depends on how much you enjoy time at sea.

The price does not include tickets for monuments or the CRAMA marine animal recovery center. You also need to reach the Yacht Club Ancora meeting point yourself. Those are modest practical costs to consider, but they keep the advertised price from being an all-inclusive island day.

The best value comes when you want the boat itself to be the experience. If you mainly want to walk around Asinara, you may get more from a land-based visit. If you want swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a small sailing group in one package, the price is reasonable.

Booking details worth knowing

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging a Sardinia trip before your final plans are fixed.

Check availability for the current starting time, even though the stated departure is 10 a.m. The route can change with the weather, and the activity ends back at the private harbor near La Pelosa.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and something warm for the ride home. The catamaran has a large sunbathing net, but the day includes several hours exposed to sun and wind.

Should you book Buriana Charter?

Book it if you want Asinara from the water, a small group, clear-water swims, included snorkeling gear, and a proper seafood lunch. The catamaran’s 12-person limit and the positive comments about the boat and commander are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if your priority is a long island hike, guaranteed dolphin watching, or extensive monument visits. For a relaxed, sea-first day with one land stop and a generous lunch, this is a well-focused choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at the private Porticciolo Privato harbor at Yacht Club Ancora, near La Pelosa Beach in Stintino. The catamaran is dark gray with a black mast.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The stated departure time is 10 a.m. The catamaran is expected to return around 6 p.m.

How long is the Asinara catamaran excursion?

The excursion lasts about eight hours.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The Aqua catamaran carries a maximum of 12 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a mussel appetizer, a fish first course, bottled wine, dessert, coffee, and a digestif.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the activity price.

Will I be able to go ashore on Asinara?

Yes. The crew guarantees a stop ashore for a walk and to see animals on the island. A visit to the CRAMA marine animal recovery center may be possible when it is open.

Are monument and CRAMA tickets included?

No. Tickets for monuments and the CRAMA marine animal recovery center are not included.

Which languages does the crew speak?

The activity is available in Italian and English.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.