From Stintino: dinghy tour to Asinara with aperitif

Uncovering Sardinia’s Coastal Gems: A Detailed Look at the Dinghy Tour from Stintino to Asinara

If you’re considering a day trip that combines stunning scenery, fascinating history, and a touch of adventure, this dinghy tour from Stintino to the Asinara National Park might just be your perfect match. As someone who has researched and reviewed many Sardinian excursions, I can tell you that this experience offers a rare chance to see some of the island’s most iconic sights from a boat that puts you right at the water’s level.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its personalized feel and small-group intimacy, with a maximum of 10 participants. You’ll get to enjoy comfort and safety onboard a modern inflatable boat while having a knowledgeable guide sharing insights about the park’s history and ecology. Plus, the included aperitif and snorkeling gear elevate the experience from a simple boat ride to a delightful day of exploration and relaxation.

A potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off. If you’re staying outside Stintino or prefer a more flexible schedule, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. Also, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users — so check your comfort level with boat rides and physical activity involved.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love small-group adventures, enjoy learning about the local environment, and want to swim and snorkel in pristine waters. It’s also perfect if you’re after a more relaxed, intimate experience rather than a large cruise.

Key Points

• Short but Sweet: A 3.5-hour trip offers enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
• Expert Guidance: An environmental tour guide enriches your understanding of Asinara’s natural and historical significance.
• Stunning Stops: Highlights include La Pelosa, Cala Spalmatore, and the Fornelli Natural Pools.
• Comfort & Convenience: Well-equipped inflatable boat with onboard shower, Wi-Fi, and stereo.
• All-Inclusive: Price covers fuel, insurance, snorkeling gear, and a tasty aperitif.
• Limited Groups: Small groups mean a more personalized, flexible experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When considering a boat trip to Asinara, the first thing you’ll notice is the sheer pleasure of seeing Sardinia’s coast from the water. Departing from Stintino, the boat’s route takes you past La Pelosa beach, famous for its turquoise waters and a distinctive tower that’s become an icon of Sardinian beauty. We loved the way the boat’s size and speed made the experience comfortable yet exhilarating, offering both stability and a sense of adventure.

As you glide along, the guide provides engaging stories and facts about the area. One review highlights how Giovanni and Barbara, the hosts, “showed us some places, each more beautiful than the last,” making the experience feel tailored and genuine. You’ll get to see Cala Spalmatore, known for its transparency and quiet charm, and Fornelli, where swimming in natural pools becomes a highlight of the trip.

The stops are well-planned, with three main swimming and snorkeling opportunities: Cala Spalmatore, Secca del Cavallo, and the Natural Pools of Fornelli. These are carefully chosen for their clarity and tranquility, perfect for relaxing in the water and exploring marine life. The tour’s inclusion of snorkeling masks and tubes means you don’t need to bring your own gear, although bringing your waterproof camera is highly recommended to capture the vibrant underwater scenes.

One of the tour’s standout features is the aperitif served onboard. It’s a simple gesture, but it elevates the experience—enjoying local drinks and snacks while soaking in the views. One guest remarked, “some delicious local food and drinks in the afternoon,” emphasizing the quality and thoughtfulness of this inclusion.

The boat itself is modern and well-equipped, constructed in 2012, with a Yamaha 200 hp engine ensuring a lively yet smooth ride. Facilities like onboard Wi-Fi, stereo, and an outdoor shower add to the comfort, especially for those who appreciate a little luxury after swimming.

Timing-wise, the departure times vary, so checking availability and planning your day accordingly is advisable. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll need to arrive at the designated meeting point, where the skipper, identifiable by a yellow flag, will wait in the parking lot.

The Authentic Touch: Small Group and Expert Guide

What truly sets this tour apart is the small group size and the knowledgeable guide. Reviewers consistently praise Giovanni and Barbara for their hospitality and storytelling. “A superb afternoon spent in the company of Giovanni and Barbara,” one traveler writes, noting how the personalized attention made the journey special.

The environmental guide’s role is not just to steer the boat but to share insights into the park’s biodiversity and historical significance—a former maximum-security prison turned natural sanctuary. Such context enriches your appreciation of the landscape, making the swimming stops more meaningful.

Practical Details and Value

At around 3.5 hours, the tour hits a sweet spot between a quick glimpse and an immersive experience. The price covers all essentials: fuel, insurance, snorkeling gear, and an aperitif, making it quite reasonable considering the personalized service and the exclusive access to some of Sardinia’s most photogenic spots. Keep in mind, it doesn’t include transportation to the meeting point, so plan for that.

The boat’s capacity of 12 (with 10 participants) ensures you won’t feel crowded, and the onboard amenities like the sun deck and freshwater shower help you relax after swimming. The quiet, scenic route, coupled with the chance to learn and swim in pristine waters, offers excellent value for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity.

Authentic Experiences from Fellow Travelers

One guest summarized, “Giovanni and Barbara were amazing hosts, beautiful swim stops, and some delicious local food and drinks in the afternoon,” highlighting how the tour balances natural beauty with local flavor. Another reviewer emphasized the exclusive feel, saying, “We were lucky to be the only ones on board, and even so, the activity was tailored just for the two of us.”

These reviews underscore that this isn’t just a scenic boat ride, but an intimate, well-organized adventure led by passionate guides who care about the environment and your experience.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits adventurous, curious travelers eager to learn about Sardinia’s coastal and marine environment. It’s particularly appealing if you value small groups, personalized attention, and authentic insights. If you’re comfortable on boats and enjoy snorkeling, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

However, those with mobility concerns or pregnant women should reconsider, as boat rides and swimming are involved. Also, since there’s no transportation included, travelers staying farther away will need to arrange their own transport.

The Sum Up

This dinghy tour from Stintino to Asinara offers an unbeatable blend of scenic beauty, ecological education, and relaxed fun. You’ll get to see Sardinia’s iconic coastline from the water, snorkel in crystal-clear pools, and enjoy an intimate experience with expert guides. With excellent reviews praising the hosts’ warmth and the quality of the stops, it’s clear this trip provides genuine value and memorable moments.

If you’re after a personalized, well-organized day that combines nature, history, and good company, this tour should be at the top of your list. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a small-group vibe and want to discover Sardinia’s less commercial, more authentic side. Just remember it’s a quick trip—you’ll want to make the most of your time on board and in the water.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Participants meet at the designated parking lot in Stintino.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, hat, sunglasses, water, snacks, and a daypack. Wear comfortable clothes and flip-flops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling masks and tubes are included. You can also bring your own gear if preferred.

How long does the tour last?
The trip lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including stops for swimming and snorkeling.

Can I participate if I don’t swim?
While swimming is part of the experience, non-swimmers can still enjoy the boat ride and scenery from the boat’s deck.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is limited to people over 12 and not suitable for very young children or those with mobility impairments.

What kind of boat is used?
A Stingher 686 Xs inflatable boat, built in 2012, with a capacity of 12, featuring modern amenities for comfort and safety.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
Yes, pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users should consider their comfort before booking.

Is the tour available in languages other than Italian?
Yes, the tour is conducted in both Italian and English.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in your plans.

In the end, this dinghy tour offers a balanced mix of scenic views, engaging guides, and relaxing stops — a memorable way to see Sardinia’s coastline with a personal touch.

You can check availability for your dates here: