Tavolara: 5 Islands tour from San Teodoro's beach

Planning a trip to Sardinia and looking for a day packed with breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters, and authentic island charm? The Tavolara: 5 Islands tour from San Teodoro is a well-loved choice, earning a perfect 5-star rating from 67 reviews. It’s a full-day adventure that offers more than just pretty beaches — think caves, natural pools, and local food, all with the comfort of small groups and knowledgeable guides.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the variety of stops—from iconic beaches like Cala Brandinchi to the mysterious caves of Tavolara. Second, the expert guides and skippers like Andrea and Gianmarco, who bring the scenery to life with stories and insider tips. Third, the balance of relaxation and activity, with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and free time. But it’s not without some considerations: the full-day nature means you’ll want to be ready for a lot of sightseeing and sea time. This tour suits travelers craving an immersive, scenic, and authentic Sardinian experience.

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Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering 5 islands, beaches, caves, and natural pools
Expert guides enhancing the experience with local knowledge and friendliness
Ideal for active travelers who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and photo stops
Price offers good value for a full-day tour including multiple locations
Small groups and limited crowds at popular beaches like Cala Brandichi
Not suitable for little kids under 5, pregnant women, or those prone to seasickness

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tavolara: 5 Islands Tour

This full-day boat tour begins early in the morning, with guests meeting at Mediomare on La Cinta Beach. Here, you’re greeted by friendly staff and guided through the check-in process, which requires a passport or ID. Once aboard the small dinghies, powered by skilled skippers like Andrea, the adventure kicks off as you set sail into the Marine Protected Area (AMP), famous for its shimmering waters and monumental granite rocks.

Looking for more options in San Teodoro Sardinia? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Voyage Begins: From La Cinta Beach to Punta Aldia

The first stretch of the journey takes you towards Punta Aldia, an ancient lookout point with a history of pirate sightings. This spot sets the tone, blending natural beauty with a touch of local lore. From there, you’ll pass Lu Impostu beach, one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, where the clear waters and fine sand make for excellent photo opportunities. Reviewer Sara notes, “The views were breathtaking, the water crystal clear, and we even saw some fish while swimming”—highlighting how this part of the tour is a true feast for the senses.

Cala Brandinchi: The Mediterranean’s Jewel

Next stop is Cala Brandinchi, often dubbed the “Little Tahiti” for its vivid turquoise waters and pristine sands. This location is highly protected, with a daily visitor limit to keep its beauty intact. Guests often spend about 30 minutes here to swim, walk, or just relax with a snack from the beach kiosk. The reviews consistently praise this spot, with Julianne mentioning, “It’s among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean,” emphasizing its postcard-worthy appeal.

Exploring Islands and Caves: Ruia, Proratora, and Molara

The tour then moves on to the small islands of Salina Bamba and Salinedda, with photo stops at Isola Ruia and Isola di Proratora. Proratora’s cave is a highlight — a natural formation with a hole that reflects sunlight in mesmerizing ways, perfect for photos and appreciating Sardinia’s natural artistry. As reviewer Niamh states, “The gorgeous beaches and the scenery of the caves were the highlight of our holiday,” reinforcing how special these sights are.

One of the most popular stops is Molara Island, where the turquoise waters and natural pools make for fantastic swimming and snorkeling. Visitors often comment on the chance to see marine life, with Andrea’s guiding making the experience both relaxing and informative. The free time here typically lasts about 30 minutes, enough to take photos, snorkel, or lounge on the beach.

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The Star of the Show: Tavolara Island

No visit to Sardinia’s sea is complete without exploring Tavolara Island itself. This island feels like a secret slice of paradise, with highlights such as the Cathedral Cave, the Eye of God, and the limestone formations called La Sedia. The guide will point out these geological marvels, and snorkelling here is a favorite activity, as described by reviewers who loved the chance to swim in waters teeming with fish.

The main stop on Tavolara provides about 1.5 hours for swimming, photos, and enjoying the local food options. You can choose to grab a meal at the beach restaurant or enjoy snacks from the kiosk. One reviewer noted, “The small boat meant fewer people, making it feel more private,” which adds a special touch to this leg of the journey.

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Further Stops and Return Journey

The tour continues to Isola Piana, Cala Girgolu, and Cala delle Vacche, where granite sculptures like the Turtle, Coffee Pot, Dromedary, Eagle, and Cat add a playful touch to the scenery. These formations are perfect for snapshots and marveling at nature’s artistry. After a final swim at Capo Coda Cavallo, the boat heads back to Mediomare, with guests relaxed and filled with memories of a day well spent.

What to Expect: Practical Details

This tour lasts approximately 6.5 hours, with daily departures typically starting around 9:30 AM. It’s important to arrive at the meeting point no later than 9:15 AM at Mediomare, equipped with your passport or ID. It’s a full-on day of sightseeing, swimming, and photo opportunities, so packing essentials like sunscreen, a towel, snorkeling gear, and comfortable beachwear makes sense.

The journey is on small boats, which means fewer crowds at the stops and a more intimate experience. Guides like Andrea and Gianmarco are praised not only for their knowledge but also their friendliness and ability to make everyone feel comfortable. However, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility issues, or those prone to seasickness.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Mediomare, La Cinta Beach: Check-in and safety briefing
Punta Aldia: Pirate history and scenic views
Lu Impostu & Cala Brandinchi: Iconic beaches and photo ops
Isola Ruia & Proratora: Natural caves and photo stops
Molara Island: Swimming, snorkeling, marine life spotting
Tavolara Island: Main attraction with free time for food, photos, and snorkelling
Isola Piana, Cala Girgolu & Coda Cavallo: Granite sculptures and final swimming spots

This thoughtful itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxation, and active pursuits, creating a memorable day from start to finish.

The Value of the Tour

Given the variety of stops, the expertise of guides, and the inclusiveness of the experience, this tour offers significant value for the price. It covers multiple islands, beaches, and caves, which you might pay separately to visit independently. The small group size and focus on quality over quantity mean you’ll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the scenery.

While lunch isn’t included, there are plenty of options at Tavolara’s beach restaurants, making it flexible for different budgets and tastes. Reviewers mention that Andrea, Gianmarco, and others make the experience genuinely engaging, adding extra layers of local stories and tips.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers, beach lovers, and those who want a comprehensive day exploring Sardinia’s marine gems. If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scenic photo stops, you’ll love the variety this tour offers. It’s also perfect for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and knowledgeable guides.

Conversely, it might not be ideal for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues or seasickness. The full-day schedule requires good energy and a love of outdoor adventures.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 6.5 hours, starting around 9:30 AM, with guests expected to arrive by 9:15 AM.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a local guide, fuel, your seat on the boat, and umbrellas and sunbeds at the end of the day, subject to availability.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but there are restaurants and kiosks at Tavolara Island and other stops where you can buy food.

Can I bring my snorkeling gear?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring your own snorkeling equipment, although it’s not explicitly stated if rental is available.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, a towel, sandals, sunscreen, beachwear, and snorkeling gear.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed, except for assistance dogs.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years old due to the full-day nature and sea travel.

Do I need to sign a contract or waiver?
Yes, you need to sign a contract and show your ID at check-in.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guides speak English, French, and Italian.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Tavolara: 5 Islands tour from San Teodoro offers a fantastic way to explore Sardinia’s most stunning marine landscapes in one day. From iconic beaches to mysterious caves, each stop promises unique photo opportunities and memorable experiences. The small-group setting and expert guides make it a comfortable, engaging way to see the best of the archipelago.

It’s an excellent choice for travelers who love active days filled with swimming, snorkeling, and scenic vistas, especially if they’re looking for a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure. While it’s not ideal for very young kids or those with mobility concerns, most everyone else will find it a worthwhile, value-packed experience that captures the essence of Sardinia’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, this tour is likely to leave you with a camera full of photos, a heart full of memories, and a newfound appreciation for Sardinia’s stunning coastlines and islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: