From Sant'Antioco: RIB Tour to Carloforte and the Islands of Southwest Sardinia
Discover hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and sea caves along one of Sardinia's most dramatic coastlines.
This RIB boat tour from Sant'Antioco takes you on a full-day journey along the spectacular southwest coast of Sardinia, exploring either the island of Sant'Antioco or the island of San Pietro and its main town, Carloforte, depending on the day's conditions. The route is shaped by wind and weather, ensuring the skipper always leads you to the calmest, most rewarding waters available. With snorkeling, swimming stops, and GoPro photos included, this is a complete day on the sea.
The itinerary adapts to the best available conditions, meaning no two days are exactly the same. Whether you head south around Sant'Antioco to visit the Grotta delle Sirene and Cala Bianca, or sail toward San Pietro to discover the Grotta delle Oche and the Gulf of Mezzaluna, each route offers its own sequence of secluded beaches and sea caves. The experienced local skipper makes all navigational decisions with passenger comfort and safety as the priority.
The two Ranieri Cayman 23 Sport Touring rigid inflatable boats are purpose-built for comfort on open water. Each vessel is fitted with a rear awning for shade, a freshwater shower, a sunbathing bow, a changing room, a stereo system, and USB charging points. With a capacity of 12 passengers plus skipper, groups remain small enough for a genuinely personal experience on the water.
Snorkeling in the clear waters along both routes offers a chance to observe the seabed directly, including the opportunity on the Carloforte route to spot Pinna nobilis — the large fan mussel — in the channel when conditions allow. The GoPro photos taken throughout the day serve as a lasting record of the sights encountered during the tour.
Tour Highlights
Sail between secluded coves and sea caves on the southwest coast of Sardinia, with stops for swimming in calm, transparent waters.
Flexible itinerary guided by local skipper expertise, choosing between the Sant'Antioco or Carloforte route based on daily weather conditions.
Spot the rare Pinna nobilis fan mussel in the channel between Sant'Antioco and San Pietro when sea conditions permit.
GoPro photos taken throughout the day provide a personal visual record of the coastline, caves, and underwater life encountered.
Snorkeling stops allow passengers to explore the seabed and observe the marine life inhabiting these protected waters.
Modern Ranieri Cayman 23 Sport Touring RIBs with high-powered engines, full safety equipment, and onboard comfort amenities.
Visit iconic locations including Capo Sandalo, Grotta delle Sirene, Vacca Island, and the Gulf of Mezzaluna across both possible routes.
Itinerary Overview
The tour begins at the small port of Sant'Antioco. The skipper assesses weather and wind direction to determine whether today's route follows the Sant'Antioco or Carloforte itinerary.
On the Carloforte route, the boat travels through the channel between Sant'Antioco and San Pietro island. Passengers may be able to observe Pinna nobilis fan mussels in the channel when conditions allow.
The skipper navigates either the northern or southern circuit of the chosen island, stopping at coves such as Grotta delle Oche, Grotta delle Sirene, Capo Sandalo, Cala Bianca, or Punta dei Laggioni. Each stop offers opportunities to swim and snorkel.
At selected coves with sandy bottoms and clear water, passengers can enter the sea for swimming and snorkeling. The skipper and crew facilitate safe water entry and provide guidance on points of interest below the surface.
Throughout the day, GoPro footage and photos are captured to document the coastline scenery, cave interiors, and underwater moments. These are provided to passengers as a souvenir of the experience.
After completing the coastal circuit, the boat returns to the port of Sant'Antioco, concluding a full day on the water lasting approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
What Is Included
Included
- Full-day RIB boat excursion (approx. 7.5 hours)
- Experienced local skipper
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- GoPro photos as souvenir
- Freshwater onboard shower
- Rear awning for shade
- Sunbathing bow access
- Stereo system and USB sockets onboard
- All safety equipment
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Personal items and sunscreen
Important Information
Ready to Explore the Coastline?
Secure your place on this full-day RIB boat tour from Sant'Antioco and spend a day discovering the sea caves, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters of southwest Sardinia.
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