Dolphins at Tavolara: watching tour

Searching for bottlenose dolphins between Tavolara and San Teodoro

The dolphins' sea

The stretch of sea between Olbia, Tavolara and San Teodoro is among the best in the Mediterranean to meet bottlenose dolphins: resident pods live here, and our skippers know and respect them. The tour departs from Marina di Olbia and lasts about three and a half hours: an ethical-distance search for sightings, then swim and snorkel stops in the Marine Protected Area, masks and drinks on board. Sightings can't be guaranteed — they are wild animals — but the encounter rate is very high.

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Dolphin experiences

Shared tours with skipper, departing from Marina di Olbia

Tavolara & Molara islands tour — boat tour Como, Lake Como
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Tavolara & Molara islands tour

Boat trip around Tavolara and Molara, among beaches and coves of the marine protected area.

✓ Max 12 guests✓ Skipper included✓ Fuel included✓ Drinks on board
€70 per person
Dolphin watching — boat tour Como, Lake Como
Dolphin watching

Dolphin watching

Out on the water in search of the dolphins that live off San Teodoro.

✓ Max 12 guests✓ Skipper included✓ Fuel included✓ Drinks on board
€70 per person

Dolphins and the Tavolara sea

Dolphins swimming ahead of the boat in the Tavolara sea
Bottlenose dolphin surfacing during the tour from Olbia
Pod of dolphins spotted from the Salimar boat
Swim stop in the Marine Protected Area waters
Guests on board during the dolphin watching
The sea between Tavolara and San Teodoro during the tour

What you'll experience

Bottlenose dolphins up close

Slow, respectful approach, engine at idle: the dolphins decide.

Tavolara as a backdrop

The island's 565-metre wall frames the sightings.

Swim and snorkel

Stops in the MPA's coves, masks included.

Prosecco and drinks

A toast on board on the way back.

Why Salimar

Expert skippers

They know the pods' feeding and play areas: more eyes, more encounters.

Respect for wildlife

Code-of-conduct distances and speeds: dolphins first, photos second.

Small groups

Few guests on board: everyone sees, nobody pushes.

What guests say

4.6★★★★★su Google (1352)
★★★★★GetYourGuide
We had a great stay and got a really nice tour around the lake with our guide Alessandro! He was fun and explained a lot about the villas around the lake.
HannahSep 2025
★★★★★GetYourGuide
Sébastien était super ! Nous avons eu un merveilleux moment en famille .
alexeSep 2025
★★★★★GetYourGuide
This trip was excellent Our host was amazing, so friendly and helpful The Prosecco was fantastic Five stars Thank you so much!!!!!!
HelenSep 2025
★★★★★GetYourGuide
EXCEPTIONNEL ! ✨❤️ Merci aux skippers ! Tout était parfait du début à la fin ! Et en plus le tour a duré plus d’une heure ! C’est vraiment à refaire ! Je vous le conseil VIVEMENT ! GRAZIE PER TUTTO,signori ✨🫶🏻🫶🏻✨
LeaSep 2025
★★★★★GetYourGuide
Alessandro est un super bon guide👌 Merci à lui pour ce magnifique balade en bateau
KrystalleSep 2025
★★★★★GetYourGuide
Nous avons apprécié le professionnalisme du guide, il nous a fait les explications en anglais, comme prévu, mais aussi en français et la très bien, la petite coupe de prosesco. Bref un bon moment
DenisMay 2025
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Frequently asked questions

How long is the dolphin tour?
About 3.5 hours, cruising and stops included.
Are dolphins always seen?
They are wild animals: no guarantee, but the sighting rate in this area is very high.
How much does it cost?
€70 per person, with skipper, snorkel masks, prosecco and drinks.
Where do we depart from?
From Marina di Olbia, Via Piovene 8.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes: life jackets in all sizes and swim stops in calm waters.
Also discoverLake ComoShared and private tours among the villas, the villages and Bellagio. Departures from Como.