Gulf of Orosei Boat Tour from Arbatax: Cala Mariolu4.7(589 Reviews)3 hours
From€59.50per person
Listing ID : 57389
4.7(589 Reviews)
Gulf of Orosei Boat Tour from Arbatax: Cala Mariolu
3hDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
English, ItalianSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration3 Hours
Group SizeUp to 12 Passengers
Starts AtArbatax
LanguagesEnglish, Italian
Gulf of Orosei · Sardinia, Italy
RIB Tour from Arbatax to Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè
A three-hour coastal voyage along one of the most celebrated stretches of Mediterranean shoreline
This Gulf of Orosei RIB tour departs from the port of Arbatax and follows a dramatic coastline of sheer limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and world-ranked beaches that remain largely inaccessible by land.
The route heads north along a protected coastal corridor where vertical rock faces drop straight into turquoise water. Landmarks along the way include the towering Pedra Longa sea pinnacle, Baus beach, and the evocative Grotta dei Colombi, a cave worn into the cliff face over millennia.
Two swim stops allow passengers to enter the water directly from the inflatable boat. Cala Mariolu, consistently ranked among the finest beaches in the world, offers a sheltered bay of pale pebbles and exceptionally clear sea where marine life is visible without any equipment. A second stop near Cala Goloritzè gives access to water beneath dramatic arching rock formations.
Tour Highlights
Swim in Cala Mariolu, recognised internationally as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear water and abundant marine life.
Pass the iconic Pedra Longa spire, a limestone pinnacle rising sharply from the sea and one of the defining landmarks of the Orosei coast.
A dedicated photo stop opposite Cala Goloritzè allows clear views of the natural rock arch and the soaring cliff face above it.
Enter the water near Cala Goloritzè for a supervised swim stop beside geological formations carved by centuries of wave action.
Cruise past Porto Pedrosu, Porto Cuau, and the Isolotto d'Ogliastra, small islets and coves rarely seen outside of a boat-based excursion.
Spot sea caves including Grotta dei Colombi from the water, observing formations that are otherwise unreachable from the land above.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Port of Arbatax
Board the inflatable boat at the port of Arbatax and set off northward along the protected coastal margin of the Gulf of Orosei. The skipper briefs passengers on safety procedures and the route ahead.
2
Coastal Navigation Past Pedra Longa and the Caves
Approximately one hour of navigation takes the boat past Pedra Longa, Baus beach, Grotta dei Colombi, Porto Pedrosu, and Porto Cuau. The coastline along this section is characterised by uninterrupted vertical cliffs and clear open water.
3
Swim Stop Near Cala Goloritzè
A 20-minute swim stop off the coast of Cala Goloritzè is followed by a bathing stop of 20 to 30 minutes in the sea caves nearby. Both stops offer direct access to the water from the boat via climbing ladders.
4
Photo Stop at Cala Mariolu
The boat positions offshore at Cala Mariolu for an extended photo opportunity. The pale pebble beach and layered rock formation behind it are visible from the water, and the sea clarity here is exceptional.
5
Bathing Stop at Isolotto d'Ogliastra and Return
A final stop near the Isolotto d'Ogliastra allows one more swim before the boat heads back south to Arbatax. The return journey follows the same coastline at a comfortable pace.
What Is Included
Included
Three-hour guided RIB boat excursion
Skipper and safety crew
Use of onboard freshwater showers
Climbing ladders for water entry and exit
Awning for sun protection
Safety equipment and first aid kit
Stereo system onboard
Fridge (on F8 model)
Not Included
Snorkelling equipment (not provided)
Food and beverages
Transfer to and from the port of Arbatax
Travel insurance
Important Information
This tour operates seasonally. Schedules vary by month, and availability is subject to sea and weather conditions. The experience is rated Easy and is suitable for most fitness levels.
Duration
3 hours total, including approximately 1 hour of navigation each way and two swim stops plus a photo stop.
What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal snorkelling gear if desired. Footwear that can get wet is recommended for boarding.
Cancellation
Cancellation and refund conditions are specified at the time of booking. Tours may be cancelled by the operator in the event of adverse sea or weather conditions.
Accessibility
Boarding and disembarkation require stepping onto an inflatable boat from a dock. The experience is not suitable for passengers with significant mobility restrictions.
Age Range
The tour is open to all ages. Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times, particularly during swim stops.
Reserve Your Place on This Coastal Excursion
Spaces on each departure are limited by the boat's capacity. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during the peak summer months of July and August when multiple daily departures fill quickly.
The tour operates on one of two inflatable RIB boats: a Domar F8 (8 m, capacity 12 passengers plus skipper, Yamaha 300 hp) or a Domar F6.5 (6.5 m, capacity 8 passengers plus skipper, Yamaha 115 hp), both built in 2024 and equipped with safety gear, showers, and climbing ladders.
Can I swim at Cala Mariolu during this tour?▼
The itinerary includes a photo stop offshore at Cala Mariolu rather than a full swimming stop at the beach itself. Swimming stops take place near Cala Goloritzè and at the Isolotto d'Ogliastra.
Is snorkelling equipment provided?▼
Snorkelling equipment is not included in the tour price. Passengers who wish to snorkel during the swim stops are advised to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?▼
The operator reserves the right to cancel or modify the tour in the event of adverse weather or sea conditions. In such cases, passengers are typically offered a rebooking or refund according to the cancellation policy confirmed at booking.
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or young children?▼
The difficulty level is rated Easy and all ages are welcome. Participation in swim stops is at each passenger's discretion, and children must be supervised by an adult throughout the excursion.
Where exactly does the tour depart from?▼
The tour departs from the port of Arbatax in the Ogliastra region of eastern Sardinia. Passengers should plan their own transport to and from the port, as transfers are not included.
This tour operates along the eastern coastline of Sardinia, Italy, within the protected marine area of the Gulf of Orosei. The departure point is the port of Arbatax, located in the Ogliastra province. The route covers a stretch of coastline that includes the Gennargentu and Gulf of Orosei National Park, one of Italy's most ecologically significant protected areas. Key geographic landmarks include Pedra Longa (a distinctive limestone sea spire), Cala Goloritzè (a UNESCO-nominated natural monument), and Cala Mariolu (a pebble cove consistently ranked among the world's finest beaches). The coastline here is characterised by vertical karst cliffs reaching over 400 metres in height, accessible only from the sea. The region sits within the Nuoro-Ogliastra area of central-eastern Sardinia and draws visitors from across Europe seeking unspoiled Mediterranean nature.
