Exploring the stunning Tavolara Marine Protected Area is an opportunity not to be missed. This 8-hour tour from Olbia offers a captivating blend of scenic boat cruises, swimming, and snorkeling at breathtaking locations. With an aperitif featuring Sardinian delicacies and Vermentino wine, participants can enjoy the region’s vibrant culture. Whether you’re an active adult or seeking an accessible adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes this particular outing so special?
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour departs from Olbia and includes a boat cruise, swimming, snorkeling, and a visit to Tavolara Island.
- Participants can explore the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, Cala Girgolu, Belvedere Punta Est, and Grottino Proratora.
- The tour offers opportunities to admire scenic views, observe marine life, and enjoy Sardinian cuisine and wine.
- Transportation is provided, with a meeting point at the Salimar boat tour in Porto San Paolo and accessibility for wheelchair users.
- The tour is suitable for active adults who are healthy swimmers and snorkelers, but not recommended for certain medical conditions or young children.
Tour Overview
This tour, titled "From Olbia: Island Tour and Afternoon in Tavolara," is priced from $103.76 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.
It’s available in English and Italian and is wheelchair accessible. Travelers can enjoy a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour starts from the Salimar boat tour at Porto San Paolo and includes a boat cruise, swimming, snorkeling, and photo stops at various scenic locations, including Tavolara Marine Protected Area, Cala Girgolu, Belvedere Punta Est, Grottino Proratora, Molara Island, and Tavolara Island.
Lunch at a local restaurant with picnic options is also provided.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour departs from the Salimar boat tour at Porto San Paolo, where travelers will embark on a boat cruise through the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, taking in the scenic views for around 10 minutes.
Travelers embark on a 10-minute boat cruise through the scenic Tavolara Marine Protected Area from the Salimar boat tour at Porto San Paolo.
Next, the group will stop at Cala Girgolu for a 40-minute break to swim and snorkel.
Then, it’s on to Belvedere Punta Est for a 30-minute photo stop and swimming. Visitors will also explore the Grottino Proratora and see the marine life.
The tour continues to Molara Island for another 40-minute swim and snorkel break before spending 5 hours exploring the beaches and nature of Tavolara Island.
Experience and Activities
During the tour, visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including a boat cruise through the Tavolara Marine Protected Area to admire the scenic views.
They’ll also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel at Cala Girgolu and Belvedere Punta Est, as well as explore the unique marine life at Grottino Proratora.
The highlight of the day is the extended visit to Tavolara Island, where guests can freely explore the beaches, nature trails, and unique flora and fauna.
An aperitif with Sardinian tasting and Vermentino wine adds a special touch to the experience.
Transportation and Meeting Point
To get to the tour’s meeting point, visitors can take bus line 514 from Olbia, which takes approximately 17 minutes to reach Porto San Paolo.
Free parking is available on Via San Paolo, just a 10-minute walk to the Salimar boat tour marina.
Free parking is available on Via San Paolo, a mere 10-minute stroll to the Salimar boat tour marina.
The meeting point is at the Salimar boat tour in Porto San Paolo. Participants should arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour departs promptly.
Those with mobility issues can take note that the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Participants should bring biodegradable sunscreen and beachwear to this tour. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old, pregnant women, individuals with back problems, seasickness, or pre-existing medical conditions. This is due to the nature of the activities involved, such as boat cruises and swimming.
| Suitable for | Not Suitable for |
|————–|——————-|
| Adults | Children under 4 |
| Active | Pregnant women |
| Healthy | Back problems |
| Swimmers | Seasickness |
| Snorkelers | Medical conditions|
The overall customer rating for this tour is 3.7/5 based on 12 reviews, with highlights including the transportation and value for money.
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Tavolara Marine Protected Area
The tour begins with a boat cruise through the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, where visitors can admire the stunning coastal scenery and catch glimpses of the diverse marine life that thrives in this protected ecosystem.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area boasts a wealth of natural beauty, from the towering limestone cliffs of Tavolara Island to the crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with vibrant corals and schools of colorful fish.
This brief introduction to the marine park sets the stage for the rest of the immersive island exploration experience.
Cala Girgolu and Belvedere Punta Est
After the initial boat cruise, the tour makes its way to Cala Girgolu, where participants can take a break, go for a refreshing swim, or even try their hand at snorkeling to get up close with the marine life.
The tour then heads to Belvedere Punta Est, offering a picturesque photo stop and more opportunities for swimming.
This section of the tour allows guests to:
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Admire the stunning coastal scenery
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Cool off in the crystal-clear waters
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Explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling
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Capture memorable photos at the scenic viewpoint
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Rejuvenate during the breaks in these beautiful natural settings.
Molara Island and Tavolara Island
From Belvedere Punta Est, the tour makes its way to Molara Island, a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty.
Guests enjoy a 40-minute break to swim and snorkel in the island’s crystal-clear waters, surrounded by diverse marine life.
After Molara, the group heads to the main attraction – Tavolara Island.
With 5 hours of free time, travelers can explore the island’s pristine beaches, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the unique flora and fauna.
An aperitif with Sardinian tastings and Vermentino wine enhances the authentic island experience.
This comprehensive tour showcases the diverse natural wonders of the region.
The Sum Up
The "From Olbia: Island Tour and Afternoon in Tavolara" offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning Tavolara Marine Protected Area. Featuring a scenic boat cruise, swimming, and snorkeling, the tour provides a taste of Sardinian culture with an aperitif of local delicacies and wine. With its wheelchair-accessible setup and flexible cancellation policy, this tour is an ideal adventure for active adults seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
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