Dolphin Watching Boat Excursion to Figarolo Island from Olbia

If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia and want an experience that combines wildlife sightings, beautiful scenery, and a bit of adventure, this dolphin watching boat excursion from Olbia to Figarolo Island might be just the ticket. Priced at $68.50 per person, this roughly 3.5-hour tour is praised for its friendly guides, close encounters with dolphins, and opportunities to snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The tour operates with an intimate small group—no more than 8 travelers—making it perfect if you’re after a more personal, relaxed vibe rather than a crowded cruise.

What sets this tour apart for me is the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat—an experience that feels authentic rather than staged. Plus, the highlight of exploring the Cape Figari love cave and its towering cliffs offers a uniquely Sardinian backdrop, making for memorable photos. Another aspect I appreciate is the knowledgeable guides, like Francesco, who have a genuine passion for marine biology and Sardinian nature. They make the journey educational without turning it into a lecture, which enhances the overall experience. One thing worth considering: since the boat only takes up to 8 people, booking early, often around 29 days in advance, is a good idea, especially during peak season.

A slight caveat to keep in mind is that dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed every single time—the chance of spotting dolphins is about 80%, which is pretty good, but not a certainty. If seeing marine mammals is your main goal, it’s good to have the expectation set. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years or pregnant women, due to the nature of the activity.

Key Points

Small-group intimacy enhances the experience, making it feel personalized and less crowded.
Snorkeling stops at scenic spots like Figarolo Island allow you to swim among colorful fish and explore underwater life.
Expert guides with marine biology backgrounds, like Francesco, provide engaging insights and ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Stunning scenery along Sardinia’s coastline, including cliffs and caves, makes for great photos and memorable moments.
Wild dolphin sightings are highly probable, adding a magical element to your day on the water.
Good value for the price, considering the inclusions of drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the chance to see dolphins in the wild.

When it comes to finding a memorable boat trip in Sardinia, this dolphin-watching tour to Figarolo Island offers a winning combination of wildlife, scenery, and small-group comfort. I’ll break down what you can expect from start to finish, highlight the things that make this trip special, and share some practical tips to help you make the most of it.

The Itinerary — What You’ll Actually Do

The adventure begins at the Marina di Olbia, where you’ll meet your small crew and friendly skipper, Francesco or Antonio, both with around 20 years of experience. This isn’t a tour that just takes you on a ride; it’s designed to maximize your chance of seeing dolphins, swimming, and enjoying Sardinian nature.

Once aboard a new, comfy dinghy, you’ll set sail along Sardinia’s coast, enjoying panoramic views of towering cliffs and coastal caves. The highlight for many is spotting wild bottlenose dolphins—a feat roughly 80% of the time—as they cruise in their natural environment. Many reviewers mention seeing two pods, including juveniles, which adds a special touch. One guest, MayaSheehy_C, described the experience as “wonderful,” noting how friendly and knowledgeable the guides were.

The tour features two long stops in beautiful spots like Figarolo Island and Cala Moresca. Here, you can don snorkeling gear provided on board to explore underwater, swimming amid schools of bright, lively fish. These stops are ideal for relaxing and soaking in Sardinia’s famed crystal-clear waters. Sacha_S loved the “swimming and snorkeling from the boat,” while others appreciate the calm, turquoise bays perfect for a peaceful swim.

Another bonus is the opportunity to visit the Cape Figari love cave—a dramatic, towering rock formation that’s perfect for photos or just marveling at nature’s artistry. The guides also share insights about marine biology and local geology, making the trip not just fun but educational.

The Small-Group Experience

One of the best things about this tour is its limited size—maximum 8 travelers—which keeps it intimate, personalized, and more comfortable. This also means you’re less likely to be part of a noisy crowd and more likely to get close to the dolphins and scenery.

Travelers seem to agree that the guides, like Francesco and Antonio, are friendly, attentive, and eager to share their knowledge. MayaSheehy_C called Francesco “great—friendly, knowledgeable, and kind”—and reviews consistently praise the guides’ enthusiasm and responsiveness. Many mention that they go above and beyond to ensure the experience is memorable, including offering drinks, and in one case, even inviting guests for a quick espresso after exploring.

The Practical Side — Price, Duration, and What It Means for You

At $68.50 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included snorkeling gear, drinks, and the chance to see dolphins in the wild—which can be a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many. The duration of about 3.5 hours allows plenty of time for relaxing, wildlife spotting, and swimming, without feeling rushed. Booking around 29 days in advance is recommended, especially in high season, to secure your spot.

The meeting point is conveniently located at Via Piovene in Olbia, close to public transportation, making it easy to reach. The tour operates weather permitting, and it’s worth noting that if the weather turns bad, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits nature lovers, families with older children (over 3 years old), and anyone keen to see marine wildlife in an authentic setting. If you’re after stunning scenery paired with wildlife, like dolphins and dolphins’ favorite hangouts such as caves and turquoise bays, this is a perfect fit. It’s less for those looking for a luxury cruise or a big-party vibe but excellent for travelers who value small-group intimacy and authentic Sardinian experiences.

This dolphin-watching tour offers a blend of wildlife, scenic beauty, and educational insights, all wrapped into a manageable half-day trip. The small-group size ensures you get plenty of personal attention, while the chance to spot dolphins adds genuine excitement—not to mention some fantastic photo opportunities. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic experience rather than a commercialized cruise.

If your ideal day involves being on Sardinia’s shimmering waters, meeting friendly guides who genuinely love their work, and possibly catching sight of playful dolphins, then this tour won’t disappoint. Just remember to book early, bring your camera, and prepare for a memorable slice of Sardinian coast.

How long is the boat tour?
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you ample time for dolphin watching, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery.

What is the group size?
This is a small-group experience, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring comfort and a more personal atmosphere.

Are drinks included?
Yes, drinks are always available on board, and some reviews mention the guides offering snacks and even inviting guests for a quick espresso.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour includes snorkel stops with equipment provided, allowing you to swim and explore underwater life.

How probable is dolphin sighting?
The chance of seeing dolphins is about 80%, which is quite high, but sightings are not guaranteed every single trip.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 0 to 3 years are not allowed, and pregnant women are advised against participating, mainly because of the nature of the boat activity.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, swimwear, towel, sun protection, and maybe a waterproof case for your phone.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the MOYS – Marina di Olbia Yachting Services, via Piovene and returns to the same location.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This dolphin-watching boat trip to Figarolo Island from Olbia is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an authentic marine adventure, welcoming guides, and the chance to see Sardinia’s marine life in their natural environment. It’s a well-organized, value-packed outing that combines scenery, wildlife, and a touch of Sardinian magic—all in just a few hours.