Orosei Coast Cruise with Optional Fico Cave from Arbatax Sardinia

Arbatax, Isolotto d'Ogliastra and Pedra Longa

The day starts at Arbatax harbour on Sardinia's east coast, famous for its red porphyry rocks. As soon as the boat leaves you see the Isolotto d'Ogliastra on the right, a small island of pink granite and red porphyry. Heading north past Santa Maria Navarrese, the coast rises into limestone, and Pedra Longa appears: a slender pinnacle about 128 metres high rising straight from the sea, the guardian of the Baunei coast.

From here the boat follows a coastline with no roads, only cliffs, caves and hidden coves. You pass the Baus waterfalls, the Colombi cave, the headland of Capo Monte Santo and the two natural inlets of Cala Scirocco and Cala Tramontana. An Arbatax boat tour is the easiest way to see this stretch, which is otherwise reachable only on long mountain hikes.

Cala Goloritzé

Cala Goloritzé is the icon of the Orosei coast: a small beach of white pebbles below a limestone spire about 143 metres high and a natural arch carved by the sea. Protected as a natural monument, it has repeatedly been voted among the most beautiful beaches in the world, and boats are not allowed to land, which keeps it pristine.

The boat first slows down in front of the beach for photos, and on the return journey stops offshore for a swim of about 40 to 50 minutes, so you can dive into the crystal-clear turquoise water below the arch. Swimming off the boat depends on weather and sea conditions and is always at the captain's discretion.

Cala Mariolu and the Fico Cave

Cala Mariolu is a beach of smooth white and pink pebbles where the water shades from transparent to deep blue, often named among the finest beaches in Italy. Because this boat is among the first to arrive each morning, you enjoy about two hours here before most other boats appear. Umbrellas can be rented from the boat, and the snorkelling around the rocks is excellent.

From Cala Mariolu you can also join an optional guided visit of the Grotta del Fico, the Fico Cave, a karst cave with stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes that was once a refuge of the Mediterranean monk seal. The entry is paid on site, and after the visit you still have about an hour on the beach. Many travellers search for how to get to Cala Mariolu: by boat, as on this tour, is by far the simplest way.

Cala Luna

Cala Luna is one of the longest and most famous beaches of the Orosei coast, a crescent of fine pale sand closed between tall limestone walls with large sea caves opening at the water's edge. Behind the beach, a freshwater stream forms a small pond fringed with oleanders, and the cliffs are popular with climbers.

The boat anchors in front of the beach for a swim stop of about 40 to 50 minutes straight off the deck. The water here is clear and the sandy seabed gives it a lovely turquoise colour. Cala Luna lies on the border between the Baunei and Dorgali areas, and local beach access tickets may be requested by the authorities.

Cala Sisine and planning your day

The last long stop is Cala Sisine, where a deep canyon running down from the Supramonte mountains opens onto a beach of sand and pebbles shaded by holm oaks. You have about an hour to relax, swim or snorkel before the boat heads back to Arbatax, arriving around 17:00.

The best time for an Orosei coast cruise is June and September, when the sea is warm and the beaches less crowded; July and August are the busiest months. The tour runs from April to October, with prices and onboard commentary varying by month. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and an ID card; food and drinks can be bought on board.