The 13 Sailing Trips in Italy That Earn Their Price

1.Catamaran Sunset Jazz Cruise with Aperitivo

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,206 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $94Our pick

Spend 90 minutes aboard a roomy sailing catamaran with host Andreas and a live saxophonist. Cruise San Marco Bay, the Giudecca Canal, and toward Lido as Venice catches the sunset. Your ticket includes cicchetti and one drink, with extra cocktails, prosecco, and spritz available from the bar.

“This was an amazing experience for our large family. The crew were so nice and friendly! The music was great and seeing Venice at sunset with a rainbow was a memory we will never forget! Great for kids and adults! The boat was huge and they give you an amazing view of San Marco square for pictures. I would recommend this as a must to anyone visiting Venice!”

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2.From Palau or La Maddalena: Archipelago Sailing Ship Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 903 reviews · 7 hours · from $77

Join a multilingual crew, including guide Letizia on many departures, for a seven-hour motorsailer trip around Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi. You’ll see Spiaggia Rosa from the water, swim from the boat, reach beaches by tender, and buy pasta, crepes, drinks, or bring your own lunch.

“We enjoyed it, the only downside was the guide, I dont think she enjoys her job …., the english translation was 10% of the italian, the spanish was for who ?, on the back of the boat you could not hear anything anyhow. Then again I would go again, even without a guide.”

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3.From Porec: Venice Catamaran Crossing One-Way or Round-Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 638 reviews · from $94

Take a high-speed catamaran from Poreč to Venice, with a short onboard introduction and free time in the city. You arrive around 10:30 and return at 4:30 PM. Guides including Sandra, Dorota, and Žiga can arrange optional gondola rides, lunch, and boat transfers. Bring your passport and pack light.

“loved the hole day..they do a 110 euros all in for food and transfers and gondola ride ...definitely worth it”

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4.Alghero: Sunset Sailing Aperitif Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 367 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Set sail from Alghero with skipper Andrea for a relaxed two-hour evening on the water. You’ll sail toward Maddalenetta, stop for swimming and snorkeling, then enjoy Sardinian snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and homemade spritz as the sun sets over the bay. Stand-up paddle equipment and masks are included.

“Amazing experience! The trip had everything! A beautiful boat, lovely company, tasty food, free-flowing drinks and even a wedding proposal. Andreas was a wonderful and very funny guide. My mom and I really enjoyed it. We debated at length if the sunset was “too much” but I think it was just enough. Well worth every penny.”

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5.Sailing day trip on Tall Ship Andrea Jensen with Lunch and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 360 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $169Top rated

Spend about seven hours aboard the 86-year-old Andrea Jensen with Colin and Rachel, sailing from Alghero along Sardinia’s Coral Riviera. You’ll see Capo Caccia’s cliffs, swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, and enjoy a freshly prepared two-course lunch with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. The group is limited to 12.

“What a great experience!!! Andrea and her crew were exceptional. The food was fresh and very tasty. Beer and wine is always an awesome idea. I had a beautiful day with my family. Would recommend to everyone 👍”

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6.Sailing Tour with 4 Stops, Snorkeling and Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 341 reviews · from $61Best value

Spend three hours sailing from Cagliari with Alma Sailing Charter toward the Devil’s Saddle. Swim and snorkel at Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and Sella del Diavolo, hear local stories from guides such as Alma and Patrick, and use the onboard WC, floats, masks, and fresh-water shower. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard.

“Laura and Paolo were wonderful hosts/sailors. They were very friendly and relaxed. They gave us information about the city and places we sailed past which was really cool. We anchored in two spots and had float devices and goggles for us to use. But if you want a snorkel you need to bring your own. The ladder to get back on the boat is quite narrow and not a lot of stuff to hold on to - myself and my friend both fell off the ladder trying to get back on the boat! The sea was a bit choppy, so accidentally swallowed a fair amount of sea water. Unfortunately myself…”

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7.Tour Sailboat 15 mt. BOARDING FROM LA MADDALENA islands Archipelago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 306 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $119

Spend about eight hours aboard a 15-meter sailboat from La Maddalena, stopping at Spargi, Pink Beach, Port Madonna, and Cala Santa Maria. Expect swimming, snorkeling, Sardinian food, wine, mirto, and a small group of up to 12 people. The crew may include Giuseppe, Salvatore, Max, Denny, or Ettore, depending on the departure.

“Denny and Ettore made sure everything was perfect from start to finish. Would highly recommend to anyone that wants to explore the Archipelago.”

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8.La Maddalena: Full-Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 256 reviews · 7 hours · from $117

Spend seven hours sailing from Porto Pollo through La Maddalena National Park with a professional crew such as Dimitri, Fabio, Eddie, or Enzo. Swim and snorkel near Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi, with routes adjusted for weather and your group. A local lunch, drinks, and a small group of up to 12 make this more relaxed than a large excursion boat.

“Dimitri and Fabrio were the best guide what we had. They were really friendly and kind for us. They told so much about the heritage and history of the islands. The boat was so clean and well equipped. The lunch was more than enough and was really tasty. We are more than delightful choosing this trip. Thank you guys! Anett & Laszlo”

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9.Polignano a Mare: Catamaran Tour with Aperitif & Local Food

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 249 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $63

Set out from Cala Ponte Marina with Almarano for a 2.5-hour cruise past Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, the Hermit’s Rock, and Cala Port’Alga. Guides such as Magda, Daniele, and Vittoriana share local stories, then serve focaccia, friselle, mozzarella, cold cuts, fruit, and drinks during a swim and paddleboard stop.

“The catamaran excursion was highly enjoyable and ranks among the finest we have experienced as a couple during our global travels. The vessel accommodates up to twelve passengers and offers ample seating and lounging areas. Notable landmarks, such as the Red Bull diving location used in competitions, can be observed during the trip. Local cuisine and beverages are provided, and the guide demonstrated exceptional knowledge and courtesy. Best regards, Thomas”

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10.Porto Conte: Half-day catamaran tour with aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 228 reviews · 3 hours · from $91

Spend three hours on a 2021 catamaran from Marina di Porto Conte, sailing toward Capo Caccia and stopping at Cala Dragunara for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Skipper Toni, also called Tony, provides commentary in Italian, English, or French. The aperitif includes Sardinian sausage, pecorino, white wine, and water.

“Tony was an amazing host and a great skipper. He told us a lot of interesting facts about the sights we saw and he expertly managed the boat close to the rocks so we could experience the best views. We had a lovely time swimming around the boat when it was anchored in one of the bays. Afterwards we were treated to local cheese and sausage and local wine. We had a wonderful afternoon!”

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11.Catamaran tour stops bathing and snorkeling toast with prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 214 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $73

Set out from Cagliari with Alma and her crew for a three-hour coastal cruise past historic sights, Cala Mosca, Grotta dei Colombi, and Sella del Diavolo. You’ll have about an hour to swim and snorkel, use floating aids, rinse off, and enjoy a prosecco toast. The group is limited to 12 people.

“Nice morning on the water.Boat was nice and comfortable. Room in the bow and covered space in the back as well.very nice crew.”

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12.Lampedusa: Yacht excursion, swimming stops and typical lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 195 reviews · 7 hours · from $101

Join Sciatumia for a seven-hour yacht trip around Lampedusa, led in Italian and English by guides such as Gianfranco and Francesco. Swim at Tabaccara, Isola dei Conigli, Cala Pulcino, and Muro Vecchio, visit sea caves, and enjoy a seated fish lunch with pasta, seafood, wine, dessert, fruit, coffee, and digestive.

“Esperienza da fare se si viene a Lampedusa, Gianfranco e Francesco raccontano l’isola come nessuno e sono molto preparati oltre a farti sentire a casa su Sciatu Mia. Il giro a differenza di tanti altri tour è regolato in base alla giornata. Assolutamente consigliato e il ragù di triglie spettacolare”

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13.From Palau/La Maddalena: All inclusive Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 191 reviews

Spend seven hours aboard a comfortable speedboat from Palau or La Maddalena, guided by Fabio and his crew. Swim at Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria, see Pink Beach, and enjoy aperitivo, local wine, a seafood pasta lunch, fruit, sweets, and drinks. The group is limited to 10, with paddleboards and masks available.

“Amazing day with a superb guide in Fabio and his daughter Nikki. Firstly, they went out of their way the whole day to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves, always offering drinks, playing music and providing heaps of explanations of areas and the history of the La Maddalena region. Fabio would explain in both Italian and English for all guests and genuinely tried as much as possible to communicate as much as possible. The boat is very spacious and they had a paddle board, masks and plenty of other flotation items for swimming. The food and drink on the boat was very good quality and plentiful. Cheeses, salami, prosciutto, olives,…”

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