· 7 min read · by Salimar Boat Tour
Boat tour from Olbia to Tavolara and Molara: what to expect
Four hours at sea inside one of the most spectacular marine areas of the Mediterranean: that, in one line, is the boat tour from Olbia to Tavolara and Molara. In this guide we tell you exactly what to expect — the route, the stops, the marine park rules and the practical tips of people who sail these waters every day.
Where we go: the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area
The tour takes place entirely inside the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area: over 15,000 hectares of sea and 76 kilometres of coastline, from Capo Ceraso to south of Capo Coda Cavallo, including the islands of Tavolara, Molara and Molarotto. Since 2007 it has been recognised as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI), managed by the municipalities of Olbia, San Teodoro and Loiri Porto San Paolo. Translation: some of the clearest, best-protected water in Italy.
The route, stop by stop
We depart from the Olbia marina (MOYS, Via Piovene 8): once out of the gulf, Tavolara grows on the horizon until it fills the sky — 565 metres of vertical limestone rising straight out of the sea. We cruise beneath the cliffs, where the pink granite base meets the white rock, past the sandy tongue of Spalmatore di Terra, the island’s only beach.
Then there is the landing on Tavolara island — always included — and it is no ordinary landing: you are entering the smallest kingdom in the world. Since 1836 the island has had its own dynasty, the Bertoleonis, and today’s king is called Tonino: you find him at his restaurant on the beach, while the royal family photo taken in 1896 is kept at Buckingham Palace, no less.
On the island you find three beaches — the most famous is the Spalmatore sand spit, with the sea on both sides — a nature trail running across it, two restaurants and a bar where you can even buy the kingdom’s t-shirts.
Then comes the stop everyone remembers: the Molara Pools — their real name is Li Pischini — on the Molara side: basins of brilliant white sand with the bottom at around 7–8 metres, and water so clear you see it as through glass, an ecosystem the naturalist Fulco Pratesi described among the most beautiful in the world. In the channel between the two islands the seabed drops to about 70 metres. This is where we make the longest swim and snorkeling stop: masks on board, turquoise water, fish everywhere.
Depending on the day’s wind, your skipper adds the coves along the coast — from Porto Taverna to Capo Coda Cavallo — or the Molara side with Cala Spagnola and Cala di Chiesa. Every trip is a little different: the sea decides, and that’s part of the charm.
Among the coves we add when the sea suggests it are the three bays of Cala Girgolu — Sassi Piatti, Spiaggia delle Vacche and Cala Tartaruga: shallow bottoms, smooth rounded rocks, a corner that feels Caribbean. You can also reach them on foot from the Cala Girgolu car park, but seen from the water they are something else.
The park rules, made simple
The MPA is divided into three protection zones (A, B and C). Zone A is a no-go integral reserve: no boats, no swimming — full stop. In zones B and C navigation and stops are regulated. That’s exactly why touring with a local operator pays off: the route always complies with the park rules, and you just enjoy the sea.
The tour in practice
- Duration: about 4 hours, navigation included
- Departures: 9:30 am and 2:00 pm, daily in season
- Price: €63 per person, small groups (max 12)
- Included: professional skipper, fuel, life jackets, snorkeling masks, prosecco and soft drinks (water, tea, Coca-Cola)
- Departure: MOYS — Marina di Olbia, 5 minutes from the airport and 7 from the Isola Bianca ferry port
Your payment is only authorized at booking: the charge happens exclusively when we confirm availability, usually within 24 hours. Book from the Sardinia page or directly from the Tavolara tour page.
Prices and booking
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| Tavolara & Molara islands tour | Book now Details › | ||
| Dolphin watching | Book now Details › |
When to come (and what to bring)
From May to September the sea is at its best; June and September offer crystal-clear water and fewer crowds — and in September, below the surface, schools of amberjack, dentex and grouper patrol the granite shallows. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a cap and a light sweater for the ride back.
Quick answers
Will we see dolphins? It happens, and not rarely: to maximise your chances there’s our dedicated dolphin-watching tour.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families sail with us every week: tell us the ages and we’ll prepare the right life jackets.
Do we land on Tavolara? Yes, always: the stop on the island is part of the tour. You land at Spalmatore with time for the beach, the trail or a coffee at the bar — maybe even a photo with the king.
Ready to hop on board? Check dates and times on the Tavolara boat tour page — the sea will do the rest.
The day, hour by hour
Meet at Marina di Olbia about twenty minutes before departure, skipper's briefing, and off we go. The first half hour is gulf cruising, then Tavolara grows ahead of the bow until its 565-metre wall fills the horizon. Then the stops: swimming and snorkelling in the Marine Protected Area's coves, the run beneath the cliffs, Molara and its natural pools when the sea allows. On the way back, a prosecco aperitif as the sun drops over the gulf.
What to bring on board
- Swimsuit already on, plus a beach towel
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible: this is a protected area)
- Hat and sunglasses
- A light sweater for the return leg, even in midsummer
- Phone or camera: the best shots are taken from the water
When to go: months and sea
From May to October the tour runs almost daily. June and September are the repeat guests' secret: water already (or still) warm, long light and half of August's crowds. The mistral can stir the sea a few days a year: when conditions aren't safe we reschedule or refund, letting you know before departure.
What about dolphins?
The stretch between Olbia and Tavolara is home to resident bottlenose pods, and sightings do happen on this tour too. If dolphins are the reason you're coming, there's a dedicated trip: see the dolphin watching page, with routes designed to maximise encounters while respecting the animals.
Where we depart from
Departures are from Marina di Olbia, Via Piovene 8: easy parking and the pier a short walk away. Full details on stops and route are on the Tavolara boat tour page.
Useful deep dives: the guide to reaching Tavolara (shuttle, bus, prices), the Molara Pools told properly and boat tours starting from San Teodoro.