Experience 15 Unforgettable Watersports in Sardinia

Watersports to try in Sardinia

Diving, Canyoning, Paddleboarding, Jet Ski, Water Skiing, Canoeing and Kayaking, Kite & Wind Surfing are just a few of the sports you can enjoy on your vacation.

Vacation is synonymous with sea, fun, sports and nature; Sardinia is indeed the ideal destination for lovers of all water sports.

Some water sports can be practiced in summer due to the water temperature and weather conditions. Others can be enjoyed year-round, taking care to pay attention to the weather conditions.

Here are some examples of water sports to try during your vacation in Sardinia.

• there are 6 Marine Protected Areas and hundreds of places to dive; wherever you are in Sardinia, the diving will surely be wonderful;
• for speed and adventure water sports like jet skiing, Costa Smeralda is definitely the ideal place: jet skis, water skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and all the fun you desire;
• for Kitesurfing, the La Cinta beach in San Teodoro is a famous kite spot in Sardinia suitable for both professionals and beginners, perfect with both Maestrale and Scirocco winds;
• for canyoning in Sardinia, you can choose one of the most well-known and renowned places for canyoning: Monte Nieddu Rio Pitrisconi;
• you have the places known as the capitals of windsurfing and wave surfing: Porto Pollo, Capo Mannu, and San Teodoro;
• Also discover experiences for children and adults to learn about scuba diving in Villasimius, at Cannigione, at Golfo Aranci.

No matter if you are a beginner or a professional, on YepSea you will find water sports for all ages and skill levels.

Adventure fun sports in Sardinia

Here are some tips for a fun vacation in Sardinia immersed in nature. Discover the watersports you can do in Sardinia.

01. Diving

Diving in Sardinia means experiencing an underwater dive in one of the most beautiful and well-known seas in the world, the Mediterranean Sea.

Diving allows you to breathe underwater using a tank and regulator, letting you experience and live the sea like a fish.

You don’t need to be an experienced diver to participate in this experience. You can choose introductory diving lessons for children and adults, such as Discover Scuba Diving.

If the experience excites you, as it often does, you can enroll in a scuba diving course to gain a diving certification and become a diver.

The diving centers and scuba diving schools listed on yepsea.com are all certified centers (PADI, SSI…) with experienced instructors who will accompany you and your children in this experience, ensuring you have fun in absolute safety.

Sure, the instructor will ensure that the activity is conducted safely. Consider that it’s more dangerous to play bowling 🙂 because very few sports disciplines have such a structured teaching organization and a strong emphasis on safety. It’s essential, though, that you are in excellent health.

Yes, the equipment used for scuba diving is regularly checked to ensure all instruments are functioning correctly.

Note, however, that if your eyesight issue is mild (not having serious vision problems), you will likely have no difficulty seeing because the water correction factor tends to make things appear 25% closer and about 30% larger. If in the future you become passionate about diving and want to obtain diving certificates, you can purchase masks with prescription lenses.

02. Jet Ski

If you’re on vacation in Sardinia and want to have an unforgettable experience, you must rent a jet ski.

With a Jet Ski, you can zip across the sea and reach the most beautiful beaches in the area.

Find the centers that rent jet skis near you. Read the description in each experience card to get information about the vehicle you wish to rent.

Kawasaki, Sea Doo, and Yamaha are just a few of the brands of jet skis you can rent on YepSea.

Make your choice and get ready to visit the wonderful sea of Sardinia.

Yes, these vehicles have a powerful and high-performance engine and can only be rented by those who hold a valid boating license. Remember to bring it with you on the rental day as you will need to show it along with an ID.

03. Canoe and Kayak

The term Canoe and Kayak is often used broadly to refer to a wide range of small boats propelled by a paddle.

In a stricter sense, kayaks are paddled with a 2-blade paddle, while canoes use a 1-blade paddle.

If you are on vacation in Sardinia and want to enjoy a beautiful sea while exploring coasts and beaches in an eco-friendly way, kayaking is the ideal means.

Canoeing and kayaking are very relaxing and fun activities that do not require any particular physical preparation.

You can choose to rent a single or double canoe and go on a sunset kayaking excursion to connect directly with the sea and nature.

Yes, canoes are very easy to use, making them suitable for young people and adults (minimum age 14 years). Children can generally be transported in a double canoe accompanied by an adult.

You will experience one of the most beautiful seas in the world… at water level! The sea in Golfo Aranci is among the cleanest and clearest in the world, and canoeing will give you the thrill of feeling one with this wonder.

04. Canyoning

Canyoning, or torrenting in Italian, is a water sport that involves descending streams in gorges and canyons.

During canyoning, you walk through the streambed without using any means like rafts or canoes.

The route is filled with waterfalls, rock jumps, slides (toboggan), corridors, and natural pools. Canyoning is not exclusively an extreme sport; the difficulty level varies depending on the type of course.

The canyoning of Monte Nieddu in San Teodoro is one of the most famous in Sardinia because water is present almost all year round; it is suitable for everyone, fun, and ideal for both beginners and experts.

If you want a less adventurous but equally rewarding experience in total contact with nature, suitable for all family members, choose a 4×4 Monte Nieddu Natural Pools and Rio Pitrisconi Waterfalls tour from San Teodoro.

Canyoning (in English) is a water sport that consists of descending gorges, or canyons, along small streams of water. During canyoning, you walk through the stream without using inflatable boats or canoes. The path is filled with waterfalls, rock jumps, slides, corridors, and natural pools. Canyoning is not exclusively an extreme sport; the difficulty level varies depending on the “obstacles” encountered along the way. The canyoning of Monte Nieddu in San Teodoro is one of the most famous in Sardinia and is suitable for everyone, fun, and ideal for both beginners and experts.

The canyoning route in San Teodoro is suitable for both beginners and experts. You need to know how to swim and not be afraid of heights.

The minimum age required for this canyoning experience is 10 years.

If you're a beginner, you don't need to worry; the guide will take care of everything, you just need to have fun and enjoy the journey. Before starting the experience, there is an introductory briefing where the route is explained and the main techniques and operations are described. It will be thrilling, or rather, unforgettable!

For this experience, all the necessary equipment will be provided: helmet, wetsuit/suit according to the season and water temperature, harness, ropes, carabiners. You need to bring a swimsuit, a beach towel, and a pair of shoes that you will use during the descent. Keep in mind that the footwear you wear will get wet, so bring an extra pair of shoes or flip-flops.

05. Kitesurf

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding or simply kite, is a sailing sport that was initially developed as a variant of surfing.

The principle is pretty much the same as flying a kite; you use the wind as propulsion and steer the bar connected to the kite (the "sail") with thin, durable lines.

Simply put: with a board at your feet, you can glide across the water towed by a kite.

Kitesurfing for beginners is recommended with light breezes, ideally blowing towards land so you don’t drift too far from the shore.

Professional kite surfers, on the other hand, can practice kite surfing in any wind strength.

Sardinia is ideal for kitesurfing; on any given day, you can find a side, coast, or beach where you can practice kite at any level of experience.

The beach La Cinta in San Teodoro is one of the most famous kite spots in Sardinia for kite surfing.

You can take a Kite Surf course and rent kite surfing equipment in San Teodoro. Ready to go kitesurfing in the most famous spots in Sardinia?

The school is located almost at the end of La Cinta beach in San Teodoro, near the Fish Farm. At this point, the beach is very deep, open, and frequented by few people. There is plenty of space to have fun and practice all the kite exercises.

The minimum age required to participate in this activity is 10 years.

06. Stand Up Paddling

SUP or Stand Up Paddle is, so to speak, a variant of surfing that has now taken on a life of its own. Stand Up Paddling involves standing on a board using a paddle for propulsion to glide across the water.

The Stand Up Paddle Board is similar to a surfboard but larger to provide more stability.

SUP practice in Sardinia is rapidly gaining popularity, partly because it is an extremely easy sport to learn and offers huge satisfaction.

It’s fun and at the same time a great mix of balance and physical training for the whole body.

If you're at the beach and want to experience new emotions, you can rent a SUP. With a SUP, you can explore the coast and its crevices, enjoying views otherwise inaccessible.

Doing SUP gives you a rewarding sense of freedom and well-being, gliding over the sea in complete contact with nature.

Using a SUP is quite simple; you just need to get a little comfortable once you’re on it. Before each rental, the basics for safe usage will be explained to you.

For safety reasons, the minimum age to rent a SUP is generally 12-14 years.

Your safety is our top priority. If bad weather or rough seas are forecast, you will not be able to go in the water. We will then reschedule your reservation to the next available date or issue a full refund.

07. Water Skiing

Water skiing is a discipline that allows you to zoom across the water towed by a boat while balancing on a pair of skis.

It is a sport suitable even for beginners because, at least for the basic maneuvers, it does not require special skills or knowledge.

If you think that you need a lot of arm strength for water skiing, don’t worry, it’s mainly a matter of balance.

Once you’re up on the skis, the sensation of speed is very exhilarating. At first, it's essential to find the right position, and you might fall a few times before doing so.

Don't worry; after a few attempts, it will all be very straightforward and standing up will be truly exhilarating.

Want to know where to go water skiing in Sardinia? If you're on vacation in Cannigione or Porto Rotondo, check out the adventures you can have and get ready to spend a wonderful day full of fun and adrenaline.

Check out all the places where you can go water skiing, choose the beach closest to you, Cannigione, Porto Rotondo… and start the adventure!

The experience lasts about 15-20 minutes. Generally, this is more than enough, especially for a beginner. However, if you want to enjoy it for longer, you can purchase 2 tickets. This will give you a total of 40 minutes of water skiing. Pure adrenaline!

08. Speed Banana, Sumo, and Doughnut

Whether you choose a speed banana, a speed doughnut, or the brand-new sumo, get ready for an experience of speed, adrenaline, and pure fun.

These activities speak for themselves. Who hasn’t seen a banana flying across the sea at full speed with people laughing loudly on it?

Book an experience on a banana boat or a speed doughnut and get towed across the water’s surface with friends and kids.

If you’ve never done it before, you must try the Sumo Tube, an electrifying mix of water skiing and bouncing on an inflatable. A definite must-try!

No, they are not dangerous activities. Naturally, these activities are safe when operated by professionals in the field.

09. Windsurf

Windsurfing is a sailing specialty, a very fun sport that you can practice during a vacation in Sardinia even without being a professional.

Windsurfing involves gliding across the water propelled by the wind and the waves, using a board and a sail.

The speed you can achieve with a windsurf can be very high, depending on your level of experience, the equipment used, and the weather conditions.

If you want to try this sport during your vacation, you can choose a windsurfing school in San Teodoro at La Cinta or the two large bays of Porto Pollo beach in Palau, which are some of the most famous windsurf spots in Sardinia.

With an instructor, you can take beginner windsurfing courses or introductory lessons to see if this sport is right for you.

The combination of windsurfing and children is perfect, but in this case, it's always advisable to rely on a recognized windsurfing school, ensuring that the experience for the child is safe and enjoyable.

If you're a professional and can't bring your own equipment, you can opt for a windsurf rental in San Teodoro.

You can find many types of boards and sails for rent, and you are sure to have fun.

10. Surfing

Surfing is a very well-known and practiced sport in Sardinia. With a surfboard, you can glide over the water riding the waves.

It’s a great physical and mental exercise that helps keep you fit and clear your mind of daily commitments.

The technique involves gliding along the wave's wall and performing tricks, ideally staying standing on the board.

It is a really fun sport and not that difficult to approach; just listen to the right advice.

The surfboards come in various sizes and are selected considering various factors including body type, weather conditions, experience, and style.

If you are a beginner, choose a surf school and rely on a professional to take your first steps. If you are already an experienced surfer looking for a place to surf and rent a board, you can enjoy the most well-known surf spots in Sardinia.

It's quite easy to learn the basics of surfing; let's just say it requires some balance skills. In fact, most surfers will tell you that surfing has a relatively smooth learning curve, and you can start quite quickly. Like any other sport, there will be people who say they learned quickly, a small minority found it hard, and some will tell you they started to feel discouraged and eventually quit. But from the moment you stand on the surfboard and glide across the surface of the water for a couple of seconds, you become a surfer! A beginner surfer - sure - but already a member of the surf tribe!

Of course, there are different boards available for adults and children. Beginners and professionals.

Your safety is our top priority. If the weather conditions are not optimal, you will not be able to go in the water. You can then decide to change your booking or request a full refund.

11. Sailing Courses

Sailing courses in Sardinia are a wonderful way to get close to the sea and sport at any age.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Sardinia will always satisfy you; the wind is an endless resource of emotions that always offers adrenaline and unforgettable moments.

You can take a sailing course on Laser dinghies and Hobie Cat catamarans and learn the basic techniques to navigate the waves.

Courses on cabin boats are also available, allowing you to learn how to operate a sailboat and refine sailing techniques.

Safety on board, sailing maneuvers including spinnaker, mooring in port, nighttime navigation, and many drills.

All sailing courses for beginners can start any day of the week, and you can organize lessons over the course of a summer season.

At the end of the course, you will be autonomous and able to sail safely. Choose the sailing course that’s right for you and get ready to set sail!

Like any activity, sailing also requires attention and practice. Rely on a certified sailing instructor and follow their advice. You will see that it will be an unforgettable experience.

12. Rental of Laser Dinghies & Hobie Cats

If you are already experienced in sailing or simply want to spend a few hours of your vacation sailing on the sea of northern Sardinia, you can rent a small Laser dinghy, lightweight, fun, and fast.

The Hobie Cat is a sailing catamaran, a multi-hull boat that needs no introduction. Hobie Cats are extremely competitive and very fast boats whose performance cannot be compared with any other type of sailing.

The best way to spend a great time at sea enjoying fun is to rent a Hobie Cat or a fun Laser dinghy. Sardinia is a perfect natural gym to learn to sail and perfect your technique.

The indicative number of passengers that can board a Hobie Cat catamaran depends on the model:

Hobie Cat 15 2/3 persons
Hobie Cat 15 Club 2/3 persons
Hobie Cat 16 2 persons

13. Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a watersport that is a mix between snowboarding and water skiing. It is a recently popular water sport during which you are pulled by a boat while standing on a board.

If during your vacation in Sardinia you want to experience new emotions, this activity is truly ideal—pure adrenaline.

The wakeboarding boards are thin and rectangular with rounded edges. Once you have the board on, it will simply be a matter of balance.

Listen to the wakeboard instructor's instructions, and you will see that standing up is not difficult at all.

Wakeboarding is a very popular water sport; throughout the Costa Smeralda, you can find adventurous and fun experiences.

As with any activity, it is necessary to pay maximum attention to the explanations given in the initial briefing. The experiences are conducted with a strong focus on safety, followed by the greatest fun.

14. Sea Bob Aquascooter

The Sea Bob is an aquascooter, an electric propulsion device that allows you to move both on the surface of the water and underwater safely, quickly, and fun.

It is an eco-friendly means that lets you move freely in the sea with the same agility as a dolphin.

The Sea Bob is silent and allows you to explore the wonderful sea of Sardinia without obstacles and limits, especially without scaring the fish. It's the perfect mix between a snorkeling experience and freediving, absolutely thrilling!

The battery life depends on many factors, especially the riding style of the pilot. With normal use, the battery lasts about 8 hours. However, if you are already an experienced Sea Bob pilot and practice sporty riding, the battery lasts about 4 hours. If you wish, you can also rent a fast charging station at checkout.

15. Subwing

The Subwing consists of two underwater wings towed slowly by a boat; you can attach yourself to these devices to fly underwater.

The wings are connected by a joint and are independent, so you can tilt them at different angles and modify your direction.

You can tilt both wings down to dive and up to resurface. Incredibly fun!

Like any activity, it is necessary to pay maximum attention to the explanations given in the initial briefing. Our experiences are conducted with a strong focus on safety, followed by the greatest fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What water sports can I practice in Sardinia?

In Sardinia, you can practice a wide range of water sports, including diving, canyoning, paddleboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Each activity offers unique experiences suitable for all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Where can I go scuba diving in Sardinia?

Scuba diving in Sardinia is spectacular and can be done in several protected marine areas, such as Tavolara and Villasimius. Diving centers offer courses for beginners and dives for experts, ensuring safety and fun.

What is the best place for kitesurfing in Sardinia?

La Cinta beach in San Teodoro is one of the best kitesurfing spots in Sardinia, suitable for both beginners and professionals. Good wind conditions guarantee an exciting experience throughout the summer.

Is scuba diving equipment safe?

Yes, the scuba equipment used in diving centers in Sardinia is regularly checked for safety. It is important to choose certified centers that follow strict safety standards.

Can I practice water sports all year round in Sardinia?

Some water sports can be practiced all year round, depending on weather conditions. Activities such as kayaking and canyoning are popular even in intermediate seasons, while sports like kitesurfing and diving are best in summer.

Do I need a certification to dive in Sardinia?

No certification is required to participate in introductory scuba diving lessons, such as Discover Scuba Diving. However, for more advanced dives, a recognized certification is required, which you can obtain through training courses.

Is Sardinia suitable for children for water sports?

Absolutely! Many water activity centers offer safe and fun experiences for children, such as introductory diving courses or rentals for kayaking and paddleboarding. It's a great opportunity to give kids unforgettable moments in nature.