A Tavolara boat tour takes you from Olbia into the Tavolara marine protected area, around a limestone island that rises straight out of the sea off Sardinia’s northeast coast. Two options lead Viator, both from the Marina di Olbia. The half-day snorkel trip is rated 4.9 across 375 reviews, from about $81. The full-day catamaran, with lunch and wine, is rated 4.9 across 303 reviews, from about $185.
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The verdict
The half-day snorkel trip is our pick for most travelers. For four hours, a naturalist guide takes you around Tavolara, with snorkel gear, snacks and an aperitif of Sardinian products included, plus all fees. It costs less than half the full day and leaves the afternoon free. The boat does not wait after departure time, so allow for traffic. One four-star reviewer found few fish.
The full-day catamaran is billed as a dolphin research tour. It adds Molara island and lunch on board, with Vermentino wine, beer and mirto, the island’s myrtle liqueur. One reviewer describes a stop at a fish farm to see dolphins. A four-star reviewer says there was not enough food for a group of 12 and no open bar.
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
The price gap reflects the length: four hours against a full day with lunch. For more of the island, see our guide to things to do in Sardinia.
Which one is for you?
Take the half-day trip if
- You want the lower price, from about $81.
- You want the most-reviewed option: 375 ratings.
- You want snorkeling with a naturalist guide.
- You want your afternoon free.
Take the catamaran if
- You want a full day on the water.
- You want lunch and drinks included.
- You want to see Molara as well.
- You hope to see dolphins.
What each price covers
The half-day trip, from about $81
Included: a naturalist guide, snorkel gear, snacks, an aperitif with Sardinian products, water, tea or juice, all fees and taxes, and free parking.
Not included: a shuttle to the marina.
The catamaran, from about $185
Included: lunch, bottled water, coffee or tea, an aperitif with Vermentino and Sardinian products, wine, beer and mirto, snorkel gear, and a restroom on board.
Not included: transport to the marina and beach towels.
Where each one starts
- Half-day trip: MOYS, Marina di Olbia, mooring A45, 20 minutes before departure.
- Catamaran: at 9:30, at the Marina di Olbia (Moys).
Side by side
| Half-day trip | Catamaran | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9 from 375 | 4.9 from 303 |
| Five-star reviews | 343 (91%) | 281 (93%) |
| Price | from about $81 | from about $185 |
| Length | 4 hours | 7 to 8 hours |
| Food and drink | Snacks and an aperitif | Lunch, wine and aperitif |
| Snorkel gear | Included | Included |
| Islands | Tavolara | Tavolara and Molara |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the half-day trip
Had a fun day snorkeling the seeing the beautiful blue waters around Sardinia!
Blair_M, September 2026, via Viator
Would recommend to anyone visiting Olbia!
Olivia_B, September 2026, via Viator
On the catamaran
Cruise to Tavolara Island to swim and go a shore followed by light snack and prosecco.
George_C, September 2026, via Viator
The whole trip was relaxing and memorable.
Rocky_B, July 2026, via Viator
Both are reviewed mostly with five stars: 91% of the half-day trip ratings and 93% of the catamaran ratings. Three stars or lower make up about 2% of the reviews on the first and about 3% on the second.
More of Sardinia by boat
Nearby, the La Maddalena boat tour covers the archipelago off Palau. On the east coast, the Gulf of Orosei boat tour reaches the famous coves, and in the northwest the Asinara boat tour visits a national park island.
For planning, read our guide to things to do in Sardinia.
Questions travelers ask
Which Tavolara boat tour should I book?
For most travelers, the half-day snorkel trip, rated 4.9 from 375 reviews on Viator, from about $81 (checked September 2026). For a full day with lunch, the catamaran, rated 4.9 from 303 reviews, from about $185.
Where do Tavolara boat tours leave from?
Both leave from the Marina di Olbia. The half-day trip meets at mooring A45, 20 minutes before departure.
Is snorkel gear included on a Tavolara boat tour?
Yes, on both.
Will I see dolphins on a Tavolara boat tour?
The catamaran is billed as a dolphin research tour, and one reviewer describes a stop to see dolphins. Sightings of wild animals are never guaranteed.
Can I cancel a Tavolara boat tour?
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Book the half-day trip for snorkeling at a low price; book the catamaran for a full day with lunch.
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 143039P1 and 28557P44), September 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review March 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.