Sailing ship from Porto San Paolo (S.Teodoro-Olbia) to Tavolara, Molara

Tavolara feels like another world. This small-group sail out of Porto San Paolo pairs protected-water swimming with generous onboard Sardinian food and wine. The main thing to consider is that the captain may shift timing for weather and safe navigation, so it is not a rigid, minute-by-minute plan.

I especially like how the day is paced in chunks: quick swims, longer beach time, then a protected-area segment with snorkeling chances and time to look for dolphins. You also get a real social vibe on a boat that caps at 14 travelers, so you are not stuck with strangers in a huge herd. My one practical drawback: beach towels are not included, so you will want to pack one.

Key highlights worth aiming for

• Isola Piana first swim: a quick splash at your starting horizon for an instant “wow”
• Tavolara beach time: aperitif swim and lunch in front of the protected coastline
• Molara swimming pools: a focused hour built around turquoise water and swimming
• Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo protected sea: swim and snorkel in a 76-kilometer protected stretch
• Dolphin search on the sail back: afternoon cruising with the sea’s wildlife as the bonus

Porto San Paolo to Tavolara and Molara, the real payoff

This is a classic Sardinia “day on the water” route, but it is built around the exact coast people come for near Olbia. You start in Porto San Paolo around 9:30 am and head out toward the Tavolara and Molara islands, with multiple swims and a protected marine-area stop. If you care more about water, views, and relaxing than constant sightseeing, this is the right style.

What makes it work for you is the mix of short and long stops. You get a quick reset right away at Isola Piana, then longer time where swimming from the boat is easy and the scenery does not feel repetitive.

Also, you will be on a sailing boat with a small max group size (14 travelers). That matters because it keeps the day feeling personal, and it makes it easier to move around for photos, snacks, and swim breaks without chaos.

Getting on board: meeting point, timing, and why it matters

The meeting point is Via Del Faro, 62, 07020 Porto San Paolo SS, Italy, and the tour ends back at the same spot. Expect a 7.5-hour sailing cruise (listed as about 7 to 8 hours overall), so plan your day around being away from shore for most of the morning into the afternoon.

I would treat arriving early as part of the experience. One practical tip that shows up repeatedly for this kind of port day: give yourself extra time for parking and access. People have mentioned using the monaiGo app to help with parking, and sometimes paying for nearby parking if spots are tight.

If you are coming from Olbia or nearby, give yourself buffer time. The start time is fixed, and the day is happiest when you are already relaxed before you leave the harbor.

Stop 1, Isola Piana: the “first wow” swim

The first stop is Isola Piana for about 30 minutes, with a swim that includes nearby views and a bit of navigation after departure. This is short by design. It helps you get into the rhythm fast, especially if you are not a “sit on a bus for hours” vacation person.

Why you will like it: the water is the headline here, and the first swim is a strong preview of what the rest of the day holds. It is also a good chance to test your swim comfort before longer stretches.

Possible drawback: if you are hoping for more time at your very first stop, 30 minutes can feel like a taste rather than a full meal. Think of it as a warm-up, not your main swimming destination.

Stop 2, Isola di Tavolara: lunch and beachy water time

Next comes Isola di Tavolara for roughly 2 hours. The plan here is more relaxed: an aperitif swim and lunch in front of the beautiful, protected Tavolara beach.

This is where the day shifts from “quick stops” into “settle in.” Two hours gives you room to swim, grab food, and enjoy the shoreline views without feeling rushed.

What to watch for: the wording is beach-forward, so if you get seasick easily, you may still want to choose your boat position early and stay hydrated. The good news is you are not stuck in motion the whole time. You have a long enough stop to slow down.

Stop 3, Isola Molara: swimming pools and turquoise water

Then you head to Isola Molara for about 1 hour, focusing on the Molara swimming pools and a swim in clear water with a standout turquoise color. This is the “focused swimming” stop.

Why it is special: Molara is famous for this kind of shallow-water swimming, where you can see what is under you and feel more connected to the water. It is also a great middle stop if you want a different type of swim than the beach time at Tavolara.

Consideration: it is only about an hour. If you want long, slow swimming sessions, you will need to enjoy it in bursts and use your snorkeling gear if you have it.

Stop 4, the protected marine area: snorkeling, lunch, and dolphin hopes

The final active segment is L’Area Naturale Marina Protetta Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo, a protected area that stretches 76 kilometers along the coast. The plan includes swimming and snorkeling, and lunch is served during this part of the day. After that, the afternoon includes a sail in search of dolphins, which often visit this area.

This is the part that feels most “Sardinia at sea,” because you are not just passing scenery. You are in a protected zone where swimming and snorkeling are the whole point.

A practical note: the itinerary can vary based on weather for safe navigation. That means the exact timing of swim opportunities might shift, but the idea stays the same: protected water time, then sailing with wildlife as the bonus.

Food and wine on board: what you actually get

One of the biggest values here is that you are not buying your meals separately. Food is built into the day, and it is not just bread and crackers.

You can expect:

• Brunch aperitif with Vermentino wine and typical Sardinian products
• Wine tasting plus additional drinks like beer
• Lunch, plus coffee and/or tea
• Alcoholic beverages including Vermentino white wine, myrtle (a typical Sardinian liqueur), and myrtle-based products

If you like to try local flavors without turning the day into a restaurant crawl, this setup is made for you. The drinks and tastings keep it fun even when the sea is calm, and the coffee/tea helps you reset between swim stops.

Two practical things to keep in mind:

• If you have food intolerances or special requests, the boat cannot always accommodate them beyond what is possible. The info notes that only no-fish or vegetarian options are possible as packet lunch in those cases.
• Beach towels are not included, so you will want to bring your own or plan to get one elsewhere.

Snorkeling gear and how to use it without fuss

You get snorkeling equipment, which is huge if you do not travel with gear. That alone saves time and hassle, and it makes the protected marine stop more meaningful.

Your best strategy is simple: treat snorkeling as part of the stop, not a chore. When you are in the water, stay calm, use the equipment right away, and do not spend your energy overthinking technique. The clearest moments come when you are already relaxed and moving naturally with the boat.

Also, sunscreen is not optional. Even without making it a whole “beach day” routine, the sun can hit hard on a boat. Plan to protect your face, neck, and shoulders before you get out for the first swims.

The boat vibe: small group, big comfort, easy social energy

This tour caps at 14 travelers, and it shows in the day-to-day experience. You are not constantly trying to find space, and it is easier to enjoy the boat as a hangout space between swims.

Crew quality seems to be a major theme in the feedback, including named hosts like Captain Luigi with Mateo, and other crew such as Alessio, Fabio, Agustino, Ricardo, Stefania, Laura, Livia, and Marco. The consistent pattern is friendly service, clear timing, and real care for the group’s comfort.

If you like a day where food appears, people are joking and singing, and everyone stays in the same general rhythm, this is a good match. It is also ideal for English speakers since the experience is offered in English.

Price and value: why $119.77 can make sense

At $119.77 per person, you are paying for a full half-day-plus at sea with more than one swim stop, snorkeling gear, and a full meal plan. That price becomes easier to justify when you compare it to renting equipment, paying for lunch, and paying separately for a boat outing.

For value, focus on what is included:

• The sailing cruise duration (about 7.5 hours)
• Lunch, brunch aperitif, coffee/tea
• Wine tasting and multiple drinks
• Snorkeling equipment

The only items you should expect to pay for are what is not listed: transportation to and from the attractions and beach towels. So if you are already near Porto San Paolo, and you pack a towel, the day is pretty straightforward.

Who this sailing trip suits best

This is a great fit if you:

• Want Tavolara and Molara without juggling ferries and schedules
• Prefer swim stops and sea time over long sightseeing walks
• Like food and wine as part of the experience, not as an afterthought
• Travel with friends or as a couple and enjoy a small group vibe

It may not be the best match if you dislike water activities or want lots of “onshore exploring.” The day is built around swimming, snorkeling, and sailing, not extensive time in towns.

Also, because the captain can adjust the route for weather, it is wise to come with flexible expectations. The goal is safety and sea conditions, not checking off a rigid list.

Should you book the Porto San Paolo to Tavolara and Molara sail?

If your vacation includes a serious wish to swim in clear Sardinian water, I think you should book this. The combination of protected marine-area time, multiple island stops, snorkeling gear, and a food-and-drinks plan is exactly how you turn a coastal day into a memory.

Book it if you also like a day that feels social but not crowded, with a crew that takes care of the details and keeps the timing flowing. Just remember the simple prep: bring sunscreen and pack a beach towel, and be ready for the captain to adjust timing for the conditions.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this sail is a strong choice for experiencing Tavolara and Molara the easy, boat-based way.

FAQ

What time does the sailing tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The sailing cruise is about 7.5 hours, and the overall tour duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours (approx.).

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at Via Del Faro, 62, 07020 Porto San Paolo SS, Italy.

What islands and areas do you stop at?

The stops are Isola Piana, Isola di Tavolara, Isola Molara, and the protected marine area L’Area Naturale Marina Protetta Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a brunch aperitif with Vermentino wine and typical products, wine tasting, lunch, and coffee and/or tea, plus alcoholic beverages including Vermentino, beer, and myrtle.

Are beach towels included?

No, beach towels are not included.

Can the tour accommodate food intolerances or special requests?

If you have food intolerances or special requests, the boat can not manage them as a special request, but you can be recommended packet lunch with no-fish or vegetarian options.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat has a maximum of 14 travelers.