Snorkeling in Alghero: the 7 best excursions

A catamaran trip to the Maddalena Archipelago is an ideal experience for visiting Sardinia's islands and its best-known beaches. You can dive and snorkel with company among the archipelago's many coves.

Departing from Porto Rafael, the excursion heads to Spargi Island, and the sailing includes two or three stops, depending on weather conditions, at Spargi and other islands in the archipelago such as Budelli, Santa Maria and Caprera. During the stops you will be able to swim, swim and do surface snorkeling among the different coves and beaches.

During the trip you will be treated to a lunch on board that includes:

•    Aperitif of typical products
•    First course of fish
•    Vermentino wine
•    Beer
•    Sardinian sweets
•    Myrtle

No-fish and vegetarian options are also available. In case of food allergies or intolerances, it is recommended to bring a packed lunch.

The excursion takes about 8 hours and is suitable for everyone. During stops, you will be escorted to the beach by tender.

Maximum capacity: 12 people per boat. 3 boats are available.

Enjoy this dinghy excursion starting from Porto Pollo to explore the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. These include the beautiful natural pool called Manto della Madonna between the islands of Razzoli, Budelli and Santa Maria (first stop with snorkeling),Budelli's Pink Beach, Cala Granara or Punta Zanotto (second stop chosen depending on the wind) and Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi (third stop with snorkeling).

Snacks and beer will be provided during the tour.

In case of strong winds, or failure to reach the minimum number of participants (4), the activity may be cancelled.

The Maddalena Catamaran Day from Poltu Quatu is an excursion to discover the most striking bays of the La Maddalena archipelago.

Departure is set at the port of Cannigione at 9:30 am. Here the journey to the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago begins.

During the tour it will be possible not only to relax and sunbathe, but also to enjoy the crystal clear waters and snorkel. For those who want to have a relaxing and unique experience, the catamaran is ideal for the comfort of sailing, sunbathing cushions, covered fly bridge, and ample shade area.

Lunch will be served on board and includes 2 courses: an appetizer with typical Sardinian products, a fish entrée, white wine, still water and coffee.

Don't forget to bring your own towel, flip-flops and sunscreen. Return is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Discover Tavolara Island and the coast of Capo Coda Cavallo with a private skippered boat tour, ideal for couples or small groups of friends. Up to 6 people on board.

Departure is set at 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. from Moys, Marina di Olbia. Return is scheduled 4h hours later at the same location. A tasting of local cheeses and wines is also included in the price.

During the trip there will be an opportunity to stop for swimming, snorkeling or a small canoe ride.

It is recommended to bring your own towel, swimsuit, a sun hat and sunscreen.

Discover the Maddalena archipelago aboard a dinghy equipped with all comforts in company and immerse yourself in the waters of Sardinia in total relaxation.

Spend a day in an inflatable boat skirting the main islands of the archipelago, such as Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria, starting from La Maddalena. Staff will tell you about the history of the archipelago, as well as its local flora and fauna.

The excursion lasts a full day, and you will board an inflatable boat equipped with two powerful engines, safety and buoyancy-assistance devices (masks and snorkels, donut and SUP) so you can fully enjoy the experience, including snorkeling along the Sardinian coast.

The dinghy trip is organized on a shared basis and is suitable for everyone. Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, the itinerary may be subject to change.

Maximum capacity: 9 people.

The private boat excursion to Spargi and Budelli from Palau will take you to discover the best islands of the Emerald Coast.

The boat excursion from Palau, departing from Porto Pozzo at 10:00 am, allows you to visit the best islands of the Costa Smeralda aboard a private boat with skipper, with a maximum capacity of 8 people.

You will be taken to the beautiful islands of Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli, with several bathroom stops, varying according to your needs.

Lunch is also available upon request (to be requested after booking with the skipper).

This boat tour will allow you to explore the crystal clear waters and enjoy the most beautiful coves in northern Sardinia.

Discover Tavolara Island and the coast of Capo Coda Cavallo with a private skippered boat tour, ideal for couples or small groups of friends. Up to 6 people on board.

Departure is set at 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. from Moys, Marina di Olbia. Return is scheduled 4h hours later at the same location. A tasting of local cheeses and wines is also included in the price.

During the trip there will be an opportunity to stop for swimming, snorkeling or a small canoe ride.

It is recommended to bring your own towel, swimsuit, a sun hat and sunscreen.

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.

Excursion aboard an inflatable boat that will take you to explore the Tavolara Marine Area Park departing from Salina Bamba.

For this experience you have a choice of 3 different tours:

Half-day tour

This tour can be done in the morning, leaving at 9:00 am or in the afternoon leaving at 2:00 pm and lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

You will coast the Beach of Cala Brandinchi and the Island of Molara, and then arrive at Tavolara. The excursion will continue to Cala Girgolu, to admire the turtle rock, and finally you will return via the Bay of Capo Coda Cavallo.

During the excursion, you will have the opportunity to stop at different points to dive into the sea and snorkel with the equipment already on board.

Evening tour with aperitif

Departing by 6:30 pm, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from a new vantage point. Also included in this experience is an aperitif of local products. The return, at dark, is scheduled around 9:30 pm.

Afternoon tour and aperitif

This tour is a combination of the 2:00 pm afternoon outing and the 6:30 pm sunset aperitif.

With this tour you can enjoy the sun, beaches, and snorkeling, all followed by a relaxing sunset ride and aperitif on board, included in the evening tour.

In addition, during the outings, the skipper will tell you about the fascinating history of Tavolara and be ready to answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy a kayak tour to Capo Coda Cavallo and snorkel the crystal clear waters of Sardinia.

Departure is at 6:00 am, 10:00 am or 6:00 pm to enjoy the lights of sunrise, morning or sunset.

During the tour there will be opportunities to dive and snorkel (masks and equipment will be provided to you on board).

Depending on the time you choose, you will be able to sip a good coffee (6:00 am) enjoy some excellent fresh fruit (10:00 am) or an aperitif of beer and carasau bread (6:00 pm).

The half-day inflatable boat tour with aperitif allows you to admire the Asinara National Park starting from Stintino.

The departure is scheduled from the Marina Tourist Port of Stintino. The excursion will last about 3½ hours and will allow you to sail through the turquoise waters of Pelosa Beach.

This tour will allow you to admire the majestic promontory of Capo Falcone and the natural wonders of the Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara.

You can also snorkel in hidden coves reachable only by dinghy or relax in the natural pools of Fornelli, Cala Spalmatore and Secca del Cavallo.

On board you will be offered an exclusive Sardinian aperitif full of typical local products.

You will sail with an electric motor dinghy, for a silent, sustainable and respectful navigation of the marine ecosystem of the Asinara National Park.

A perfect experience for those who have little time but don't want to give up discovering the magic of northwest Sardinia!

The sunset dinghy tour from Stintino allows you to enjoy a rich aperitif with typical products while admiring the Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara.

This experience lasts about 2 hours and it is perfect for couples or groups of friends.

You will sail from the Marina di Stintino Tourist Port aboard a comfortable and quiet dinghy with an electric motor, for a relaxing and romantic experience.

You will sail along the coast between Pelosa Beach, Capo Falcone and the waters surrounding Isola Piana, as the sun sets over the sea and paints the sky pink and gold.

During your stop at the roadstead, you can take a refreshing dip or simply relax on board.

On board a rich aperitif will be provided. The staff will serve you an’elegant tasting of typical Sardinian products:

•    Sardinian pecorino
•    sausage
•    olive
•    sardinian bread
•    1 glass of Vermentino di Sardegna

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Departing from Stintino, the wooden gozzo excursion will have you explore the picturesque Asinara National Park. During the trip you will have the opportunity to observe and photograph various species of terrestrial and marine fauna, such as the island's iconic white donkeys and mouflon.

The first stop will be at the natural pools of Fornelli, where you can dive and swim. Next, the navigation will continue to Punta Galetta, where you can admire the local marine flora and fauna by snorkeling. Next, the gozzo will sail to Cala del Bianco, where you will be served an aperitif of a delicate vermentino wine.

Here, you will enjoy a vermentino-based aperitif followed by a rich and hearty lunch on board. Lunch is subject to seasonal product availability and may include:

•    Sardinian appetizer with cold cuts, cheeses and grilled vegetables
•    a first course with fresh fish
•    Seadas
•    local wine

The excursion lasts one day and can be arranged on a shared or exclusive basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may vary.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

The Corsica sailing excursion from Santa Teresa di Gallura will take you around southern Corsica while enjoying a typical Sardinian lunch on board.

The skipper will take you to the coast of Corsica with possible stops at Lavezzi and Isola Piana, depending on weather conditions. You will enjoy swimming, surface snorkeling and swimming to the island's various coves and beaches.

During the excursion you will enjoy a lunch on board that includes:

•    Aperitif of typical products
•    First course of fish
•    Vermentino wine
•    Beer
•    Sardinian sweets
•    Myrtle

No-fish and vegetarian options are also available. In case of food allergies or intolerances, it is recommended to bring a packed lunch.

The excursion takes about 8 hours and is suitable for everyone. During stops, you will be escorted to the beach by tender.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.