A Gulf of Orosei boat tour is a great way to fully appreciate one of the most charming coasts of Sardinia.
This is one of the most beautiful, stunning marine areas of Sardinia, and one of my favorite parts of the island. I visit regularly to enjoy the many hiking trails but – especially in the summer months – to spend time in its pristine coves.
My post A Short Guide Of The Golfo Di Orosei highlights not only the best beaches in the area, but also the many hiking trails and other attractions in the region.
I must warn you though: the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei are all very hard to reach. While I normally recommend renting a car for your trip to Sardinia, if you intend to explore the Gulf of Orosei you will have to come to terms with the fact that a car won’t take you a long way here.
Because they are so isolated, you can only reach the coves along the Gulf of Orose via a hike (oftentimes a quite strenuous one).
Alternatively, you have the option of going on a Gulf of Orosei boat tour. This is the most comfortable way to see many coves in a short amount of time, and it doesn’t involve waking up at the crack of dawn to avoid hiking in the hottest hours.
Needless to say, I have been on many boat tours along the Gulf of Orosei – small zodiac tours; hop-on hop-off cruises; sailing cruises… my friends and I even rented our own zodiac once so that we could explore more independently.
There is literally something for any budget (from cheap charter or hop-on hop-off ferries, to more expensive but smaller private boats), and for whatever your preferences are.
Finally, continue reading as I share information on the best Gulf of Orosei boat tours so that you get to pick the one that seems most suitable.
Gulf Of Orosei Boat Tour – Departure Points
Boat tours of the Gulf of Orosei usually depart from these three locations:
CALA GONONE – The marine hamlet of Dorgali, this is one of the best bases in terms of infrastructure, with lots of hotels, camping sites, restaurants and more. Boat tours departing from Cala Gonone usually have Cala Goloritzé as the vary last stop along the tour.
SANTA MARIA NAVARRESE – What once was the marine hamlet of Baunei has grown into a small town proper. It’s a pretty place where several boat tours depart from. In recent years, more hotels and a few good restaurants have opened there. Some tours leaving from Santa Maria Navarrese make it as far as Cala Luna. They won’t stop at the Grotte del Bue Marino.
ARBATAX – The largest beach hamlet of Tortolì. It has its own (very busy) harbor. It’s home to the gorgeous Rocce Rosse, a few excellent beaches (Porto Frailis among all) and some great hotels and restaurants (such as La Bitta). Arbatax is located south of Santa Maria Navarrese, so navigation time to reach the beaches is a bit longer.
There are also a few tours departing from Orosei, which is further north to Cala Gonone, but being farther adds navigation time to actually get to the Gulf.
You will also find tours departing from Cagliari, but they will simply take you to one of the departure points mentioned (usually Arbatax). I don’t recommend visiting the Gulf of Orosei as a day trip from Cagliari as it is too far.
Most boat tours of the Gulf of Orosei depart between 8:30 am 9:00 am (though I have been on some that leave at 7:00 am).
Gulf Of Orosei Boat Tour Options
Hop-on hop-off Gulf of Orosei boat tour
| STARTING POINT | CALA GONONE, SANTA MARIA NAVARRESE, OROSEI |
| PRICE | FROM €55 PER PERSON |
| DURATION | 8+ HOURS |
| INCLUDED | BOAT RIDE |
| EXCLUDED | GROTTE DEL BUE MARINO OR GROTTA DEL FICO TICKETS, LUNCH, UMBRELLAS AND TOWELS, ENVIRONMENTAL LANDING TAX |
This is the cheapest and most basic Gulf of Orosei boat tour, but it will allow you to see the main highlights along the coast. It literally is a hop-on hop-off tour that takes you to the various beaches. You’ll get to spend between one and two hours on the beach before getting back on and moving to the next one.
The boats have shade and toilets on board, and plenty of space. Since they are so easy to get on and off, this is definitely the best tour option for families traveling with small children.
The largest boats can carry up to 165 passengers; so it’s hardly a private experience. On the plus side, you will spend your day around some of the best beaches in Sardinia!
Depending on the departure point, you will stop at Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine, the Piscine di Venere and Cala Luna. Some tours stop to allow passengers to visit the Grotte del Bue Marino (known in English as the Sea Oxen Grotto) or the Grotta del Fico too. They don’t include tickets to the caves.
You will have to bring your own lunch and drinks for the day.
Gulf of Orosei boat tour by zodiac
| STARTING POINT | CALA GONONE; SANTA MARIA NAVARRESE, ARBATAX |
| PRICE | FROM €85 PER PERSON |
| DURATION | 8+ HOURS |
| INCLUDED | BOAT RIDE, APERITIF |
| EXCLUDED | GROTTE DEL BUE MARINO TICKET, LUNCH, SNORKELING GEAR, ENVIRONMENTAL LANDING TAX |
If you prefer traveling in a smaller group, and on a faster boat, this is the best option. Zodiacs carry up to 12 passengers, so getting on and off the boat is much quicker. This means that you get to spend more time at the beach or snorkeling in the clear waters of the Gulf of Orosei, instead of spending time traveling to the beach.
One thing to keep in mind is that zodiacs won’t have a toilet on board. Most of them have at least some shade, but the shaded area may not be large enough for all passengers.
Zodiac tours tend to make more stops than the large hop-on hop-off cruises. Depending on your departure point, you can expect to stop in Cala Luna, Venus Pools, the tiny Cala delle Sorgenti, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu and Cala Biriala. Some tours also stop at the caves.
Sailing tour of the Gulf of Orosei
| STARTING POINT | CALA GONONE, ARBATAX |
| PRICE | FROM €150 PER PERSON |
| DURATION | 8+ HOURS |
| INCLUDED | SKIPPER, DRINKS, LUNCH |
| EXCLUDED | GROTTE DEL BUE MARINO OR GROTTE DEL FICO TICKET, SNORKELING GEAR. SOME TOURS DON’T INCLUDE LUNCH. |
If you are a fan of sailing, you will enjoy a sailing boat tour of the Gulf of Orosei. A sailing tour is perfect if you appreciate moving at a slower pace and in a more environmentally friendly way.
Sailing boats allow no more than 12 passengers on boat, which means you will be in a small group.
You will spend the day exploring every corner of the Gulf of Orosei. However keep in mind that if there is the slightest chance of getting seasick this is not a tour for you: the constant rocking of a sailboat will make you sick!
Sailing boats have shade and toilets on board. Tours differ one from the other, and while some will include lunch and any drink you may want, others won’t and you will have to bring your own food.
In terms of itinerary, it depends on whether you are departing from Cala Gonone or Arbatax.
Private Gulf of Orosei tour by zodiac
| STARTING POINT | CALA GONONE |
| PRICE | UP TO €1120 FOR A GROUP OF 12 |
| DURATION | 7+ HOURS |
| INCLUDED | SKIPPER, SNORKELING GEAR, UMBRELLAS |
| EXCLUDED | GROTTE DEL BUE MARINO TICKET, LUNCH |
For an even more private and customizable experience, you may want to charter a zodiac with a skipper. This is one of the most expensive options for Gulf of Orosei boat tours; but on the other hand you will have the boat to yourself and all the flexibility to spend more or less time at the places you prefer.
Like for other zodiac tours, you won’t have a toilet on board and limited shade.
You will see Cala Luna , Cala Sisine, Cala Biriola, Venus Pools, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzè – in terms of itinerary, this is one of the best tours around as it’s the one that goes to most places.
While the tour is flexible, in general I recommend trusting your captain with the stops – he’s an expert of the area so he will know all the best places and the right moment to visit!
Zodiac Rental
| STARTING POINT | CALA GONONE, SANTA MARIA NAVARRESE, ARBATAX |
| PRICE | FROM €200 FOR A GROUP OF 6 *FUEL NOT INCLUDED |
| DURATION | ALL DAY |
| INCLUDED | ZODIAC RENTAL, COOLER, SNORKELING GEAR |
| EXCLUDED | LUNCH AND DRINKS, ADDITIONAL FEES, FUEL |
If you are happy to drive a small zodiac, this is one of the most fun options for a full day Gulf of Orosei boat tour. Unless you have a boat license, you can only rent a 40 horsepower 4-stroke engine. This is powerful enough for a group of 5 or 6 passengers.
Once again, let me stress that zodiacs will have limited shade and there is no toilet on board. You will have to bring your own food and drinks. The price of petrol is not included in the final price.
On the plus side, you will be able to design the tour as you wish and the overall price is actually rather convenient if you get to share it with a small group of friends.
Renting A Boat Vs. Doing A Guided Tour
I often get asked by my readers for recommendations on renting their own zodiac or dinghy to explore the Gulf of Orosei independently. By law in Italy, you can rent a small 40 horsepower zodiac that you can drive without having any specific boat license.
Renting a zodiac in the Gulf of Orosei costs around €200 for the day for a group of six, but most places will ask you to pay for petrol separately.
In all honesty, I think a boat tour is better than renting your own dinghy – for several reasons.
If you are not an expert, having to drive your own boat takes quite a bit of effort – if anything, to concentrate. Boat traffic in the Gulf of Orosei can be quite heavy, so boating around can be quite stressful unless you know what you are doing.
This is a protected area, which means you can’t just anchor your dinghy anywhere you want. You will have to watch out for posidonia algae (which is protected).
All beaches have a lane that you can use to approach by boat. If you want to spend time at the beach, you will have to drop off the passengers and whatever you may need for your time at the beach, then drive off to sea again, anchor the dinghy and swim to shore.
Overall, I feel that if you pick a good tour that perfectly fits your need you will have a more relaxing, fun experience.
Where Do Gulf Of Orosei Boat Tours Go?
Although every boat tour is slightly different and the places visited vary depending on the day, winds, and time available, some spots are included in the itinerary of every Gulf of Orosei boat tour. Here’s what you can expect to see:
CALA GOLORITZE’ – My favorite beach in the area, Cala Goloritzé is a protected cove. Tours stop by so that you can take a picture of the pinnacle and the arch, and some allow you to also jump in the water. However, boats can’t approach the beach and are restricted to stop a few hundred meters from it. If you want to spend time at this beach, you have to hike there.
PISCINE DI VENERE – These natural pools are stunning and are normally a stop in all boat tours of the Gulf of Orosei. You will from the boat into the crystal-clear water: it’s so clean, it looks like the boats are floating in the air! There’s a reason why they are called the Pools of Venus (who is the Goddess of Beauty).
CALA MARIOLU – Known for its white grains resembling snowflakes and once inhabited by monk seals, the most famous beach in the Gulf of Orosei is a stop on all tours in the Gulf of Orosei. Some tours depart as early as 7:00 am for a chance to see the beach when it’s still blissfully empty. In most cases, you will get to spend around 1.5 hours at the beach. The number of visitors is capped so boat tours will have to coordinate to know when they can go.
CALA SISINE – One of the longest beaches in the Gulf of Orosei, Cala Sisine can also be reached via an easy hike that starts from a parking lot about 2 km (1.2 miles) away. The clear water (which is almost immediately deep) and the beautiful cliffs make it an easy favorite.
CALA DEI GABBIANI – A gorgeous cove, very similar to the others but slightly lesser known. It features tiny white pebbles and incredibly clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling.
CALA BIRIALA – One of the most popular beaches in the Gulf of Orosei, it looks like a slice of paradise on earth. It can be reached via a very strenuous hike starting in the Golgo Plateau, above Baunei, that is only suitable for very expert hikers. I recommend the much more comfortable boat tour!
CALA LUNA – The set of many movies, the conformation of Cala Luna makes it an excellent place for snorkeling and there is a pine grove and a small pond behind the beach. The whole cove is surrounded by cliffs, which make for a great view and a peaceful day away from strong winds. You can also get to Cala Luna on a hike from Cala Fuili, near Cala Gonone.
GROTTA DEL BUE MARINO – Only tours coming from Cala Gonone will stop here. This cave system is where, until a few decades ago, the Mediterranean monk seal would live and mate. Unfortunately, the seals have been mercilessly hunted by the fishermen (because of the competition for the fish) and have now disappeared, but the caves are still a gorgeous place to visit nevertheless.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to make the most of your boat trip:
DON’T EXPECT EMPTY BEACHES – The Gulf of Orosei is a very popular holiday destination in Sardinia. With so many boat tours available, the beaches can get very crowded during the peak summer months, especially during the weekend. Know what to expect to avoid any disappointment!
DON’T FORGET TO APPLY SUN BLOCK AND WEAR A HAT – The sun is pretty strong during the summer in Sardinia. Make sure to wear a hat to protect your head from the sun and the heat, at least during the peak hours.
WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES – It’s a boat tour, not a fashion show, and you will need to be as free to move around as possible.
PACK YOUR LUNCH – Some boat tours along the Gulf of Orosei include lunch (usually a quite basic one including a pasta dish and at times fried calamari). If food and drinks aren’t included in your tour, pack some fresh water and a sandwich, some fruit and snacks for the day. There is a restaurant in Cala Luna and one in Cala Sisine, and there’s a small kiosk in Cala Mariolu that serves drinks, sandwiches and gelato.
STAY HYDRATED – Temperatures can soar well over 40°C (104°F) in Sardinia in the summer, so drinking lots of water throughout the day is important.
BRING A TOWEL – And also some dry clothes with you, you may want to change at the end of the day.
BRING YOUR SNORKELING GEAR – Most tours won’t offer you any snorkeling gear so pack yours if this is something you wish to do.
HANDS OFF SAND, SHELLS AND STONES – Taking anything from the beaches of Sardinia is forbidden, and you might get fined up to €5000. Don’t believe me? My post on the theft of sand in Sardinia explains why it is forbidden and what happens if you are caught.
Further Readings
To better plan your trip to the Gulf of Orosei, you may want to read these posts:
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There are virtually NO BOATS with toilets on board, unless you go on the very big ones that carry 100 passengers. Having said so, there’s this tour https://www.getyourguide.com/cala-gonone-l164202/from-cala-gonone-full-day-boat-trip-in-the-gulf-of-orosei-t453272/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=fb_group&mkt_cmp=true that includes a stop at Cala Sisine where according to the description there’s a toilet. Or else, there’s this sailboat tour https://www.getyourguide.com/cala-gonone-l164202/sailing-ship-in-exclusive-tour-around-the-gulf-of-orosei-t628848/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=fb_group&mkt_cmp=true and normally sailboats do have a toilet. What you can do if you want to have the boat to yourself is book the entire boat. Expensive I know. But other than that, the only other option is a dinghy tour. This boat https://www.getyourguide.com/cala-gonone-l164202/exclusive-boat-trip-along-the-gulf-of-orosei-with-aperitiv-t470463/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=fb_group&mkt_cmp=true also has a toilet, but again it’s a small group tour unless you book the entire boat.
Hello Claudia – we are 4 people looking for a private boat tour of the Cala Gonone area in September 2025. We need a boat with bathroom and shade, so a zodiac won’t work. Can you recommend a boat company I can reach out to? Thank you so much
Great Claudia! Molte grazie!!!!
This is the number I use + 39388 626 8626 – send them a whatsapp message a couple of weeks before your trip to enquire. Persist if they don’t get back to you – but they will. They offer two tours, departing from either Cala Sinzias or Costa Rei beach – you can get there by taxi. One goes south towards the Villasimius coast, making stops on the bay of Porto Giunco, in Punta Molentis, the Piscine di Venere. The other goes north making stops at Feraxi, Capo Ferrato etc. Both great for snorkeling. There also is this snorkeling tour https://www.getyourguide.com/villasimius-l177798/villasimius-snorkeling-tour-in-capo-carbonara-t431058/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=villasimius that goes to the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara in Villasimius that you can book online.
Molti grazie Claudia! We are not planning to rent a car.Per favore I would be so thankful if you could refer me reliable yatch / boat tour companies which depart from Villasimius. Any special route which you could recommend around Villasimius would be great! Thank you and all the best!
Hello Claudia, there are no boat tours from Cagliari or Villasimius to the Gulf of Orosei, it’s too far to get there by boat. There are other boat tours you can join in Villasimius going along that coast, which is absolutely gorgeous. Otherwise, you could consider driving to Santa Maria Navarrese to join one of the guided boat tours that depart from there (as described in this post). Departure time is usually 8:30 am.
Hi Claudia! I’m also called Claudia : ) …Loved your articles. Would it be feasible to take a boat tour to Gulf d’ Orosei from Cagliari or Villasimius? Where could I find that info? We are planning to visit Alghero and Cagliari…..probably staying a few days at Villasimius beach…. wout it be possible? Any alternative which would not break the wallet to take this tour frm Cagliari or Villasimius? Molti grazie!
Yes I recommend both!
Hello Claudia!!
How are you? It’s been a while. I wrote you previously and your help has been extraordinary.
Now that the summer is approaching I am looking to book a Zodiac small boat tour of the Golfo di Orosei. I have opened a couple of different articles you’ve written and when I choose the “book here” link, depending on the article it brings me to one of two different trip options.
One is “Agostino Charter srl” and the other is “Escursi – experience Sardinia”.
Can you clarify if you recommend both of these? I like to follow your recommendation because so far you’ve been incredible with your observations.
Wondering if you can give me a tip on which to choose.
Sorry if my question is not appropriate. I realize you’re not in the habit of choosing one company over another. Feel free to answer me privately if it’s best to do so.
Thank you once again!
Steven
Hello Deena, I am not sure I understand your question to be honest? The tables in this post specify the departure point for every tour I mention, and there are plenty that depart from Santa Maria Navarrese. But perhaps you meant something else?
Hi Claudia, is there a way to have a boat tour/charter from santa maria to golfo di orosei?
You will need to anchor 200 meters from the beach. All beaches but Cala Goloritzé have a “lane” you can use to get to shore but then the person driving the zodiac has to take it back to anchor it 200 meters from the shore and swim to the beach. All in all, if you actually want to stay on the beach, a boat tour is a better solution – let someone else take care of the hassle!
Hi Claudia,
Great post thank-you – if we rent a Zodiac ourselves, which of the beaches can we anchor at? Or will all of the beaches require anchoring e.g. 100m out and swimming in?
very useful post
Hi Claudia, I have to say that I visited Sardinia this year at the beginning of June and your articles helped me a lot to organize my trip and select what are the most wanted objectives, The one thing I missed due to bad weather was the tour of Orosei golf beaches, and I want to go back to this magical island to admire them as well. Thank you for your wonderful content, I am sure that anyone who plans to visit Sardinia will find out really useful information from you.
That’s likely the tour I recommend, which is why you are being taken there. I am not a tour company myself.
Hi
I am interested in booking the
Private Gulf of Orosei tour by zodiac from Cala Gonone for 6 people . I don’t know how to book it. I tried on your site but it took me to a different tour.
thank you for your help
No, there won’t be. In fact, boats can’t even dock at Cala Goloritzé at all as it is highly protected. They can stop by, but they only stop for like 15 minutes or so for you to swim. The only way you have to spend time there is to actually hike there. I have a specific post about Cala Goloritzé that explains how to do it. Hope this helps!
Hi Claudia,
Great information, I have been learning a lot from your articles. I had a question regarding the transportation to the beaches in Gulf of Orosei. I want to make Cala Goloritze a longer part of a day trip but so far can only find boat cruises that have a time limit of an hour on the beach. Is there a service that drops you off in the morning or afternoon and then picks you up much later or is it strictly the boat cruises that drop you off at different beaches?