Kayaking Beneath the Cliffs of Cala Gonone

What it is

You paddle from Cala Gonone beach southwards, hugging the limestone wall of the Gulf of Orosei, enter small caves and stop for a swim in pebble coves. It is slower than the boat, quieter and lets you see the cliff up close. It is run by Prima Sardegna, an agency in Cala Gonone that has operated since 1995 and hires out kayaks with all the equipment.

The standard outings are on your own: you hire the kayak and follow a suggested route. If you prefer to be accompanied, Prima Sardegna provides an escort for your group.

Routes

Prima Sardegna suggests these itineraries from Cala Gonone:

• Half day, about 4 hours: to Cala Fuili, the Grotta del Bue Marino and Oddoana. It is about 3.5 to 5 km each way, close to an hour's paddling in each direction. The meeting is at 9:00 and the return before 13:00.
• Full day, about 7 hours: Bue Marino, Oddoana and Cala Luna. Between 6 and 6.5 km each way, one and a half to two hours' paddling in each direction, with most of the day at Cala Luna.
• Trek and kayak: they take you to Cala Fuili, you walk about 5 km to Cala Luna, about two hours of medium difficulty, and return paddling. It needs a minimum group and the kayak is returned before 18:00.
• Two days with camping: to Cala Sisine, about 12.5 km each way.

If you want to enter the Grotta del Bue Marino, the ticket is bought separately online: it is a guided visit on foot, of about 50 minutes.

2026 prices

According to Prima Sardegna's price list:

• Single kayak: €35 or €40 for 4 hours and €45 or €55 for the day, depending on the model.
• Double sit-on-top kayak, the most stable: €45 for 4 hours and €65 for the day.
• Triple family kayak: €55 for 4 hours and €85 for the day.
• Children's kayak: €25 for 4 hours.
• Escort: €180 for half a day and €250 for the day, for the group.

The price is per kayak, not per person. It includes life jacket, paddle, waterproof bag, phone case, rope, sponge, pump and spray skirt. It does not include food, drink or entry to the cave.

Meeting point and season

The base is at Viale Lungomare Palmasera 32, on the Cala Gonone seafront. Prima Sardegna advertises kayaking all year; in practice, the sea decides. Do not go out in wind or swell: this stretch of coast has nowhere easy to land outside the coves.

Who it is for

If you have never paddled, choose a sit-on-top, which does not capsize easily and is easy to get on and off: this is what the company itself recommends. Closed kayaks are for those who already have experience. With children who swim well, the triple family kayak or a double with an adult works; for the half day you do not need any special fitness, for the whole day it helps to be used to exercise.

What to bring

Comfortable sports clothes, swimsuit, cap, high-factor sun protection, towel, food and at least two litres of water per person, as Prima Sardegna asks. For the trekking option, hiking shoes and a rucksack.

Combine it with

If you like the plan but prefer not to paddle, the boat to the Grotta del Bue Marino and Cala Luna does the same route under engine. And to stay on the water the next day, the no-licence dinghy goes much further.