Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise with Cala Goloritzè

Experience the Gulf of Orosei on a Cala Gonone Boat Tour

Imagine spending a full day exploring some of Sardinia’s most breathtaking coastline on a comfortable boat with plenty of time to swim, relax, and take photos. This 8.5-hour cruise from Cala Gonone whisks you along the Gulf of Orosei, stopping at iconic spots like Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala dei Sisine. You’ll also have the chance to visit the natural park of Cala Goloritzè, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in 2025, according to recent travelers. With multiple departure times, this tour offers flexibility to suit your schedule, whether you prefer an early start or a late morning adventure.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this cruise: the generous beach stops that allow plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing, and the informative audio guide that enriches the experience with insights into the area’s natural beauty. The onboard aperitif adds a lovely local touch, making the whole day feel like a relaxed seaside gathering.

However, a possible consideration is that some beaches can get crowded, especially when the boat drops you off at the most popular spots like Cala Luna. Also, if you’re planning to spend a long time on a beach, remember that the later departure options mean you’ll have fewer hours on the first stop. This tour might not be ideal if you’re seeking solitude or a very quiet beach experience.

This tour is perfect for those who love dynamic, scenic days filled with swimming, stunning views, and the chance to relax. It suits families, young travelers, and anyone craving a laid-back day on Sardinia’s famed coastline. If you’re comfortable with a bit of boat chatter and crowds, you’ll find it offers excellent value and memorable sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Flexible schedule: Multiple departure and return times allow you to choose when to start and finish your day.
• Incredible beaches: Stops at Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala dei Sisine, and Cala Goloritzè.
• Comfortable boat: Clean, spacious, with a bar and aperitif included.
• Authentic experience: Guided commentary and photo stops for capturing perfect moments.
• Beach flexibility: You can tailor your time at each stop, especially if you opt for later departures.
• Additional costs: A small environmental fee of €3 per person is payable in cash.

A Deep Dive into the Gulf of Orosei Cruise Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at Viale Colombo, 10 in Cala Gonone, where you check in at the shop Un Mare di Gadget. The process is streamlined, with fast and priority check-in, so you can smoothly board the boat and settle in. The group size is comfortable enough to enjoy the day without feeling crowded, though reviews note that the boat can fill up, especially on popular days.

Duration and Timing

With an overall length of 8.5 hours, the tour is designed to give you ample time to enjoy several beaches and scenic stops. The departure times range from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with return options from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. If you choose the later departure at 11:00 AM, your time on the first beach is slightly shortened, which some travelers may find a minor downside if they want maximum beach time from dawn.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers the tour, boat ride, audio guide, apertif, and three beach stops. It’s a practical package offering good value, especially considering the included photographic stop at Cala Goloritzè — famously considered the most beautiful beach in 2025.

However, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to find something during your beach stops. Also, there’s a €3 environmental fee payable in cash, which supports the preservation of this cherished natural area.

The Itinerary: Beaches and Photo Stops

The main attraction is Cala Goloritzè, which you’ll visit for a photographic stop. Travelers love the chance to snap photos of this striking beach, characterized by its unique limestone formations and turquoise waters. As one reviewer notes, “Great tour to some beautiful and remote beaches guided in many languages. Well organized and enough space for all passengers.”

Next, the tour makes beach stops at Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala dei Sisine. Each offers something different: Cala Luna is famous for its large sandy beach and dramatic caves, while Cala Mariolu boasts small pebble beaches and clear waters that tempt you to swim. Cala dei Sisine, being a bit more secluded, is appreciated by those seeking a quieter spot.

The Boat and Onboard Experience

The boats are praised for their cleanliness and comfort. “Boat was clean and comfortable. Instructions were easy to follow. Plenty of beach time,” one review says. The onboard bar offers refreshments, and the aperitif adds a pleasant touch, perfect for relaxing after a swim or just soaking in the views.

Since the boat can be standing room only on the return trip, it’s worth arriving early or being prepared for a lively, social environment. The audio guide, available in several languages, provides interesting commentary about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history, making the trip educational as well as scenic.

Crowds and Organization

Crowding is a common theme in reviews. Some travelers find Cala Luna especially busy, especially when many boats converge. One person describes it as “crowded when dropped off at some beaches,” though they still enjoyed the stops and appreciated the well-organized nature of the trip. The crew’s helpfulness is often highlighted, especially when managing transfers to different boats or helping passengers with rocky beaches.

Flexibility and Personalization

The staggered return times allow travelers to control their beach time — a nice feature for those wanting more or less time in certain spots. It also means you can adapt your day based on weather, mood, or energy levels, which adds a layer of flexibility you won’t often find with similar tours.

Pricing and Value

While the tour cost might seem moderate, its value lies in the combination of scenic beauty, flexibility, and the ease of a guided boat trip. For around 50-70 euros, you get multiple stops, a professional guide, refreshments, and the chance to see some of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches — all in a single day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to see the best beaches in Sardinia without the hassle of driving or organizing multiple boat trips, this tour is a strong choice. It’s great for families looking for a relaxed day, young travelers wanting to capture stunning photos, or anyone who simply loves being on the water. If you prefer quiet, uncrowded beaches or wish to spend more time exploring inland, this might not satisfy those needs entirely.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

In a nutshell, this cruise offers a well-organized, scenic, and flexible way to experience Sardinia’s Gulf of Orosei. With beautiful beaches, a comfortable boat, and the chance to relax or snap photos, it hits the sweet spot for many travelers. While some beaches get busy, the overall experience of being on the water and exploring remote coves outweighs this minor drawback for most.

For those who enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming, and easy access to gorgeous beaches, this is a memorable, value-packed day trip. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, guided experience with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Sardinia’s natural beauty at their own pace.

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FAQ: Your Questions About the Gulf of Orosei Cruise

Do I need to bring my own food?
The tour doesn’t include lunch, so it’s wise to bring snacks or a packed lunch to enjoy during the beach stops.

Can I pay the €3 environmental fee in advance?
No, it’s payable in cash on the day of the tour, just before departure.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews mention the boat being very clean and comfortable, with enough space for all passengers, though it can get crowded on the return trip.

What languages are the guides available in?
The audio guide is in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, and the guides or greeters speak these languages as well.

How flexible are the timing options?
You can choose from multiple departure and return times, allowing you to tailor the day to your preference and schedule.

Will I have enough time on each beach?
Yes, the staggered schedule lets you decide how long to stay. The later departure options give you slightly less time at the first beach but more flexibility overall.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely — the relaxed pace and scenic stops make it ideal for families with children and for those seeking a laid-back day.

Is swimming included?
While swimming is not explicitly listed as included, the stops at beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxing, which many reviews confirm.

What should I bring?
Cash for the €3 environmental fee, and don’t forget sun protection, beach shoes (rocks are common on some beaches), and a camera.

What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine; your experience might be less comfortable in bad weather, but the boat trip itself continues.

This boat tour from Cala Gonone into the Gulf of Orosei is a superb way to experience some of Sardinia’s most stunning coastlines with a good balance of structure and flexibility. Whether you’re after iconic beaches, beautiful photo moments, or just a day relaxing under the sun, this cruise delivers a memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: