Controvento Charter

Controvento Charter runs RIB boat trips from Olbia to the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, the natural pools of Molara, the La Maddalena archipelago, the Costa Smeralda and southern Corsica. At the helm is Marco Covre, a captain of commercial sailing and motor vessels of up to 500 gross tons, with more than thirty years at sea. Trips depart from MOYS – Marina di Olbia, in small groups of up to 12 people or with the boat all to yourselves.

Who’s on board

Marco’s life at sea began in 1990 with Windsport, one of the first sailing charter companies in Sardinia, founded in Palau. Since then he has organized vacations for hundreds of people across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, crossed the Atlantic several times and captained the Adriatica on the round-the-world voyage featured in Velisti per Caso on Rai 3; he has also appeared on Linea Blu. With him is Valeria, who handles bookings and looks after guests on board, in the galley too. The crew speaks Italian, English, German and Spanish.

Trips departing from Olbia

• Tavolara and Molara full-day trip: eight hours in the Marine Protected Area with 5–6 stops for swimming and snorkeling, brunch and aperitif on board.
• Molara natural pools and Cala Girgolu: half a day to the turquoise waters of Molara, shared or private.
• Dolphins and treasures of the Gulf of Olbia: four hours looking for bottlenose dolphins, with stops in the gulf’s coves.
• Private charter with skipper: the boat just for you, to La Maddalena, the Costa Smeralda or Corsica.

The boats

The flagship is the Marlin 40, a 13-meter maxi RIB with a fiberglass hull and 70 cm tubes, three 300-horsepower Mercury engines and Category B certification. It carries up to 12 guests, all seated, and has a bow cabin, sun pad, dining table, fridge, shower and a stern platform of about 5 m² for getting in and out of the water by the ladders. The Marlin 850 HD Pro, an 8.5-meter 2026 model with a 350-horsepower Mercury Verado V10, has sun pads at the bow and stern, fridge, shower, bimini top and sound system: it is the right boat for private trips for couples, families and small groups.

Why choose Controvento

• A professional captain who reads the weather and the coast and picks the most sheltered stops every day.
• Small groups of up to 12 people, or the boat reserved just for you.
• Skipper, fuel, insurance, safety equipment, mask and snorkel are always included.
• If the weather doesn’t allow the trip, the date is moved; if it can’t be rescheduled, you get a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

Where do Controvento Charter’s trips depart from?

From MOYS – Marina di Olbia, Via Piovene 12, pier A. Free parking is a short walk from the boat.

What time do trips leave?

Departures are at 9:30 or 14:30, depending on the tour, returning at 17:30 or 18:30. Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes, free of charge up to the day before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure and no-shows are not refunded.

What happens in bad weather?

The trip is moved to the next day or the first available date. If it can’t be rescheduled, you get a full refund.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, small pets are welcome if you mention them when booking.

Looking for more ideas in the area? Discover all the boat and RIB trips in Sardinia and things to do in Olbia and in Gallura and the Costa Smeralda.