Cala Gonone is one of Sardinia’s top spots for discovering the stunning Gulf of Orosei by boat. Its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and access to remote beaches make it a natural choice for boat lovers. Whether you want a relaxing day aboard a vintage sailing vessel or an action-packed exploration of sea caves, Cala Gonone offers a variety of options. We especially like the Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè for its balance of comfort and adventure, and the Vintage Sailing Tour for its charm and relaxed pace.
Beyond just sightseeing, these tours offer opportunities to swim in pristine waters, walk along beautiful beaches, and learn about the area’s natural wonders. With options ranging from guided cave visits to rental boats for independent exploration, Cala Gonone’s boat tours cater to different interests and activity levels. Below, we detail each of these top experiences so you can pick the perfect boat trip for your Sardinian vacation.
1. From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè
Explore the Gulf of Orosei by motorboat on a full-day cruise from Cala Gonone. This tour visits Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala dei Sisine, and the Cala Goloritzè, all renowned for their stunning scenery and turquoise waters. The cruise includes multiple beach stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on sandy shores. You’ll enjoy the airy comfort of a boat with an onboard bar and aperitif, making it easy to unwind as you glide along the coast.
What makes this trip stand out is the photographic stop in Cala Goloritzè, often called the most beautiful beach of 2025, thanks to its dramatic limestone arch and secluded setting. The tour is perfect for families and young travelers looking for a relaxing yet scenic day. Reviews highlight the excellent scenery, ample beach time, and the lively crew that keeps the atmosphere upbeat. The roughly 7.5-hour duration allows for plenty of exploration without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: If you want a well-organized, scenic, and comfortable day on the water with beach stops at Sardinia’s most famous spots, this cruise is a top choice.
2. Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Tour with a Vintage Sailing Boat
For lovers of sailing and nostalgic charm, the Dovesesto, a nearly 100-year-old vintage sailing ship, offers a unique experience. Departing at 10:30 AM, this 8-hour tour takes you to Cala Luna, Cala Biriola, Le Piscine di Venere, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzè. It’s a quieter, more relaxed way to explore the coast, with ample time to swim, sunbathe, and soak in the scenery from the deck of this elegant vessel.
Unlike motorboats, the Dovesesto moves slower, allowing for a more intimate connection with the coast. The crew is praised for being friendly and helpful, creating a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. This tour is highly rated, with reviews emphasizing the beauty of the boat itself and the serenity of sailing along Sardinia’s coast. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a slower pace and a touch of vintage maritime character.
The sailboat is ideal for travelers craving a calm, scenic day on the water — perfect for couples or small groups seeking an authentic sailing adventure.
Bottom line: This trip pairs scenic beauty with a nostalgic sailing vibe, making it a memorable choice for those who love the sea and history.
3. Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise with Cala Goloritzè
This 8.5-hour motorboat cruise offers a comprehensive look at the Gulf of Orosei’s most celebrated beaches. Starting from Cala Gonone, it visits Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala dei Sisine, with a key highlight being the photographic stop at Cala Goloritzè. The tour includes onboard beverages and an aperitif, providing a comfortable environment to relax as you take in the coastline.
The tour is praised for its well-organized itinerary and the ample time given for swimming and lounging. The boat is described as clean and comfortable, and the multilingual guides make the experience accessible to international travelers. The extended duration ensures that you’ll have sufficient time to explore each beach and appreciate Sardinia’s natural beauty.
Reviews mention the excellent nature views and the well-managed, crowd-controlled experience, making it a reliable choice for families and solo travelers.
Bottom line: If you’re after a longer, relaxing day exploring Sardinia’s iconic beaches, this cruise balances comfort with sightseeing.
4. Cala Gonone: Grotta Bue Marino & Cala Luna Beach Boat Trip
On this 5-hour tour, you’ll visit the famous Sea Ox Cave (Grotta del Bue Marino), walking through its impressive stalactites and stalagmites with a guide. After exploring the cave, the boat takes you to Cala Luna, where you can swim and relax on the pristine beach. This combined tour offers both cultural and natural experiences.
What makes this trip appealing is the chance to see inside the cave, with a guided walk that reveals its history and formations. The visit to Cala Luna is a highlight, with plenty of time for swimming or sunbathing. The tour’s value is high, given the combination of cultural insight and beach leisure. The reviews point out the cave’s atmosphere and the scenic landscapes.
Ideal for travelers interested in natural wonders and caves, this tour balances adventure with relaxation.
Bottom line: For a compact, diverse experience that combines cave exploration with beach time, this tour delivers a lot in a short day.
5. Cala Gonone: Boat ride to Cala Luna beach
This 4-hour guided boat tour takes you directly to the stunning Cala Luna. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the fresh sea air and views of the Gulf of Orosei. Once at Cala Luna, you can swim, explore the Mediterranean vegetation, or simply soak up the sun.
The trip is praised for its straightforward approach and the opportunity to reach Cala Luna quickly and comfortably. The boat’s deck is perfect for sunbathing, and the stop at the beach allows for a relaxing break in a breathtaking setting. Some reviews mention that the boats can get crowded, but the overall experience is highly rated by those seeking a quick escape to one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches.
This option suits travelers with limited time or those looking for a straightforward day trip.
Bottom line: A great choice if you want to visit Cala Luna without fuss, with enough time for swimming and soaking in the scenery.
6. Cala Gonone: Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Luna Boat Tour
This 4-hour tour combines visits to the Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Luna. You can choose to pay an extra 12 euros for cave visits not included in the base fare. The trip offers a balanced mix of sea cave exploration and beach relaxation.
The highlight is the guided tour inside the cave, where you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites, and the opportunity to swim at Cala Luna. Guests appreciate the tranquil seaside atmosphere and the flexibility to jump into the sea or lounge on the sand. The reviews note the cave’s natural beauty, and the option to add on a cave visit makes it customizable.
This trip is perfect for those interested in natural caves and seeking a manageable day trip.
Bottom line: Great for visitors who want a mix of cave exploration and beach time without a lengthy commitment.
7. Cala Gonone: 6-Metre Dinghy Rental (without boat licence)
For independent explorers, renting a 6-metre dinghy offers freedom to chart your own course along the Gulf of Orosei. With a modest 40-horsepower engine that doesn’t require a license, you can discover beaches like Cala Goloritzè at your own pace.
This self-drive option is highly rated for its flexibility and fun factor. You can visit multiple beaches, stop where you like, and enjoy the scenery without a guide. The maximum capacity of 10 people keeps the experience intimate. Reviews highlight the feeling of autonomy and the thrill of navigating Sardinian waters yourself.
Be aware that this requires confidence in boat handling or arranging a skipper. It’s best suited for confident boaters who want a personalized adventure.
Bottom line: Ideal for independent travelers who want the thrill of steering their own boat and exploring Sardinia’s coast freely.
8. Cala Gonone: Taxi Boat to Grotta del Bue Marino
This 2-hour taxi boat service provides quick access to the Grotta del Bue Marino. The boat drops you at the cave entrance, where you can walk inside for about 40 minutes guided tour. It’s a simple, efficient way to see inside one of Sardinia’s most famous caves.
The guided walk offers stunning views of stalactites and stalagmites, with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour is available in multiple languages and provides a good balance of cultural and natural discovery. Reviews note the scenic boat ride and the cave’s impressive formations.
Perfect for travelers short on time seeking a dose of cave exploration, this tour is straightforward and well-organized.
Bottom line: Best for those who want a quick, guided visit inside the cave without a full-day commitment.
9. Dorgali: Cala Luna Boat Trip
This 3-hour round-trip boat trip from Dorgali to Cala Luna offers a relaxing way to spend part of your day. With audio guides on board, you’ll learn about the coast while enjoying the ride. Once at Cala Luna, you can swim, relax, or explore the beach at your leisure.
While the reviews mention that Cala Luna can be reached in about 20 minutes, some note that the boats aren’t always clearly marked, so asking the crew is advised. The trip is suited for travelers wanting a short, scenic excursion with sufficient time to enjoy the beach.
It’s an accessible outing for those staying in Dorgali or nearby, offering a quick escape to one of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches.
Bottom line: A good quick trip for those in Dorgali who want to experience Cala Luna without a long day on the water.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Cala Gonone
Choosing the right boat experience depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend on the water. If a full-day scenic cruise with beach stops is your goal, the From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè is hard to beat. Prefer a relaxed sailing experience? The Vintage Sailing Tour offers a charming alternative.
Interested in caves? The Grotta Bue Marino & Cala Luna trip combines cultural exploration with beach time. For those wanting independence, the dinghy rental provides complete freedom to explore at your own pace.
Consider your fitness level, desire for guided commentary, and whether you prefer a small group or private experience. Booking early, especially in peak season, ensures you get the best times and options.
Final Thoughts
Cala Gonone offers a diverse array of cruises and boat tours to suit all preferences. For an all-around scenic experience with great beaches, the cruise to Cala Goloritzè is a standout. If you’re after a charming, relaxed sailing day, the vintage boat is unbeatable.
For cave enthusiasts or those on a tight schedule, the Grotta Bue Marino tours and the quick taxi options get you inside Sardinia’s iconic underground worlds. Independent travelers will love the dinghy rental, offering true freedom on the water.
No matter your choice, booking ahead is recommended, especially during high season. With these options, you’re sure to find a boat trip that makes your Cala Gonone visit truly memorable.