Excursions Tavolara: what are the best and where do they depart from
Tavolara is one of the symbols of Olbia and is one of the most Instagrammable destinations. Discover what excursions you can take, where they start from, and prices.
Snorkeling Tavolara
Excursions Tavolara by inflatable boat
Choose your departure point among the nearby ports, such as Porto San Paolo, Capo Coda Cavallo, Olbia, or Golfo Aranci. From here, you can start your adventure to Tavolara, already admiring the crystal-clear waters and spectacular views.
Renting an inflatable boat to Tavolara means discovering the imposing cliffs, secluded coves, and hidden beaches. An inflatable boat offers the flexibility to approach places that may be inaccessible with larger boats.
Always navigate safely, and don't forget to take a swim at the Natural Pools of Molara.
Book the Tavolara boat tripDiving Tavolara
Sailing trip Tavolara
Sailing by boat is always a wonderful sensation. Sailing amid the crystal-clear waters of Tavolara promises an unparalleled experience.
The Tavolara sailing excursions depart from Porto San Paolo, Porto Ottiolu, San Teodoro, Budoni, Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Cannigione and last for a day.
The on-board staff prepares lunch, and you can enjoy a relaxing day filled with dives, aperitifs, and enchanting views.
book the Tavolara sailing excursionTrekking Tavolara
The trekking excursions in Tavolara are very popular, but not all treks on the island of Tavolara are suitable for everyone.
On the island, there are some clearly marked trails leading to the Prolagus trail, Cala Tramontana, the Cemetery of the Kings of Tavolara, and the point called “The Two Seas.”
These paths have a duration ranging from 10 to 30 minutes and are suitable for everyone; care should be taken during the hottest hours, ensuring to bring drinking water and a head covering.
There are also more challenging excursions and treks that lead to the summit of Tavolara through via ferrata, for which it is necessary to rely on an experienced guide.
Excursions Tavolara: where do they depart from
Excursions Tavolara from Olbia
A strategic point for those wishing to see Tavolara is to depart from Olbia, one of the most important cities in northern Sardinia. With its Olbia airport Costa Smeralda and the Isola Bianca marina close to the airport and reachable from the city in 10 minutes, Olbia is an ideal access point for boat excursions to Tavolara
Choosing Olbia as a departure point for excursions to Tavolara also means seeing a fascinating stretch of sea like the Capo Ceraso promontory. A granite peninsula that dominates the Gulf of Olbia and is dotted with spectacular beaches and coves. Capo Ceraso is located within the municipality of Olbia, in the province of Olbia-Tempio in northeastern Sardinia.
Excursions to Tavolara from Olbia mainly depart from MOYS – if you are looking for information on the Olbia marina, visit the marina's site near Costa Smeralda airport Moys.
You can find inflatable boats, motor boats, and sailing boats. The crossing to reach Tavolara lasts about 20 minutes, and you will admire various points of interest.
Excursions Tavolara from Porto San Paolo
Another of the main departure points for excursions to Tavolara is Porto San Paolo. This delightful village with its picturesque harbor offers a wide range of tourist services, including organized tours and inflatable boat rentals. From here, excursion enthusiasts can head towards Tavolara in several ways, including boat trips and inflatable boat excursions.
In general, excursions to Tavolara depart from the following locations:
- from San Teodoro
- from Porto San Paolo
- from Olbia
- from Golfo Aranci
- from Capo Coda Cavallo
- from Porto Ottiolu
Excursions Tavolara: prices
The prices for excursions to Tavolara can vary based on several factors, including the type of excursion, duration, time of year, and the chosen tour operator. In general, we can say that shared excursions to Tavolara cost much less than renting exclusive boats. Here’s a general overview of the prices you might expect:
Snorkeling Tavolara
from 30 to 70 euros per person. Children usually get a discount and sometimes are free (depends on age, always better to check the provider's website carefully)
DST Sardegna, for example, offers snorkeling excursions to Tavolara and children up to 1 year are free
Group trips with a guide: From about 40 to 80 euros per person, depending on the duration and services included.
Inflatable boat rental
Renting an inflatable boat can vary from about 100 to 500 euros per day, depending on the size of the inflatable boat and the type of boat. There are larger inflatable boats with powerful engines that can cost from 500 to 2,000 per day.
An inflatable boat up to 40 HP for Tavolara costs around 150/200 euros in low season and around 300 euros in high season.
Sailing Boat Excursions
From 80 to 150 euros per person for a full-day tour.
Sailing Boat Rentals
The rental of a sailing boat exclusively can vary from around 500 to 3,000 euros per day depending on the size, characteristics of the sailing boat, any extras agreed with the rental company, and obviously also from the distance of the departure port.
Catamaran Excursions
From about 60 to 150 euros per person, depending on the duration and included services.
Catamaran Rentals
renting a catamaran can vary from about 800 to 3,000 euros per day depending on size, onboard services offered, and the departure port.
Scuba Diving
Single guided dives: From 50 to 100 euros per dive, depending on the duration and whether the diving equipment is rented or not.
Diving packages: Multiple packages may offer discounts, with prices ranging from around 150 to 400 euros for a package of 3-5 dives.
How to see Tavolara?
Tavolara is an island located off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. To admire this wonderful island with its imposing and suggestive appearance, you can follow different options:
Boat excursions
These excursions offer the chance to admire the island of Tavolara from different angles, and at times they also allow you to explore the island for snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters.
Kayak or canoe trips
If you love adventure and want to have a more intimate experience with the sea and the island, you can choose kayak or canoe trips. These will allow you to get closer to Tavolara and explore its shores in a calm and relaxing way.
Scenic viewpoints on the mainland
From the Sardinian coast, especially from seaside towns like Porto San Paolo or San Teodoro, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Tavolara. You can look for elevated viewpoints along the coast or book accommodation with a view of the island to admire it comfortably from your terrace.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best excursions to Tavolara?
- The best excursions to Tavolara include snorkeling, diving, rubber boat trips, and sailing. Each activity offers a unique experience to explore the natural beauties of the Marine Protected Area.
- Where do excursions to Tavolara depart from?
- Excursions to Tavolara depart from various ports, including Porto San Paolo, Golfo Aranci, and Olbia. The choice of the port depends on the type of excursion you wish to take.
- How much do snorkeling excursions to Tavolara cost?
- The prices for snorkeling excursions to Tavolara vary, but generally range from 50-70 euros per person. It is advisable to book in advance to get the best deals.
- Are there trekking excursions to Tavolara?
- Yes, there are several trekking paths in Tavolara, suitable for various levels of experience. The most popular trails include the Prolagus Trail and the route to the Cemetery of Kings.
- Is it possible to spot dolphins during the excursions?
- Yes, many rubber boat and sailing excursions offer the chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Sightings are not guaranteed, but they are quite common.
- What are the rules for diving in Tavolara?
- During diving in Tavolara, it is essential to follow zoning and marine ecosystem protection rules. Care must be taken to preserve coral reefs and marine life.
- Is a guide necessary for snorkeling in Tavolara?
- Yes, it is recommended to have an experienced guide for snorkeling in Tavolara, as they know the best observation points and ensure safety during the outing. Additionally, they enrich the experience with useful information about marine life.