Alghero is a fantastic base for dolphin watching thanks to its location along Sardinia’s northwestern coast. The Gulf of Alghero is home to bottlenose dolphins, often seen swimming close to the shoreline, making it an ideal spot for marine life encounters. What makes these tours stand out is their commitment to responsible wildlife viewing and scientific research, giving you a chance to see dolphins in their natural environment without disturbing them. Our favorite? The Alghero – Dolphin Watching and Guided Snorkeling tour, which combines education, eco-awareness, and underwater exploration in one memorable trip. You can read more about this experience here.
Alghero offers a variety of dolphin watching experiences, from eco-friendly tours led by scientists to more traditional boat trips. Whether you want a deeper understanding of dolphin behavior, a chance to snorkel with marine life, or a shorter outing to fit into a busy schedule, there’s an option suited for you. Below, you’ll find three highly-rated tours, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Alghero – Dolphin Watching and Guided Snorkeling (summer tour)
This 4-hour, summer-only adventure is perfect for travelers who want an immersive, educational experience with a focus on conservation. Led by scientist guides, this tour emphasizes low-impact dolphin watching using a latest-generation engine that minimizes noise and fuel waste, which is more respectful of wildlife. The boat heads into the Gulf of Alghero where dolphins are often spotted swimming close to the boat’s bow.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to listen to recorded underwater conversations and learn about dolphin behavior directly from marine biologists. After spotting dolphins, the tour continues with a guided snorkeling session at Capo Caccia marine reserve, where you’ll see local marine flora and fauna, enhancing your understanding of the ecosystem. The reviews are glowing, with many travelers mentioning how much they learned and how respectful the guides are. The price is $77.02 per person for a trip that balances education and adventure.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in a responsible, educational tour that combines dolphin spotting with snorkeling, this trip offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Alghero – Dolphin Watching (Spring & Autumn Tour)
For those visiting outside the summer months, this 3-hour tour provides a wonderful way to see dolphins with a focus on scientific research and sustainable tourism. Led by the team at MareTerra NGO, you’ll join researchers in the Gulf of Alghero as they collect data on bottlenose dolphins, following the stories of famous dolphins like Suzeo and Taz.
This tour is packed with informative commentary about dolphin behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts, making it ideal for curious travelers who want a deeper understanding of marine life. The boat’s small group size (up to 12 people) ensures a personal experience, and the guiding scientist shares insights throughout. During the trip, you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel, guided by experts who will help you discover underwater life.
Costing $59.25 per person, this tour offers great value, especially for those who appreciate a mix of research and wildlife watching. Reviewers highlight the passionnate guides and respect for the animals, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious travelers.
Bottom Line: If you’re visiting in spring or autumn and want a mix of research and dolphin sightings, this tour offers an educational experience at a competitive price.
3. Alghero: Dolphin Watching Tour with Marine Biologists
This 3 to 4-hour tour specializes in learning about dolphin biology and behavior from marine biologists of MareTerra ERC. It’s a scientifically driven experience that boasts an 80% sighting success rate thanks to expert knowledge and careful tracking.
The tour emphasizes responsible dolphin watching within the Marine Protected Area, and participation helps support marine research and conservation projects. The guides are highly knowledgeable, sharing detailed insights into dolphin behavior, habits, and ecology. During June to September, there’s the opportunity for guided snorkeling, which adds an extra layer of engagement with the marine environment.
Priced at $56.94 per person, this option is slightly more affordable than the summer snorkeling tour but offers similar benefits in terms of scientific insight and wildlife observation. Past participants appreciate the scientific approach and the chance to support conservation efforts while enjoying a successful dolphin sighting rate.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an educational experience with a scientific focus and high success in dolphin sightings, especially in summer.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dolphin Tour
When selecting a dolphin watching trip in Alghero, consider your priorities: budget, interest in science, or snorkeling opportunities. For those who want to combine education with underwater exploration, the summer tour here is a clear winner. If you prefer a more research-focused experience outside peak season, the spring/autumn tour is perfect. For travelers keen on learning about dolphin biology and conservation while supporting research projects, the marine biologist-led tour offers an enriching experience.
Think about your schedule and which seasons you’ll be in Alghero; some tours are seasonal, and booking early is recommended, especially in summer. Also, consider whether snorkeling interests you—if it does, the summer tour provides the best combination.
Final Thoughts
Alghero’s dolphin tours offer a wide range of experiences — from eco-conscious, scientist-led adventures to shorter, budget-friendly trips. If you’re looking for an educational, responsible trip and enjoy snorkeling, the summer dolphin and snorkeling tour is a standout. For those interested in research and exploring outside the peak season, the spring/autumn experience is perfect.
Whichever you choose, these tours provide a rewarding glimpse into the marine life of Sardinia. Booking early can help ensure you don’t miss out, especially during the busy summer months. Remember, responsible wildlife viewing makes the experience better for everyone — including the dolphins!
