Porto San Paolo: Tavolara and Molara, Tour + Aperitif and Snorkeling

Six people, clear water, and Sardinian sun. This Porto San Paolo boat trip keeps things pleasantly small, with a local skipper, snorkeling stops, a SUP board, and access to the beautiful Molara Natural Pools. I especially like the limited group size and the chance to combine swimming with an aperitif of local food and chilled wine on the four-hour version. The main catch is the weather: strong wind can change the route, and Molara may not be reachable.

The $88 price is fair for a three to four-hour outing because fuel, permits, snorkeling gear, insurance, and the skipper are included. I also like that you are not paying extra for the Marine Protected Area fees. Just bring your own towel, arrive early, and do not expect a large yacht with endless room or a full meal on the shorter tours.

Key points before you book

• Small boat, usually six people: The intimate setup feels closer to a private outing than a standard group cruise, though the activity information also mentions a seven-person limit.
• Molara Natural Pools are the main prize: Clear, shallow water and fish make this the best stop for swimming and snorkeling.
• The four-hour trip adds breathing room: You get longer swim stops and a Sardinian aperitif with local cold cuts, cheese, and Vermentino.
• The route depends on the sea: Wind may prevent a stop at Molara, but the skipper can seek calmer beaches and still keep the day enjoyable.
• SUP and snorkeling gear are included: You can choose between paddling, swimming, and looking beneath the surface.
• Parking takes planning: Leave your car about 500 meters before the port and walk to the large black anchor by Wave Marina.

Why this small boat makes a difference

Large sightseeing boats can turn a swim stop into a queue for the ladder. This trip avoids much of that problem. The boat carries only a few people, giving you room to sit in the shade or sun and making it easier to ask the skipper questions.

The small size also helps with timing. You are not waiting for dozens of people to board, find masks, or climb back aboard. If you want another short swim, a turn on the SUP, or help with the snorkeling equipment, the skipper can give you more direct attention.

The published details describe a maximum of six people on board, while the booking information gives a limit of seven participants. Either way, this is a small-group trip, not a crowded excursion boat. If the exact number matters to you, confirm it when booking.

Captain Luca receives especially strong praise for his friendly manner and practical local knowledge. One outing had to change because of wind, and he found calmer beaches instead. On another day, he even pointed out a pig on the beach. That kind of small observation can make the coast feel more personal than a simple series of photo stops.

Leaving Porto San Paolo for Tavolara

Your meeting point is at Wave Marina in Porto San Paolo, beside the large iron anchor near the entrance to the pier. It is an easy landmark, but the port area can become difficult during the summer season.

You should arrive at least five minutes early, then park in the public lot before the port entrance and pedestrian zone. The instructions place parking about 500 meters from the meeting point. Walking that short distance is wiser than trying to squeeze a car near the pier, especially if traffic is heavy.

Boarding includes a welcome coffee. The skipper then takes you into the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, one of the main reasons this trip works so well from Porto San Paolo. The departure point is close to the islands, so more of your three or four hours can be spent on the water instead of getting to and from it.

The boat follows the coast toward Tavolara, with time to look up at its steep limestone cliffs. The rock walls rise sharply from the sea and give the island its dramatic character. This first stretch is partly a sightseeing run, so bring a phone or camera, but protect it carefully around the water. One passenger lost a phone overboard, and Captain Luca reportedly went after it himself.

Tavolara’s cliffs and the protected sea

The Tavolara Marine Protected Area is not only a setting for pretty photographs. It also explains the rules you need to follow. You cannot take sand, shells, stones, or other natural items from the stops. Local authorities can issue penalties, so enjoy the beaches without taking souvenirs home.

The route around Tavolara includes views of the main cliff and swimming time in the protected waters. The water can look bright and clear, but conditions vary with wind and boat traffic. Your skipper decides where it is safest and most pleasant to stop.

For the four-hour trip, the longer schedule lets you look around without racing from one cove to the next. The three-hour version is more brisk. It aims to show you the main sights and provide several chances to get in the water, making it a good choice if you want a half-day on the sea rather than a full outing.

Molara Natural Pools: the main swimming stop

Molara is the highlight for most people booking this trip. Its Natural Pools are reached by sea, and the shallow water can be so clear that you see fish without putting on a mask.

This is where the included snorkeling gear matters. Masks and snorkels are sanitized and provided, so you do not need to pack your own unless you prefer a personal fit. The fish, clear water, and rocky surroundings make this the most rewarding stop for looking below the surface.

You can also use the SUP board here, provided sea conditions allow it. SUP is a nice change of pace from swimming, though the area may feel less relaxing if many boats arrive at the same time. Your small group helps, but you are still visiting a popular marine area rather than having the entire pool to yourself.

Wind is the key limitation. Two recent outings could not visit Molara because of the weather, and another route changed to calmer beaches. This is not a failure of the trip. On the Sardinian coast, a skipper who changes plans for safety is doing the right thing. Still, you should book this for the overall sea day, not only for one exact cove.

Isola Piana and Isola dei Cavalli

After Molara, the boat continues toward smaller islets, including Isola Piana and Isola dei Cavalli. These stops bring a different look: fine pale sand, shallow turquoise water, and quiet places for a short swim.

The schedule gives Isola Cavalli about 30 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing swim, a little snorkeling, or time on the SUP, but not enough for a long beach visit. You should think of these as water stops viewed from a compact boat, not as island excursions with time to wander inland.

The smaller islets are useful in another way. If the wind makes one area uncomfortable, the skipper may be able to find a more sheltered place nearby. The exact route cannot be guaranteed, but the combination of Tavolara, Molara, Isola Piana, and Isola dei Cavalli gives the captain some flexibility.

Cala Girgolu and the final swims

The route includes a stop at Cala Girgolu for about 20 minutes. This is a short chance to cool off and see another section of the coast. It will suit you if you prefer several brief swims to one long stay in a single bay.

A final 20-minute swim in the Tavolara Marine Protected Area rounds out the trip before returning to Porto San Paolo. The overall schedule lists a 1.5-hour visit in the protected area, a one-hour swim at Molara, 30 minutes at Isola Cavalli, 20 minutes at Cala Girgolu, and another 20-minute swim near Tavolara.

Those times are useful for setting expectations, but the sea has the final word. Wind, water conditions, and safety may alter the order or length of stops. You get the best value by treating the route as a flexible coastal outing rather than a rigid clock-based program.

Choosing three hours or four

The three-hour option is the faster way to see the area. It is designed for morning or late afternoon departures and includes the major views, swimming, snorkeling, and SUP time. A recent three-hour outing provided about half an hour in the water at each beach, which was enough for that group.

Choose three hours if you have limited time, want to keep the cost and commitment down, or mainly want a taste of Tavolara and Molara. The drawback is a quicker pace. You may have to leave a pleasant stop just as you are settling in.

The four-hour version is the better choice if you want the boat day to feel unhurried. You get longer swim stops and an aperitif on board, with local cold cuts and cheeses accompanied by chilled Vermentino. A bottle of sparkling wine for toasting is also included in the tour information.

One point needs clarification before you reserve: the details also mention a seven-hour version with a full lunch and aperitif, but the advertised experience here is described as three to four hours. Do not assume lunch is included in the shorter options. Ask the operator if you are considering a longer departure.

The Sardinian aperitif on board

The aperitif is more than a drink handed over while the boat moves. On the four-hour tour, it is served during one of the scenic stops, when you can look over the water and take photographs.

The planned food includes typical local cold cuts and cheeses, along with white wine. Chilled bubbly is also included for a toast. This gives the four-hour trip a social finish and helps break up the swimming.

There is one caution. One passenger said the advertised wine and cheese were not provided on their outing. Because food service can vary by departure or conditions, I would confirm the aperitif details before booking if it is central to your plans. Extra alcoholic drinks are not included.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Pack light. You need swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and an identity card. A copy of the identity card is accepted. Avoid spray-on sunscreen because it can make the deck unsafe, and use the towel on the sunbathing area for hygiene reasons.

Do not bring more than you need. A phone in a waterproof case is sensible, especially after hearing how easily one can end up in the sea. You may also want dry clothing for the ride back, though the supplied instructions only specifically require swimwear and personal clothing.

The boat provides a mask and snorkel, plus use of the SUP. Fuel, port taxes, Marine Protected Area permits, passenger insurance, and the professional skipper are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Porto San Paolo.

Is $88 good value?

At $88 per person, the price is reasonable for a small boat with a professional skipper and several swimming areas. Fuel and protected-area fees are already covered, which prevents the common surprise of extra charges for the parts that make the trip possible.

The real value is the group size. You are paying for space, easier boarding, and more direct attention rather than for a long list of onboard facilities. If you compare it with a large cruise that carries many more people, the price may look higher at first. The experience is also more relaxed and personal.

The four-hour version offers the stronger value if you want the aperitif and more time in the water. The three-hour trip is enough for a compact introduction, especially if you are fitting it between other plans in northern Sardinia.

The price is less appealing if you dislike swimming, want a long beach stay, or need guaranteed access to Molara. This is a sea-focused outing. Weather can change the route, and the boat does not replace a full island visit.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who enjoy swimming and want a small group. It is also a good match if you prefer several coastal stops over sitting on one beach all day.

Snorkeling beginners should find the included equipment useful, though you should be comfortable entering the water from the boat. The SUP offers another way to enjoy the stops, but it is an activity option rather than a formal lesson.

The trip is less suitable if you need hotel transportation, a guaranteed lunch, or a fixed route in every kind of weather. It also may not suit anyone hoping to collect shells or sand, since that is prohibited in the protected area.

English and Italian are available, and the skipper provides live guidance. Captain Luca’s friendly style has been a strong part of the experience, especially when weather forces a change of plan.

Should you book the Tavolara and Molara tour?

Book it if you want clear water, repeated swims, and a genuinely small group from Porto San Paolo. The four-hour option gives you the best balance, with more time at the stops and a Sardinian aperitif on board.

Choose the three-hour version if your schedule is tight or you mainly want the islands and a few swims. Before paying, confirm the group size, the aperitif, and the route policy for windy weather. With those points clear, this is a strong-value way to see Tavolara and Molara without spending the day on a crowded boat.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Wave Marina in Porto San Paolo. Meet beside the large iron anchor at the entrance to the marina pier.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least five minutes before departure. Parking is recommended about 500 meters before the port, followed by a short walk to the meeting point.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour is described as carrying a maximum of six people, while the booking information lists a limit of seven participants. Confirm the exact number when booking if this matters to you.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Sanitized masks and snorkels are provided, and you can also use the SUP board.

Is the aperitif included?

The four-hour tour includes a Sardinian aperitif with typical local products and wine. Chilled bubbly for a toast is also included. Extra alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not listed for the three-hour or four-hour tour. The information mentions a full lunch for a separate seven-hour option.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, swimwear, personal clothing, and an identity card or accepted copy. You should bring only essential items.

Can I take sand, shells, or stones from the islands?

No. Taking natural souvenirs such as sand, stones, or shells is prohibited during the tour and may lead to penalties from local authorities.