Cala Gonone stands out as a premier base for exploring Sardinia’s stunning coastline via boat. Unlike many seaside towns, Cala Gonone offers a diverse range of boat tours and cruises that cater to different interests—whether you’re after a relaxing day on pristine beaches, an adventure exploring caves, or panoramic views of rugged cliffs. The Gulf of Orosei cruises are particularly popular, offering access to some of the most breathtaking beaches and natural parks in Italy. For instance, the From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè is highly rated for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful photo stops. If caves intrigue you, tours like the Grotta Bue Marino & Cala Luna Beach Boat Trip combine adventure with nature, showcasing Sardinia’s mysterious underground formations. Whether you want a full-day exploration or a shorter trip, Cala Gonone’s boat experiences make it easy to see the island’s natural beauty from the water.
Quick Overview
Cala Gonone offers various boat excursions ranging from full-day cruises in the Gulf of Orosei, boat rides to Cala Luna, and specialized cave explorations. Some tours focus on beach hopping, with stops at Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala dei Sisine, and Cala Goloritzè, often with options for swimming and relaxing ashore. Others combine cave visits like the Grotta del Bue Marino with beach stops, providing a mix of adventure and leisure. Prices generally fall between $34 and $67.97, with durations from 2 hours to over 8 hours, catering to different budgets and time constraints.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, highlighting what makes them unique, who they’re best suited for, and practical tips to help you decide.
1. From Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè
This 7.5-hour cruise takes you along the stunning Gulf of Orosei, with stops at Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala dei Sisine, and the Cala Goloritzè natural park. Departing from Cala Gonone, this tour is perfect for those who want to see multiple beaches without the hassle of planning individual trips. The boat includes a bar and aperitif, making it an enjoyable, relaxed experience to sip as you soak up Sardinia’s crystal-clear waters. The tour stands out thanks to its photographic stop at Cala Goloritzè, recently voted one of the most beautiful beaches in 2025.
Rated 4.3/5 from nearly 2,400 reviews, travelers praise the plenty of beach time and scenic views. Most appreciate the lively crew and well-organized itinerary, which balances sightseeing with swimming and relaxing. This tour is ideal for families and young people who want a comprehensive yet laid-back day on the water. The main drawback is that it can be busy, but the overall value for the full-day experience is excellent.
Bottom Line: A classic, full-day cruise perfect for those wanting to see several beaches with comfortable amenities and beautiful photo stops.
2. Cala Gonone: Cruise in the Gulf of Orosei with Cala Goloritzè
This 7.5-hour tour offers a more affordable way to explore the Gulf of Orosei, with a bar and onboard aperitif included. Departing from Cala Gonone, it’s designed for travelers who want to relax and enjoy the scenery without spending a fortune. The cruise visits Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Sisine, with ample time to sunbathe on the deck, swim, and admire the coastline’s breathtaking landscapes.
Rated 4.3/5 from 701 reviews, visitors highlight the crystal-clear waters and the perfect balance of sun and shade. The on/off beach stops mean you get enough time to explore each spot, making it suitable for families and solo travelers alike. Many comment on the memorable nature of the experience and recommend it for a relaxed day on the water.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for a beautiful coastal cruise with plenty of swimming.
3. Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Cruise with Cala Goloritzè
This 8.5-hour trip is the longest on our list, offering extended time to explore the Gulf of Orosei’s highlights. Departing from Cala Gonone, you’ll visit Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala dei Sisine, plus a photographic stop at Cala Goloritzè, which is celebrated for its striking beauty. The tour is known for its comfortable boat with a bar and aperitif, making it a leisurely experience ideal for families and couples wanting to maximize their sightseeing.
Rated 4.4/5 from 249 reviews, travelers mention the ample beach and swimming time and the well-organized itinerary. The longer duration means more relaxing and exploring opportunities, and the multi-language support on board enhances the experience for international visitors. It’s especially suitable if you want a comprehensive day with the flexibility to take photos and swim at your own pace.
Bottom Line: A great option for those who crave more time to explore and relax during their boat trip.
4. Cala Gonone: Grotta Bue Marino & Cala Luna Beach Boat Trip
This 5-hour tour blends a cultural experience with beach relaxation. It starts with a visit to the Sea Ox Cave (Grotta del Bue Marino), where a guide walks you through its stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, the boat heads to Cala Luna, one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches. The tour includes a guided walk inside the cave, making it ideal for those interested in geology and natural formations.
Rated 4.1/5 from nearly 500 reviews, travelers appreciate the educational component and the chance to swim in the crystal waters of Cala Luna. The tour is suitable for families and those wanting a mix of adventure and leisure. The cave visit adds a unique element that sets this apart from typical beach cruises.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a combination of cave exploration and beach fun in a shorter tour.
5. Cala Gonone: Boat ride to Cala Luna beach
This 4-hour trip offers a focused visit to the stunning Cala Luna. Departing from Cala Gonone, the boat takes you directly to this famous beach, known for its caves, turquoise waters, and Mediterranean surroundings. Once ashore, you have time to swim, relax, or stroll through the surrounding forest.
Rated 4.3/5 from 273 reviews, travelers love the shorter duration and easy access. The walk along the coast is a highlight, and the crystal waters make it ideal for swimmers and nature lovers. The main drawback is the limited time ashore, but it’s perfect for a half-day escape.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want to see Cala Luna without a full-day commitment.
6. Cala Gonone: Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Luna Boat Tour
This 4-hour tour combines the famous Grotta del Bue Marino with a visit to Cala Luna. The cave tour includes a stop at the cave with an entry fee of €12 for cave exploration. After the cave, the boat heads to Cala Luna for swimming and relaxing on the beach’s soft sand.
Rated 4/5 from 390 reviews, travelers appreciate the combination of cave and beach, with many noting the serene atmosphere of the area. The extra cave ticket adds a small cost but enhances the experience. Perfect for short visits and cave enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A balanced trip combining cultural exploration and beach downtime.
7. From Cala Gonone: Grotta del Bue Marino Boat Trip
This 2-hour cruise offers a quick, up-close look at the Sea Ox Cave. You depart from Cala Gonone, sail to the cave, then disembark to explore with a guide. It’s a short but memorable experience, perfect for travelers with limited time.
Rated 4.4/5 from 111 reviews, many travelers highlight the interesting cave and beautiful scenery. The guided walk inside the cave allows you to appreciate its formations up close. It’s suitable for families and those seeking a quick, scenic outing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a short adventure that offers a taste of Sardinia’s underground wonders.
8. Cala Gonone: Taxi Boat to Grotta del Bue Marino
This 2-hour taxi boat service takes you inside the Grotta del Bue Marino with a guided walk lasting about 40 minutes. You’ll explore stalactites, stalagmites, and spectacular scenery as part of a small-group experience.
Rated 4.3/5 from 55 reviews, visitors mention the beautiful formations and easy access. It’s a more personalized way to see the cave, perfect for small groups or adventurous travelers interested in geology.
Bottom Line: A short, intimate tour focusing on cave exploration.
9. Dorgali: Cala Luna Boat Trip
This 3-hour round-trip boat journey from Dorgali takes you to Cala Luna. It features audio guides to enrich your experience and plenty of time on the beach for swimming and relaxing. It’s a good option if you’re based in Dorgali and want a short, efficient trip.
Rated 3.9/5 from 51 reviews, many travelers find the timing just right for a quick visit. Some note that finding the boat can require asking around, so arriving early is recommended.
Bottom Line: A convenient day-trip for those staying in Dorgali wanting beach time with informative commentary.
10. Gulf of Orosei: Grotta del Bue Marino & Cala Luna Boat Tour
Aiming for a shorter, cost-effective experience, this 4-hour tour covers Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Luna, with an extra cave ticket costing €10. It’s designed for travelers who want a taste of both cave and beach in a condensed trip.
Rated 3.8/5 from 48 reviews, it offers good value for a half-day adventure. Many reviewers mention relaxing time on the beach and beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, quick overview of Sardinia’s coast, suited for those with limited time.
$45 per person
11. Cala Gonone: Cala Luna and Cala Sisine Boat Tour
This 6-hour trip focuses on visiting two of the Gulf of Orosei’s top beaches, Cala Luna and Cala Sisine. It features a sail on turquoise waters and a narrated tour to learn about the area’s natural beauty.
Rated 4.4/5, travelers love the ability to explore both beaches and the smooth sailing experience. It’s perfect if you want to maximize beach visits without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive tour for beach lovers wanting to see two iconic spots.
$51.24 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour
When selecting a boat trip in Cala Gonone, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether caves or beaches are your priority. If you’re after a full day of exploration, the Gulf of Orosei cruises (like the one to Cala Goloritzè) are excellent, especially if you love scenic photography. For shorter visits, tours like the Cala Luna boat ride or the 2-hour cave trip (Grotta del Bue Marino) fit better.
If caves fascinate you, the cave exploration tours provide more in-depth experiences, while beach-focused trips are better for those wanting to swim and relax. Prices are generally reasonable, but booking early, especially in peak season, is advisable to secure your preferred time.
Final Thoughts
Cala Gonone offers a remarkable variety of boat tours that allow you to experience Sardinia’s dramatic coastline in style. Whether you prefer a full-day cruise with multiple beach stops, a short cave visit, or an adventure combining both, there’s something for all. For travelers seeking value, the 7.5-hour Gulf of Orosei cruise (#1) provides an immersive experience at a great price.
For those with limited time or budgets, the shorter trips like the Cala Luna boat ride or the cave tours are perfect choices. Whatever your style, booking early and choosing a tour that matches your interests will ensure you leave Sardinia with wonderful memories on the water.