An Alghero boat tour heads out along the northwest coast of Sardinia, toward the cliffs of Capo Caccia and the marine protected area around it. Two options stand out on Viator. The dolphin-watching trip, with guided snorkeling and marine biologists on board, is rated 4.8 across 351 reviews, from about $78. The catamaran day, with lunch and wine, is rated 5.0 across 147 reviews, from about $220.
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The verdict
The dolphin-watching trip is our pick for value and for what you learn. For four hours, marine biologists and certified nature guides take you into the Capo Caccia – Isola Piana protected area, with masks and fins for a guided snorkel. Sightings are not guaranteed: one four-star reviewer saw no dolphins but still praised the crew.
The catamaran day is the slower, more social choice. For six and a half hours you sail the coast, snorkel, and eat a lunch of Sardinian cured meats and cheese, bruschetta and seafood pasta, with soft drinks all day and wine at lunch. Almost every review is five stars; the one low review describes missing the departure after parking, so arrive early.
Neither option is wheelchair accessible. The dolphin trip is listed as a summer tour, so check dates for the fall.
Boat tours in Sardinia depend on the season and the sea. Look at the calendar on Viator for your dates rather than assuming daily departures. For the rest of the island, see our guide to things to do in Sardinia.
Which one is for you?
Take the dolphin trip if
- You want the lower price, from about $78.
- You want marine biologists on board.
- You want guided snorkeling, with gear included.
- You are traveling with children who like wildlife.
Take the catamaran day if
- You want the highest rating: 5.0 from 147 travelers.
- You want a full day on the water.
- You want lunch and wine included.
- You prefer sailing to a motorboat.
What each price covers
The dolphin trip, from about $78
Included: entrance to the Capo Caccia – Isola Piana marine protected area, masks and fins for the guided snorkel, marine biologists and certified nature guides on board, a guide with a lifesaving certificate, and species booklets.
Not included: anything not listed above.
The catamaran day, from about $220
Included: the sailing day, lunch with Sardinian products and seafood pasta, soft drinks throughout the day, wine at lunch, and snorkeling gear.
Not included: nothing else is listed; if you drive, one reviewer mentions paying for parking at the marina.
Where each one starts
- Dolphin trip: on the Lungomare Barcellona promenade, in Alghero.
- Catamaran day: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 1, by the Giro d’Italia monument, in Alghero.
Side by side
| Dolphin trip | Catamaran day | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8 from 351 | 5.0 from 147 |
| Five-star reviews | 314 (89%) | 144 (98%) |
| Price | from about $78 | from about $220 |
| Length | 4 hours | 6 h 30 min |
| Boat | With marine biologists | Catamaran |
| Lunch | Not included | Included, with wine |
| Snorkeling | Guided, gear included | Gear included |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the dolphin trip
Saw multiple dolphins and had a nice time snorkeling.
Maya_U, July 2026, via Viator
Unfortunately we didn’t see any dolphins on our trip but the crew were amazing.
Melanie_H, July 2026, via Viator
On the catamaran day
What a wonderful day-long experience exploring the beautiful coastline.
Bondilyn_J, August 2026, via Viator
Wonderful day max was a great host beautiful views great food.
Michele_A, September 2026, via Viator
Both are reviewed mostly with five stars: 89% of the dolphin trip ratings and 98% of the catamaran day ratings. Three stars or lower make up about 3% of the reviews on the first and fewer than 1% on the second.
More boat days in Sardinia and beyond
On the northeast coast, the La Maddalena boat tour visits the archipelago. On the mainland, compare the Portofino boat tour and the Cinque Terre boat tour.
For planning, read our guide to things to do in Sardinia and our round-up of the best boat tours in Italy.
Nearby, the Asinara boat tour leaves from Stintino. On the east coast, compare the Gulf of Orosei boat tour and the Tavolara boat tour.
Questions travelers ask
Which Alghero boat tour should I book?
For value and wildlife, the dolphin trip, rated 4.8 from 351 reviews on Viator, from about $78 (checked September 2026). For a full day under sail with lunch, the catamaran day, rated 5.0, from about $220.
Will I see dolphins on an Alghero boat tour?
Sightings are likely but not guaranteed; reviews include both trips with several dolphins and trips with none.
Does an Alghero boat tour go to Capo Caccia?
The dolphin trip enters the Capo Caccia – Isola Piana marine protected area, and entrance is included.
How long is an Alghero boat tour?
About four hours for the dolphin trip, and about six and a half hours for the catamaran day.
Can I cancel an Alghero boat tour?
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Book the dolphin trip for wildlife and value; book the catamaran for a long, easy day under sail.
Staying a week or more? Our Sardinia itinerary plans 7, 10 or 14 days, north or south, with ferries.
Editorial assessment by Italy2Love, September 2026. Inclusions and exclusions, meeting points, prices, ratings, review counts and cancellation terms read on both Viator product pages (product codes 140739P2 and 54042P3), September 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review March 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.
Keep planning: Hotel Domomea in Alghero.