Sardinia isn’t just about sunny beaches and ancient ruins. Its national parks offer some of Italy’s most spectacular landscapes, from rugged coastlines to pristine marine environments. What makes Sardinia stand out? Its protected areas are accessible by boat or on foot, with tours that emphasize conservation and authentic encounters with nature. One of our favorites is the catamaran excursions in the Asinara island National park, which combines eco-friendly travel with a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters and visit a marine animal rescue center. Plus, the small-group setting ensures a personal touch.
The tours on this list cover a variety of experiences: half-day snorkeling, full-day boat trips, diving adventures, and guided land visits. Whether you prefer lounging on a boat, snorkeling alongside schools of fish, or exploring land-based sites like old prisons and granite quarries, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Each experience offers a unique perspective on Sardinia’s diverse natural beauty.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top tour, highlighting what makes them special and helping you choose the best fit for your trip. From the tranquil snorkeling spots of Tavolara to the exciting boat tour around Maddalena Archipelago, each option provides a different way to connect with Sardinia’s incredible landscapes.
1. Catamaran excursions in the Asinara island National park
At number 1, the Catamaran excursions in the Asinara island National park ranks highly for its intimate, eco-friendly approach to exploring Sardinia’s most delicate marine environment. Departing from Stintino, this 8-hour trip is capped at just 12 passengers, ensuring a peaceful experience away from large crowds. The boat takes you to pristine bays for swimming and snorkeling, where you can admire vibrant fish, soft corals, and even spot wild donkeys on land.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of marine exploration and land visits — including the marine animal rescue center and the super prison of Stintino. The crew offers a three-course seafood lunch, with wine and coffee, making it a true day of indulgence. The reviews are glowing, with travelers praising the warm, knowledgeable crew and the opportunity to relax in some of Sardinia’s clearest waters.
Bottom line: If you’re after a personalized, eco-conscious day on the water with stunning scenery and good food, this tour is hard to beat. It’s perfect for travelers who want quality over quantity and enjoy snorkeling in quiet coves.
2. Snorkeling marine protected area Tavolara
Next on our list is the Snorkeling marine protected area Tavolara, a half-day trip rated 5/5 by 245 reviewers. For around $81, you get a 4-hour guided snorkeling adventure in a marine reserve teeming with fish, shipwrecks, and scenic coastlines. The tour includes all gear — masks, fins, flotation devices — so no experience is necessary.
The highlight? Swimming in crystal-clear waters with the help of PADI-certified guides who point out marine life like octopus, sea bream, and colorful fish. If you want to add a land adventure, there’s an option to go ashore at Tavolara Island for some exploring. Travellers love the friendly guides and the calm, relaxed pace of this trip, often mentioning how much they saw even with little prior snorkeling experience.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for a family-friendly experience in Sardinia’s protected waters. It’s ideal if you want an accessible yet immersive marine environment without the crowds.
3. Snorkeling in the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara
At number 3, the Snorkeling in the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara offers a solid 4-hour introduction to Sardinia’s underwater riches. With a price of about $65, this trip focuses on exploring the islands of Cavoli and Serpentara, both SCI sites crucial for marine life and bird nesting.
You’ll snorkel alongside fish, octopus, and sea bream, with the added perk of visiting the Corsican seagull nesting sites. The tour is praised by reviewers for its calm, informative guides and the experience of swimming just meters from reefs teeming with marine life. The small group size keeps things intimate, making it ideal for those new to snorkeling or seeking a relaxed, scenic outing.
Bottom line: If your priority is discovering Sardinia’s marine biodiversity in a protected environment, this tour offers a peaceful, well-organized experience at a competitive price.
4. Excursion to Asinara Stintino La Pelosa National Park
For a full day of varied adventures, the Excursion to Asinara Stintino La Pelosa National Park is a top pick. Spanning around 9 hours, this tour includes visits to the sea turtle recovery center, the old Cala d’Olive prison, and beautiful coves with crystal waters. The itinerary is flexible, allowing small groups to customize stops like land visits or swimming in natural pools.
The highlight is the balance between land exploration — visiting the prison and granite quarries — and marine activities like snorkeling at Fornelli Cove. The review highlights include the chance to see the sea turtle recovery center and the tranquil swimming spots. The tour’s value lies in the variety of experiences, making it perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive day exploring both land and sea.
Bottom line: For those wanting a full-day, multi-faceted experience that combines wildlife, history, and relaxing swims, this tour offers excellent value for money and a chance to see Sardinia’s land and sea treasures in one go.
5. Double dive in the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, for patents
Number 5, the Double dive in Capo Carbonara is tailored for certified divers eager to explore Sardinia’s underwater environment. For about $156, you get two dives in a protected marine area renowned for its rich flora and fauna, just a short trip from Villasimius.
The tour boasts calm waters and colorful marine life, making it ideal for experienced divers looking to maximize their underwater time. Reviewers emphasize the beauty of the dive sites and the professional attitude of the crew, which includes gear assistance and safety briefings. It’s best suited for certified divers with some experience, as it offers little in the way of instruction.
Bottom line: If you’re a certified diver wanting a convenient, well-organized double dive in Sardinia’s best marine area, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable underwater moments.
6. From Palau: Maddalena National Park boat tour
The Maddalena National Park boat tour is a 7-hour journey that takes you into one of Sardinia’s most iconic archipelagos. Using fast inflatable boats, your local captain, who knows every nook and cranny, guides you through the crystal waters.
This tour features stops at Spargi Island’s Cala Corsara, Cala Soraya, and Cala Granara — all perfect for swimming and snorkeling in clear, inviting waters. You’ll also pass by the famous Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli, snapping photos of its stunning pink sand. Reviewers praise the personalized attention and the opportunity to see multiple islands in a day, making it a value-packed experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick, comfortable boat trip with plenty of swimming opportunities and insider local knowledge.
7. 1 single dive in the Capo Carbonara marine protected area. For patented
Number 7, the 1 single dive in Capo Carbonara offers a shorter, more focused experience for certified divers. For around $68, you’ll explore the unspoiled waters of Isola dei Cavoli and Serpentara Island — two of Sardinia’s marine jewels.
This 4-hour tour emphasizes the underwater landscape, with plenty of marine life and vibrant reefs. Reviewers highlight the crystal-clear waters and the chance to see diverse species like groupers and octopus. It’s a perfect choice if you’re short on time but want a quality diving experience in a protected environment.
Bottom line: For certified divers eager to explore Sardinia’s underwater world, this short but rewarding dive trip offers excellent value and memorable sights.
8. Tavolara Marine Protected Area Tour (GROUP)
Finally, our group tour of the Tavolara Marine Protected Area offers a 4-hour journey through Sardinia’s colorful waters. Rated 5/5 by a single reviewer, it’s a great way to see some of Italy’s most beautiful seas without breaking the bank — at about $140 per person.
The tour includes stops at notable spots like Capo Ceraso, Porto Istana, and Isola Piana, with opportunities to swim and snorkel among schools of fish. A highlight is the brief stop on Tavolara Island, where you can explore land or grab a drink at the bar. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for casual travelers or families.
Bottom line: If you prefer a small-group, all-ages friendly tour with scenic stops and plenty of swimming, this option fits well.
How to Choose the Best Sardinian National Park Tour for You
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. Want a comprehensive day combining land and sea? The Excursion to Asinara provides the most variety. If your focus is marine life and snorkeling, the Tavolara trips or Capo Carbonara snorkeling are excellent choices. Divers seeking underwater adventures should look at the double dive or single dive.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about your fitness level and experience — some tours involve snorkeling or diving, while others focus more on scenic boat rides or land visits.
Final Thoughts
Sardinia offers an impressive variety of national park tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. For a quiet, eco-conscious day on the water, the catamaran trip in Asinara stands out, while the Maddalena boat tour provides a quick, scenic escape into one of Italy’s most beautiful archipelagos.
Whether you prefer snorkeling among fish, exploring land-based sites, or experiencing Sardinia’s underwater world via diving, there’s a tour that matches your style. To make the most of your trip, consider your priorities and book well in advance — Sardinia’s natural wonders are waiting to be explored.
