Water at Sardinia’s edge is hard to beat. This small-group catamaran day trip from Arbatax lines up showstopper coves like Cala Goloritze, Cala Mariolu, and the Grotta della Contessa, with snorkeling equipment and a real lunch onboard. I like that Paolo and Deana keep the day moving at a swim-friendly pace, without turning it into a rush-and-random-photo stop.

One catch: the day is weather-dependent, so wind and seas can affect how the captain runs the route. Also, pack your own beach towel and sun stuff, plus a light layer for the return if you get cool on the water.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group (max 20) means more time at the water and less chaos on board
• Snorkeling gear + multiple swim stops, including a cave swim at Grotta della Contessa
• Lunch onboard with snacks and drinks, served with the relaxed rhythm of a boat day
• Cala Goloritze, Cala Mariolu, and Piscine di Venere deliver that classic Sardinian rock-and-water look
• Optional Grotta del Fico exists, but you’ll handle that admission separately

Sailing From Arbatax: Why This Catamaran Day Feels Personal

You start in Arbatax, at Via Lungomare, 13, with a 9:00 am departure and return to the same meeting point. The whole outing runs about 7 to 8 hours, which is long enough to really enjoy the sea, but short enough that you still feel like you’re doing a day plan, not a second vacation.

What makes this feel different is the scale. With a maximum of 20 people and a comfortable catamaran, you’re not fighting for space at every stop. And the boat is specifically described as comfortable for people with reduced mobility, which is a real consideration for a day that involves getting in and out of the water.

Meet Paolo and Deana: Hosts Who Keep the Day on Track

This is a host-driven trip in the best way. Paolo and Deana are part guide, part good host, part “make sure everyone’s okay.” They help connect the dots as the coastline changes, and they time the breaks so you get actual water time instead of just staring at the shore.

One detail I appreciate: the crew’s focus isn’t just on showing you sights. It’s about keeping the group comfortable and informed—what’s next, what to expect in the water, and how the schedule flows from cove to cove.

Also, the vibe tends to be practical. People come for the coast you can only reach by boat, and the hosts know that means you should have time to swim, snorkel, and take photos without feeling yanked along.

The First Stops: Monolite di Pedra Longa and Cala Goloritze

Early on, you get a quick taste of the scenery under the Perda Longa cliff. The Monolite di Pedra Longa stop is about 45 minutes and includes a first swim. Even if you’re not a “big swimmer,” this is a nice opener because the water is the star and the timing is short enough to stay fresh for what comes next.

Then comes Cala Goloritze, one of the most famous beach-and-bays scenes in the region. You get about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling. This is the kind of place where the rock formations and the water color do a lot of the storytelling, so you’ll feel like you’re seeing Sardinia at its most cinematic—without needing a long hike.

Practical note: snorkeling here is best when you’re comfortable staying close to your comfort zone. The boat stop includes snorkeling gear onboard, so you don’t have to bring your own kit.

Cala Mariolu and Piscine di Venere: Two Ways to See the Same Coast

After Goloritze, the route keeps delivering. Cala Mariolu gets about an hour, and it’s known for that dramatic “beach tucked into rock” look. It’s a swim stop where you can slow down. You’re not only scanning for a place to jump in—you’re choosing your own pace.

Next, Piscine di Venere gives you something different: natural pools. Expect about an hour here, and expect the water to feel calmer in the right spots because the rock forms act like walls. These are perfect for a relaxed swim or a slower snorkel session where you can focus on what’s happening underwater instead of constantly adjusting your footing.

If you’re the type who likes variety, this mid-day section is where the tour earns its keep. You’re not repeating the same scene. You’re seeing multiple versions of Sardinia’s coastline in one day.

Cala Birìala and the Green-Coast Mood Shift

Cala Birìala rounds out the sequence of open-water swim coves. You get about an hour, and it’s described as a green, unique beach. That word matters. On boat days, it’s easy to think every stop will look the same. This one shifts the color and feel of the shoreline, and it gives you another angle for photos and a fresh change of scenery.

This is also a good point in the day to pay attention to the simple comforts. Bottled water is provided, snacks are on board, and you’ll want to keep hydrated because you’re out in sun and wind for most of the trip.

Grotta della Contessa: The Cave Swim Stop You’ll Remember

Then you reach one of the most memorable moments: Grotta della Contessa. This is a shorter stop at about 20 minutes, but it’s built for the experience, not the linger.

Here, bathing and snorkeling happen inside the cave area, and this stop includes the admission. That matters because it removes a small hassle from your planning. Even with only 20 minutes, the cave setting changes how the water feels and looks, and it’s the kind of stop that sticks in your memory when you look back on the whole day.

A sensible approach: don’t treat it like a quick photo sprint. Take a minute to get your bearings, then do your swim. If you’re prone to rushing, remind yourself that you’ll only get one shot to make the most of the cave.

Grotta del Fico (Optional): How to Decide on the Spot

You also have an option called Grotta del Fico, with about 45 minutes available. Admission here is not included, so you’ll pay separately if you choose to go.

This is a classic “your call” moment. If you want more time on land/around the cave experience, it’s a good add-on. If you’re mainly about water time, you might prefer to stay with the boat and keep focusing on snorkeling.

Because you’re already getting multiple swim stops, skipping Fico doesn’t feel like you’re missing the point. It just means you’re sticking to your preferred style of the day.

Isola dell’Ogliastra: The Short Stop for Photos and Views

After all the water time, you get a brief stopover at Isola dell’Ogliastra, about 10 minutes. This part is mainly about photos and views. Think of it as the curtain-closer for the coastline highlights you’ve been seeing all day.

Ten minutes is short, so make it count: grab the wide-angle shots first, then zoom in on the rock lines and the water where it meets the shore.

What’s Included (and What Isn’t) for a Smooth Day

This trip is built around convenience. Included onboard you’ll get:

• Restroom on board
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Lunch
• Soda/pop

The lunch is more than a token bite. Based on the way the day is described, you should expect a proper meal with antipasto and pasta, plus wine and an apéritif. Limoncello also appears in the onboard food and drink lineup, which is a nice Sardinia-style touch for a day at sea.

What’s not included:

• Beach towels
• Light jacket for the return if necessary
• Sunscreen

My practical packing list is simple:

• Sunscreen (and reapply)
• Sunglasses with a strap if you’re out on deck
• A light layer for when the wind kicks up
• Your own towel

Price and Value at $240.28: What You Get for the Money

At $240.28 per person for a 7 to 8 hour boat day, you’re paying for two things: access and time. Places like Cala Goloritze, Piscine di Venere, and the cave swimming at Grotta della Contessa are simply not the same when you have to hike or drive to them. Boat access changes everything.

You’re also paying for a package that would cost you piecemeal if you tried to DIY it:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Snacks and bottled water
• Lunch with wine and drinks
• A small group size (max 20)
• A comfortable catamaran with a restroom

So even if you’re the type who’s picky about value, this can still make sense. The only real “value risk” is if you’re expecting lots of sailing time. If wind is light, you might not get the big sail moment you’re imagining. You’ll still get scenery and swims, but the sailing spectacle can vary with conditions.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Consider Other Options)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Multiple swim/snorkel stops in one day
• Cave-and-coast scenery without hard hiking
• A small-group feel with hosts who talk you through what you’re seeing
• A boat day with food onboard, not just a snack-and-go situation

It’s also described as particularly comfortable for people with reduced mobility, which is a plus when boat tours can be awkward.

You might consider another option if:

• You dislike weather-dependent plans and get frustrated by possible route changes
• You want long, slow beach lounging with zero boat movement
• You’re counting on the trip being heavily sailing-focused rather than water-and-cove focused

Should You Book This Catamaran Day Trip?

If your Sardinia “must” list includes Cala Goloritze-level scenery, at least a couple of swim stops that feel different from each other, and one cave moment, I’d book it. The combo of small group size, snorkeling gear, onboard lunch, and a route that keeps switching coast “moods” is exactly what makes this a good day tour.

Before you go, do one quick reality check: bring the basics (towel, sunscreen, light layer) and be flexible with conditions. If you do that, you’ll end up with the kind of coast day where you don’t just look at the sea—you’re in it.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran day trip start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Via Lungomare, 13, 08048 Arbatax NU, Italy.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 7 to 8 hours.

How much does it cost, and is lunch included?

The price is $240.28 per person, and lunch is included, along with snacks and soda/pop.

What snorkeling or swimming gear is provided?

Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is admission included for all stops?

Most stops are listed as free, but Grotta del Fico admission is not included. Grotta della Contessa admission is included.

What should I bring with me?

Bring beach towels, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the return if you need one.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Can I cancel if weather is bad?

You can cancel for free. Also, the experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.