Tavolara Excursions: What Are the Best Ones and Where Do They Depart From
Tavolara is one of the symbols of Olbia and is one of the most Instagrammable destinations. Discover which excursions you can take, where they depart from, and the prices.
Snorkeling Tavolara
With fins and mask, get ready to explore the wonders of the Tavolara Marine Protected Area. Accompanied by expert guides, you will observe the most beautiful forms of life that inhabit the Mediterranean Sea: colorful fish, birds, marine mammals, and lush fragrant vegetation. The snorkeling excursion in Tavolara usually lasts 4 hours, including snack breaks, navigation, and of course, beautiful swims. An experience recommended for everyone, both adults and children.
book snorkeling Tavolara + dolphin watching
Tavolara Excursions by Rubber Boat
Choose your departure point from 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 a rubber boat to Tavolara means discovering impressive cliffs, secluded coves, and hidden beaches. A rubber boat offers the flexibility to get close to places that might be inaccessible by larger boats.
Sail safely and don't forget to take a dip in the Natural Pools of Molara.
Book the Tavolara rubber boat excursionTavolara Diving
Not far from the famous Secca del Papa dive is another equally spectacular diving site, the Grottone: it is a colorful dive with unique landscapes and rock formations. Divers can dive into a spectacular world illuminated by lights filtering through the water, rich in a great variety of fish and invertebrates that inhabit the Tavolara Capo Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area. Dives in Tavolara such as Tedja Liscia and Occhio di Dio are an absolute must do during an underwater vacation.
Tavolara is recognized as one of the marine protected areas most populated with life. Diving enthusiasts are required to follow the rules and zoning to preserve the integrity of the marine ecosystem. Protecting coralligenous habitats and respecting marine life are priorities to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this underwater oasis.
Dive spots in the waters of the Isola di Molara, such as Punta d’Arresto, the secca of Punta Levante, and Il Relittone – Wreck of the Oued Yquem, always provide unexpected thrills.
The main diving centers offering this experience are in Golfo Aranci, Olbia, Porto Taverna, Porto San Paolo, and Porto Ottiolu
Day on a Sailing Boat in Tavolara
Sailing on a boat is always a wonderful feeling. Furthermore, sailing immersed in 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 a whole day.
The onboard staff prepares lunch and you can enjoy a relaxing day filled with swims, appetizers, and enchanting views.
book the Tavolara sailing excursionTrekking Tavolara
Trekking excursions in Tavolara are very popular, but not all treks on the island of Tavolara are suitable for everyone.
The island features several well-marked paths leading to the Prolagus trail, Cala Tramontana, the Cemetery of the Kings of Tavolara, and a point called “The Two Seas.”
These paths take between 10 and 30 minutes and are suitable for everyone, but be careful during the hottest hours and make sure to bring drinking water and a hat.
There are also more challenging excursions and treks that involve via ferrata leading to the summit of Tavolara, for which it is advisable to rely on an expert guide.
Tavolara Excursions: Where Do They Depart From
Tavolara Excursions from Olbia
A strategic point for those wishing to see Tavolara is starting from Olbia, one of the most important cities in northern Sardinia. With its Olbia airport, Costa Smeralda, and the Isola Bianca tourist port very close to the airport and reachable from the city in 10 minutes, Olbia is an ideal gateway for boat excursions to Tavolara
Choosing Olbia as a departure point for excursions to Tavolara also means seeing a captivating stretch of sea such as the Capo Ceraso promontory. A granite peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Olbia and dotted with spectacular beaches and coves. Capo Ceraso is located in 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 about the Olbia tourist port, visit the Olbia marina website near the Costa Smeralda airport Moys.
You can find rubber boats, motorboats, and sailing boats. The crossing to reach Tavolara takes about 20 minutes, and you can admire various points of interest.
Tavolara Excursions from Porto San Paolo
Another main departure point for excursions to Tavolara is Porto San Paolo. This charming village with its picturesque port offers a wide range of tourist services, including organized tours and rubber boat rentals. From here, excursion enthusiasts can set out for Tavolara in various ways, including boat trips and rubber boat excursions.
In general, Tavolara excursions depart from the following locations:
- from San Teodoro
- from Porto San Paolo
- from Olbia
- from Golfo Aranci
- from Capo Coda Cavallo
- from Porto Ottiolu
Tavolara Excursions: 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 Tavolara excursions cost much less than exclusive boat rentals. Here’s a general overview of the prices you might expect:
Snorkeling Tavolara
from 30 to 70 euros per person. Children usually have a discount and sometimes are free (it depends on age, always better to check the supplier's website carefully)
DST Sardegna, for example, offers snorkeling excursions in Tavolara and children up to 1 year old are free
Group trips with a guide: From about 40 to 80 euros per person, depending on duration and included services.
Rubber Boat Rentals
Renting a rubber boat can range from about 100 to 500 euros per day, depending on the size of the boat and the type of rubber boat. There are larger boats with powerful motors that can cost from 500 to 2,000 per day
A rubber boat without a license (40 HP) for Tavolara costs on average around 150/200 euros in the low season and around 300 euros in the high season.
Sailing Boat Excursions
From 80 to 150 euros per person for a day tour.
Exclusive Sailing Boat Rentals
Renting a sailing boat exclusively can vary from about 500 to 3,000 euros per day depending on the size, features of the sailing boat, any extras agreed with the rental company, and of course, the distance from the departure port.
Catamaran Excursions
From about 60 to 150 euros per person, depending on duration and included services.
Catamaran Rentals
Renting a catamaran can range from about 800 to 3,000 euros per day depending on size and services offered on board and the departure port.
Scuba Diving
Single guided dives: From 50 to 100 euros per dive, depending on duration and whether or not scuba gear is rented.
Diving packages: Multiple packages may offer discounts, with prices ranging from about 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, imposing, and suggestive island, you can follow several options:
Boat Excursions
These excursions offer the chance to admire the island of Tavolara from different angles and, at times, 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 experience a more intimate connection 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 coasts in a calm and relaxing way.
Viewing Points on the Mainland
From the Sardinian coast, especially from beach locations like Porto San Paolo or San Teodoro, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Tavolara. You can seek out elevated viewpoints along the coast or book accommodation with a view of the island to admire it comfortably from your terrace.