Da Stintino: Tour in catamarano Asinara Island

This experience made our article of The 14 Most Popular Tours & Experiences In Italy.

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Da Stintino: Tour in catamarano Asinara Island – A Detailed Review

Planning a day out on the water in Sardinia? A catamaran trip around Asinara Island promises a mix of stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and memorable moments — but how does it truly measure up? We’ve gathered all the details to help you decide if this experience fits your travel style.

What draws us in? First, the chance to visit exclusive coves within the protected Asinara park, second, the appeal of sailing on a cozy, small vessel that offers a more intimate connection with nature, and third, the promise of a fresh seafood lunch on board that highlights local flavors.

A potential consideration? The limited space on the catamaran might mean a bit of a squeeze, especially if you’re traveling in a larger group or expecting a more spacious setting.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love authentic marine environments, small-group experiences, and a taste of Sardinian cuisine. If you’re after a relaxed day with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and picture-taking, this could be just what you’re looking for.

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Key Points

Intimate group size (max 12 people) for a cozy, personalized experience
Exclusive access to coves in the Asinara marine protected area
Fresh fish-based lunch and typical Sardinian aperitif onboard
Opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and dolphin watching
Flexible cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance)
Departure from Piazzale Guardia Costiera in Stintino with free parking nearby

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What You Can Expect: An In-Depth Look at the Experience

A day on the catamaran in Asinara is designed for relaxation and discovery. The trip starts at 10:00 a.m. from Piazzale Guardia Costiera, a central spot in Stintino’s port area, where the friendly crew welcomes you aboard the small but sturdy vessel. The boat’s size, accommodating around 12 guests, encourages a sense of intimacy — though as one review pointed out, that can mean feeling a bit cramped during meals if you’re group-sized or if extra guests join unexpectedly.

The Itinerary: From Departure to Return

The main highlight is the guided tour of Asinara, lasting approximately 8 hours. The boat will take you across turquoise waters, stopping at several coves that are part of the island’s protected marine park. The stops are carefully chosen to offer the best swimming, snorkeling, and photo opportunities, with the most exclusive spots accessible only to authorized boats like this one.

One reviewer mentioned that the boat can be a bit small to comfortably accommodate 12 guests, especially for meals. In their experience, they had 13 people onboard, which made the space for eating and moving around quite tight. Still, they appreciated that the skipper, Davide, was super helpful and prepared an excellent pasta dish — a reminder that while space might be limited, the hospitality and effort from the crew make a big difference.

Marine Wonders and Activities

The tour is more than just sightseeing. Expect opportunities for snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off after a sun-drenched morning of cruising. Dolphin watching and marine life viewing are often part of the experience — guests have reported seeing dolphins and regional marine creatures, making it a hit with nature lovers.

Plus, the crew conducts safety briefings before departure, ensuring everyone is comfortable and aware of the best spots to enjoy the water. The boat is authorized to stop in the most picturesque coves, which means fewer crowds and more privacy during your swim or snorkel sessions.

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The Food and Drink

One of the tour’s standout features is the lunch onboard. Starting around 2:00 p.m., you’ll be served a fish-based meal featuring Sardinian specialties, with an appetizer of typical local products and a lunch of fresh seafood. The included local white wine, water, coffee, and sweets make for a well-rounded meal that pairs beautifully with the setting.

Reviewers praised the quality of the food and the selection of wines, calling out the delicious seafood and the local flavors. The picnic-style lunch is served while you relax on deck, making the most of the stunning scenery around you.

In addition, the aperitif before lunch often includes regional snacks and local wine, which enhances the overall experience of savoring Sardinian culture amid beautiful surroundings.

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The Highlights of the Tour

Discovering the Coveted Coves of Asinara

The main draw of this trip is the chance to visit pristine, less-accessible coves in the marine park. The boat’s permit allows it to stop at the most exclusive spots, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos. These spots are often untouched and surrounded by nature, giving you a genuine feel of Sardinia’s wild side.

Marine Life and Wildlife Watching

Guests frequently mention the opportunity to spot dolphins and marine animals in their natural habitat. The sea’s scent and the wind during the cruise add to the feeling of being truly immersed in nature, with the ocean breeze complementing the excitement of spotting marine life.

Food & Drink: Sardinian Flavors at Sea

The onboard lunch and aperitifs are a big part of this tour’s appeal. The fish-based menu is considered generous and tasty, often praised for its freshness. The local wines enhance the meal, and sweets cap it off with a sweet note.

Small Group and Personal Touches

With a maximum of 12 guests, the trip offers a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. You’ll feel less like just another tourist and more like a guest on a friend’s boat. The crew, especially the skipper Davide, is noted for being helpful and attentive, which elevates the entire experience.

Practical Details

Meeting Point & Accessibility

The tour departs from the Piazzale Guardia Costiera in Stintino. Parking is free in the small town — but note that parking in the Piazzale itself is not allowed. It’s convenient to find a spot nearby, and the meeting point is straightforward.

Duration and Timing

This is an 8-hour experience, starting at 10:00 a.m. and returning around 6:00 p.m.. The flexible starting times are subject to availability, so it’s best to check in advance.

What’s Included & What to Bring

Included are the aperitif, local white wine, fish lunch, water, and coffee. The tour is designed as a full-day relaxation — so bring sunscreen, a hat, your swimwear, and a towel. If snorkeling or swimming are your main goals, don’t forget your gear, although some tours may provide it.

Cancellation & Booking

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a low-risk option if your plans change. You also have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, which is perfect for last-minute travel planning.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This catamaran trip to Asinara offers an intimate, scenic, and delicious way to explore Sardinia’s natural marine beauty. The small vessel size creates a sense of privacy and personal attention, which many guests appreciate. The stops at exclusive coves and the chance to see marine life make it a highlight for those seeking nature and tranquility.

The seafood lunch and regional wines elevate the experience, making it not just a day of sightseeing but also a celebration of Sardinian cuisine. While space on the boat can be limited, the crew’s friendliness and the boat’s access to pristine areas compensate well.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic, and scenic day on the water with plenty of opportunities for swimming and wildlife spotting, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Ideal for: couples, small groups, food lovers, and nature fans who value personalized service over large crowds. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with small-group settings and looking to enjoy Sardinia’s natural beauty from the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour departs from Piazzale Guardia Costiera in the port of Stintino, which is easy to reach and has free parking nearby.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and returning around 6:00 p.m.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the aperitif of Sardinian specialties, local white wine, a fish-based lunch on board, water, and coffee.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater.

Is the boat suitable for everyone?
The boat is small, so it’s best suited for those comfortable in cozy spaces; it can feel tight during meals if the group size exceeds 12.

Are there opportunities to see marine animals?
Yes, dolphin watching and marine life viewing are common parts of the trip, with many guests reporting sightings.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed nature and focus on swimming and snorkeling suggest it could be enjoyable for families, provided children are comfortable on boats and in the water.

In summary, this catamaran tour in Asinara offers an authentic, intimate way to experience Sardinia’s stunning natural beauty. With a balanced combo of scenic stops, wildlife watching, and local cuisine, it’s a journey that appeals to travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.