Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Cruise with Swim Stops

Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Cruise with Swim Stops — this highly-rated tour offers a refreshing way to experience Sardinia’s natural beauty. For just under $80, you’ll spend around 7 hours cruising along the coast on a small, inflatable dinghy, visiting hidden beaches, dramatic caves, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

What makes this experience stand out are the intimate scale — limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from your knowledgeable skipper — and the opportunity to access spots larger boats can’t reach. We love that you get close-up views of spectacular caves like the Blue Grotto and Cala Goloritzè, plus the chance to swim in scenic locations like Pools of Venus.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour doesn’t include lunch, so bringing some snacks and drinks is a good idea. It’s also weather-dependent, especially for cave swimming, so flexibility helps. Those who enjoy small-group adventures, scenic boat rides, and swimming in true natural settings will find this tour a highlight of their Sardinian trip.

Who would enjoy this tour?
Travelers seeking a more personalized experience away from crowded tours, nature lovers eager to explore Sardinia’s coast from a unique vantage point, and anyone who enjoys a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Key Points

• Small group size delivers a more intimate, flexible experience.
• Access to caves and coves that larger boats can’t reach makes it special.
• Multiple swim stops allow for refreshing breaks in pristine waters.
• Knowledgeable skipper provides insightful commentary about the area’s geology and caves.
• Beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters are the main attractions.
• Weather and water conditions can influence the itinerary and cave swimming opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The tour begins in the morning at the N.C.T.M. ticket office in Cala Gonone’s port. From there, you’ll be escorted to your inflatable boat, which is equipped with an inflatable awning — perfect for some shade when the sun blazes. Once aboard, you’ll set off along the coast with the gentle sea breeze and the deep blue waters all around you.

The journey is as much about the scenery as it is about the small, carefully chosen stops. You’ll approach sea caves like the Blue Grotto, the Cathedral, and the Grotto of the Cormorants. According to reviews, the guides are very detailed and passionate — “Christian took great care of us,” says Kate. If conditions are right, you may even get the chance to swim inside some of these caves, which is quite a unique experience, given the caves’ stunning formations and the play of light inside.

One of the best parts? The boat will drop anchor at 2 or 3 different locations, depending on weather and group preferences. These usually include beaches like Cala Luna, Cala Biriola, or Cala Mariolu, which are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and unexpectedly secluded atmospheres. You’ll love the way these spots feel like your private paradise, especially after hearing from travelers who described their joy at “jumping into the ocean from the boat,” and “smiling from ear to ear” in pure amazement.

Some stops let you relax on the sand, soak in the sun, or explore the surrounding rocks. Others are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The Pools of Venus and Cala Goloritzè, with their natural arches and turquoise waters, are frequent highlights, offering perfect photo opportunities and moments of pure bliss.

The final part of the tour involves heading back along the coast, with plenty of time for questions and snapshots. The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, making it a full but relaxed day immersed in Sardinia’s coastline.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

For $79.30, this tour offers much more than a generic boat ride. You get a small group experience with local guides who know the area intimately — a significant advantage over larger, more impersonal excursions. From the reviews, it’s clear that the skipper’s professionalism and friendliness elevate the tour. Lynn mentions, “Despite everything going wrong that day, the team went above and beyond,” highlighting their supportive attitude, which makes a difference when dealing with unpredictable weather or logistics.

Beyond the boat itself, the access to caves and beaches that are inaccessible by larger vessels makes the trip feel exclusive and more adventurous. The swim stops at iconic spots like Cala Luna or Pools of Venus allow for refreshing breaks, making the long day feel worthwhile. Given the praise for the stunning scenery and friendly, knowledgeable guides, many travelers feel this experience is a high-value way to see the coast without breaking the bank.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses — the Sardinian sun can be intense. Pack swimwear, a towel, and some snacks or drinks, since lunch isn’t included. If you plan to swim inside caves, waterproof footwear or sandals are helpful to protect your feet from rocky surfaces.

Note that you won’t be allowed to stay on the boat during beach stops — this is simply due to organizational needs. That means you should plan to spend your time onshore or in the water. Also, don’t forget to bring a camera, as the views are spectacular, and many reviews mention capturing unforgettable photos.

Weather can affect the schedule, especially cave swimming and the specific beaches visited. The tour is flexible, with guides adjusting plans based on conditions. Booking in advance is recommended, and you can cancel free of charge if your plans change — up to 24 hours before.

The Experience Provider

Operated by Nuovo Consorzio Trasporti Marittimi, this tour is designed for those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience with small groups and local expertise. Their reputation is clearly reflected in the high review scores — 4.9 out of 5 based on 148 reviews.

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The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This dinghy cruise is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a personalized, scenic exploration of Sardinia’s coast. It suits those who enjoy small-group experiences with plenty of opportunities for swimming and photo-taking. If you’re after a more intimate connection with nature than large boat tours offer, this might be your best choice.

Travelers who value expert guides and want to see hidden caves and beaches will find themselves well rewarded. It’s especially appealing for those wanting a relaxing yet active day, filled with stunning scenery and memorable swims.

On the flip side, if you prefer a structured, all-inclusive experience, or have mobility issues that make boat trips challenging, this tour might require some extra consideration. Weather-dependent conditions also mean flexibility is key, especially when planning around cave swims and specific beaches.

FAQs

What’s included in the tour?
You’ll get an inflatable boat ride with a skipper and an awning for shade. The tour lasts about 7 hours, and the price covers the boat, guide, and some scenic stops.

Are food and drinks provided?
No, lunch isn’t included. It’s recommended to bring your own snacks and water to stay energized and well-hydrated throughout the day.

How many people are in each group?
The experience is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a small, convivial group and more personal attention from the skipper.

Can I swim inside the caves?
If conditions are safe, you might have the chance to swim in some caves. It’s not guaranteed but is a highlight for many travelers.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, food, water, and beachwear. Waterproof footwear is a bonus for cave exploration, and a camera for photos.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; guides may adjust the itinerary, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This dinghy cruise in Cala Gonone offers an authentic, scenic, and flexible way to discover Sardinia’s coast. With its high ratings and glowing reviews, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a personalized adventure, especially if you want to explore caves, beaches, and waters that larger boats can’t access. Be prepared with some essentials, stay flexible with the weather, and enjoy a memorable day in one of Italy’s most stunning coastal regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: