From Stintino: dinghy tour to Asinara with aperitif

Exploring Sardinia’s Hidden Gems by Dinghy: A Deep Dive into the Stintino to Asinara Tour

If you’re craving a unique way to explore Sardinia’s stunning coastline, this dinghy tour from Stintino to Asinara offers a compelling mix of scenic views, engaging storytelling, and relaxing swims. Departing from the picturesque port of Stintino, you’ll cruise along the coast in a comfortable inflatable boat, discovering iconic sites like La Pelosa, Cala Spalmatore, and the Fornelli Natural Pools. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this experience is designed to show you the most evocative jewels of this Mediterranean paradise in just 3.5 hours—a perfect escape for curious travelers seeking authentic and relaxed adventures.

What I really love about this tour is how the small-group setting (limited to just ten participants) allows for a more personal, tailored experience. Plus, the stop at Fornelli for a refreshing swim and a delicious aperitif feels like a real treat after a morning of exploring. The boat itself is well-equipped, with amenities like a stereo system, onboard shower, and sun deck that make the trip both comfortable and fun.

On the flip side, a consideration is that this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the meeting point at the parking lot. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility issues, this may not be the best fit, as the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Otherwise, the experience strikes a fine balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insight.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Small-group intimacy makes for a more personalized and engaging experience.
• Expert guides like Giovanni and Barbara share fascinating insights into the history and ecology of Asinara.
• The stunning scenery includes La Pelosa, Cala Spalmatore, and Fornelli’s natural pools—real highlight reel material.
• The perfect length of 3.5 hours balances sightseeing with relaxation, making it manageable for most schedules.
• The amenities onboard, such as snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, and onboard shower, add comfort and convenience.
• Authentic experiences like the delicious local aperitif serve as a memorable end to the trip, as confirmed by glowing reviews.

The Ultimate Guide to the Dinghy Tour: What to Expect and Why It Matters

If you’re serious about seeing Sardinia’s coast beyond the beaten paths, this tour offers a compelling way to do so. Starting from the port of Stintino, you’ll hop onto a Stingher 686 Xs inflatable boat, built in 2012, with a capacity for twelve people—though most trips limit to ten. The boat is equipped with a Yamaha 200 hp engine, electric Tohatsu motor, and plenty of comforts like a sun deck, stereo, onboard shower, and awning to shade you from the sun.

The Departure and Meeting Point: Getting Started

The adventure begins when the skipper, easily recognizable by a yellow flag with “Escursioni in gommone nel Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara,” waits for you in the parking lot. Plan to arrive a little early to settle in, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Remember, no hotel pickup is included, so arrange your transportation to the meeting point ahead of time.

Exploring La Pelosa and Cala Spalmatore: The Highlights

You’ll set off from the harbor and immediately start enjoying stunning views of La Pelosa, famed for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and iconic tower. The boat cruise gives you a whole new perspective on this famous beach, which is often crowded on land but feels more intimate from the water. The guide will share interesting facts about the history of the area, enriching your appreciation for this natural masterpiece.

The next stop is Cala Spalmatore, a beautiful cove where you can snorkel and take photos of the rocky formations and transparent water. It’s a perfect spot for a quick swim or to simply lounge on the boat and soak in the scenery.

The Natural Pools of Fornelli: A Swim in Paradise

One of the tour’s best-loved features is the stop at the Fornelli Natural Pools. Here, you can don your snorkel gear (provided onboard) and explore the underwater world. Many reviewers, including Alexandrine, rave about how these stops allow for relaxing swims in the pristine, clear waters, often with just your small group to enjoy the serenity. The experience is enhanced by the guide’s storytelling, which adds depth to the natural beauty around you.

The Aperitif: A Perfect Mediterranean Touch

After a couple of stops, you’ll enjoy a complimentary aperitif served onboard. Think local snacks, perhaps some Sardinian cheese or cured meats, paired with drinks as you lounge in the sun. Jonathan notes that this addition is “delicious,” adding a wonderful touch of local hospitality and making the experience feel genuinely authentic.

Why This Tour Is a Real Winner

The combination of stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and relaxed stops strikes a perfect balance. You leave with a deeper understanding of the Asinara National Park, a protected area that was once a maximum security prison and now hosts a thriving biodiversity. The guides, including Giovanni and Barbara, have been praised for their friendly, engaging manner and tailored approach—making the trip feel personalized.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic, and educational outing. It’s ideal if you enjoy small-group adventures, snorkeling, and learning about local history and ecology. It’s not suitable if you need hotel transfers, have mobility issues, or are pregnant, but otherwise, it’s a fantastic way to see Sardinia’s coast from a different angle.

Price, Value, and Practical Tips

At around 3.5 hours, the tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It includes fuel, a knowledgeable guide, snorkeling equipment, an onboard shower, Wi-Fi, stereo, and a complimentary aperitif—all valuable perks that many similar tours might charge extra for. The limited group size not only ensures a more intimate experience but also allows guides to tailor the visit to your interests.

Remember to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, a waterproof camera, and your ID for registration. Pack a light windbreaker, a hat, and a towel, especially if you plan to swim and relax on deck. The tour emphasizes respecting marine life and the environment, so avoid touching animals or plants and follow safety instructions carefully.

Dealing with Logistics and Timing

Since there’s no hotel pickup, plan your transportation to the meeting point in advance. Check the specific departure times when booking, as they vary, and aim to arrive early. Weather can influence the trip, so keep an eye on the forecast—bad weather may delay or cancel, but typically, the tour operates smoothly in fair conditions.

Who Should Book?

This tour is great for adventurous, curious travelers who enjoy a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and learning. Families with older children, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate small-group atmospheres will find it especially rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This dinghy tour to Asinara offers an intimate glimpse into Sardinia’s spectacular coastlines and natural pools, with the added bonus of engaging guides and a tasty aperitif. For around three and a half hours, you’ll experience some of the most iconic sights in Sardinia’s marine park, all from the comfort of a well-equipped boat.

The value is clear when you consider the inclusions—snorkeling gear, knowledgeable guides, and the small-group setting—plus the authentic experience of local hospitality. If you’re seeking a relaxed, scenic adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and a dash of luxury, this tour is a real winner.

Just remember to plan your transportation, pack appropriately, and get ready for a memorable day exploring Sardinia’s coastline in style.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day adventure with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.

Are the snorkeling masks and tubes included?
Yes, snorkeling gear such as masks and tubes are provided onboard for your stops in the natural pools and Cala Spalmatore.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You will need to arrange your own transportation to the designated meeting point in the parking lot.

Can I bring food and drinks onboard?
While the tour includes a complimentary aperitif, you can bring your own food and drinks, especially if you want a snack later or specific dietary options.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for older children and adults. It’s not recommended for pregnant women or travelers with mobility issues, as the activity involves some boat boarding and swimming.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, hat, sunglasses, water, and any personal medications. Pack light but prepare for sun and water activities.

This dinghy trip from Stintino to Asinara combines the best of Sardinia’s scenic coastlines, historical intrigue, and relaxing waters, all in just over three hours. Whether you’re after stunning views, a quiet swim, or a taste of local hospitality, this tour delivers on multiple fronts—and leaves you with unforgettable memories.