From Arbatax: RIB tour to Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè

The best part of this three-hour RIB trip is how much of the Baunei coast you can see from the water. The boat races north from Arbatax past Pedra Longa, sheer cliffs, sea caves, and bright coves, then pauses for swims near Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, and the Isolotto d’Ogliastra.

I like the small-group format, with space for as few as eight passengers on one boat or 12 on the larger one. I also like the mix of fast cruising and water time: you get big coastal views without giving up several chances to swim. The trade-off is a brisk schedule, and the ride can feel bumpy or windy when the sea turns rough.

Key points before you book

• Three swim opportunities: Stop near caves by Cala Goloritzè, swim offshore from Cala Goloritzè, and finish near the Isolotto d’Ogliastra.
• Fast, modern boats: The 2024 RIBs have sun awnings, ladders, freshwater showers, and safety equipment.
• Small groups: The boats carry eight or 12 passengers, plus the skipper.
• Major coastal sights: See Pedra Longa, Grotta dei Colombi, Porto Pedrosu, Porto Cuau, Cala Goloritzè, and Cala Mariolu.
• Bring a windbreaker and sun cover: The boat moves quickly, and there is limited shade even with an awning.
• Best for active visitors: You should be comfortable climbing a boat ladder and swimming in open sea.

Why the Baunei coast is worth seeing from the sea

The coast north of Arbatax is not a place you understand fully from a road or a viewpoint. Tall limestone cliffs drop straight into the Gulf of Orosei, and many coves, caves, and beaches are easiest to appreciate from a boat.

That is the main reason I like this excursion. You are not simply being taken to one beach, then sent back. The trip gives you a moving tour of the coast, with the skipper pointing out rock formations and openings in the cliffs along the way.

The route reaches the Baunei coastline after roughly an hour of navigation. That sounds like a lot of time before the first swim, but it is part of the experience. The ride takes you past Pedra Longa, whose tall stone spires rise sharply beside the water, then onward toward Baus beach, Grotta dei Colombi, Porto Pedrosu, and Porto Cuau.

You should expect a fast ride rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. The Yamaha engines are powerful, and the smaller boat in particular can feel lively on the water. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the movement feels easiest for you, keep your eyes on the horizon, and bring the windbreaker suggested by several people who enjoyed the trip.

The boats and the small-group feel

Escursì uses two inflatable boats, both built in 2024. The larger Domar F8 is eight meters long, has a 300-horsepower Yamaha engine, and carries up to 12 passengers plus the skipper. The smaller Domar F6.5 is 6.5 meters long, uses a 115-horsepower Yamaha engine, and carries up to eight passengers plus the skipper.

You do not choose the boat directly. It is assigned according to availability. That matters because the feel of the ride may differ. The larger RIB gives you a little more room, while the smaller boat can feel more personal and nimble.

Both boats have a canopy, safety equipment, a first-aid kit, and a boarding ladder. The F8 also has two freshwater showers and two ladders. The F6.5 has one shower and one ladder. A fridge and stereo system are listed for the larger boat, while both boats have music equipment.

The small capacity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a large sightseeing vessel. With only eight or 12 passengers, it is easier to hear the skipper, move around during stops, and get into the water without a crowd pressing around you.

The boats do not provide a full meal, and snacks are not included. Bring your own water and food. The awning helps, but you should still pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cover-up because the sun on the water is strong.

Pedra Longa and the first hour north

The boat leaves from the port of Arbatax and heads north along the coast. The early part of the trip is mostly about views, speed, and orientation.

Pedra Longa is one of the first major sights. Its narrow rock towers are easy to spot from the water, and they give you an early sense of the coast’s scale. From the boat, you can look back toward the shoreline and see how quickly the cliffs rise away from the sea.

The skipper also passes Baus beach and the entrances to several coves. Porto Pedrosu and Porto Cuau add more sheltered water and unusual rock shapes to the route. The exact order and pace can change with wind, waves, and the skipper’s judgment.

This part is not a guided museum tour with a long speech at every stop. Some skippers, including Alessandro, Marco, Alexandra, and Simone on different departures, have been praised for explaining the coast and adding stories or local details. The amount of commentary can vary, and one English-speaking departure had a skipper who did not speak English well. If detailed narration is essential to you, confirm the language situation when booking.

Grotta dei Colombi and the sea caves

The coast becomes more dramatic as the boat approaches the caves near Cala Goloritzè. Grotta dei Colombi is one of the major formations named on the route, and the cliffs here are the kind of sight that makes the boat worthwhile even before you swim.

The first bathing stop lasts about 20 to 30 minutes in the caves near Cala Goloritzè. This is a practical use of the small boat. A RIB can approach rocky openings and narrow sections that would be awkward for a large vessel.

You may be able to swim into a cave, depending on sea conditions and the skipper’s decision. That possibility is one of the most memorable parts of the trip, but it is not something to treat as guaranteed. Water movement, boat traffic, and safety concerns can change the stop.

Bring a mask and snorkel if you have them. The water is clear, and the trip is set up for swimming rather than just looking over the side. Equipment is not listed as provided, so pack your own snorkeling gear if you want to look below the surface.

Cala Goloritzè from the water

After the cave stop, the boat makes another swimming pause of about 20 minutes offshore from Cala Goloritzè. The famous cove is known for its pale beach, steep cliffs, and striking rock formations.

Seeing Cala Goloritzè from the sea gives you a different view from the land approach. You get the full wall of rock behind the cove and a better sense of how isolated the beach is. The stop is offshore, so do not expect to walk ashore or spend a long stretch on the sand.

This is useful if you could not secure access for the land hike. One person booked the boat after finding the walking route unavailable, and the boat provided a way to see the cove without making the hike. Still, the experience is not a substitute for spending hours on the beach or walking the trail. You are there for roughly 20 minutes in the water, not for a full beach day.

The sea can look calm and inviting, but the boat may rock while passengers enter and climb out. You need to be comfortable using the ladder. This stop suits confident swimmers best, and the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women.

Cala Mariolu and the clearest water

Cala Mariolu is the visual centerpiece for many people on this route. The boat pauses offshore for photographs, giving you time to frame the beach, cliffs, and water from the sea.

The tour description calls Cala Mariolu the second most beautiful beach in the world, a grand claim that depends on taste. Still, the setting earns its place on a short list of Sardinia’s most striking coves. The water shifts through several shades of blue, and the pale shore sits below high rock walls.

This is listed as a photo stop, so your time here may not be as generous as at the swimming locations. Keep your camera ready before the boat arrives. The approach itself is part of the view, with the coastline opening up in front of you.

The boat then makes a bathing stop near the Isolotto d’Ogliastra. This adds another chance to swim in clear water and breaks up the return run. Depending on conditions and timing, the skipper may adjust the precise place or length of this stop.

One useful detail from the trip is the range of ages it can suit. A family with children aged nine and 16 found the three-hour format manageable, and another family chose it because a full-day outing felt too long for a six-year-old. You should still judge your own child’s comfort with speed, sun, boat movement, and open-water swimming.

How the three hours feel

Three hours is a smart length if you want a strong sample of the coast without giving up an entire day. You get a long scenic run north, several named sights, a cave stop, and multiple chances to swim.

The schedule is also the limit. You will not linger at every cove, walk along Cala Goloritzè, or explore the coastline at a slow pace. One person who enjoyed the trip still wished for more time and planned to consider a full-day boat trip later.

Morning departures are available at 8:30 in June and September, and at 8:30, noon, and 3:30 in July and August. In May, October, and November, the departure is at 9:00. The early option is usually the practical choice if you want cooler conditions and a full day left afterward, while the later departures can fit better around other plans.

Weather matters more here than on many land tours. A July trip had to turn back because the waves became too strong, and the fare was refunded. Another skipper managed windy conditions safely, but the boat ride was still rough enough to affect comfort. The operator can change the route, stop locations, and timing for safety.

Price, value, and what to pack

At $70 per person, this is a reasonable price for a small-group boat excursion that includes the skipper, fuel, and three hours on one of Sardinia’s most dramatic coasts. You are paying not only for the swim stops, but also for access to caves and viewpoints that are difficult to reach independently.

The value is strongest if you are staying near Arbatax and want a focused introduction to the Gulf of Orosei. It is less compelling if your main goal is a full day on one beach or a long snorkeling session at a single location.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Water and food
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a hat
• A windbreaker or light jacket
• Snorkel gear if you have it
• A dry bag or secure case for valuables

The boat has an awning, but do not count on constant shade. Keep your belongings compact, since space is limited on a small RIB.

Free parking spaces are available near the meeting point in Arbatax. Look for the guides in teal T-shirts. The tour is offered in English and Italian, though the quality of spoken English can vary by skipper and departure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour runs with at least two participants. Pets are not allowed.

Who should book this Arbatax boat trip

I would choose this tour if you have only a few hours, want to see Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu, and prefer a small boat to a large cruise vessel. It also works well for families who want a shorter outing, provided everyone is comfortable with swimming and a fast ride.

It is a good match for you if:

• You want several coastal sights in one morning or afternoon.
• You enjoy swimming from a boat rather than walking onto every beach.
• You like small groups and a lively ride.
• You are staying in or near Arbatax.
• You want a taste of the Baunei coast before deciding on a full-day boat trip.

Think twice if you get seasick, need a stable platform, dislike direct sun, or want lots of time ashore. The boat is fast and can be wobbly, and the route depends on the sea.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the best coastal highlights in a compact three-hour outing. The combination of Pedra Longa, caves, Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, and multiple swims gives you a lot for $70, especially with a small passenger count and fuel included.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is a quick, active sampler, not a lazy beach day. Bring water, sun protection, a windbreaker, and snorkeling gear, then let the skipper adjust the route to the sea. If the coast grabs you, you may wish you had booked a full day, but the shorter trip is an excellent choice when your schedule, budget, or family energy is limited.

FAQ

How long is the Arbatax RIB tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including the boat ride, sightseeing, photo stops, and swimming stops.

What places can I see on the route?

The route can include Pedra Longa, Baus beach, Grotta dei Colombi, Porto Pedrosu, Porto Cuau, Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, and the Isolotto d’Ogliastra.

How many people fit on the boat?

The larger Domar F8 carries up to 12 passengers plus the skipper. The smaller Domar F6.5 carries up to eight passengers plus the skipper.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The trip includes a 20 to 30 minute bathing stop in caves near Cala Goloritzè, about 20 minutes swimming offshore from Cala Goloritzè, and another bathing stop near the Isolotto d’Ogliastra.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, water, food, and a windbreaker. Snorkeling equipment is also useful, but it is not listed as included.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English and Italian. The exact level of English commentary can vary by skipper.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The itinerary, stops, and stop lengths can change according to weather and the skipper’s safety decision. The trip may return early if sea conditions become too rough.