One day tour on the coast of Baunei

Imagine cruising along Sardinia’s spectacular coastline, with its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and shimmering waters. For just over eight hours, you’ll explore some of Italy’s most breathtaking spots—like Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, and Cala Biriala—aboard a comfortable 8-metre dinghy. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a relaxed way to see the coast’s highlights without the hassle of planning or driving.

What we love most is the variety of scenery — from the caves to sandy beaches, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, relaxing, and photo-taking. Plus, the small group size (max 12 travelers) makes it feel intimate and personalized. We also appreciate how this tour balances organized stops with free time, giving you a taste of both guided discovery and leisure.

A potential consideration is the crowd factor at some beaches, though the guide’s flexibility in making less crowded stops helps mitigate this. Also, if you’re eager to explore caves inside Grotta del Fico, be prepared for an extra fee of €10.

This experience is ideal for anyone who loves sea life, scenic beauty, and authentic local visits. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Sardinia, you’ll find this tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed day on the water. It’s especially perfect if you want a straightforward way to see the coast without the stress of self-navigation or multiple bookings.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal scenery with caves, coves, and beaches.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and personalized stops.
• All major attractions including Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, and Cala Biriala are included.
• Swim and relax in crystal-clear waters or explore caves (extra fee may apply).
• Small group size ensures a more intimate, less crowded experience.
• Value for money considering all entrance fees, fuel, and guided commentary included.

Exploring the Baunei Coast: A Detailed Review

The Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour kicks off at the Porticciolo Darsena in Arbatax at 9:00 am, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby. From the moment you set out, the sense of adventure begins. The boat is a comfortable dinghy, around 8 meters long, and designed to handle the waves while providing good visibility for sightseeing. The group is capped at 12 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and personal.

The tour lasts about 8.5 hours—a full day of exploring Sardinia’s east coast without feeling rushed. For a price of $87.08, you get a lot: guided visits to key beaches, caves, and coves, plus the chance to swim in pristine waters. The price includes fuel, all entrance fees, and taxes, so the value is clear—no hidden costs to surprise you.

The Itinerary – Step-by-Step Breakdown

Cala Mariolu is the first stop, and it’s a real highlight. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s famous for its white pebbles and emerald waters. Guests are encouraged to stay for about 75 minutes, enough time to take photos, relax, or perhaps snorkel if you bring your gear. Multiple reviews mention how this beach is “spectacular” and a must-see.

A quick cruise then takes you to Piscine di Venere, a small swimming spot with inviting waters. The guide’s discretion determines how long you’ll stop here—some reviews note that swimmers appreciated the opportunity to cool off and enjoy the calm surroundings. It’s a quick, free stop, but one that adds to the overall experience of spontaneous swimming.

Next is Cala Luna, where a longer two-hour break allows for lunch and exploration. The beach facilities include a restaurant bar, providing shade and refreshments. This stop is often praised for its spectacular caves and the chance to relax in a beautiful setting, with some travelers mentioning the caves’ impressive formations as a highlight.

In the afternoon, you’ll land at Cala Biriala, giving you a chance to visit the Grotta del Fico (extra €10). Here, some travelers enjoy the exploration of the cave, though the ticket is not included in the tour price. The stop lasts around 75 minutes, plenty of time for a walk and picture-taking.

Lastly, the boat heads to Cala Goloritzè, renowned for its iconic limestone pinnacle and clear waters. Here, you can take a swim or just enjoy the scenery before returning to Arbatax after about 45 minutes of navigation.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Throughout the tour, guides like Nico or Nicole are praised for their knowledge, punctuality, and friendly attitude. One review highlights how the guide made two stops in less crowded spots, which is essential in Sardinia, where some beaches can get busy. This flexibility makes the experience more enjoyable and less touristy.

Many guests comment on how the water’s clarity and the beaches’ beauty surpass expectations—something that photos often struggle to convey. People also appreciate that all entrance fees are included, making it straightforward to budget for the day.

What to Expect on the Water

The boat trip itself is smooth and fast, allowing you to cover a lot of ground and see multiple beaches and caves. Some reviews mention the opportunity to dive from the dinghy into the water at several points—perfect for those who love a quick splash. The guide’s commentary, often in both Italian and English, enhances your understanding of what you’re seeing, adding context and local color.

Food and Logistics

While the tour doesn’t include meals, the stop at Cala Luna offers the chance to grab lunch at a seaside restaurant. We recommend packing some snacks, water, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat, especially if you plan to spend extended time on the beaches. The tour’s timing allows for enough free time to enjoy the scenery without feeling hurried.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This trip suits adventurous travelers who love nature, beaches, and the sea. It’s also ideal for those who prefer small group experiences, where personal attention from guides enhances the trip. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive way to explore Sardinia’s coast with plenty of swimming and photo opportunities, this tour checks all the boxes.

It’s less suited for people who want a deep dive into local history or prefer to stay on land, as the focus is on coastal scenery and water activities. Also, if you’re very eager to visit inside caves like Grotta del Fico, be prepared for the extra fee.

Final Thoughts

This full-day boat tour along the Baunei coast offers an authentic taste of Sardinia’s dramatic coastline, combining guided sightseeing with ample free time for swimming and relaxing. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive pricing make it a solid choice for travelers who want to maximize their time on the water while enjoying the comfort of organized logistics.

What sets this experience apart is the variety of scenery—from caves to beaches—and the opportunity to avoid crowds by making less busy stops. The reviews consistently praise the stunning beaches and the professionalism of the guides, making it clear that this tour provides excellent value.

If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure and leisure, with a focus on seaside beauty and authentic coastal exploration, this trip is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Sardinia’s east coast.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time, stops, and free periods on the beaches.

What is included in the price?
All fuel, entrance fees to Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, Cala Biriala, Pools of Venus, and taxes are included. The tour price is $87.08 per person.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, you’ll have multiple opportunities to swim, especially at Cala Mariolu, Piscine di Venere, and Cala Goloritzè. You can also dive from the boat at several points.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group size makes it family-friendly. However, keep in mind the boat ride and swimming aspects.

What if I want to visit the Grotta del Fico?
The cave visit costs an extra €10 and is not included in the tour fee. You’ll need to pay on-site if you choose to explore the cave.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat), swimwear, towels, water, snacks, and perhaps a waterproof camera. The tour doesn’t include meals, so plan accordingly.

This cultural and scenic ride along Sardinia’s coast offers an authentic, enjoyable, and value-oriented experience—perfect for those eager to see the best of the Baunei beaches and caves without the hassle of self-navigation. Whether you’re after stunning scenery, local insights, or just a fun day on the water, this tour delivers.