Tavolara Archipelago Tour: A Detailed Review

Planning a trip to Sardinia? Well, taking a boat tour to the Tavolara Archipelago from San Teodoro could very well be the highlight of your holiday! The Tavolara is a really awesome sight; its beauty will definitely captivate you. Crystal waters, that feel absolutely fantastic to swim in, amazing islands, and, too, the possibilities for snorkeling that exist there make this trip absolutely worthwhile. In this detailed review, that intends to help anyone thinking about seeing this fantastic corner of paradise, I’m going to walk you through every detail, based on my own awesome experience.

Booking and Initial Impressions

Securing your spot on the Tavolara Gran Tour is actually pretty straightforward. Loads of tour operators operate from San Teodoro, especially during peak season. I booked my tour, easily enough, online through a popular local vendor. Prices can actually vary quite a bit, based on the vendor and the inclusions, that said, you might want to budget around €50-€80. So, do consider that! Booking early is certainly a good idea, especially if you happen to be traveling during July or August, when everything is, as you can imagine, super busy.

The morning of the tour, that I think I will always remember, there was a certain buzz down at the port. The boat itself actually looked to be in decent nick; not too shabby at all, equipped with both sun deck and shaded areas. Once everyone had hopped on board and the crew gave the safety talk (pretty important, I have to say), we headed off. Seriously, leaving the harbor with views of San Teodoro receding into the distance, as the anticipation bubbled amongst the passengers, was something else!

The Cruise Itself: Scenery and Stops

As you head from San Teodoro out to the islands, which takes place by sailing through the turquoise, dazzling waters, you soon begin to catch some stunning sights of the islands themselves. The striking shape of Tavolara is probably, almost certainly, the first thing to grab your attention – it is absolutely enormous; a massive chunk of limestone rock that goes dramatically straight up from the sea. It dominates the area in a way, and just screams pure, natural beauty.

The tour I took usually had three key stops, yet those can vary a bit on the actual tour you book. The first, for example, was at Spalmatore di Terra on Tavolara. A slender, that extends the full length, sandy beach beckons where you’re granted around an hour or two to go chill out, soak up some rays, or have a dip in the incredibly clear water. It’s perfect, for the most part, for families as the water, there, is reasonably shallow and calm. You should think about bringing along some water shoes, however, as some areas have pebbles. Another really great touch; there is, indeed, a restaurant available where you’re able to grab some lunch or a cold drink; definitely worth remembering.

Next up; that might be Molara, and here you will get a chance to do some snorkeling. Molara’s waters just absolutely burst with sea life. Honestly, you will see plenty of colorful fish as well as the occasional starfish. The crew usually has snorkeling equipment that can be used, but, honestly, should you own your own, bringing that is worth considering so that you will know it fits properly. By the way; that you see the ruins of an ancient Christian site on Molara itself gives this location added interest.

Some tours might swing by the Piscine di Molara too, often described as ‘Molara’s Swimming Pools’, these spots are so unbelievably, strikingly beautiful due to their seriously clear, aquamarine seas. If the conditions are on your side, then you may be allowed to hop in for another swim here! Consider yourself incredibly lucky if the boat manages to dock here. It will give you the kind of swim, I can promise, that sticks in your mind.

Snorkeling and Swimming: The Underwater World

Right, for people who adore being in the water, that Gran Tour does become something unbelievably good. The snorkeling is honestly pretty fantastic; especially in the waters by Molara. Visibility tends to be very, very good, meaning you can really enjoy getting up close and personal with loads of the local sea creatures. So, it is also worth it!

If swimming is what you love, you might well enjoy just hopping off the boat directly to go for a nice cool dip! All the stop-off spots provide chances to do this in completely safe environments, even though it might depend on weather. Just listen to the crew who are well trained in ensuring everything is completely safe. Seriously; imagine the feelings when you’re in those clear, cool Sardinian seas with the blazing Italian sunshine!

Food and Drink Onboard

Okay, the food situation can vary depending on which tour company that you ultimately end up going with. Most commonly though, tours are known to provide some kind of simple lunch. Just assume something on the lighter side – typically pasta salad, maybe some bread and cheese, as well as perhaps fruit. Seriously; you won’t starve. These tour groups, too, generally offer drinks that you can buy; things like water, soda, beer; just good for staying hydrated during your time on board.

If you know what you like to eat and want complete control over what that happens to be, bringing your own picnic isn’t the silliest idea in the whole wide globe. Consider this if you, possibly, might have any food allergies. Be sure, if you’re able to bring food and drink aboard the boat, to keep that boat absolutely clean and tidy; so basically take everything away with you.

The Crew and Overall Vibe

Now; the crew on almost any tour I’ve ever taken usually do tend to be one of the most crucial parts. They are the actual people there to keep everyone entertained and absolutely safe. On my tour, that I definitely won’t forget, the crew, I tell you, were so incredibly friendly, helpful, that always gave clear info, and obviously, really enjoyed what they actually did. It makes a difference to you, honestly, if the crew appears motivated and enjoy that day as much as the tourists that paid for it.

The atmosphere that prevailed on the boat was seriously pretty chilled. Most people are in a sunny, playful mood on account of getting to see those islands while actually enjoying themselves in some glorious sunshine, in that glorious clear blue sea. Honestly; it will prove ideal should you feel that you really want some relaxation, that sun kissed skin, yet want to make some awesome memories at the exact same time.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour genuinely does appeal to loads of different types of people. I would be shocked, for instance, should families not have the very best day out here because swimming and snorkeling chances, that they will simply relish, do abound. And even though younger children could actually find that full day a bit of an endurance test, most older children, if they love water, could easily keep themselves entertained. For example, there’s enough interest.

Couples seeking a romantic day out on the waves, seriously, might love this, as well, because there is a lot to enjoy: some fabulous photo chances; being able to bask in glorious sunshine; perhaps share lunch in some quaint restaurant that lies on Tavolara. In the same vein; Solo travelers may feel completely at ease, just making some buddies with their passengers and actually savoring that serenity that comes when you’re surrounded by stunning scenery.

Things to bring on Tavolara Grand Tour

• Sunscreen: So basically; to actually save the skin!
• Hat and Sunglasses: You should think about having complete sun protection!
• Swimsuit and towel: These really are a must-bring!
• Water shoes: Perfect so you are able to navigate pebble beaches.
• Snorkel gear: In cases where you would like to guarantee your own personal fit.
• Camera: Honestly; to capture some memories that you will treasure.
• Water: Yes; keep properly hydrated!
• Snacks: Just in case of that extra peckishness.
• Cash: Certain places actually might not accept cards!

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Well then, that Tavolara Gran Tour of Archipelago from San Teodoro truly offers up a splendid experience for a wide range of travellers. Getting that blend of fabulous scenery, chances to see sea life plus those potential moments where relaxation may come shows this has appeal to tons of tourists that are lucky enough to visit Sardinia. Even if there, potentially, could well be slight differences concerning the itineraries as well as on board catering which are down to a variety of tour companies, I can, in general, seriously recommend this trip to be something that needs thinking about whilst anyone plans the break.

Other amazing attraction places you might want to see!

1. Porto Cervo
2. Costa Smeralda
3. La Maddalena Archipelago
4. Neptune’s Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)
5. Cagliari

My honest take on that tour, that would seriously benefit anyone contemplating it is, so, to book early, compare a handful of prices from what appears to be some established firms as well as be prepared with essentials in order to boost sheer enjoyment. Simply picture it now, then; you can immerse right into azure waters and see sunlit seascapes whilst also soaking in some unique beauty. If anyone may perhaps ever travel across Sardinia which is almost, at that point, assured is the question regarding even having the capacity to ignore what this particular tour has ready to offer. Be sure though, basically, as you actually visit that Sardinia remains responsible to you! Respect the location. Be aware to always leave the place exactly how anyone had initially, first come to view all aspects as being of a part! I actually guarantee so then everyone may have the great, most wonderful adventure that is able to leave folks who go, utterly in awe regarding what the spot is absolutely able to give!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is that tour suited to children?

In particular, you see, that younger ones can actually possibly struggle with being able to enjoy themselves throughout that lengthy adventure nevertheless usually more older kids which really adore any chance of having some fantastic snorkeling could possibly enjoy being here throughout the entire day. Take into account also checking to see the age restrictions so there will be something specific to keep in mind during actual selection that can absolutely offer guidance to the ones here!

What precisely tends to be better to dress oneself?

Just keep things casual while considering clothing, as is quite often needed if heading to water areas. Actually wearing swimming costumes coupled perhaps with some lightweight tops & shorts truly really should carry people by really fine during this certain instance . Remember hats but also sunglasses in order to properly prevent skin tone right against burning caused as such throughout having strong level with light!

May people basically have got access into WiFi throughout being set out across the full boats available?

Not necessarily , simply put ; mainly most ship tours just could well fail being that fitted coupled with that availability relating so onto on internet services thus in most times everyone is best taking a look ahead rather to having to simply disconnect for good so onto fully soak into everything concerning gorgeous destinations!

Will their become any risks which might be taken concerning persons mainly liable right when facing motion seasickness?

In fact, basically should possibly actually being inclined so onto sickness regarding ocean going travels may perhaps make certain bringing about any treatments designed in tackling just only all these situations plus in a bit as that there, try simply by getting oneselves seated centrally within a actual huge liner reducing most overall intensity created through movement.