Tavolara and Molara RIB Tour from Olbia, Full Day with Brunch

Controvento Charter’s Tavolara tour from Olbia is a full day in the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, aboard the Marlin 40, captain Marco Covre’s 13-meter maxi RIB. You depart at 9:30 from the Marina di Olbia and return in the late afternoon, after 5 or 6 stops for swimming and snorkeling around Tavolara, Molara and the smaller islands. The group is small, maximum 12 people, all comfortably seated.

The day’s itinerary

Once out of the gulf, the first stop is Capo Ceraso, with the Tre Sorelle beach: clear water and granite seabeds, perfect for your first dip with mask and snorkel. You continue toward Isola dei Cavalli and Isola Piana and then reach Tavolara, the great limestone mountain rising sheer from the sea: at Cala Spalmatore you stop for brunch.

In the afternoon you cross to Molara, with its natural pools, where white sand under a few feet of water turns the sea turquoise, and the coves of Cala Girgolu and Sassi Piatti. The return to Olbia, skirting Tavolara again, comes with an aperitif. The skipper decides the order of the stops based on the wind, to always find the most sheltered waters.

What’s included

• Skipper and hostess for the whole day, fuel and insurance.
• Brunch on board with cured meats, cheeses and finger food, with a vegetarian option on request.
• Aperitif, wine, prosecco, water and soft drinks.
• Mask and snorkel and safety equipment.

On request, a seafood barbecue on board can be added, paid on the spot.

The boat

The Marlin 40 is a maxi RIB with a fiberglass hull and 70 cm tubes, three 300-horsepower Mercury engines and Category B certification. It has a bimini top for shade, a bow cabin, sun pad, dining table, fridge, shower and a stern platform of about 5 m² with ladders for getting in and out of the water effortlessly. It’s stable and fast: that’s why you can see both Tavolara and Molara in a single day.

Meeting point and what to bring

The meeting point is MOYS – Marina di Olbia, Via Piovene 12, pier A: look for the Controvento flag. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in and the safety briefing. Free parking is a short walk from the boat; in high season it’s best to arrive by 9.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, water and sunscreen (best to avoid SPF 50+, which stains the cushions). In May, June and October a windbreaker is handy for the trip back. Avoid bulky bags and fragile items.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Tavolara tour from Olbia?

About eight hours: departing at 9:30 from the Marina di Olbia and returning in the late afternoon.

How many people are on board?

Maximum 12 guests, all seated. The shared trip runs with a minimum of 5 participants.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No: the stops are in sheltered coves and there is safety equipment on board. If you prefer, you can enjoy the day from the sun pad.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it’s a family-friendly trip. Guests with reduced mobility should contact Controvento before booking: the boat is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The skipper may change the route to stay sheltered from the wind, or the trip is rescheduled. If it can’t be rescheduled, you get a full refund.

Only have half a day? Try the tour of the Molara natural pools and Cala Girgolu or the trip to see dolphins in the Gulf of Olbia. To have the boat all to yourselves, there’s the private charter with skipper. Also discover the other snorkeling trips and things to do in Olbia and Loiri Porto San Paolo, facing Tavolara.