Santa Maria Navarrese: Goloritzè, Mariolu, & Biriala Cruise

The Santa Maria Navarrese: Goloritzè, Mariolu, & Biriala Cruise offers a full-day adventure along Sardinia’s most breathtaking coastline. With 8 hours of exploration, this tour departs from Santa Maria Navarrese and takes you on a speedboat journey through some of the island’s most iconic spots, including Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriala, and Cala Gabbiani. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 12 people, ensuring plenty of space to relax and enjoy the scenic views, swim in crystal-clear waters, and learn about the area from expert guides.

This cruise combines natural beauty, geological wonder, and accessible adventure. It’s perfect for those who love swimming, snorkeling, and discovering secret bays that are only reachable by boat. While the tour offers many highlights, such as visits to Grotta del Fico and the Pools of Venus, it’s worth noting that snorkeling gear is not included and must be brought along. It’s a great choice for travelers who want an intimate, personalized look at Sardinia’s coast, particularly those comfortable with small boat rides and some walking to access certain spots.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting 8 hours with multiple stops along Sardinia’s coast.
• Small groups of 12 max ensure a personalized experience.
• Visit Cala Goloritzè, Mariolu, Biriala, and Gabbiani—all exclusive to boat access.
• Swimming and snorkeling are major parts of the experience; gear must be brought along.
• Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and provide detailed information about the area.
• Visit the Grotta del Fico during peak sun hours; ticket not included.

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Departure and Meeting Details at Santa Maria Navarrese

The tour begins at Sardinia Natural Park Tours, located inside the Santa Maria Navarrese Port. Travelers should arrive 30 minutes early to check in at office number 06, with coordinates 39.991005, 9.691488. The gathering point is straightforward, right at the port, making it easy to find and start your adventure on time.

The Speedboat Journey: Fast, Fun, and Scenic

The trip kicks off with a 30-minute speedboat ride along the coast, giving a quick taste of the stunning scenery before the first stop. The boat is spacious enough for up to 12 people, which reviewers highlight as a major advantage over crowded larger vessels. The ride provides excellent photo opportunities of sheer cliffs, hidden coves, and rugged coastlines, setting the tone for the day.

Exploring Cala Goloritzè: Iconic and Photogenic

The first major stop is Cala Goloritzè, famous for its distinctive rock arch and turquoise waters. Visitors have ample time to take photos, visit, swim, and snorkel in the calm waters. The one-hour visit includes a photo stop and a chance to see marine life, making it a favorite among those who appreciate natural beauty and a peaceful environment. Access to Cala Goloritzè is only by boat or through a 1-2 hour walk from inland, so most opt for the boat’s visit.

Scenic Stop at Cala Gabbiani

Next, the 15-minute speedboat ride leads to Cala Gabbiani, which offers scenic views along the way and a 1.5-hour stop for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. It’s described as a quiet, picturesque bay where visitors can relax on the sand and enjoy marine life. The area offers plenty of space for swimming and taking in the scenery, with some reviews mentioning scenic views on the boat ride itself.

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Visit to the Grotta del Fico

The trip includes a guided 45-minute tour of Grotta del Fico, one of Sardinia’s most celebrated sea caves. The tour is during peak sunny hours, which enhances the experience inside the cave. An extra fee of €10 per person applies for the guided tour, which offers an audio guide. Visitors should note that the tour inside the cave is not included in the main ticket price, but it’s widely praised for its fascinating geology and sea views.

Relaxing at Cala Biriala

The 1.5-hour stop at Cala Biriala provides another opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. The bay is known for its clear waters and beautiful surroundings. Visitors find this stop particularly enjoyable for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. The beach offers enough time to take photos, relax, and enjoy the marine life beneath the surface.

Pools of Venus: Unique Swimming Experience

The 30-minute visit to the Pools of Venus is a highlight for many. The turquoise waters and natural rock formations create an almost surreal setting. It’s a perfect spot for a short swim, with calm waters that invite relaxation. This stop is ideal for those wanting a quick but memorable splash.

Final Stop at Cala Mariolu and Optional Diving

The last major stop is Cala Mariolu, where visitors have 1.5 hours for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. Known for its scenic beauty and vivid marine life, it’s a favorite among those who love white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Some reviews mention scuba diving options here, but the primary focus remains on relaxing in the environment and taking photos.

The Return Journey and Group Size

After spending nearly 5 hours at the beaches, the speedboat makes a 1-hour cruise back to the starting point at Santa Maria Navarrese. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and the guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness.

Practical Tips and What to Bring

Travelers are advised to bring sun protection such as a hat, swimwear, towel, and beachwear. Snorkeling gear is not provided, so it’s best to bring your own. Other essentials include water, snacks, cash, charged smartphone, and a waterproof bag. If planning to explore the cave, remember that solid shoes are recommended for accessing Cala Goloritzè on foot.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or those over 65. It’s also not recommended for babies under 1 year or people sensitive to motion sickness. The boat rides are generally safe, but travelers should be comfortable with some walking and standing during stops and cave visits.

Customer Satisfaction and Guide Highlights

The tour consistently receives high ratings — 4.7 out of 5 with 299 reviews. Praised guides like Silverio, Antonio, and Roberto are noted for their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to customize the experience. Visitors appreciate the small group size and the freedom to decide how long to stay at each stop.

Comparing Similar Options

This experience is one among several boat tours available in Sardinia, with links to other options such as guided cruises to Cala Goloritzè, Mariolu, Gabbiani, and other coastlines. However, the small group size, flexible itinerary, and expert guides make this particular tour stand out.

Final Words on the Santa Maria Navarrese Speedboat Tour

This 8-hour cruise offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. The small group size and personalized approach provide an intimate look at Sardinia’s coast, making it ideal for travelers who prioritize space, comfort, and authentic local insights. The tour’s strengths lie in its stunning stops, friendly guides, and the opportunity to swim in some of Sardinia’s most famous bays.

While snorkeling gear is not included and some stops require walking or hiking shoes, these minor points don’t overshadow the overall value and quality of the experience. If you’re seeking a full-day, scenic boat trip with unmatched views and personalized service, this tour offers an excellent way to explore Sardinia’s coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling gear included in the tour?
No, snorkeling gear is not included and should be brought along if you want to explore underwater.

How long do we spend at each beach?
The tour allocates about 1 to 1.5 hours at each beach or cove, with the exception of the Pools of Venus, where swim time is around 30 minutes.

Can I visit the Grotta del Fico?
Yes, the guided tour inside the Grotta del Fico lasts about 45 minutes, with an extra fee of €10 per person. The tour includes an audio guide.

What should I bring on the tour?
Travelers should bring sun protection, swimwear, towel, snorkeling gear, water, snacks, cash, and a waterproof bag for personal belongings.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
This tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, wheelchair users, or those with mobility problems. It involves boat rides and some walking.

How many people are on each boat?
The maximum group size is 12 people, creating a comfortable and personal environment.

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