Porto San Paolo: Day Tour to Tavolara and Molara fish-Lunch

Thinking about a day out on Sardinia’s clear waters? We’ve come across a tour from Porto San Paolo that promises a relaxed, friendly way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful spots — Tavolara, Molara, and beyond. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this could be a fantastic choice for anyone craving a combination of laid-back cruising, scenic swimming, and good local food.

What we really like about this tour? First, the warm, family-run vibe that seems to make guests feel at ease from start to finish. Second, the homemade seafood lunch onboard, which many reviewers say is delicious and a real highlight. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the itinerary isn’t set in stone — it’s flexible, which is great for adapting to weather or your personal preferences, but that might mean some planning on your part if you’re a stickler for a fixed schedule.

This experience seems well-suited for travelers who want to enjoy Sardinia’s natural beauty without the fuss of big, crowded tours. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for a more intimate, friendly atmosphere — especially since small groups or private options are available. Now, let’s dive into all the details so you can decide if this boat day ticks your boxes.

Key Points

• Relaxed, friendly atmosphere with knowledgeable guides making your day feel personal.
• Homemade seafood lunch onboard, complemented by Sardinian sweets and local wine.
• Flexible itinerary that adapts to weather and guest preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Excellent snorkeling equipment and easy water access, perfect for swimming and marine life spotting.
• Stunning scenery including cliffs, arches, and unspoiled beaches, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Duration of about 6.5 hours, ideal for a full but not overly long day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Sailing Adventure in Sardinia’s Best Spots

This tour kicks off at Porto San Paolo, where you’ll meet your guide, Max, who runs the boat with a friendly, laid-back approach. From the get-go, the focus is on enjoying Sardinia’s beautiful coastline without feeling rushed. The boat itself is described as a “classic,” offering a wide sundeck and plenty of shade — perfect for lounging, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the views.

The First Stop: Spiaggia del Dottore

Just a quick sail of about 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at Spiaggia del Dottore, one of the most picturesque little beaches in the area. Here, you can take a dip, snorkel (gear available onboard), or grab a coffee break — a nice way to ease into the day. Reviewers mention the marine life is lively, and the spot’s beauty is striking, especially with calm waters ideal for swimming.

Tavolara Island: A Natural Wonder

After enjoying the initial swim, it’s time to set sail for Tavolara, which is the star of this tour. The boat anchors in Tavolara bay, where you have options: explore the island on foot, swim, snorkel, or simply relax onboard. Multiple reviews emphasize how much they appreciated the freedom to choose — some loved walking around the island, others preferred just lounging and taking photos.

The guide, Max, is praised for sharing insights about Tavolara’s fascinating landscape and history. You’ll get about an hour of free time here, which is enough to walk a bit and snap some memorable photos. The island’s dramatic cliffs and the famous arch are definitely photo-worthy, and the surrounding waters are teeming with marine life.

Cliffs and Climbing Spots

On the return leg from Tavolara to Molara, the boat cruises past the iconic cliffs with their arch — a highlight for many. For those who enjoy a bit of adventure or impressive scenery, the cliffs offer some diving and climbing spots, making this a good stop for photo enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Molara and the Natural Pools

Next, it’s time for Molara, where you’ll stop for a hearty homemade seafood lunch. Reviewers rave about the meal; it’s described as fresh, flavorful, and made with love. The onboard lunch includes seafood, salads, fresh fruits, and Sardinian sweets, all paired with local wine and coffee — a true treat after a morning of swimming and exploring.

While enjoying your meal, you get to unwind in the peaceful natural pools of Molara. The waters here are calm and inviting, making it ideal for relaxing in a scenic setting.

Afternoon Delights: Cala Girgolu

After lunch, the cruise continues to Cala Girgolu, a small but stunning cove with several “unbelievable spots” like Sassi Piatti, Spiaggia delle Vacche, and Costa Dorada. You might stop here for more swimming or snorkeling, with options to explore at your own pace. The reviews mention how the water remains clear and vibrant, perfect for marine life viewing.

Final Stop: Isola dei Cavalli

Before heading back to Porto San Paolo, the tour makes a last dip at Isola dei Cavalli, which offers incredible views and calm waters. It’s a fitting way to end a day of gentle exploration and relaxation.

What Makes this Tour Special?

We loved the personal touch that comes from a family-run business. The vibe onboard is described as genuine and relaxed, with guides like Simona or Max being attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated guides sharing insights about the area in a way that made everyone feel comfortable and well-informed.

The homemade seafood lunch is another standout. Guests rave about the freshness and flavor, along with the generous portions and local wine. It’s a simple but authentic meal that adds a real Sardinian flavor to the experience, elevating it beyond just a sightseeing cruise.

Snorkeling gear is available onboard, which makes it easy to jump into the water and explore marine life. The water quality and marine biodiversity are frequently praised, meaning you’ll likely enjoy some nice underwater moments, especially if you’re into snorkeling or just floating around.

The scenic stops are thoughtfully chosen, balancing natural beauty, interesting geology, and the chance for some active exploration. The ability to customize stops depending on weather, sea conditions, or guest preferences offers a laid-back, flexible experience — something many travelers find refreshing.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about 6.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day. It begins at a designated meeting point at Porto San Paolo, at coordinates 40.8822, 9.6370. The boat is described as a classic vessel with a large sundeck, ample shade, and easy water access, which is great for comfort.

You’ll want to bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The weather can influence the itinerary, so flexibility is built in — the stops and timing may shift based on sea conditions and guest preferences. The tour is available in Italian and English, with small groups or private options, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Pricing appears to include everything — the boat, guide, lunch, and snorkeling equipment — providing good value for a full day on the water with multiple stops. Remember that cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance, so you can book with some peace of mind if your plans are not set in stone.

Authentic Feedback from Guests

From the rave reviews, it’s clear that this tour hits the right notes for many travelers. One guest from the UK called it “an 10/10 day,” praising the “beautiful places” and the “brilliant guide,” while another from Italy described it as “meraviglioso, rilassante ed affascinante” (wonderful, relaxing, and fascinating). The consistency in positive feedback about the guide’s knowledge and friendliness is notable.

Guests also highlight the delicious homemade food, with many mentioning how much they enjoyed the Sardinian sweets and fresh seafood. The relaxed atmosphere and ample space to chill or explore make this a favorite for those seeking a laid-back, scenic day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Sardinia’s natural beauty without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It suits those who appreciate authentic local cuisine, scenic boat rides, and the chance to snorkel in clear waters. If you prefer a more intimate, friendly setting and enjoy flexible plans that adapt to weather and mood, this tour is a good match.

It’s less likely to be suited for travelers seeking a very structured or high-energy adventure, as the pace is gentle and centered around relaxation and scenic enjoyment. It’s also not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but if you’re traveling with older children or teenagers who love water and nature, they’ll probably enjoy the stops and the marine life.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t snorkel?
Yes, it’s flexible enough that you can stay on the boat and relax if you prefer not to snorkel. There are plenty of scenic spots and opportunities to swim without snorkeling gear.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a jacket if needed. The boat provides snorkeling gear, but you can bring your own if you prefer.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience is approximately 6.5 hours, with different stops and activities spread through the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This offers some flexibility if your schedule changes unexpectedly.

Is this a private experience?
Small groups and private options are available, making it a more personalized experience if you prefer.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Many guests say the homemade seafood lunch onboard and the scenic spots like Tavolara and Molara are the highlights, along with the friendly guide’s insights.

Are the stops suitable for taking photos?
Absolutely. The scenery, cliffs, beaches, and marine life make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, described as a classic vessel with ample space, shade, and easy water access—good for relaxed cruising and lounging.

Will I see marine life?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is available, and guests often remark on the marine biodiversity around the stops.

How does the flexible itinerary work?
The stops and timing are adjusted based on weather conditions and guest preferences, ensuring a comfortable and personalized day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, friendly day on Sardinia’s waters, this tour offers a well-rounded experience — scenic sailing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and a tasty homemade seafood lunch. The emphasis on small groups and personalized stops makes it ideal for travelers who appreciate a more intimate vibe and local touches.

While not overly structured, that flexibility can be a huge plus, especially if you prefer to go with the flow of the day rather than adhere to a strict schedule. The glowing reviews and the variety of stops suggest it’s a good fit for those who want to enjoy Sardinia without the fuss of large, crowded tours.

All in all, this could be a lovely way to spend a day soaking up Sardinia’s natural charm, delicious food, and laid-back lifestyle — perfect for a vacation memory that feels both special and relaxed.

You can check availability for your dates here: