TAVOLARA TOUR WITH 15 METERS VINTAGE SAILBOAT WITH APERITIF

This is Sardinia from the water. A full day aboard Dulcemar, a 15-meter wooden boat from 1968, takes you around Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu, Isola Cavalli, and Isola Piana for about $106 per person. I especially like the small group of no more than nine people and the generous swimming time in the Tavolara and Molara Marine Protected Area. The included Vermentino, Prosecco DOCG, Sardinian cold cuts, cheese, coffee, and snacks add real value.

I also like the boat itself. Its mahogany laminate, teak deck, shaded areas, rear seating, swim ladders, and sun loungers give the day more character than a standard motorboat trip. One important caution: this is not the best choice if you expect hours of open-water sailing. The auxiliary Volvo Penta engine may do much of the work, and one booking reported no sailing during the day.

Five things to know before booking

• A 1968 wooden boat: Dulcemar was designed by Carlo Sciarrelli and refitted in 2021 with modern safety and comfort equipment.
• Four or five swim stops: You spend much of the day in the water, with snorkeling around Tavolara, Molara, Isola Cavalli, Cala Girgolu, and Isola Piana.
• Small-group setting: The boat carries up to nine participants, giving you more room and a calmer feel than a large excursion boat.
• A proper midday spread: The aperitif includes Prosecco or Vermentino, Sardinian cold cuts, cheese, finger food, water, coffee, and a Sardinian digestif.
• A strict sunscreen rule: Sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher is not allowed because it can stain the boat’s cushions and furnishings. Bring a lower-factor product and apply it carefully.
• A full day, but timing can vary: Check-in is at 9:00 a.m., departure is at 9:30 a.m., and the return is planned for about 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Meeting Dulcemar at Porto San Paolo

You meet the skipper at the Porto San Paolo tourist harbor, near the ferry boarding point for Tavolara. The meeting point is simple once you are there, but the exact pier location may not be obvious. One useful improvement would be a precise map pin or WhatsApp message from the operator.

Give yourself extra time to arrive. Check-in is at 9:00 a.m., with departure scheduled for 9:30. Parking near the harbor is paid, and you may need cash. This is the sort of small practical detail that can slow down the morning if you arrive at the last minute.

The boat is operated by Controvento Charter. The skipper may guide the trip in Italian, English, Spanish, or French. Peppe and Giuliano are both named in past bookings, and Peppe in particular is praised for being friendly, helpful, and willing to communicate across a language gap.

What makes the 15-meter Dulcemar special

The boat is the main character of this trip. Built in 1968 by the Craglietto shipyards, Dulcemar uses mahogany laminate and teak. It has the graceful proportions and warm wood of an older sailing yacht, rather than the bare fiberglass feel of a large day boat.

A 2021 refit added practical features. You have outdoor cushions, sun loungers, a canopy, stereo music, a refrigerator and freezer, swim ladders, an outdoor freshwater shower, and storage for bags. The cabin includes a bathroom with an electric toilet and a holding tank suitable for use in marine parks.

Navigation and safety equipment includes GPS chart plotting, radar, VHF radio, and a graphic echo sounder. Those details will not change the color of the water, but they matter when you are spending a full day on a small boat.

The group limit of nine is a real benefit. You are less likely to fight for a seat or crowd the swim ladder, and the day can feel social without becoming noisy. The shaded sections and rear seats also matter during the hottest part of the afternoon.

There is one distinction to keep clear. A vintage sailboat does not guarantee a day under sail. The boat has a 130-horsepower Volvo Penta auxiliary engine, and conditions, timing, or equipment may determine how much actual sailing takes place. If your priority is the look and feel of a classic boat, this works well. If your priority is nonstop sailing, choose carefully.

Porto San Paolo and the first swim

After leaving Porto San Paolo, the boat begins its route through the protected waters near Tavolara and Molara. The first stop generally gives you time to get comfortable, take photos, swim, and use the snorkeling equipment.

The appeal here is not a long guided lecture. It is the combination of clear water, open views, and the chance to settle into the rhythm of the day. You can stay on deck, listen to music, or get into the water.

The skipper knows the local coves and can choose stops according to conditions. That flexibility is useful in a marine area where wind and current can affect the best place to anchor. It also means that the exact order and length of stops may shift.

Tavolara, the dramatic centerpiece

Tavolara gives the trip its strongest visual moment. The island rises sharply from the sea, creating a striking backdrop as you swim and move along the coast. The water around it changes from turquoise to green and then pale near sandy bottoms.

Expect a stop focused on swimming, snorkeling, marine life, and photographs rather than a long shore visit. You will see Tavolara from the boat and from the water, but this experience does not promise a land excursion or a hike across the island.

That suits the day’s purpose. You are here to see the coast from sea level and spend time in the water. If you want to explore Tavolara on foot, you will need a different outing.

Molara Pools and snorkeling time

The Molara Pools are likely to be the most memorable swim stop. The shallow, clear water makes it easier to see fish around you, and the white seabed helps produce the pale colors Sardinia is famous for.

You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Still, bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

The water stops are long enough to feel unhurried. Each listed stop is planned at roughly 45 minutes, while the meal and aperitif break at Cala Girgolu lasts about two hours. That balance works well for people who want more than a quick photo stop.

Currents can affect the experience. One booking noted that the boat anchored in stronger current rather than closer to the islands. This is worth keeping in mind if you are not a confident swimmer. Ask the skipper about conditions before entering the water, and use the ladder rather than jumping if you prefer a steady entry.

Isola Cavalli and the quieter middle of the day

Isola Cavalli is another swimming and snorkeling stop, with time for photographs and a short sail between locations. The itinerary groups this stop with marine-life viewing, so the attraction is the water around the island rather than a scheduled shore visit.

This part of the route gives you a chance to break up the day. After the excitement of Tavolara and Molara, you can stretch out on the deck, find shade, or listen to music. The boat’s rear seating and cushions are useful here, especially if you want a break from the sun.

If you like constant narration, ask questions directly. The skipper can explain the route, but spontaneous information about each island may be limited. The experience is more relaxed and social than lecture-based.

Cala Girgolu and the two-hour aperitif

Cala Girgolu is the longest stop, with about two hours set aside for food, swimming, photos, and free time. The midday meal is one of the strongest parts of the value.

The included spread features Sardinian cold cuts, cheese, finger food, snacks, still and sparkling water, and either fresh Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG. Coffee follows, along with a Sardinian digestif. The drinks are served as part of the meal, but this is not an open bar. Bring water for the rest of the day.

Food quality may depend on the menu served that day. One booking enjoyed a pasta lunch, while another felt a simple pasta dish was less representative of Sardinian cooking than the cold cuts and cheese would have been. My advice is to treat the meal as a generous boat aperitif, not a formal regional tasting menu.

The drink service received especially strong praise. Prosecco, Vermentino, coffee, and a blueberry liqueur were all singled out as pleasant parts of the day. If you enjoy a long lunch with a drink, a swim, and a view, this is where the tour feels most like a special occasion.

Isola Piana, the last swim

After lunch, a short sail takes you toward Isola Piana for the final swim before returning to Porto San Paolo. It is a good ending because you get one last chance to cool off before the ride back.

By this point, the day has included several swims, so you can choose your level of activity. You might snorkel again, float near the boat, or remain on deck. The final stop is less about adding another major sight and more about giving you a relaxed finish.

The return is planned for roughly 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., although one booking arrived back around 5:00 p.m. If you are arranging an evening dinner, allow some flexibility.

What the $106 price includes

At $106 per person, this is good value if you use the full package. You are paying for an eight-hour small-group boat trip, fuel, skipper, insurance, VAT, snorkeling gear, multiple swim stops, and a substantial aperitif with drinks.

The small group makes a difference. A cheaper large boat may offer a similar route, but not the same amount of space or the same old-wood character. The included food and wine also reduce the extra cost of spending a full day at sea.

You will need to bring or pay for several basics yourself. Water for your personal use is not included beyond the still and sparkling water served with the aperitif. Towels, sunscreen, and extra food or drinks are also your responsibility.

The trip is less worthwhile if you dislike swimming or expect extensive island walks. Much of the value is in the water, the boat, and the long midday break.

Practical packing advice

Bring a towel, a bottle of fresh water, sun protection, a swimsuit, and a small bag. The boat has storage for customer bags, but you will be more comfortable with only what you need for the day.

The sunscreen rule requires attention. SPF 50 or higher is prohibited because the product can stain the cushions and furnishings. Use a lower-factor sunscreen that will not leave heavy grease on the boat, and apply it before boarding if possible.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs, fireworks, or explosive substances. People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. The experience is also not suitable for children under five or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. These policies help if your Sardinia plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check the weather and your own comfort on boats.

Who should book this day on the water

I would choose this tour if you want a small, scenic day with several swims, light snorkeling, good drinks, and a boat with personality. Couples, friends, and adults who enjoy a slow lunch between swim stops should find the format appealing.

It is also a good choice if you want Costa Smeralda scenery without spending the day on a crowded ferry. The limit of nine people gives you room to move, and the skipper can adjust the route to local conditions.

I would hesitate if you want detailed island commentary, guaranteed sailing, or a polished gourmet lunch. You may hear less explanation than expected, the boat may run under engine, and the food is closer to a generous aperitif than a full Sardinian restaurant meal.

Should you book the Tavolara tour?

Book it if the boat, swimming, and relaxed pace matter more to you than formal guiding. The combination of Dulcemar, Tavolara’s dramatic profile, Molara’s clear pools, several snorkeling stops, and the included Vermentino or Prosecco makes $106 a fair price.

Before booking, accept three things: the exact return time may vary, the boat may not sail much, and you must bring your own water and towel. If those details suit you, this is a pleasant way to spend a full Sardinian day, with enough comfort and food to keep the focus on the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Tavolara tour start?

It starts at Porto San Paolo tourist harbor, Via Caprera, near the ferry boarding point for Tavolara. The skipper waits on the pier.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 9:00 a.m., with departure planned for 9:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The planned duration is eight hours. The boat is expected to return around 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., although the actual return time can vary.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The tour is limited to nine participants.

Which places does the route visit?

The route includes Porto San Paolo, Tavolara, Molara, Cala Girgolu, Isola Cavalli, and Isola Piana.

How many swimming stops are included?

The tour includes four or five swimming stops, with snorkeling and marine-life viewing available during the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

What food and drinks are included?

The midday aperitif includes Vermentino or Prosecco DOCG, finger food, Sardinian cold cuts, cheese, snacks, still and sparkling water, coffee, and a Sardinian digestif.

Should I bring water?

Yes. You should bring a bottle of fresh water for your personal needs because the tour is not an open bar.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

No. Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher is not allowed because it can stain the boat’s furnishings and cushions.