Dolphin Watching Boat Excursion to Figarolo Island from Olbia

This dolphin watching and snorkeling tour in Sardinia offers a captivating way to see marine life in its natural habitat, all while enjoying the stunning coastline around Olbia. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours on a comfortable boat that takes you close to the action—think dolphins swimming freely and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the small-group setting, which promises more space and personalized attention, along with expert guides who are passionate about marine biology. You’ll love the chance to see wild dolphins, explore beautiful caves, and relax on deck with Sardinian snacks. However, this tour’s length and specific focus on marine sightings mean it’s best suited for those who enjoy nature, water activities, and a more intimate adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is that dolphin sightings, while highly probable (around 80%), aren’t guaranteed—the ocean’s wild creatures have a mind of their own. Still, with the high praise from previous travelers, this tour seems to consistently deliver memorable moments. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic, and nature-focused excursion in Sardinia, this trip hits the mark.

Key Points

• Small-group experience enhances comfort and intimacy.
• High probability of dolphin sightings (around 80%) with expert guides.
• Multiple snorkeling stops in beautiful waters rich with colorful marine life.
• Learn about marine biology and Sardinian nature from passionate guides.
• Explore iconic spots like Cape Figari’s cliffs, love cave, and Indian rock.
• Snacks and drinks included make the tour both enjoyable and relaxing.

What to Expect on this Sardinian Marine Adventure

Setting Sail from Olbia

The tour begins at the MOYS marina in Olbia, where you’ll meet your skipper and small group (max 8 travelers). This intimate size means fewer crowds and more space to enjoy the ride. The boat itself is a modern dinghy equipped with every comfort, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey along Sardinia’s coastline.

The journey kicks off with a scenic cruise past the rugged shores, giving you spectacular views of the coastline—and plenty of photo opportunities. The guide, Francesco, is praised for his friendly, knowledgeable approach, and his 20 years of experience are evident as he points out natural landmarks and marine features along the way.

Dolphin Watching: The Main Event

The highlight? Spotting wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. With an estimated 80% chance of encountering these playful mammals, most travelers leave with unforgettable stories, often seeing pods swimming close alongside the boat. Reviewers like Maya Sheehy-C describe the experience as “wonderful” with sightings of multiple pods, including juveniles, which adds a special touch.

While dolphins are wild and sightings can’t be guaranteed, the guides’ expertise and the tour’s timing maximize your chances. The guides are also great at keeping guests engaged, sharing insights into dolphin behavior and marine ecology, which makes the experience both fun and educational.

Snorkeling and Swimming at Figarolo and Cala Moresca

After dolphin spotting, the tour offers two long stops for snorkeling and swimming. The first is in the waters surrounding Figarolo Island, renowned for its clear, turquoise sea. Expect to see a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful fish and marine life. Reviewers like Sacha S appreciated how the guides ensured everyone had ample time to snorkel and explore.

The second stop is at Cala Moresca, a bay famous for its calm, transparent waters. Here, you can swim freely among schools of fish, relax on the boat, or simply soak up the sun. The guide Francesco makes sure all guests—regardless of experience—feel comfortable in the water, offering snorkeling equipment and friendly assistance.

Visiting Cape Figari and Its Natural Wonders

One of the trip’s unique features is exploring the Cape Figari area, with its impressive cliffs, love cave, and Indian rock formations. These natural features add a dramatic backdrop to your day and provide excellent photo opportunities. The guides often stop here to give guests a chance to take in the views, explore the caves, or just marvel at the rugged coastline.

Relaxation and Refreshments on Board

Throughout the excursion, you’ll find drinks available, including water and possibly other beverages like beer or local snacks, making for a relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers appreciated the friendly service and the opportunity to unwind while enjoying Sardinia’s stunning scenery.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

At about three and a half hours, this tour strikes a nice balance—long enough to see dolphins, enjoy snorkeling, and explore natural landmarks, yet short enough to fit into a busy travel schedule. The small group (maximum 8 travelers) ensures personalized attention, a more relaxed vibe, and plenty of space to move around.

Price and Value

Priced at $68.50 per person, the tour offers solid value when you consider the included activities—dolphin sightings, snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks. The high rate of dolphin sightings and the intimate setting make this a worthwhile investment for water lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book about 29 days in advance, indicating high demand. The tour is flexible in terms of cancellations—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours beforehand, which adds peace of mind when planning your trip.

Accessibility and Suitability

This experience is suitable for most travelers, but pregnant women and children under 3 are advised against joining. The tour’s focus on water activities means that a moderate level of mobility is helpful, especially for snorkeling.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Travelers consistently praise Francesco, the guide, for his friendly, knowledgeable, and patient approach. Sacha S highlights Francesco’s efforts to make the most of the time, “thanks to our friendly and knowledgeable helmsman Francesco, who made sure to get the most out of the allotted time.” Reviewers also appreciate the close-to-water experience that small boats provide—comparing it to being right in the action rather than observing from afar.

Many mention how the tour is a fantastic mix of adventure and relaxation—seeing dolphins, exploring caves, then floating in turquoise waters with snacks and drinks in hand. Elzbieta S notes the variety of experiences and the friendly boat captain, adding to the overall satisfaction.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion is ideal for wildlife lovers eager to see dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as those who enjoy snorkeling and water-based exploration. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an intimate, guided experience, rather than a large, impersonal cruise. The natural beauty of Sardinia’s coastline combined with the chance to encounter dolphins makes it a memorable day out.

It also suits families with older children, groups of friends, or couples looking for a relaxed yet engaging outing. If you’re after photo opportunities, the stunning cliffs, caves, and marine life will give plenty of material for your camera roll.

The Sum Up

This dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour from Olbia offers a wonderful balance of adventure, education, and relaxation. With expert guides, a small-group setting, and high confidence in dolphin sightings, it provides a genuine chance to connect with Sardinia’s marine environment. The stops at Figarolo and Cala Moresca add variety and natural beauty to a day that’s both fun and enriching.

While dolphin sightings are highly probable, they still depend on nature’s unpredictability. But even if you don’t spot dolphins, the scenic views, caves, and crystal waters make this trip worthwhile. It’s an experience best suited for water lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a quiet, intimate escape on Sardinia’s coast.

Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized, and memorable adventure that combines the thrill of seeing dolphins with relaxing snorkeling in one of Italy’s most stunning regions, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at MOYS – Marina di Olbia Yachting Services, via Piovene, Olbia. It’s near public transportation, making it easy to reach.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time for dolphin spotting, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, which helps ensure a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is offered as part of the tour, so you can explore the underwater world comfortably.

Are drinks included?
Yes, drinks are always available on board, including water and possibly other beverages, to keep you refreshed.

Can children join this tour?
Children aged 0 to 3 are not allowed, and pregnant women are not recommended to participate due to water activities.

What if I don’t see dolphins?
While sightings are about 80% likely, they are not guaranteed since dolphins are wild animals. The guides do their best to maximize your chances.

What natural attractions are included?
You’ll visit the Cape Figari cliffs, love cave, and Indian rock formations—an impressive showcase of Sardinia’s rugged coastline.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, but poor weather may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

If you’re seeking a small-group, nature-focused maritime escapade with high chances of dolphin sightings and beautiful snorkeling spots, this tour from Olbia could be a highlight of your Sardinian trip.