Sailing day trip on Tall Ship Andrea Jensen with Lunch and Wine

Set sail for Sardinia’s best views. The Andrea Jensen offers a rare chance to see Alghero’s Coral Riviera from a large traditional wooden ship, with fresh air, room to stretch out, and a professional crew led by Colin and Rachel. I especially like the generous seven-hour schedule and the small maximum group of 12, which gives the day a friendly, unhurried feel.

The freshly prepared lunch, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, and you can spend several hours swimming or snorkeling in a sheltered bay. The main consideration is weather: sailing is not guaranteed, and rough conditions can lead to a changed route or cancellation. Still, even on a day when the ship cannot raise its red sails, the boat, crew, food, and coastal scenery offer plenty to enjoy.

• An 86-year-old wooden gaff ketch: The Andrea Jensen is a working sailing ship with character, not a standard motorboat.
• A small group of up to 12 people: You get more space and a quieter feel than on a crowded coastal cruise.
• Capo Caccia’s vertical cliffs: The western coast delivers some of Sardinia’s finest sea views.
• A secluded swimming bay: You have time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or relax beneath the shade.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a fresh two-course meal, local wine, beer, bottled water, and soft drinks.
• A sailing lesson in disguise: You may be invited to help with the lines and learn how the ship works.

Why the Andrea Jensen feels different

Many boat excursions around Sardinia focus on speed. You race to a cove, swim quickly, eat something simple, then race back. The Andrea Jensen takes another approach. This is a day built around the ship itself, the coast, and the pleasure of being on the water.

The vessel is a large traditional wooden ship that has sailed from Alghero for 21 years. Its age gives the trip personality. You can see the rigging, watch the crew work, and feel the difference between a historic sailing boat and a modern excursion craft.

The open deck provides about 20 meters of space. That matters on a seven-hour outing. You are not confined to one plastic seat or forced to stand beside the same group all day. You can find a place in the sun, settle near the bow, or move into the shade when the heat builds.

The Andrea Jensen is a gaff ketch, and the red sails are one of the day’s visual treats. When conditions allow, the crew raises them on the open Mediterranean. The return sail to Alghero is often the most memorable stretch, as the motor falls quiet and the coastline slips past at a slower pace.

Meeting the ship in Alghero at 10 a.m.

The trip begins at Andrea Jensen Sailing in Aquatica Marina, on Banchina Sanità in the Port of Alghero. The scheduled start time is 10 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same meeting point after roughly seven hours.

You will want to arrive with enough time to find the marina and board without rushing. Since the ship leaves from the port, this is easy to combine with a stay in Alghero, but the meeting point is specific, so check the address before setting out.

The ship provides a mobile ticket, and the experience is offered in English. Colin and Rachel are English-speaking owners and hosts, which is useful if you want clear instructions about swimming, snorkeling, or the sailing itself.

The basic packing advice is simple: bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. You do not need to carry drinks for the day because chilled bottled water is available on board, along with wine, beer, and soft drinks. A swimsuit is the obvious choice if you plan to use the swimming stop.

The western coast and Capo Caccia’s cliffs

The route follows Alghero’s Coral Riviera, a stretch of northwestern Sardinia known for rugged rock, clear water, and dramatic coastal views. The named sightseeing stop is the vertical cliffs of Capo Caccia, a strong reason to keep your camera ready.

Capo Caccia is best appreciated from the sea. From the deck, you see the cliffs as part of a wider coastal scene rather than as a single lookout point. The ship gives you time to watch the rock formations and listen to commentary about the places along the route.

The first part of the outing may be under motor power while the crew guides the ship out from Alghero and explains the coast. That is not a flaw. It lets the crew keep to the schedule and gives you time to learn about the Andrea Jensen before the sailing begins.

One especially nice detail is the chance to get involved. The crew may show you how the lines work, and you can learn a little about operating a traditional sailing ship. You do not need sailing experience. The crew remains in charge, but this small hands-on element makes the day more engaging than simply sitting aboard a boat.

The route and sailing time depend on the weather. On some days, you may get a fine run under sail. On others, the ship may need to use its motor or stay in calmer water. A previous outing even produced a dolphin sighting on the return, but that is a fortunate extra, not something to book the trip around.

Swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered bay

After the coastal sightseeing, the ship stops in a spectacular bay for swimming and snorkeling. The boat anchors or moors at a buoy in a natural harbor, giving you a comfortable base for a long break from the deck.

The stop is not a quick ten-minute swim. The schedule allows several hours for water time, lunch, and relaxation. You can jump into clear water, look for fish with the supplied snorkeling equipment, or stay dry on deck and enjoy the view.

That flexibility makes the trip work for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can get more time in the water, while someone who prefers sunbathing can use the bow net or find a spot under the sunshade. Families with older children and teenagers should find plenty to keep them occupied, especially because the stop combines swimming, food, and open space.

The bay is described as secluded, but you should not read that as a promise of total solitude. The wider Coral Riviera is a popular part of Sardinia, and conditions can vary. The real advantage is having your own ship as a base, rather than sharing a busy beach with rows of umbrellas.

Snorkeling gear is available free of charge. You should still bring your own towel and sun protection. The Mediterranean sun can feel mild when the boat is moving, then become intense once you are anchored and relaxing.

Lunch with local wine, beer, and water

Food is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The crew serves a freshly prepared two-course lunch, with an antipasti course and a main course. The meal is described as simple, fresh, and tasty rather than formal, which suits a relaxed day at sea.

Wine and beer are included, along with soft drinks and bottled water. Drinks are available throughout the outing, so you do not need to ration a small bottle of water between the swim and the return journey.

The meal is served during the bay stop, often beneath a sunshade. This is a practical arrangement. You can cool off in the water, come back aboard, eat without hurry, and then take another swim before the ship heads back.

I like that lunch is part of the day rather than an interruption requiring you to leave the boat. You do not lose time searching for a restaurant or finding somewhere to dry off. The food also adds real value to the price, especially when you count the drinks and the long duration.

The available information does not specify dietary options, so contact Andrea Jensen Sailing before booking if you have allergies or special food needs. Do not assume the standard meal will meet them.

The return sail to Alghero

The trip back to port is often the highlight. Once the ship leaves the swimming bay, the crew may raise the red sails and let the Andrea Jensen show what she can do.

This is when the outing shifts from sightseeing cruise to proper sailing experience. The boat moves with the wind, the crew works the rigging, and you get a better sense of the ship’s size and age. The pace is slower than a speedboat, but that is exactly the point. You have time to watch the coast, feel the breeze, and enjoy the open water.

The return can also be social. The small group, shared meal, and hands-on sailing make it easy to chat with people from different countries. The crew keeps the atmosphere warm and organized without turning the trip into a loud party.

You should keep expectations sensible. Wind conditions may prevent sailing, and one outing had to remain under motor power because of the weather. The crew can still provide a good day in that situation, but the experience is best for people who appreciate the ship and the coast as much as the sails.

What the $169.38 price gets you

At $169.38 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water around Alghero. It is also not a short harbor cruise. You are paying for about seven hours aboard a historic wooden ship, a small group capped at 12, a prepared two-course lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and crew-led sightseeing.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. You also get far more time on the water than on a typical half-day excursion. The 20-meter open deck and limited capacity are important here. You are buying space and time, not simply transport to a swimming spot.

I would not choose it if your main goal is a fast ride, a packed itinerary, or guaranteed sailing. I would choose it if you want a relaxed full day, care about the boat itself, and would rather linger in one beautiful bay than tick off several rushed stops.

Because the tour is commonly booked around 25 days ahead, it is wise to reserve before your visit, especially if your dates are fixed. The 99 percent recommendation rate and 5.0 rating from 360 reviews suggest unusually consistent satisfaction, though the weather remains outside anyone’s control.

Who should book this day at sea?

This outing suits couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who enjoy being outside for most of the day. Teenagers can swim, snorkel, and explore the deck, while adults can settle in with a glass of wine and watch the coast.

It is also a good fit for anyone who wants an English-speaking experience with plenty of explanation. Colin, Rachel, and the crew provide information about the ship and the coast, rather than leaving you to guess what you are seeing.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, sun, swimming, or a relaxed pace. Seven hours is a long time on the water, and the program is shaped by wind and sea conditions. Most participants can take part, and service animals are allowed, but the supplied information does not give detailed mobility guidance for boarding or moving around the wooden ship. Ask the operator directly if you have access needs.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 10 a.m. start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Final verdict: book it for the ship, not just the swim

I would recommend the Andrea Jensen to anyone who wants a memorable day on Alghero’s coast rather than a standard boat transfer. The combination of Capo Caccia cliffs, a quiet swimming bay, fresh lunch, open-deck space, and the chance to sail an old wooden ship gives the trip real character.

Book it if you value time, good hosting, and a slower pace. Keep a flexible attitude about the weather, and you should have a very good day even if the motor has to do more work than the sails.

FAQ

Where does the Andrea Jensen sailing trip begin?

It begins at Andrea Jensen Sailing in Aquatica Marina, Banchina Sanità, 07041 Alghero SS, Italy.

What time does the experience start?

The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

How long does the sailing day trip last?

The trip lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the starting point in Alghero.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared two-course lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and chilled bottled water are provided on board.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available free of charge during the swimming stop.

How many people can join the trip?

The maximum group size is 12 participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Can service animals join the experience?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.