Alghero: Full day on a catamaran in Porto Conte Natural Park

Sea days do not get much better. This seven-hour catamaran trip from Marina di Porto Conte combines Capo Caccia’s bold cliffs, clear swimming water, and a proper Sardinian meal on board. I especially like the small group size, with space for up to 12 participants, and the fact that the price includes both an aperitif and lunch. The main consideration is simple: the route and swimming stops depend on weather and the skipper’s judgment.

I also like the boat itself. Built in 2021, the 10-meter catamaran has a wide 7-meter beam, a large front sun deck, shaded seating, two ladders, a bathroom, an outdoor shower, and a paddleboard. Tony, one of the captains praised for making the day fun and checking that everyone was comfortable, adds a friendly touch. Still, this trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments, and it only runs with at least six participants.

Key points to know before you book

• Two guaranteed stops: The planned route includes Cala Inferno and Dragunara Cove, though weather can change the exact timing.
• A small, well-equipped boat: The catamaran carries up to 12 participants plus two crew members, with shade, sun space, ladders, a toilet, and snorkeling masks.
• A full Sardinian meal: You get an aperitif, linguine with clams, garlic-and-parsley prawns, fruit, local desserts, coffee, myrtle liqueur, wine, and water.
• Capo Caccia from the water: The cliffs look especially imposing as you sail inside and outside Porto Conte Bay.
• A relaxed rather than rushed pace: The seven-hour schedule leaves time for swimming, snorkeling, eating, and enjoying the coast.
• A flexible reservation: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve now while paying later.

Setting out from Marina di Porto Conte

Your day begins at Marina di Porto Conte, at the end of the leftmost pier. This detail matters because the harbor has no parking inside its main area. You can park along the roadside near the harbor entrance, then walk down to the catamaran.

The boat is a 2021 catamaran measuring 10 meters long and 7 meters wide. That broad shape usually means more room to move around than you would get on a narrow day boat. With a maximum of 12 participants and two crew members, the group stays small enough for the skipper to keep an eye on swimmers and answer questions in Italian, English, or French.

I would arrive ready for the water rather than dressed for a formal boat trip. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. You will have access to a shaded section, but Sardinian sun can still be strong when you are surrounded by bright water for hours.

The boat has two climbing ladders, which makes getting back aboard easier after a swim. There is also an outdoor shower, a bathroom, floating tubes or straps, and snorkeling masks. These are practical features, not decoration. They mean you do not need to pack your own mask or worry about balancing on the side of a small rigid boat.

Seeing Capo Caccia from Porto Conte Bay

The first part of the trip takes you around Porto Conte Regional Park, both within the bay and out toward the open coast. The main visual event is Capo Caccia, a large limestone headland with steep cliffs dropping toward the sea.

From land, Capo Caccia is impressive. From a catamaran, you get a different sense of its scale because the water gives you room to view the rock face from below. The shifting angle also helps you notice the contrast between the pale cliffs, darker rock shelves, and clear water along the coast.

The route is not just a transfer to the swimming spots. The skipper may point out coastal details and local curiosities as the boat moves along. Since the guide languages are Italian, English, and French, you can ask questions without relying only on scenery.

I like this part of the trip because it gives the day some shape. You are not simply anchored in one cove for seven hours. You get coastal views, open-water sailing, and time at two separate locations. At the same time, keep expectations sensible. The exact route can change with wind and sea conditions, so the skipper has the final say.

Cala Inferno for snorkeling and swimming

The first planned stop is Cala Inferno. Its clear water and rocky seabed make it the best stop for snorkeling. The rocks give small marine life places to shelter, so this is where you will want to use the provided masks.

The water may look inviting from the deck, but the real value comes from getting in. You can swim near the catamaran, look down through the clear surface, and spend time at your own pace rather than being pushed through a short photo stop.

The boat’s two ladders help here. After snorkeling, you can climb back aboard without hauling yourself over a high side. The outdoor shower lets you rinse off salt before lunch, while the shaded area gives you a place to cool down.

I would bring your own favorite mask if you have one, but the supplied equipment means you can still enjoy the stop without extra gear. Beach shoes are not listed among the required items, so do not assume they are provided. If your feet are sensitive around rocky water, you may want to ask the provider about suitable footwear before departure.

Cala Inferno is also a good test of whether this excursion fits you. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable getting in and out of the sea from a catamaran ladder. The boat carries floating tubes or straps, which may help you relax in the water, but the excursion is not designed as a fully accessible beach outing.

Dragunara Cove and lunch on board

The second main stop is Dragunara Cove, where the trip shifts from swimming and scenery to food. Lunch is served on board, so you do not lose time returning to shore or changing venues.

The meal begins with linguine with clams. The second course is prawns sautéed with garlic and parsley, followed by seasonal fruit, Sardinian desserts, coffee, and a myrtle digestif. A glass of white wine is included, along with water.

This is a generous meal for a boat excursion. Many day trips give you a sandwich and call it lunch. Here, food is part of the experience, and the menu gives you a taste of coastal Sardinia through seafood, local sweets, and myrtle, a traditional island liqueur.

Before lunch, the aperitif includes a board of sausage and pecorino cheese, a glass of wine, and water. That first spread is useful after the initial sailing and swim, while the larger meal comes later at Dragunara Cove.

I would tell you to treat this as a leisurely meal, not a restaurant with a fixed menu for every dietary need. The supplied information does not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or gluten-free alternatives. If you have dietary restrictions, contact Escursì before booking rather than hoping the crew can make a last-minute change.

The dining setting is part of the appeal. You are eating on a catamaran with the cove nearby, rather than sitting indoors. That makes the meal memorable, though wind and boat movement can affect comfort. If you prefer a completely steady table, a land-based restaurant will suit you better.

Finding your best spot on the catamaran

The layout gives you several ways to spend the day. The large front sun deck is the place for open views and full sun. The shaded section works better when you want to read, eat, or escape the heat. The broad design also lets you change position instead of being stuck in one seat.

I like having both choices because a seven-hour outing can feel long if there is nowhere to retreat from the sun. The bathroom is another welcome feature, especially for a full-day trip far from shore.

The inflatable SUP adds another option at the swimming stops. You can use it for a different view of the water, while floating tubes or straps are handy for relaxing without constantly swimming. Snorkeling masks are supplied, and the ladders make repeated trips into the sea less awkward.

The boat’s maximum capacity is 14 people total, including 12 participants and two crew. That is not a private charter, but it is a manageable group. It should feel more personal than a large excursion boat, while still keeping the price below what a private catamaran would cost.

Is $155.20 a fair price?

At $155.20 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Porto Conte. You are paying for a full seven-hour outing, fuel, a skipper, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, an aperitif, lunch, wine, and water.

I think the price makes sense if you want a complete day rather than a short sailing trip. Buying a meal and drinks separately, arranging transport between coastal stops, and renting water equipment could quickly narrow the gap. The small group also adds value, particularly for a trip where the skipper needs to manage swimming stops and changing weather.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quick boat ride or a short swim. You might not need seven hours on the water, and the schedule will feel excessive if you are not interested in snorkeling, long meals, or relaxing between stops.

The inclusion of fuel is worth noting. There should not be a surprise fuel charge added later. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure also gives you some protection if your plans change, while the pay-later option lets you reserve without paying immediately.

What the positive feedback tells you

The strongest praise centers on the crew, food, scenery, and relaxed mood. Tony is specifically praised for keeping the group entertained and making sure everyone was comfortable. That matters on a day when the same person is guiding the route, handling the boat, and helping people in and out of the water.

The food receives equally strong approval. The menu is not a token snack, and the seafood-centered meal gives the day a distinctly Sardinian feel. If you care about eating well on excursions, this is one of the better reasons to choose this trip over a basic sightseeing cruise.

The views also earn repeated praise, especially the coast around Capo Caccia. The combination of cliffs, small coves, and clear swimming water gives the day visual variety. You will not spend the entire trip looking at the same stretch of shore.

The current score is 4.9 from 15 ratings, which points to a consistently positive experience, though the sample is still small. I would read that as a strong sign for the crew and overall atmosphere, not as a promise that weather, water conditions, or menu preferences will suit every person.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would recommend this catamaran trip to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want swimming, scenery, and lunch without arranging each part separately. Children appear to enjoy the mix of water time, boat space, and food, based on the strong family response to the experience.

It also suits you if you prefer a social boat day rather than a private charter. You will share the catamaran with other participants, but the 12-person limit keeps the group from becoming unwieldy.

This is less suitable if you have limited mobility, are pregnant, dislike getting into the sea from a boat, or need a guaranteed route. It is also not suitable for pets. People who want complete control over departure time, stops, and menu options should consider a private hire instead.

The itinerary is confirmed with at least six participants. That means the trip depends on enough bookings, so keep the flexible cancellation terms in mind when planning your Sardinia schedule.

Final call: book it if you want a complete coastal day

I would book this experience if you want to combine Porto Conte’s scenery with proper time in the water and a substantial Sardinian lunch. The small group, modern catamaran, equipment, and attentive crew give it more substance than a basic coastal cruise.

Choose another option if you need wheelchair-friendly access, a guaranteed itinerary, or a short excursion. For everyone else, $155.20 is a reasonable price for seven hours that include sailing, snorkeling, an aperitif, lunch, drinks, and a view of Capo Caccia from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at Marina di Porto Conte. The catamaran is at the end of the leftmost pier. Parking is available on the roadside at the harbor entrance, but not inside the harbor area.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the date you want.

Which swimming stops are included?

The itinerary guarantees at least two stops, Cala Inferno and Dragunara Cove. The skipper may change the route or timing because of weather conditions.

What food and drinks are included?

The aperitif includes sausage, pecorino cheese, a glass of wine, and water. Lunch includes linguine with clams, prawns with garlic and parsley, seasonal fruit, Sardinian desserts, coffee, a myrtle digestif, a glass of white wine, and water.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Snorkeling masks, floating tubes or straps, and a paddleboard are available on the catamaran.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or pets. It is confirmed with at least six participants, and the guide languages are Italian, English, and French.