Guided cruise to Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Gabbiani, and Biriala

This is a Caribbean day, Sardinia edition. I love the max 12 passengers setup, because you get breathing room on a busy coast. The second thing I love is the dinghy swimming stops, especially the jump-in at Cala Goloritzè and the Piscine di Venere waters.

One thing to plan for: there are no restrooms, and the tour does not serve water, drinks, or meals (there is a bar at Cala Mariolu).

Key things to know before you go

• Max 12 passengers means a calmer boat, faster boarding, and more time in the water
• Two dinghy swim moments at Piscine di Venere and Cala Goloritzè, where you can snorkel right from the boat
• Three beach breaks are long enough to actually relax, not just pose and move on
• Food and water are not included, so pack smart and keep a small plan for snacks
• Optional Grotta del Fico adds a guided cave visit if you want more than sea time

Entering Sardinia’s Sea World, With a Small-Group Speedboat

This cruise is all about Sardinia’s east coast when it looks like someone turned the saturation up. You’re not stuck on a big, crowded ferry. You’re on a smaller speedboat with a guide, and that changes the whole feel of the day.

The day is built around a simple rhythm: sail, quick photo and viewing moments, then real beach time. The most memorable parts are the moments when you leave the main boat and jump into crystal-clear spots from the dinghy. That setup makes swimming feel easy and natural, and it also helps you reach coves that larger boats can’t access as well.

With a price around $93 per person for an 8-hour guided day, the value comes from what’s included: skipper, fuel, and the guided structure that gets you from beach to beach without wasting time.

Getting There: 9:00 a.m. Pickups at Arbatax, Lotzorai, and Santa Maria Navarrese

The tour starts at 9:00 a.m., and you have three pickup options. Choose the one that minimizes your travel time on land.

Here’s what to look for:

• Port of Arbatax, east pier next to the AGIP petrol station
• Lotzorai, Lido delle Rose beach, opposite Camping Iscrixedda
• Port of Santa Maria Navarrese, on the road down from the port, first office on the left

I like that the start is clear and practical. You’re not guessing where to meet. If you’re driving, show up early enough to park and walk in relaxed mode, because being rushed at 8:45 is no one’s idea of vacation.

The Small-Group Advantage: Max 12, Plus Dinghy-Access Coves

This trip caps at 12 passengers, and you feel it in the pacing. On a smaller boat, the crew can take the day with flexibility. It also helps with the in-and-out process for dinghy swims, where you want things to be smooth.

You’ll spend part of the day sailing north along the coast, passing natural monuments and coastline shapes you can only really understand when you view them from the water. The guides talk as you go, and the boat route includes caves and sea-access only features.

If you hate the feeling of being packed in, this is one of those tours where the group size directly improves your experience.

The Short Sails and Photo Stops That Set the Mood

Between beach breaks, the day includes small speed segments and short stops that make the coastline feel like a living slideshow. Early on, after pickup and a speedboat ride of about 20 minutes, you get a 10-minute photo stop.

Later, there are a few more transitions that include:

• brief speedboat legs (often around 10 to 20 minutes)
• another photo stop
• time for the crew to set you up for a swim or shoreline break

These breaks matter because they stop the day from feeling like one long transfer. They also give you chances to catch the dramatic rock formations and coastal curves that you’ll want to remember later.

Cala Goloritzè and Piscine di Venere: The Swim Stops You’ll Talk About

This is where the cruise earns its reputation. You get two swimming stops from the dinghy, and the locations are genuinely standout.

Cala Goloritzè, UNESCO area

Cala Goloritzè is treated as a major moment on the itinerary. You’ll have time for:

• photo stop and visit
• swimming and snorkeling
• marine life viewing

Plan for around 30 minutes at this spot. The exact experience will depend on sea conditions and how active you want to be, but the format is built for you to get in the water without turning the stop into a full production.

Because the tour includes snorkel time from the dinghy, I suggest you bring (or wear) what keeps you comfortable: swimsuit under clothes, sunscreen ready, and a towel you can grab quickly.

Pools of Venus (Piscine di Venere)

The Piscine di Venere segment is shorter, around 20 minutes, with photo and swim-snorkel time plus marine life viewing.

This is the sort of place where you might feel like you’re floating instead of wading. Since the stops are time-boxed, you’ll want to keep your gear simple and move efficiently once you’re in the water.

A practical note: snorkeling kit is not included, so if you’re counting on having your own, pack it ahead of time. If you don’t have it, you can still enjoy the swim and the views, but you’ll be less prepared for a full snorkeling session.

Cala Gabbiani: A Long Break for Real Relaxation

After the swim moments, the day shifts into beach mode. One of the longest beach breaks is at Cala dei Gabbiani, with about 1.5 hours.

At this stop you’ll get:

• break time
• photo stop and visit
• swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing

This stop is important because it gives you time to stop thinking and start doing. You can swim at your pace, lie back, and let the day breathe. The 1.5-hour window also gives you flexibility if you want a slower start before you head into the next cove.

One drawback to know: there are no restrooms provided on this trip, so treat every beach stop as your chance to handle basics before you commit to longer swim time.

Cala Biriala: Another 1.5-Hour Beach Daydream

Next comes Cala Biriala with another 1.5-hour break. Like the other beach stops, you’ll have time for photo, visit, and swimming with snorkeling support from the dinghy setup.

This is the kind of stop that works well if you want:

• an easy swimming pace
• a chance to enjoy the water without racing
• time to wander a bit along the shoreline at your own speed

Because the tour is time structured, you don’t have to decide the whole day yourself. But you still get enough freedom to enjoy the beach instead of being shoved along.

Cala Mariolu: Where the Bar Helps, and Time Stays Relaxed

Cala Mariolu is the last major beach stop, again with about 1.5 hours.

Along with the usual mix of photo, visit, swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing, Cala Mariolu includes one very practical bonus: there’s a bar where you can buy drinks and food. The overall tour itself does not serve food or drinks.

If you plan to keep costs down, you can bring your own packed lunch and water. But if you prefer light planning, this is the stop where you can grab something without stress.

I also like that Cala Mariolu comes late enough that you’re not spending the entire day thinking about where the next meal will come from.

The Optional Grotta del Fico Cave Visit, and When It’s Worth It

There’s an optional add-on: Grotta del Fico. It’s not included in the base price.

What you should know:

• it has an additional cost
• tickets are not included
• you’ll get a guided tour for about 45 minutes

This is a good choice if you’re curious about caves and want something different from beach time. It’s also worth considering if you tend to get bored just sitting in one place for hours.

If your priority is pure sea time and you’d rather keep the day simple, you can skip it and stay focused on the beaches you already have.

What You Actually Get for Around $93: The Value Math

At about $93 per person for an 8-hour guided cruise, the value comes from how the day is put together.

What’s included:

• skipper
• 8-hour guided tour
• 3 beach stops
• 2 swimming stops from the dinghy
• fuel

What can add cost or require your own planning:

• water and drinks
• meals
• snorkeling kit
• cooler bag
• Grotta del Fico tickets (optional)
• €2 ecological tax (not included)

When you think about it, the tour is priced like a day of guided sea access plus multiple swimming moments. You’re not paying separately for every beach transfer. You’re paying for the structure that makes those coves reachable by boat, including the dinghy swim setup.

To make this value land well for you, show up ready to feed yourself. Bring a packed lunch and bring enough water or plan to buy at Cala Mariolu.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Waste Time on Day-of Problems)

Here’s your smart packing list, based on what the tour calls for and what makes sense for dinghy swim stops:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Flip-flops or beach footwear you can manage fast
• Camera
• Packed lunch and drinks or water
• Biodegradable sunscreen, plus biodegradable insect repellent
• Snorkeling gear if you want a real snorkeling session
• Cash for personal items and the €2 ecological tax

If you wear sunscreen, a quick tip: apply before you’re out of the pickup area, so you’re not trying to do it while the boat is waiting.

Also, bring medication if you need it. The tour does not mention any medical facilities, and it’s a full day at sea and beach stops.

Comfort and Suitability: Who This Day Works For

This tour is not for everyone. It may not be suitable if you:

• are pregnant
• have back problems
• are over 70
• need accommodations for very young babies (it lists babies under 1 year)

It also matters that you’ll be moving between boat, dinghy, and beach surfaces during swim stops. Even if you’re comfortable in the water, the physical steps can be tiring.

I’d also avoid wearing footwear that’s hard to manage quickly. High-heeled shoes are not allowed. Pets are not allowed either, and bikes, baby strollers, and similar items are not allowed.

If you’re in good general shape and you want a water-focused day, this cruise fits nicely.

A Few Extra Practical Details That Make the Day Smoother

The tour offers live guidance in Italian and English, so you can follow what’s happening and why each stop matters.

You’ll also have a drop-off at about 5:00 p.m., and it matches your pickup options:

• Arbatax
• Lotzorai
• Santa Maria Navarrese

One more useful mindset: this is a day dedicated to relaxation. Don’t schedule a complicated plan right after the return. Build in a buffer so you can shower, eat, and recover without feeling rushed.

Should You Book This Cala Goloritzè to Cala Mariolu Speedboat Cruise?

You should book if:

• you want a small-group day with around 12 people or fewer
• you care about swimming in standout spots like Cala Goloritzè and Piscine di Venere
• you’d rather spend time on beaches than fight for space on a large boat
• you’re comfortable managing your own snacks and water

You might skip it if:

• you need restrooms on demand
• you don’t want to bring your own food and water
• you have mobility limits that make dinghy boarding harder

If you’re choosing between a quick coastline tour and a longer sea day, this one leans hard into the water. And if the day works for you, it delivers exactly what you came for: Sardinia’s coastline in postcard clarity, with enough structure to keep you from wasting time.

FAQ

What beaches and areas are included in the tour?

The tour includes stops at Cala Goloritzè, Cala Gabbiani (Cala dei Gabbiani), Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu, plus swim time at Piscine di Venere.

Where does the tour depart from and when?

You depart at 9:00 a.m. from the pickup port area, and the drop-off is scheduled for about 5:00 p.m.

What are the pickup locations?

Pickup options are Port of Arbatax (east pier next to the AGIP petrol station), Lotzorai (Lido delle Rose beach opposite Camping Iscrixedda), and Port of Santa Maria Navarrese (on the road down from the port, first office on the left).

How many people are on board?

The cruise is limited to a maximum of 12 passengers.

Are swimming stops included, and where do they happen?

Yes. There are two swimming stops from the dinghy, one at the Piscine di Venere waters and one at Cala Goloritzè.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. A snorkeling kit is not included, so you should bring your own if you want it.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. No food or drinks are served during the tour. There is a bar in Cala Mariolu where you can purchase drinks and food.

Is the Grotta del Fico visit included?

It’s optional and costs extra. Tickets are not included, and the guided visit is about 45 minutes.

Are restrooms available during the cruise?

The tour notes that restrooms are not available.