Boat trip excursions from Cala Gonone

Visit Cala Gonone boat trip

The boat excursions from Cala Gonone follow the coast south from the town and resort of Cala Gonone, about halfway down the east coast of Sardinia. This is known as the Gulf of Orosei.

Explore the coast south of Cala Gonone

Italy This Way review: the excursions along the coast south of Cala Gonone are a chance to see and visit some of the most beautiful coast in Sardinia, and we recommend you reserve a day to make a trip here when you are exploring Sardinia

You can organise the boat trips in the harbour area of Cala Gonone. There are about ten cabins here that sell tickets for the excursions, although I think several of them are selling tickets for the same boats, and the prices are very similar with all the companies, so I'm not sure it matters where you get tour tickets.

The excursions, and their prices, vary in length according to how far south along the coast you choose to go. All the tours last several hours, and visit at least a few of the most popular coves and beaches, and the longest take all day.

The departures typically take place between 8.30 and 10.30 am.

You will be able to disembark at several of the most beautiful places along the route, to take photos and to explore, as well as to enjoy a swim in the sea.

Most of the trips also include an aperitif that is served shortly before your return to the port in Cala Gonone, which is very welcome after a long day exploring.

Note that there are very few facilities at most of the places you stop although one or two have a cafe and toilets, and you can buy water and snacks on the boats, but you should take water and a picnic with you - there is a small supermarket in Cala Gonone where you can get supplies before you set off.

Travelling south from Cala Gonone, your boat will pass (in order): Grotte del Blue Marine, Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Biriola, Piscine of Venere, Cala Mariolu, Cala dei Gabbiani and Cala Goloritzé. The coast between the coves is typically high rock cliffs.

The list above is the geographical order, but is not the order that you will visit the coves and beaches, because the boats stop more on the return journey, and if you are like us you will quickly lose track of which cove you are at! This is not really important, since it is the overall experience that is memorable rather than the names of the individual sections.

The majority of visitors will take one of these popular excursions, but other options are available at a higher cost, including smaller boats that take a single family, or a traditional 100 year old sailing boat that offers a more upmarket experience. We have not tried these options but I'm sure they would both be very enjoyable!

Attractions nearby

You are likely to stay in Cala Gonone town for a night or two if you are planning one of these boat trips - see our guide to Cala Gonone.

I understand similar excursions are also available from Santa Maria Navarrese, further south along the coast, although this is a less common departure point.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Sardinia guide.