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

The best part of this Sardinian cruise is the variety packed into one long day. You move between three superb beaches, quiet sea caves, and clear-water swimming spots that are reachable only by boat. The small group, limited to 12 passengers, also gives the day a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.

I especially like the two stops where you swim straight from the dinghy at Cala Goloritzè and the Piscine di Venere. I also like the generous beach time, about 90 minutes at Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu. The main catch is simple: food, drinks, toilets, and snorkeling gear are not included, so you need to prepare before leaving.

Key points at a glance

• Three beach stops with about 90 minutes each: Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu give you time to swim, sunbathe, and look around rather than rush ashore.
• Two boat-based swimming stops: Cala Goloritzè and the Piscine di Venere are visited from the water, with time for snorkeling and marine-life viewing.
• Small boat, maximum 12 passengers: This keeps the outing quieter and makes it easier to see the coast from the water.
• Three convenient departure points: You can board at Arbatax, Lotzorai Beach, or Santa Maria Navarrese at about 9 a.m.
• Grotta del Fico is optional: The cave visit takes about 45 minutes and costs extra, so you can decide if it fits your interests and budget.
• Bring your own supplies: Pack water, lunch, sun protection, towels, cash, and snorkeling equipment.

Why this coast works best from the water

The Gulf of Orosei is not a coast you simply glance at from a road. Sea cliffs, narrow inlets, caves, and small beaches shape the day, and several of the most striking spots can only be reached by boat. That is why this cruise offers more than a ride between beaches.

You get changing views throughout the morning. The speedboat covers open stretches quickly, then slows for photographs, swimming, and visits to sheltered coastal spots. The pace is active without being packed with formal sightseeing. Most of your time is spent outside, in the sun, with water close at hand.

The tour costs $93 per person. That is a fair price if you want a full eight hours on the coast, fuel, a skipper, three beach stops, and two boat swimming stops in one outing. It is less appealing if you want a catered boat trip, a quiet luxury setting, or a fully equipped snorkeling program. Since meals, drinks, and equipment are extra or self-supplied, add those costs before deciding.

Choosing among Arbatax, Lotzorai, and Santa Maria Navarrese

You can start from three locations: the Port of Arbatax, Lotzorai Beach, or the Port of Santa Maria Navarrese. Departure is scheduled for 9 a.m., with return around 5 p.m.

At Arbatax, meet at the east pier beside the AGIP petrol station. At Lotzorai, the meeting point is Lido delle Rose beach, opposite Camping Iscrixedda. In Santa Maria Navarrese, the meeting point is on the road down toward the port, at the first office on the left.

Choose the departure point that saves you the most driving. The return is to the same general departure area, so this is worth checking before booking. Arrive ready for a full day outdoors. You will be moving between boat and beach, and the schedule does not leave much room for hunting down supplies after departure.

The morning run along Sardinia’s coast

The first part of the outing uses the speedboat to travel north. The early ride lasts about 20 minutes, followed by a photo stop of roughly 10 minutes. Another 20-minute boat ride brings you toward a coastal stop where you can look at caves, swim, snorkel, and watch marine life.

These early pauses help break up the transport time. You are not confined to the boat for hours before reaching the water. They also set the pattern for the day: a short ride, a scenic stop, then another ride along the coast.

The boat is described as a dinghy or speedboat, so expect a low, open ride rather than a large vessel with indoor seating. That gives you a better view and a closer feel for the water, but it also means more exposure to sun, wind, and spray. Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and keep cameras, phones, and medication protected from water.

Cala Goloritzè and the Piscine di Venere

Cala Goloritzè is one of the signature stops. Here, the boat pauses for photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and a look at the marine life. The scheduled stop is about 30 minutes, so treat it as a focused water stop rather than a long beach visit.

The important distinction is that you do not get a long stretch of sand time at Cala Goloritzè in this program. You experience it from the water, which is the right approach for a quick look at its clear shallows and dramatic coastal setting. The stop is also described as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding to its importance as a natural landmark.

The Piscine di Venere provides another 20-minute swim stop from the dinghy. The name means Pools of Venus, and the appeal is the water itself: clear, calm-looking pools framed by the coast. You can swim, take photographs, and use your own snorkeling gear to look below the surface.

These two stops are among the most valuable parts of the trip for anyone who prefers swimming to simply sitting on a beach. Bring goggles or a mask if you have them. A snorkeling kit is not included, and there is no promise that one will be available to borrow.

Cala Gabbiani: your first long beach break

Cala Gabbiani receives about 90 minutes. That is enough time to swim, take photographs, walk around, and settle into the day without watching the clock every few minutes.

Longer beach stops matter on a cruise like this. The short water pauses offer beautiful views, but 90 minutes lets you actually enjoy a place. You can leave the boat, dry off, and have a proper swim before returning aboard.

You should still bring your own food and water. No meal or drink service is provided during the cruise. The day calls for a packed lunch, plenty of water, and perhaps a small cooler bag, though the cooler itself is not included. Keep your belongings compact because space on a small boat may be limited.

Grotta del Fico: an optional cave visit

The route includes the option to visit Grotta del Fico. The guided cave visit takes about 45 minutes, but the ticket is not included and must be paid for separately.

This is a useful choice for people who enjoy caves and guided visits. It also gives the day a change of pace between beach stops. If your priority is swimming and relaxing, you may prefer to skip the cave and keep your time for the water.

The available information does not give the entrance price or details about the cave interior, so check the current fee before you go. Carry cash, which is included on the suggested packing list and may be useful for extra purchases during the day.

Cala Biriala and Cala Mariolu

Cala Biriala is another 90-minute beach stop. Like Cala Gabbiani, it is long enough for a relaxed swim, a look around, and some time in the sun. The repeated beach format may sound similar on paper, but it gives you a chance to compare different coves along the same coast.

Cala Mariolu comes later and also receives about 90 minutes. It is one of the best-known beaches on the route, with clear water and a strong reputation as a highlight of the Gulf of Orosei. You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, and spend time on shore.

There is a bar at Cala Mariolu where you can buy food and drinks. That is useful, but do not treat it as a substitute for bringing supplies. It is the only food and drink purchase point specifically identified for the day, and you may prefer to have water and lunch available before you reach it.

The order and exact timing can vary with conditions, so think of the schedule as a guide rather than a minute-by-minute promise. The overall plan remains an eight-hour outing, with return around 5 p.m.

What the small group changes

A maximum of 12 passengers is a real advantage here. A smaller boat makes boarding and swimming stops less cumbersome, and you are less likely to feel lost in a crowd when the skipper explains the coast.

The small group also suits a sociable day. One recent booking included a young group that got along well, and the skipper was described as friendly and funny. Francesco was also singled out for showing the group a range of worthwhile stops and making the swimming breaks enjoyable.

Do not expect a private charter. Twelve people can still feel lively, especially on an open boat. The benefit is that the group remains limited, not that the boat becomes silent or exclusive.

The live guide service is offered in Italian and English. If you want detailed explanations at the cave or along the coast, confirm that your preferred language is available when booking.

What to pack for an eight-hour boat day

The packing list matters more than it might on a standard sightseeing tour. Bring:

• Water and a packed lunch
• Swimsuit, towel, and beachwear
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Flip-flops
• Camera
• Snorkeling gear
• Cash
• Personal medication
• Biodegradable insect repellent

No food or drinks are served on the boat. There are also no restrooms listed for the cruise, so plan accordingly before departure.

High-heeled shoes, bicycles, handcarts, strollers, and baby carriages are not allowed. Pets are not permitted, except assistance dogs. Electric wheelchairs are also not suitable for this activity.

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, babies under one year, or people over 70. The boat ride, repeated boarding, and open-water conditions are the reasons to take those limits seriously.

Is the $93 price good value?

At $93, you are paying for a full day on one of Sardinia’s most famous coastal stretches rather than for one short boat transfer. The fare includes the skipper, fuel, the eight-hour guided outing, three beach stops, and two swimming stops from the boat.

That package has good value if you would otherwise need separate transport to several beaches and coastal landmarks. The trip also saves you the work of planning a route through places that are much easier to reach by water.

The price does not cover everything. You must pay for the Grotta del Fico ticket if you choose that visit, and there is also a €2 ecological tax. Water, drinks, meals, snorkeling equipment, and a cooler bag are not included. Add those items to your budget.

The value is strongest for active sightseers who want a full day of swimming and coastal views. It is weaker for anyone seeking a catered cruise, guaranteed shade, onboard toilets, or a slow sailing trip.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for a couple, friends, or a small group that wants to see several famous beaches in one day. It is especially good for people who enjoy swimming and snorkeling and do not mind carrying their own lunch and gear.

It also suits you if you want a guided route without committing to a private boat. The Italian and English guide service, three departure points, and maximum group size make the outing fairly easy to fit into a Sardinian stay.

I would think twice if you have back trouble, dislike boat motion, need regular restroom access, or want a quiet day with little movement. The schedule includes several speedboat rides, transfers between boat and beach, and long exposure to sun.

The cancellation policy gives you some flexibility: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your weather plans are still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your ideal Sardinian day means clear water, several beaches, sea caves, and plenty of time to swim. The combination of Cala Goloritzè, the Piscine di Venere, Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu is the main reason to go.

Skip it if you want meals, drinks, toilets, or snorkeling gear included. Pack carefully, accept the open-boat format, and decide in advance if the extra-cost Grotta del Fico visit interests you. With those expectations in place, $93 buys a busy but rewarding day on one of Sardinia’s most spectacular coasts.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can depart from the Port of Arbatax, Lotzorai Beach, or the Port of Santa Maria Navarrese. Departure is scheduled for 9 a.m.

Where are the meeting points?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts eight hours, from about 9 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m.

Which beaches does the cruise visit?

The beach stops are Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu. Each stop lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Where can I swim from the boat?

The two boat-based swimming stops are Cala Goloritzè and the Piscine di Venere. Both also allow time for snorkeling and viewing marine life.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not served during the cruise. You should bring water and a packed lunch. A bar at Cala Mariolu sells food and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own gear if you want to snorkel.

Does the tour include Grotta del Fico?

Grotta del Fico is an optional visit and requires an additional ticket. The guided cave visit takes about 45 minutes.