What to do · Olbia and the Costa Smeralda
Snorkelling Boat Trip from Poltu Quatu to Caprera and the Monaci Lighthouse
Information
- From
- €55 per adult
- Duration
- 3 h 15
- Season
- Swimming season; the website does not publish dates
- Who it's for
- Those who can swim; children with an adult
The clearest coves in northern Gallura do not always have a road. From Poltu Quatu, a small harbour between Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia, the Orso Diving Club goes out by boat every day in season for snorkelling: in the morning towards the island of Caprera, about two miles away, and in the afternoon towards the Monaci lighthouse. The boat anchors offshore and you swim to the beaches, with mask and snorkel.
The four trips
- Tahiti, from 9:15 to 12:30, at Caprera: €60 adults and €30 under-8s.
- Caprera Tour, from 15:15 to 18:30: €70 and €35.
- Faro dei Monaci, from 15:00 to 17:30: €55 and €30.
- Dolphin Watching, from 9:00 to 13:00, spotting cetaceans in open sea: €80 and €40, with water, tea and biscuits on board.
On all four you are given a mask, snorkel, fins and a shorty wetsuit. The beaches of Caprera are marked off with buoys and can only be reached by swimming: the boat does not dock.
Who it suits
Anyone who swims confidently and wants to see granite and posidonia seabeds without diving with a tank. For families it is a good way to spend a morning at sea: under-8s pay half. The website does not publish a minimum age for snorkelling; ask when booking if you are travelling with small children.
If you dive, the same centre runs tank dives from €80 for a single dive, cheaper per dive from the second one, at Caprera, the island of the Monaci and, with a supplement, in the Strait of Bonifacio. The centre has been operating since 1987.
Getting there and booking
The base is at Poltu Quatu, about 40 minutes from Olbia by car. If you are staying between Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia, the centre offers a hotel transfer for €10. You book online from the page of each trip or on +39 0789 99001 and +39 348 064 1825. The base opens from 8:00 to 19:00.
When to go
Trips depend on the weather and on there being a minimum number of participants. The water is around 18–19 °C in May and 24–26 °C in August: in June and September you are fine with the shorty wetsuit they lend you. The website does not publish season dates.
Tips
- Choose the morning on mistral days With a north-westerly wind the afternoon usually has more swell. If in doubt, take the 9:15 trip.
- Bring reef-safe sun cream You will spend hours in the water and in a protected area.
- Ask for the transfer If you are staying in Porto Cervo you save looking for parking at Poltu Quatu.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
From €55 to €80 per adult, depending on the trip. Under-8s pay €30 to €40.
What is included?
Mask, snorkel, fins and shorty wetsuit. The dolphin trip also includes water, tea and biscuits.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes: the boat anchors and you swim to the beaches.
Is it cancelled in bad weather?
Trips depend on the weather and the number of participants; the centre decides on the day.
As a familyWith teenagers
Who runs it
- Orso Diving ClubTahiti, morning snorkelling on the island of Caprera Visit their website
- Orso Diving ClubMonaci lighthouse, afternoon snorkelling Visit their website
