Snorkeling Sardinia

• Snorkeling: everything you need to know
• Snorkeling Sardinia: the best places for a tour
• How much does it cost to snorkel in Sardinia?
• Gift a snorkeling tour

Snorkeling: everything you need to know

Snorkeling is an aquatic activity suitable for everyone. It consists of diving into the water equipped with fins, mask and snorkel to a maximum depth of 5 meters. Snorkeling is not to be confused with diving, which instead involves diving to quite different depths and using an oxygen tank.

Snorkeling generally takes place near reefs, bays, inlets, islets, and stretches of coastline that allow a good view of the seabed. And in Sardinia this is certainly not a problem, given the clear waters and white sandy beaches.

To snorkel, you only need to know how to swim or equip yourself with a life jacket, in case you are not an experienced swimmer. Fins, however, are a valuable aid because they allow you to swim more efficiently and faster, decreasing fatigue. Snorkeling is not a purely summer activity. In contrast, it can be practiced year-round, wearing a wetsuit during the coldest periods.

Snorkeling tours are conducted with the help of a boat to move to various sites of interest. Or you can dive directly from the coast. It is good practice when going out snorkeling to notify someone ashore of how long you intend to be out and the area in which you are headed. This way, in case of sudden changes in weather conditions or emergencies of various kinds, the coast guard can be notified.

Snorkeling Sardinia: the best places for a tour

Sardinia and snorkeling are a winning combination. With its 1,800 km of coastline, the island has a wealth of beauty to admire underwater.

In the northern part, one location above all is the Maddalena Archipelago Marine Protected Area. With about 60 or so islands and islets, La Maddalena is a fabulous setting for snorkeling excursions. Due to the variety of geomarine conditions, different habitats and specimens of flora and fauna can be seen here.

On the eastern side, the island of Tavolara is a favorite destination for snorkelers. But the coasts near San Teodoro also offer beautiful places for an underwater excursion. This is the case of Cala Goloritzé, Budoni, Cala Mariolu and Capo Ceraso, real naturalistic jewels. Those who reside in the Olbia area cannot miss a visit to these locations.

In southern Sardinia, the Capo Carbonara resort in Villasimius has one of the most striking seabeds in the entire region, unique for the presence of quartz crystals in the sandy shore. The high water temperatures here create an especially hospitable habitat for a wide variety of fish.

Finally, on the western shores of Sardinia there is a favorite spot for snorkelers from all over Italy and beyond. It is Capo Caccia, in Alghero, and owes its fame to the red coral that is present in abundance. Here the so-called “red gold” has found its natural habitat and gives a unique spectacle to those who dive underwater.

How much does it cost to snorkel in Sardinia?

Prices for snorkeling in Sardinia vary according to location and length of excursion. For example, a 3-hour boat trip to the Maddalena Marine Protected Area costs 38 euros per person, with snorkeling kit and drink included. About the same amount is spent on a snorkeling excursion to Cape Carbonara. While a tour departing from Olbia and snorkeling at Tavolara and Capo Ceraso costs 80 euros per person, but you can also spot dolphins!

Gift a snorkeling tour

More and more people are choosing to gift an experience in nature instead of an item to be kept locked in a drawer. Experiential gifts can be the right choice for any kind of festivity, from birthdays to the most special occasions. A snorkeling tour will certainly be a welcome gift: it is suitable for everyone, not particularly challenging, and allows you to fully experience the sea in all its beauty.

Snorkeling is also the right kind of activity to embellish your vacation and do something different from usual. Who said that going to the beach means being under the umbrella all the time? Far from it! It’s always a good time to do some snorkeling, especially in Sardinia!