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Dinghy Cruise in Sardinia: Explore Cala Goloritze, Mariolu Biriala, and Grotta del Fico
4.3
3 Ratings
Santa Maria Navarrese
Discover Sardinia's hidden gems on a dinghy cruise. Swim, snorkel, and explore secret coves, historic shipwrecks, and pirate caves. Book your adventure now!
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Cala Goloritze - Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters, where turquoise hues emerge from underwater karst springs, and time-sculpted marble rocks rise from the sea, forming a natural arch and the iconic pyramid-shaped spire of Monte Caroddi. Standing 143 meters tall, it overlooks a must-see spot on the island, often seen as its symbol. Surrounding it are towering cliffs, 500 meters high, covered in fragrant Mediterranean scrub. Behind, a forest of holm oaks and strawberry trees. The untouched and wild Cala Goloritzé, a hallmark of Baunei, is one of the coastal gems of the Gulf of Orosei where sea and mountain blend seamlessly.
- Cala Mariolu - Dive into a sea that looks like a painting. Also known as is pùlige de nie (snow fleas) for its round, white, and pink pebbles mixed with sand. Cala Mariolu, in the Baunei region, gets its name from the monk seal that allegedly ‘stole’ fish from fishermen’s nets from Ponza, earning it the name il mariolo (thief). Its scenery is breathtaking with endless shades of blue, emerald green, and azure, and pebbles resembling snowflakes. The surrounding cliff reaches 500 meters and plunges straight into the water both north and south, making Cala Mariolu accessible by land only through a challenging trek (for experts) through dense Mediterranean scrub. Punta Is Puligi was once a coal loading point for the furisteris, the charcoal burners of Baunei.
- Grotta del Fico - The guided tour inside Grotta del Fico lasts about an hour. Professional and engaging guides explain its geology, the history of speleology, the first visits by local shepherds, and the culture of this Sardinian corner. Their training is ongoing, provided by AGTI, the Italian Tourist Caves Association. The path is easy, mostly on steel walkways, and spans different levels. Visitors can explore various rooms and galleries and even look out over the sea from inside the cave. The environments are diverse, as are the formations and colors on display. Inside, the temperature is around 18°, and the difference between inside and outside in summer is noticeable, so a jacket is useful at the entrance. Tours are available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, and Russian.
- Piscine di Venere - Take a swim in the incredibly clear and emerald waters where the seabed is visible. A feast for the eyes and soul. During a mini-cruise along the stunning coves of Costa di Baunei, this paradise will draw you in with its turquoise and blue waters: impossible to resist a dive! After entering the Fico cave, a few steps from the equally beautiful and wild Cala Biriola, the Piscine di Venere shines as one of the most enchanting stretches of the Baunei coast in Ogliastra. It can be reached in about half an hour by dinghy from the ports of Santa Maria Navarrese or through a trekking route via the Supramonte, recommended only for expert hikers, leading first to the Piscine cove and then to Cala Biriola.
- Cala Biriala - In the Baunei area, nestled between other stunning paradises on the Ogliastra coast like Cala Goloritzé and Cala Luna, and near Grotta del Fico and Cala Sisine, lies Cala Biriola. This charming small beach of rounded white pebbles, protected by a limestone cliff that forms an arc over two kilometers long, opens at the end of an enchanting grove of the same name, filled with ancient holm oaks, junipers clinging to the rock, and Mediterranean scrub. It is framed by a rocky arch on the water’s surface where waves crash, completing the unforgettable scene. The exceptionally clear water, teeming with fish, makes it perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling.
- Cala dei Gabbiani - “Still relatively unknown, overshadowed by the fame of nearby Cala Mariolu, it shares the same features: crystal-clear water tinged with green and blue, time-smoothed cliffs, and a beach of white pebbles.” This is why in 2017, Cala dei Gabbiani was chosen by Skyscanner experts, the renowned holiday web portal, as the second most beautiful beach in Italy. The ranking highlights lesser-known coves, ‘hidden gems,’ like this paradise in the southern part of the gulf, within the Baunei area.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Guide
- Snorkel kits available on board
- Bottled water
- Fuel
- All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
- Grotta del Fico tickets: 10 euro adults 5 euro children
- Lunch
- Ecological environment contribution 1 euro Tax
Additional Information
Baunei is considered one of Sardinia’s most spectacular stretches of coast, but many of its tiny coves and caves are only accessible by sea. Explore the highlights of the coast on this full-day cruise, stopping to swim and snorkel at secluded bays and secluded beaches inhabited by colorful fish and sometimes dolphins. Visit the Grotta del Fico, one of the most famous caves on the island, and dive into the turquoise waters of the Piscine di Venere.
See the most important sights of Sardinia’s “Caribbean” and access places that can only be reached by boat. Discover secret coves, historic shipwrecks and caves used by pirates in the past. Spend nearly 5 hours at 3 different beaches to experience all the delights of the natural park
Note: 4 dinghies for 12 people available
- The tour can be modified, shortened, postponed, canceled based on the marine weather conditions at the discretion of the Captain
- Note: to include the time to reach the different routes which varies
Location
Sardinia Natural Park Tours
Show up at the Sardinia Natural Park Tours office Nr 06, 30 minutes before for check-in.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.3
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Safari13357936851
Jun 28, 2023
Great location but overall just an expensive transport boating service. - Small group boating, was around 12 people. Great beaches location. Tour guide has a great sense of humour and friendly. However, super expensive for what it is, not such great value for money. There’s no food or snacks or snorkelling gears or umbrella provided and yet the price is real high. Even the simplicity of water has to be asked for rather than offered ( no one was asked if they wanted water a single time - and when asked felt like a burden to be given. ) Last beach was also dodge due to the “difficulty and danger of the waves “ which was then alternatively placed with another hidden spot that were more private and secluded as it was just our tour group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
