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

Sardinia brings the Caribbean closer. This eight-hour cruise follows the Gulf of Orosei by speedboat, mixing small sea caves, cliffside views, clear-water swims, and long breaks at three remarkable beaches. I especially like the 12-person maximum, which keeps the boat from feeling crowded, and the chance to reach coves that are difficult or impossible to access by road. The price also includes fuel and a skipper, which matters on a full-day sea trip.

The main drawback is simple: you need to bring almost everything you will eat, drink, and use. There are no meals, drinks, restrooms, or snorkel equipment included, and the optional Grotta del Fico visit costs extra. Still, if your idea of a good day is jumping from a boat into clear water, this is a strong way to see Sardinia’s east coast.

Key details before you book

• Three beach stops of about 90 minutes each: Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu give you time to swim, walk, take pictures, and simply lie on the sand.
• Two open-water swim stops: The Piscine di Venere and Cala Goloritzè are reached from the boat, with clear water and chances to see marine life.
• Small-group setting: The boat carries no more than 12 passengers, a useful advantage when space and attention matter.
• Three pickup points: You can board at the Port of Arbatax, Lotzorai Beach, or the Port of Santa Maria Navarrese at about 9:00 a.m.
• Optional cave visit: Grotta del Fico adds a guided 45-minute stop, but its ticket is not part of the $93 price.
• Bring your own supplies: Pack water, lunch, a towel, sun protection, cash, and snorkeling equipment.

Why the 12-person limit matters on this coast

The Gulf of Orosei is best appreciated from the water. Its coves are framed by pale rock, steep coastal walls, caves, and small beaches that do not connect easily by road. A smaller boat lets you keep the day moving without the feel of a large excursion vessel.

A maximum of 12 people is not the same as having the coast to yourself, especially in high season. Still, it gives you a better chance of getting a clear view from the sides of the boat and makes boarding, swimming, and returning to the boat less awkward.

The tour is guided in Italian and English. A recent outing with skipper Francesco was praised for its friendly manner, humor, and choice of stops. That personal touch can make a long day at sea more enjoyable, particularly when the water is choppy or the timing changes slightly.

The listed price is $93 per person. For an eight-hour trip, that is fair value if you plan to use the boat fully. Fuel, a skipper, the guided cruise, three beach stops, and two swim stops are included. The price does not cover food, drinks, equipment, the €2 ecological tax, or the cave ticket, so your actual day will cost a little more.

Starting from Arbatax, Lotzorai, or Santa Maria Navarrese

You have three departure choices, all in the same general coastal area. At the Port of Arbatax, the meeting point is on the east pier next to the AGIP petrol station. At Lotzorai, you meet at Lido delle Rose beach, opposite Camping Iscrixedda. In Santa Maria Navarrese, the meeting point is on the road down from the port, at the first office on the left.

The boat leaves at about 9:00 a.m. and returns around 5:00 p.m. Check the exact pickup instructions carefully, since these are separate meeting locations rather than one central departure point. Arriving with your swimsuit already on is sensible. You will want quick access to your towel and sun protection once the boat gets moving.

Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. The only stated place to buy food or drinks is a bar at Cala Mariolu, and that stop comes late in the day. Cash is also worth carrying because the €2 ecological tax and small purchases may not be handled by card.

Speedboat views, caves, and the first swim

The early part of the day uses the speedboat to cover the coast efficiently. The stated running times include about 20 minutes on one leg, another 20-minute ride, and a shorter 10-minute transfer later. These are not long open-sea crossings, but the ride can feel lively depending on conditions.

The first photo stops focus on the coastal rock formations and natural fjords. Some caves can only be reached from the sea by a small boat, so this part of the outing gives you something different from a beach-only cruise. Your guide points out the formations as you move along the shore.

One early stop lasts about 20 minutes and combines photos, swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life. It is a short introduction rather than a full beach break. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and remember that the boat will not wait while you search through a bag.

Cala Goloritzè and the Piscine di Venere

Cala Goloritzè is one of the day’s major sights. The boat pauses for photographs and a roughly 30-minute swim, giving you the chance to enter the water directly from the dinghy rather than walking onto the beach.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, and this is one of the best moments for a mask and snorkel. You can look below the surface, watch for marine life, and see the pale coastal rock from a different angle. The boat-based stop also lets you admire Cala Goloritzè without turning the visit into a long shore stay.

The Piscine di Venere provides another swim stop. The name refers to natural pools of clear seawater, and the stop lasts around 20 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing swim and some photos, but not enough for a leisurely snorkel session. If you care most about time in the water, use these stops promptly.

The route includes several jumps from the boat into the sea. You should be comfortable entering and exiting the water from a boat ladder, and you should follow the skipper’s instructions. The experience is not suited to pregnant women, people with back problems, babies under one year, or people over 70 according to the stated restrictions.

Cala Gabbiani: your first long beach break

Cala Gabbiani receives about an hour and a half. This is where the day shifts from sightseeing to relaxation. You can swim, snorkel with your own gear, take pictures, explore the beach, or spread out your packed lunch.

Long beach stops are valuable because a full day on a speedboat can otherwise become tiring. Ninety minutes gives you time to dry off and settle into the place instead of rushing back aboard after one quick swim.

You should not expect a full-service beach club experience. Food and drinks are not supplied, and the tour does not include a cooler bag. Pack your lunch in something that can handle sun and salt water, and keep your water bottle easy to reach.

Flip-flops, beachwear, a towel, a hat, and sunglasses all make sense here. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically recommended, along with biodegradable insect repellent. The coast is bright and exposed, so sun protection is not a minor detail.

Grotta del Fico is an optional extra

The itinerary includes a guided 45-minute visit to Grotta del Fico, but the cave ticket costs extra. You should decide before departure if this is a priority, since it changes how you spend part of the day and adds to the total price.

The cave is reached as part of the sea route, not as a separate inland excursion. It offers a break from the beach and a chance to see one of the coastal caves at close range. If your main goal is swimming, you may prefer to keep the money and time for the included stops.

If you choose the cave, ask about the ticket price before committing. That cost is not provided here, so it should not be treated as part of the $93 package.

Cala Biriala and Cala Mariolu

Cala Biriala brings another 90-minute beach stop. The pattern is familiar by now, but the repetition works well: each beach gives you time to swim and snorkel without turning the whole trip into a hurried checklist.

You may find that one beach suits you more than another. That is normal on a route with three stops. Some people prefer to swim, others want pictures, and others are happiest sitting quietly with lunch. The schedule gives you room for all three.

Cala Mariolu is the final long beach break and lasts about an hour and a half. It is also the one place specifically noted as having a bar, so you can buy food or drinks there. Do not rely on this as your only supply, though. The bar may not suit your timing or appetite, and the tour still advises bringing your own packed lunch and water.

Because Cala Mariolu comes late in the day, it is a pleasant final chance to get in the water before the return run. You will have already seen the coast from the boat, visited several coves, and used the main swim stops. This last beach pause gives the day a relaxed finish before the one-hour ride back.

What the day feels like in practice

The schedule is full, but it is not built around constant motion. You spend time riding, then stop for photos or swimming, then receive longer stretches at the beaches. That balance is the main reason the cruise works as a full-day outing.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction, but it is also the least restful section. If you are prone to seasickness, bring any personal medication you normally use. The operator specifically advises carrying personal medication, but no medical supplies are provided as part of the activity.

There are no restrooms. Plan around that before boarding, especially because the trip lasts eight hours. The absence of toilets is one of the more important practical drawbacks and may rule out the cruise for some people.

You should also keep your belongings compact. Baby strollers, bikes, handcarts, baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed. Assistance dogs are allowed, but other pets are not.

What to pack for the $93 cruise

Your packing list should be treated as part of the booking decision. Bring:

• Water and drinks
• A packed lunch
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear
• Camera
• Flip-flops
• Cash
• Personal medication
• Biodegradable insect repellent

The tour does not include a snorkeling kit, so bring your own if you want to look below the surface. The same applies to a cooler bag. A small soft cooler may be useful if allowed by the crew, but the provided information does not confirm that one is supplied or required.

The boat includes fuel, so you do not have to worry about an extra fuel charge. That helps keep the $93 price easier to understand. Your real cost depends mainly on whether you buy drinks at Cala Mariolu and pay for Grotta del Fico.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several famous coves in one day and care more about swimming and coastal scenery than about a formal meal or a slow sailing experience. It suits active adults who are comfortable on a small boat and happy to organize their own food and gear.

The small group is also useful for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a day without a restroom. The tour is not suitable for babies under one year, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people over 70 under the stated conditions.

The 4.8 rating from 186 bookings and the 86 percent perfect transport score suggest that the boat operation is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The most praised features are the friendly skipper, the well-chosen swimming stops, the beautiful beaches, and the pleasure of jumping straight from the boat into clear water.

Should you book this Sardinian coast cruise?

Book it if you want a small-group day built around clear water, dramatic coves, and three long beach breaks. The $93 price is reasonable for eight hours when fuel, a skipper, and the main stops are included.

Skip it if you need onboard toilets, supplied meals, included snorkel gear, or a slower and more accessible outing. Before booking, check the sea conditions, prepare your own food and water, and decide if Grotta del Fico is worth the extra ticket.

For the right person, this is one of the most efficient ways to see the Gulf of Orosei from the water. Sardinia supplies the scenery. Your job is to bring the towel, lunch, and sunscreen.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts about eight hours, departing around 9:00 a.m. and returning at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Where can I board the boat?

You can board at the Port of Arbatax, Lotzorai Beach, or the Port of Santa Maria Navarrese.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.

Which beaches does the tour visit?

The beach stops are Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu. Each stop lasts about one and a half hours.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The tour includes two swimming stops from the dinghy, at Cala Goloritzè and the Piscine di Venere, along with another shorter swimming and snorkeling stop earlier in the route.

Is food or water included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should bring water, drinks, and a packed lunch. A bar is available at Cala Mariolu.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Does the Grotta del Fico visit cost extra?

Yes. The Grotta del Fico visit is optional, and its entrance ticket is not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later.