The 20 best things to do in Costa Smeralda on Vacation

Explore Corsica with a dinghy tour between Lavezzi and Piana islands, swimming stops in crystal clear waters and free time in Bonifacio, with an aperitif on board.

You will sail through the Corsican archipelago's natural park, stopping to swim in little-visited coves and admire sea caves from the outside, until you reach Bonifacio's marina, where you can stroll along the waterfront or visit the citadel overlooking the sea.

On board you will find boats equipped with safety and comfort features, guided by experienced local staff.

The experience includes an aperitif with a Sardinian charcuterie and cheese board and drinks (water, Sardinian vermentino and fruit juice), to experience a full day of sea and flavors.

embark on an excursion to the Maddalena archipelago aboard a motorboat with a skipper and lunch included, discovering the history and the most special anecdotes of these places.

Leaving from La Maddalena, the boat trip will have you visit the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria via the famous Pink Beach. While sailing, you can also dive into the turquoise waters of Sardinia swim in its coves.

The excursion includes an aperitif with a cutting board and drinks for the half-day tour or a lunch on board with a Sardinian cutting board of cold cuts and cheeses, Sardinian malloreddus with ragù, fruit, Sardinian dolcetto, coffee, myrtle and drinks (water, Sardinian vermentino, juice) for the day tour.

The experience can be arranged on a shared or exclusive basis.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may be changed.

This group excursion to La Maddalena allows you to experience an unforgettable day aboard a comfortable dinghy exploring the crystal clear waters of the Archipelago.

Two departure points are scheduled:

.

•    from La Maddalena at 9:30 a.m.
•    from Palau at 10:00 a.m.

The itinerary of this excursion includes must-see stops, including:

•    Spargi (Cala Corsara, Cala Soraya, Cala Connery and Cala Granara),
•    Pink Beach of Budelli
•    Natural Pools at Porto Madonna
•    Cavaliere Beach
•    Passo degli Asinelli

During the experience, bathroom stops are provided and you will be served snorkel masks that will allow you to admire the seabed.

During the tour you will also be offered a rich aperitif with local products.

You will be accommodated by a spacious and comfortable dinghy with large XXL sundecks, non-slip teak top, freshwater shower, refrigerator and console with facilities.

The exclusive dinghy tour allows you to discover the La Maddalena archipelago in the company of friends or family and choosing the itinerary you prefer.

You will live a unique experience aboard a luxury dinghy designed to offer you comfort and sophistication. To make everything more authentic you will be offered an aperitif on board with typical products.

Departure can be customized from Palau or La Maddalena, with a dedicated skipper who will take care of every detail to guarantee you an unforgettable experience.

This experience allows you to follow an exclusive itinerary that you can decide before starting the excursion. You can choose from the following options:

The Archipelago of La Maddalena

If you choose this tour, you can discover dream beaches, such as the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Budelli, Razzoli and Spargi with their renowned swimming pools.

You may also decide to make a stop in the town of La Maddalena, for lunch or ice cream.

Caprera and La Maddalena Archipelago

This option offers you a mix of history and wilderness, between the secret coves of Caprera and the beauty of the archipelago.

You will have the unique opportunity to take a dip in the famous Cala Coticcio, renamed Thaiti for its beauty and reachable only by sea.

Periple of Caprera

Sail along the pristine coastline of Caprera, among granite cliffs and hidden coves. This itinerary is ideal for those who like to get out of the ordinary.

Be sure to stop at dreamy bays such as Cala Coticcio (Tahiti) and Cala Napoletana, perfect for snorkeling, La Maddalena and Caprera.

Course Archipelago

This excursion allows you to experience an exclusive journey to the wonders of Corsica, with stops at hidden paradises such as Lavezzi and Cavallo, with a stop for lunch in characteristic Bonifacio.

The dinghy has many comforts, such as large XXL sundecks, freshwater shower, console with toilets, awning for shelter from the sun, refrigerator and non-slip teak decking.

You will be provided with snorkeling masks, so you can explore the transparent seabed and swim among colorful fish. Every stop will be a chance to dive into picture-postcard waters and experience the sea without hurry.

Discover the Maddalena archipelago with a boat tour from Palau or La Maddalena, with tasting of local products.

The experience is ideal for reaching coves and beaches that larger boats cannot touch. The route includes swim stops at Cala Napoletana, Cala Coticcio and Cala Santa Maria, with snorkeling and relaxing in the crystal clear waters, passing by the historic Candeo military battery.

You'll drive to Budelli to photograph the famous pink beach, then explore the islands of Spargi and Caprera with stops at Cala Granara, Cala Soraya and Cala Corsara, concluding the tour with an aperitif of sparkling wine and local products on the way back to Palau, admiring the sunsets and breathtaking views of the national park.

Dinghy excursion to explore the Gulf of Angels departing at 10:00 am from Cagliari's central port, for an unforgettable day with an aperitif on board.

The tour includes the exploration of the Golfo degli Angeli with 4 stops of about 30 minutes each in the most fascinating bays of the coast: Baia di Sella del Diavolo with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, Calamosca to immerse yourself in the wild nature of the promontory, Cala Bernat and Poetto Beach, the iconic 11-km-long tongue of white sand.

During stops you can swim, explore the seabed with a mask and snorkel provided by the crew, and relax on the dinghy's spacious sunbathing areas.

In the last stop you will be served a typical Sardinian aperitif with carasau bread, chips, prosecco (or soft drinks/beer) while the skipper will tell you about the fascinating legends of the place. Return is scheduled for 1:00 pm to the port of departure.

Departs from the port of Cagliari for a 3-hour dinghy excursion at sunset in the Gulf of Angels, with aperitif on board.

The excursion includes sightings of the dolphins that inhabit the waters of the gulf and stops of about 30 minutes at three locations ideal for swimming and snorkeling: Calamosca, the Sella del Diavolo bay and in front of Poetto beach. You can dive into the turquoise crystal clear waters of Sardinia and enjoy each stop in total freedom.

The tour ends with a scenic stop at Cala Bernat to admire the sunset, accompanied by an aperitif on board with typical Sardinian products.

The catamaran excursion in the Gulf of Angels will take you to the coves and hidden corners of southern Sardinia, along the Cagliari coast, where you can swim and, if you are lucky, spot dolphins.

The tour departs from the port of Cagliari, and on the way you will pass S.Elia, Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca and the old enclosure to Cala Fighera for your first swim stop.

You will then visit the Grotta dei Colombi (Cave of Pigeons) and be told the legend of the Devil's Saddle before reaching the Gasole and Poetto pools. After snorkeling in the gulf, you will return to the port.

The excursion has a duration of 3 hours, and scheduled stops during navigation can be changed or modified depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions. Drinks and snacks will also be available for purchase on board.

The experience is a unique opportunity to learn about the legends and ancient history of the caves and coves around Cagliari and to take a swim in the waters of Sardinia with friends and family.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

The group boat tour from Cagliari allows you to admire the Sardinian coast from the sea and visit the bays of the Sella del Diavolo guided by a professional skipper.

You will explore enchanting places where you can relax on board, swim and snorkel with the equipment provided by the facility.

You can visit hidden corners of the coast that can only be reached by dinghy and listen to local stories while enjoying a cool glass of Prosecco.

4 swimming stops are scheduled and they will be chosen by the skipper depending on the marine weather conditions.

The day excursion in the Gulf of Cagliari allows you to experience a day on an exclusive boat accompanied by an experienced skipper.

Scheduled departure is at 9 a.m. from the port of Su Siccu, in Cagliari.

The excursion begins with an educational moment. How to go to sea, safety rules, basic information for sailing, activities and behavior on board.

Following this, you will fill in the sailing plan and route together with the skipper, depending on the weather conditions. 

Leaving your moorings, you will sail into the Gulf of Angels skirting the promontory of Capo Sant'Elia and its multicolored cliffs until you reach Cala Fighera where you can swim in crystal clear emerald green waters.

You will then coast the famous Sella del Diavolo, which owes its name to an ancient folk legend. It is a promontory rich in traces of frequentation since the Neolithic period, with high white cliffs, fragrant Mediterranean scrub, home to seagulls and cormorants. 

Navigation then proceeds by heading to Poetto Beach. Eight kilometers of beach with fine white sand and water, crystal clear, sandy bottom and low for tens of meters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 

A stop at the beautiful beach of Is Mortorius is also planned, where there will be a lunch break, some relaxation and swimming in the crystal clear waters.

In the afternoon you will return to the port of departure.

The vintage sailing boat excursion in the Gulf of Cagliari allows you to visit the coast and coves directly from the sea and can be developed according to two different itineraries:

Half Day

This tour offers an approximately 3-hour excursion to explore the beautiful Poetto beach and the striking Sella del Diavolo promontory. Available either in the morning or afternoon, times may vary based on requests and weather conditions. During the excursion, a refreshing selection of fruits and drinks will be offered.

Whole Day

This excursion offers a 6-hour trip to the Gulf of Cagliari, during which beverages and a mid-day meal will be served, tailored to guests' preferences. Departure è scheduled at 11:00 a.m., and return è scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

Maximum capacity: 5 people. Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, the stops may be subject to change.

The sailing boat excursion with aperitif from Alghero will leave you with an unforgettable memory. An experience on board to enjoy the fantastic colors of the sky at sunset directly from the sea of Sardinia.

The tour lasts about two hours during which you can relax. You will sail in front of the city of Alghero following the course indicated by the wind, to the Maddalenetta lighthouse, where you can take the last dive of the day and admire a beautiful sunset.

On board, there will be music in the background and a magical atmosphere. In addition, you will be offered appetizers accompanied by delicious snacks.

Maximum capacity: 9 people per boat.

The boat excursion with lunch on board in the Gulf of Alghero will let you admire the marine wildlife of Sardinia while snorkeling and enjoying a lunch of local products. If you are lucky, you may spot dolphins.

Leaving from the port of Alghero, you will explore Capo Galera and Capo Caccia. Then, you will visit Porto Conte Park and the Posidonia Oceanica Marine Protected Area, where you can snorkel and observe the seabed. To conclude the sailing, depending on weather conidictions and the skipper's decisions, you will visit some well-known coves such as Grotta dei Palombi and Cala Inferno.

During the sailing a lunch on board of local cold cuts and cheeses accompanied by Sardinian wine is provided.

The boat trip lasts a full day and is organized on a shared basis from June to August. The rest of the year an exclusive tour is available.

You will be provided with snorkeling equipment and only need to bring your own towel.

The experience is suitable for everyone and will give you an unforgettable time along the coast of Alghero and in its seabed.

Maximum capacity: 16 people.

The half-day dinghy excursion is a unique opportunity to explore the coves of the Porto Conte Nature Park and the cliffs of Sardinia, with opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying an aperitif on board with friends.

The sailing departs from Porto Conte Marina and continues to Porto Conte and the cliffs of Capo Caccia. A stop is planned to swim and admire the marine fauna and flora by snorkeling.

During the excursion there is an aperitif on board with a view of the coves consisting of typical Sardinian dishes including a charcuterie and cheese board paired with local wines.

The dinghy excursion is organized on a shared basis and can be done in the morning or afternoon, with a duration of about 3 1/2 hours. In addition, depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may be changed.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

Daily departures at 10 a.m. from the Customs Quay in the port of Alghero for a boat excursion with lunch along the coast of western Sardinia.

During the trip, you will cross the Coral Riviera via Capo Galera and Punta Giglio, until you reach the promontory of Capo Caccia. You will admire the Scala del Cabirol and Neptune Caves, as well as Isola Foradada and Cala d’Inferno. Next, you will skirt the bay of Porto Conte and stop near the Torre del Bollo for diving, sunbathing and snorkeling in the Capo Caccia Marine Protected Area and Porto Conte Regional Nature Park.

At 1 p.m., a delicious lunch will be served on board with an appetizer of local sausage and cheese, followed by pasta with fresh crab sauce and mussels alla marinara. Water, local D.O.C.white wine and coffee, are all included. It is possible to request a menu without fish or vegetarian in advance.

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Cala Dragunara, Tramariglio beach and El Faro, and then returns to port at 6 pm. The boat is equipped with life jackets for children and adults.

For the scuba diving experience, it is necessary to fill out a medical form, declare that you do not suffer from sinusitis and/or eardrum problems and that you do not have nasal septum deviations.

With the dinghy excursion in Porto Conte Park in Alghero you will get to know the most fascinating places in Sardinia where you can swim or snorkel.

Departing directly from Porto Conte (inside the amp), the snorkeling excursion includes several stops along the coves of the Park, where you can admire the seabed and cliffs of Capo Caccia, accompanied by an experienced instructor. 

The dinghy trip is half a day long and is organized on a shared basis. The itinerary can be customized, depending on the skipper/guide's decisions, and during stops you can snorkel among the Park's creeks.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience among the views of Sardinia and snorkeling in excellent company.

Useful information:

•    Maximum capacity: 9 people.
•    We recommend bringing a bottle of water.
•    Not suitable for pregnant women.
•    Free parking outside the Marina.
•    Life jacket and snorkeling equipment included.

The group boat tour with dolphin spotting and snorkeling at Figarolo Island departing from the port of Olbia allows you to enjoy a unique experience with friends or family.

This excursion has a duration of 3 hours and it allows you to reach Figarolo Island, where there are fish breeding tanks.

A colony of up to 10 bottlenose dolphins transits that area, and you will have the opportunity to spot and follow them.

One or two swim and snorkeling stops are also planned during the navigation in the island's most beautiful coves. Those who wish can use the snorkeling masks provided by the facility.

A welcome toast will be served on board.

The excursion is guaranteed upon reaching a minimum of 6 participants.

This half-day group tour allows you to reach the islands of Tavolara and Molara and dive into the crystal clear Sardinian waters of this marine protected area.

Departure is from the port of Olbia and you will board a comfortable dinghy.

During the navigation, swimming and snorkeling stops are planned in the most beautiful coves, such as Capo Ceraso, Cala della Contessa, and Isola dei cavalli. You will also visit the coast of Tavolara and a final stop at the natural pools of Molara is planned.

Those who wish can use the snorkeling equipment provided by the facility that will allow you to admire the seabed.

On board you will be offered a welcome toast (with prosecco, cola or water) accompanied by a typical Sardinian aperitif that includes:

•    sausage
•    pecorino cheese
•    olives
•    typical bread

The experience is guaranteed upon reaching a minimum of 6 participants.

This luxury RIB excursion departing from Olbia allows you to visit the protected area of Tavolara and Molara with friends or family.

The itinerary includes:

•    Island Piana
•    Horses Island
•    Cows Beach and Turtle Beach
•    Capo Ceraso and Poltu Casu
•    Doctor's Beach
•    Tavolara Island Cala Spalmatore
•    Pools of Molara

You will sail towards Capo Ceraso and stop at the Spiaggia del Dottore, a small beach: a real marine aquarium with white sand framed by granite rocks.

This beach, with clear turquoise waters and undemanding seabed, is ideal for those who want to enjoy a nice swim.

The excursion will continue with stops at the Cavalli islet, Tavolara and its Spalmatore di Terra, Molara and the pools, Cala Girgolu and the Sassi Piatti to end with the Spiaggia delle Vacche.

Return to port is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

During the day you will be offered a rich aperitif with various cold dishes, accompanied by local wines, water and coffee.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

Join a group tour by dinghy to spot dolphins and discover the treasures of the Gulf of Olbia

Go aboard the luxurious Marlin 850 HD PRO with Mercury 350 HP Verado V10 engine for an unforgettable adventure among crystal clear waters and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Departure from Marina Moys at 9:30 a.m. to Figarolo Islet, where you can spot the resident colony of bottlenose dolphins that inhabit these waters.

You will proceed to Cala Moresca to admire the emerald waters and the old mining pier, followed by an aperitif on board with local products to be enjoyed lulled by the waves.

Snorkel stop at Capo Ceraso and Doctor Beach, where you will explore the picturesque coves teeming with life.

Last swim at Isola Piana before returning to the marina.

Join an afternoon group tour by dinghy to discover Tavolara, Molara and the Natural Pools

Go aboard the luxurious Marlin 850 HD PRO with a Mercury 350 HP Verado V10 engine for an unforgettable afternoon in the Tavolara Marine Protected Area.

Departure from Marina Moys at 2 p.m. with a short swim stop at Capo Ceraso and Doctor Beach to enjoy the first crystal clear waters.

You will sail to the'imposing Island of Tavolara with a stop to admire the shoreline of Cala Spalmatore di Terra.

The highlight of the tour è Molara Island with its world-famous Piscine Naturali, real pools of turquoise sea. You will have free time to swim, snorkel and take breathtaking photos.

Enjoy a delicious aperitif on board with local products, lulled by the waves.

Last stop at Cala Girgolu (Sassi Piatti) to admire the reef before returning to the marina.

Discover the islands of Tavolara and Molara with an inflatable boat trip that will take you through the archipelago's Marine Protected Area.

Departing from Olbia, the tour lasts 4 hours and includes several stops for swimming at Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu and many others. You will also be treated to a tasting of typical Sardinian products.

The captain will provide snorkeling equipment and life jackets for everyone while sailing.

Maximum capacity: 6 people per dinghy. Depending on weather conditions, stops may be subject to change.

Discover the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a private dinghy trip departing from Villasimius.

The private dinghy excursion to Villasimius è consisting of 3 main stops: Isola dei Cavoli and Baia della Madonna del Naufrago, where è the 3-meter statue of the Virgin is located, the shoal of the Balestra fish, excellent for snorkeling lovers, and the beautiful and unique bay of Punta Molentis. 

The half-day tour lasts three hours and can be taken either in the morning or afternoon. It will be possible to make numerous stops for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Sardinia and the most isolated spots of the Villasimius coastline, further enhanced by the expert skipper's stories.

The dinghy rental does not include fuel, so the price will vary according to your itinerary. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served during the excursion.

The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions, depending on the skipper's choices. 

Rent an inflatable boat without a license and drive in the crystal clear waters of South Sardinia in Villasimius.

Visit the "Capo Carbonara" Marine Protected Area aboard 5.5-meter-long inflatable boats with a maximum capacity of 8 people on board. The rental lasts 4 hours and can be done in the morning or afternoon, depending on your preferences.

To drive the dinghy è you must be of legal age and have a B license.

Before departure, the facility will provide you with all the information on driving the dinghy and the best areas to visit.

The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions, depending on the skipper's choices. 

Rent an inflatable boat without a license and experience the crystal clear waters of South Sardinia in Villasimius.

Discover the “Capo Carbonara”Marine Protected Area aboard 5.5-meter inflatable boats, with maximum capacity of 8 people. The charter lasts 7 hours, departing from the port of Villasimius.

To drive the dinghy è you must be of legal age and have a B license.

Before departure, the staff will provide you with all the useful directions for driving the dinghy and advice on the best areas to visit.

The’itinerary may change depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions.

Discover the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a private dinghy excursion departing from Villasimius.

The private dinghy tour in Villasimius includes 3 main stops: the island of Cavoli and the Bay of Madonna del Naufrago, where the 3-meter statue of the Virgin is located; the shoal of the Balestra fish, ideal for snorkelers; and the beautiful and unique bay of Punta Molentis.

The daily tour lasts 7 hours and starts at approximately 10:00 am. Given the long duration, it will be possible to customize the’itinerary according to your preferences and make numerous stops for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Sardinia.

The dinghy rental does not include fuel, so the price will vary according to your itinerary. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served during the excursion.

.

The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions, depending on the skipper's choices. 

Discover the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area with a three-hour boat trip from Villasimius with bathroom stops.

The excursion can be done either in the morning or afternoon and can be done either by boat or dinghy depending on availability.

During the tour you will make 3 stops with swimming at the most picturesque places on the coast of the marine area.

The first stop is at Isola dei Cavoli and Baia della Madonna del Naufrago, where you can admire the Vergina statue placed 11 meters above the seabed. We then continue to the Balestra Fish Shoal, this stop is the most beautiful for snorkelers.
Finally, the last stop is at the bay of Punta Molentis.

Throughout the boat excursion you will always skirt the coast near Villasimius, having the opportunity to see coves, beaches, towers and islets.

You will be accompanied by experienced skippers who will make you dream with seafaring stories and anecdotes.

The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions, depending on the skipper's choices. 

The one- to two-hour horseback ride in Villasimius is suitable for everyone, including beginners, over the age of 14.

The horseback ride is conducted until April on the beach, and the times of the rides vary depending on the season.

The 2-hour tour is more scenic, there is a ride by the pond where you can see flamingos. And the possibility of reaching the Saracen tower.

You will be provided with all the equipment for the horseback ride, including helmet. Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed shoes.