Santa Maria Navarrese is a prime spot for lovers of the sea and the outdoors, thanks to its proximity to some of Sardinia’s most iconic coastal gems. This charming town offers a variety of boat tours that showcase the Gulf of Orosei’s spectacular cliffs, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re after an adrenaline-filled speedboat ride or a relaxed guided cruise, there’s something here for every type of traveler. We especially appreciate the opportunity to snorkel around vibrant marine life and explore caves that feel like secret passages into the earth. For those wanting a more comprehensive experience, the Santa Maria Navarrese: Goloritzè, Mariolu, & Biriala Cruise offers a full day of adventure on a small-group speedboat tour.
If you’re considering your options, you’ll find that these tours vary from high-energy speedboat excursions to guided cruises with expert commentary. Each offers a unique glimpse into Sardinia’s stunning coast, from snorkeling around vivid underwater landscapes to relaxing on pristine beaches. Below, we explore the three top tours in Santa Maria Navarrese, highlighting what makes each special and helping you pick the best fit for your trip.
1. Santa Maria Navarrese: Goloritzè, Mariolu, & Biriala Cruise
Rated 4.7/5 from nearly 300 reviews, this 8-hour speedboat tour offers an exhilarating day exploring the coast from Santa Maria Navarrese. It takes you past some of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, including Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Biriala. The highlight is swimming at the Pools of Venus and visiting the Grotta del Fico, which adds a sense of discovery to this adventure.
What sets this tour apart is its small group size—max 12 people, which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. The itinerary is packed with opportunities to snorkel and spot marine life, making it a favorite for active travelers. The tour begins with a 30-minute speedboat ride from Sardinia Natural Park Tours, followed by a stop at Cala Goloritzè for swimming, photos, and a visit to the iconic limestone arch. Later, you’ll enjoy scenic views, snorkeling in the Pools of Venus, and a guided tour of the Grotta del Fico during peak sunny hours (ticket not included). The day ends with more swimming and relaxing at Cala Mariolu.
This tour is ideal for those who love a good mix of sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, all with a small-group vibe. The price offers good value considering the number of beaches visited and the included activities. If you prefer a fast-paced adventure with expert guides and intimate settings, this is your pick.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to see many beaches in one day, with a focus on snorkeling and marine life.
2. Guided cruise to Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Gabbiani, and Biriala
With a slightly higher rating of 4.8/5 from 186 reviews, this guided tour also lasts around 8 hours and is designed for those who prefer a more relaxed, informative experience. It offers a cruise with expert commentary, providing insights about Sardinia’s coast and its hidden caves. The tour is limited to 12 passengers, ensuring a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
You have three pick-up points—Lotzorai, Arbatax, or Santa Maria Navarrese—making it flexible to join from different parts of the region. It begins with a 20-minute speedboat ride, followed by multiple stops at different beaches including Cala Goloritzè, Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriala, and Cala Mariolu. Each stop involves swimming, snorkeling, and exploring marine life in clear waters, with a focus on relaxation and enjoying the scenery. The highlight is the guided visit to Grotta del Fico, where a 45-minute tour reveals fascinating cave formations.
This tour emphasizes relaxation and education, making it ideal for travelers who want a leisurely day with insightful commentary. Its smaller group size means you’ll get plenty of attention from the guides, who are well-versed in the area’s natural history. The snorkeling and swimming stops are well-paced, perfect if you want to take your time exploring Sardinia’s underwater world.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who prefer a calmer pace and expert insights, with plenty of time for relaxation and photography.
3. Santa Maria Navarrese: Cala Goloritzè and Mariolu Boat Tour
Rated 4.6/5 from 38 reviews, this 8-hour boat tour offers a more straightforward exploration of the Gulf of Orosei, with a focus on swimming and snorkeling around Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu. The boat cruise from Tortuga Escursioni Baunei features a relaxing pace, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the coastline and enjoy the scenic views.
What makes this tour unique is the skipper’s narration—an expert who shares stories about the coast, adding context to your surroundings. The tour includes stops at Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing. You also get to relax at Spiaggia dei Gabbiani, a quiet beach perfect for unwinding after your time on the water. The itinerary includes a sightseeing cruise, providing a different perspective of the coastline, and the tour ends back at the departure point.
This option is best suited for travelers who want a more laid-back day focused on enjoying Sardinia’s famous beaches without the intense pace of speedboat racing. The smaller number of reviews suggests it’s a newer or more niche tour, but those who have taken it praise the personalized experience and the skipper’s local knowledge.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors looking for a relaxed, scenic day with snorkeling in some of Sardinia’s most beautiful waters.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When deciding between these options, consider your travel style and what you want from your day on the water. If you crave a fast-paced adventure with snorkeling and marine exploration, the Santa Maria Navarrese: Goloritzè, Mariolu, & Biriala Cruise offers the most comprehensive, activity-filled experience. For those who prefer a more educational and tranquil cruise, the guided cruise provides insightful commentary along with ample time to relax. Finally, if you want a fewer crowds and a more casual exploration, the Cala Goloritzè and Mariolu boat tour is a good fit, especially if snorkeling is your main goal.
Think about your budget, the type of experience you prefer, and how much activity you want in your day. Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and tour.
Final Thoughts
Santa Maria Navarrese offers a fantastic range of boat tours that showcase Sardinia’s stunning coastline, whether through quick speedboat jaunts or leisurely guided cruises. For those who want an active day packed with snorkeling and exploration, the Goloritzè, Mariolu, & Biriala Cruise is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed, educational approach, the guided cruise will meet your needs. And for a quieter, scenic day focused on swimming, the boat tour from Tortuga Escursioni is an excellent choice.
No matter which you pick, these tours provide a memorable way to experience Sardinia’s natural beauty. Book early, bring your snorkeling gear, and get ready for a day of incredible views and sparkling waters.
