One Day Mini Cruise in the Gulf of Orosei with Lunch on Board

The One Day Mini Cruise in the Gulf of Orosei with Lunch on Board offers a full-day adventure along Sardinia’s celebrated coastline. Priced at $92.68 per person, this approximately 9-hour boat trip departs from Arbatax and promises scenic views, visits to iconic beaches, and the chance to explore natural caves. The large external decks provide unobstructed 360° panoramas, perfect for soaking in the mesmerizing landscapes of beaches like Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, and Cala Sisine. While the tour includes lunch with locally sourced ingredients, some reviews point out mixed experiences related to organization and timing, making it ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive day on the water with flexible stops.

This tour is led on the Glentor motor ship, a comfortable and spacious boat designed for sightseeing and relaxation. It’s suitable for most travelers, with a mobile ticket that simplifies check-in. The trip is most appreciated by those who enjoy stunning coastlines, seafood cuisine, and natural caves, but potential visitors should be aware of occasional scheduling issues as noted in reviews. Overall, it provides a good overview of the Gulf of Orosei’s highlights, with some room for improvement in organization.

Key Points

• 9-hour boat tour exploring the Gulf of Orosei and Baunei coast
• Stops at Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, and optional visit to Grotta del Fico
• Lunch on board, including seafood fregola, local wine, and seasonal fruit
• Large external decks for 360° views and photo opportunities
• Transport includes round-trip to the meeting point in Arbatax
• Tour departs at 8:30 am and is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum of 56 guests

Starting from Sardinia’s Coast in Arbatax

The tour begins at 8:30 am in Arbatax, where guests meet at SS125 Dir, 21. From here, a comfortable boat takes passengers on a scenic cruise along the coast. The large external decks stand out, offering unobstructed views of cliffs, beaches, and caves, making it ideal for photography and enjoying the fresh sea air.

The round-trip transportation is included, allowing travelers to relax without worrying about logistics after the tour. The mobile ticket offers easy access, and the tour is flexible with most travelers able to participate. It’s an accessible option especially for those staying nearby or arriving via public transportation.

Visiting Cala Mariolu: A Sardinian Icon

The first stop is Cala Mariolu, a spectacular and characteristic beach famous for its crystal-clear waters and pebbly shoreline. This one-hour stop is a highlight of the trip, giving ample time to swim or walk along the beach. Visitors should note that admission tickets are not included and are payable separately if they wish to access the beach directly.

Cala Mariolu is renowned as one of Sardinia’s most photogenic beaches, featuring turquoise waters and unique rock formations. The stop allows for photo opportunities but requires guests to manage their time if they want to explore the area thoroughly.

Exploring Cala Luna’s Golden Sands and White Cliffs

The second stop is Cala Luna, an 800-meter cove surrounded by white cliffs that rise up to 300 meters. Known for its fine golden sand, Cala Luna is often featured in postcards of Sardinia. This stop is weather-dependent and occurs only under favorable conditions.

Guests have about one hour here to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the natural surroundings. The beach is free, but visitors should plan to be mindful of the time to maximize their experience. Cala Luna’s dramatic cliffs and clear waters make it one of the most memorable spots on the cruise.

Discovering Cala Sisine at the End of the Valley

Next on the itinerary is Cala Sisine, considered among the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Orosei. Located at the end of a valley between Ogliastra and Barbagia mountains, this beach offers a peaceful setting for a one-hour swim and relaxation.

The scenic approach over the coast highlights the rugged mountain backdrop and white sandy shoreline. This stop is also free, giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy a more secluded feel compared to busier beaches.

Optional Visit to Grotta del Fico

The Grotta del Fico presents an optional stop for those interested in exploring natural caves. Located in Baunei, this coastal cave features a large opening that overlooks the sea, offering a unique geological experience.

Guests can spend about one hour exploring this spectacular cave, which adds an element of adventure to the trip. Admission to the cave is not included, and the visit depends on weather conditions, so flexibility is advised.

Visiting Monolite di Pedra Longa and Cala Goloritze

The tour continues with visits to Monolite di Pedra Longa, a high limestone pyramid rising from the sea, recognized as a natural monument since 1993. It’s a popular spot for trekking and climbing, making it appealing to those interested in outdoor activities.

Following that, the iconic Cala Goloritze features a seaside arch, emblematic of the Gulf of Orosei. These stops are free and provide stunning photo opportunities of Sardinia’s rugged coastlines. The tour emphasizes natural landmarks that define the area’s landscapes.

Swimming and Relaxing at Cala dei Gabbiani and Piscine di Venere

Further stops include Cala dei Gabbiani—a small cove of white sand and pebbles with shallow waters—and Piscine di Venere, a beautiful cove bordered by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Both spots are free and ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

These areas offer more intimate environments away from crowded beaches, with the opportunity to relax and connect with nature. Guests should bring essentials like swimwear and towels for these stops.

Small Beach of Cala Biriala and the Scenic Coastline

The final stop is Cala Biriala, a small beach of white pebbles shielded by limestone cliffs. It’s located at the end of a homonymous grove, providing a tranquil setting for a brief swim or snorkel.

The tour concludes with a return to Arbatax, where guests disembark around 6:30 pm. The full-day experience balances sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying Sardinia’s natural beauty, with opportunities to take photos at each spot.

Lunch Aboard: Sardinian Flavors on the Sea

One of the tour’s highlights is the lunch served on board, prepared freshly using locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a mixed appetizer of cheese, olives, and salami, a fregola with seafood from the Mare Nostrum, and a seasonal dessert with fruit.

The meal is complemented by half a liter of water and a glass of local wine, offering a relaxed dining experience while enjoying the views. The lunch adds value to the trip, especially for seafood lovers who appreciate Sardinian cuisine.

The Crew and Overall Service Quality

The Glentor motor ship is praised for its cleanliness, comfort, and friendly crew. Several reviews mention the professionalism and courtesy of the staff, including the captain and cooks. Guests often mention feeling welcomed and pampered, with good explanations about the places visited.

However, some reviews note organisational issues, such as cancellations, timing problems, or overcrowding in August. These are important considerations for travelers seeking a smooth experience. The maximum group size is 56 travelers, maintaining a relatively intimate atmosphere.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Travelers should remember that admission tickets for beaches and caves are not included and need to be purchased separately if desired. The tour departs at 8:30 am and involves most stops lasting about an hour, so comfortable footwear and swimwear are recommended.

The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which offers flexibility in case of weather issues or changes in plans. Since the tour relies on good weather, it’s wise to check forecasts before booking.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This cruise suits those eager to see Sardinia’s famous beaches and caves in one day, enjoying scenic boat rides and photo opportunities. It’s ideal for sea lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a comfortable, guided day on the water. However, potential visitors should be prepared for some timing restrictions and variable weather conditions.

The onboard lunch with local ingredients adds a special touch, especially for seafood fans. The friendly crew and large decks make it a good choice for families and groups of friends. Still, those seeking more flexible dive or swim experiences might find some limitations, as the tour emphasizes beach stops rather than sea-based activities.

Sardinia’s Gulf of Orosei: A Natural Wonder

The Gulf of Orosei showcases some of Sardinia’s most dramatic coastlines, with white cliffs, hidden caves, and unspoiled beaches. This tour provides a rundown of the area’s natural beauty, with stops at iconic locations that define the region.

Participants get a taste of Sardinia’s landscape, combined with delicious local cuisine, all aboard a well-equipped boat. The combination of scenic vistas, nature, and local flavors makes this cruise a memorable experience, despite some organizational hiccups reported in reviews.

Final Thoughts on the Mini Cruise in the Gulf of Orosei

This 9-hour boat adventure offers a rich array of seaside sights, from famous beaches to spectacular caves. Its large decks and comfortable vessel provide an enjoyable environment for sightseeing and relaxing. The lunch onboard enhances the experience, especially for those appreciative of Sardinian cuisine.

While some reviews mention organizational challenges, the overall service and scenery often outweigh these issues. This tour is best suited for sea lovers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers seeking a comprehensive day exploring Sardinia’s coast.

Travelers should be prepared for weather-dependent stops and additional costs for beach and cave admissions. With a cancellation policy offering full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, it remains a flexible choice for those wanting to explore Sardinia’s spectacular coastline by boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children often enjoy swimming and exploring the beaches.

Are beach and cave entrance fees included?
No, admission tickets for beaches and caves are not included and must be paid separately if desired.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the scenic views and enjoy the stops.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are about one hour long, allowing time to swim, relax, or explore briefly.

What is the lunch like?
Lunch is served onboard, with seafood fregola, local wine, cheese, olives, salami, and seasonal fruit.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance or if the trip is canceled due to bad weather.