Porto San Paolo: Tavolara Island Sailboat Cruise with Lunch

Tavolara’s clear protected waters are the star of this full-day sailing trip from Porto San Paolo. You cruise past white beaches and rocky headlands, then stop for swims at places such as Capo Ceraso, Cala Girgolu, Porto Istana, Tavolara, or Molara.

I like the small maximum group of 12 passengers, which gives the day a more relaxed feel than a crowded boat excursion. I also like that lunch is prepared onboard, with local fish, wine, fruit, Sardinian sweets, and myrtle rather than a basic packed meal.

The main consideration is that the skipper chooses only two or three stops according to the weather. You may not see every place listed, and the one available bathroom is shared by the day group. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if that matters to you.

Key Points Before You Book

• A full 7.5 hours at sea: This is a proper day on the water, not a quick coastal ride.
• Two or three swimming stops: The skipper chooses among Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu, Capo Ceraso, and Porto Istana.
• A Bavaria 46 sailing boat: The 14.5-meter boat has four cabins, two bathrooms, an outdoor shower, music, and a tender.
• Lunch is part of the experience: Expect a typical aperitif, fresh local fish, wine, beer, fruit, Sardinian sweets, and myrtle.
• A small group by boat standards: The maximum is 12 passengers plus two crew members.
• The sea sets the schedule: Weather can change the route, so flexibility matters more than checking off every beach.

Setting Sail From Porto San Paolo

You meet the skipper in front of Wave Marina Porto San Paolo, a small harbor on Sardinia’s northeast coast. From there, the Bavaria 46 carries you into the Tavolara and Molara Marine Protected Area, where the day shifts from harbor time to open water, coves, and swimming.

The boat is 14.5 meters long and 4.8 meters wide. That gives you more room to move around than you would have on a small rigid inflatable boat, while still keeping the group fairly intimate. There are four cabins and two bathrooms, though only one bathroom is available for the day trip. An outdoor shower is useful after swimming, and a music system adds some background sound without making the outing feel like a party boat.

The boat can carry up to 14 people, including two crew members. In practice, that means a maximum of 12 passengers. Group size matters here because the day includes several hours onboard. You will want enough space to sit, stretch out, eat, and find a patch of shade or sun that suits you.

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, water, a towel, and beachwear. The boat has an outdoor shower, but you should still pack the basics you would want for a beach day. Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

Sailing Through the Tavolara Marine Protected Area

The protected area is valuable because the trip is not only about reaching one famous beach. You spend the day moving through a wider stretch of coast, with the skipper choosing places that work best for the day’s sea and wind.

The water around Tavolara and Molara is known here for its many shades of blue and clear visibility. That makes the stops well suited to swimming straight from the boat. You can use the ladder to get into the sea, float near the boat, or head toward a sandy shore when conditions allow.

The skipper also shares local stories and information about the coast. That personal touch matters on a sailing trip. You are not just being carried from one point to another, you are hearing why the coves, islands, and headlands are part of the area’s character. Dani and Luigi are among the crew members associated with this experience, and they have been praised for their easygoing manner, local stories, and attention to passengers. Crew names can vary, so check your booking details if meeting a particular skipper is important to you.

The sailing itself is part of the appeal. A sailboat usually gives the day a quieter rhythm than a fast motorboat, though the boat may use fuel when needed. Fuel is included in the price, so you are not asked to add a surprise charge during the day.

How the Stops Work: Two or Three Places, Not Every Place

The planned area includes Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu, Capo Ceraso, and Porto Istana. The skipper will select two or three stops based on the weather. That is a useful safety measure, but it also means you should not book this expecting a fixed checklist.

Tavolara and Molara

Tavolara is the central name in the experience, and sailing near the island gives the day its strongest sense of place. The island rises clearly from the sea, while the surrounding water offers good conditions for a swim when the weather cooperates.

Molara adds another island setting, with quiet coves and water that shifts from pale near the shallows to darker blue farther out. You may stop near one of these islands rather than go ashore. The point is the water, the views, and the chance to swim in a protected area.

Cala Girgolu

Cala Girgolu is known for its coves and pale sand. A stop here can suit you if you want a mix of swimming and time on the beach. Compared with staying aboard, reaching the sand gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the coast from a different angle.

The tradeoff is that the skipper may choose a different cove depending on wind and sea conditions. Treat Cala Girgolu as a possible highlight, not a guaranteed stop.

Capo Ceraso

Capo Ceraso brings rocky coastal scenery and open views. It is a good place for a swim from the boat when the sea is calm, and it gives the route some variety beyond sandy beaches.

If you prefer easy entry into shallow water, ask the crew what the conditions are before getting in. Some stops are better for swimming from the boat, while others may offer a beach. The skipper’s judgment controls the final choice.

Porto Istana

Porto Istana is another possible beach stop, with fine white sand and clear water. It is appealing if you want a classic Sardinian beach setting and time to relax on shore.

You should also expect the timing of each stop to vary. The trip is not built around long, formal beach visits. It is a day of sailing, swimming, eating, and changing scenery, with the crew adjusting the plan as needed.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Time on the Water

The main activity is swimming in the protected area. You can enter directly from the boat at suitable spots, then climb back aboard using the boat’s access point. An outdoor shower lets you rinse off afterward.

Snorkeling is possible, but equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface. Do not assume the boat will supply fins or masks. The trip information specifically calls out snorkeling equipment as an extra, so this is one small item worth packing before you leave Porto San Paolo.

You will also have chances to stay dry. The boat is spacious enough for sitting and relaxing between stops, and the sailing time gives you views of the coast without the need to be active every minute. If you get seasick, bring whatever personal remedy you normally use. The information provided does not promise calm water, and the route can change with the weather.

This trip suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy a flexible day. It is less ideal if you need a precise schedule, dislike changing conditions, or want guaranteed time at one particular beach.

Lunch Onboard With Sardinian Ingredients

Lunch is one of the better reasons to choose this outing over a simple boat transfer. The meal starts with an aperitif based on typical local products, followed by a first or second course featuring fresh local fish. Wine, beer, fruit, Sardinian sweets, and myrtle are included.

That menu turns the middle of the day into a proper Sardinian meal rather than a quick snack between swims. Eating onboard also keeps the day moving. You do not lose time looking for a beach restaurant, and you get to eat with the sea around you.

Food needs some planning. If you have an intolerance or special dietary request, alternatives are not guaranteed. A no-fish or vegetarian option may be possible, but you should ask before booking and confirm the request in advance. If you do not eat fish, the meal is still potentially workable, but it should not be treated as automatic.

Extra drinks are not included, so bring water. Wine and beer are part of lunch, but that does not replace having your own supply for the full 7.5 hours, especially in warm weather.

Is $120.08 a Fair Price?

At $120.08 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. It is also more than a short sightseeing cruise. The price covers a full day on a sailing boat, fuel, lunch, and liability insurance, with a maximum of 12 passengers plus two crew members.

I see the strongest value in the amount of time included. Seven and a half hours gives you room for several swimming stops, a proper meal, and a slower sail through the protected area. You are paying for the boat, crew, fuel, food, and the use of a small-group setting, not just a seat for a ride around the bay.

The value is better if you plan to spend a full day by the sea anyway. If you would otherwise pay for a beach club, lunch, and a separate cruise, the package becomes easier to justify. The value is weaker if you mainly want a quick look at Tavolara or prefer to choose your own beach and restaurant.

Lunch is also important to the price comparison. Fresh local fish, wine, beer, sweets, and myrtle add more than a basic sandwich would. Still, snorkeling equipment and extra drinks are on you, so include those small costs when planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Sailing Day?

I would choose this trip for couples, friends, and families with older children who want a relaxed day on the water without a large crowd. It also suits anyone who prefers a coastal experience with food and conversation rather than a tightly scheduled series of photo stops.

You should enjoy it if you like:

• Swimming in clear sea from a boat
• A flexible route shaped by the weather
• A local meal served onboard
• Stories about the coast from the skipper
• A boat with room to sit, shower, and move around
• A full day outdoors rather than a short excursion

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, are pregnant, or want a guaranteed visit to every named place. The experience is not designed for people with mobility impairments, and the itinerary changes with the day’s conditions.

The one shared bathroom is another practical point. It is available, but only one bathroom is used for the day trip. With up to 12 passengers onboard, you may need patience at busy moments.

Languages, Timing, and Flexible Booking

The live guide service is available in Italian, English, and Spanish. That gives you a fair chance of following the safety briefing, route information, and stories about the coast, but confirm the language you need when you reserve.

The outing lasts 7.5 hours, and starting times vary. Check availability for the date you want rather than assuming a standard departure time. The tour is confirmed with at least four participants, so the activity depends on reaching that minimum.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is useful if your Sardinia plans are still changing, especially since weather affects the route. The booking flexibility does not remove the need to check sea conditions, but it makes planning less risky.

Final Verdict: Book It for the Day, Not the Checklist

Book this sailing trip if you want a full day of swimming, local food, and easygoing time around Tavolara and Molara. The small group, spacious Bavaria 46, fresh fish lunch, and crew stories make it a stronger choice than a bare sightseeing boat ride.

Skip it if your main goal is one guaranteed beach, a short outing, or a fully fixed schedule. The best way to approach this experience is to let the skipper choose the safest and most attractive two or three stops. Bring your own snorkeling gear, expect the route to change, and you will get the kind of Sardinian sea day this trip is built to provide.

FAQ

Where does the Tavolara sailing trip start?

The meeting point is in front of Wave Marina Porto San Paolo. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The sailing trip lasts 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Which places might the boat visit?

Possible stops include Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu, Capo Ceraso, and Porto Istana.

Will the boat stop at every place listed?

No. The itinerary includes two or three stops, selected by the skipper according to the weather and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes an aperitif with typical products, a first or second course based on fresh local fish, wine, beer, fruit, Sardinian sweets, and myrtle.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Extra drinks are not included. You should bring water, along with sun protection and beach supplies.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 14 people, including two crew members. That allows up to 12 passengers.

Which languages are available with the guide?

The live tour guide service is available in Italian, English, and Spanish.

Is the experience suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Pets are also not allowed. A special no-fish or vegetarian meal may be possible, but alternatives are not guaranteed.