REVIEW · SARDINIA
Exclusive Rib for Tours Along the Baunei Coast
The best part of this Baunei Coast trip is control. You get a private RIB with skipper Davide, so your group can shape the day around swimming, beach time, photographs, and the coves you most want to see. The route includes some of Sardinia’s most famous coastal stops, with clear water and dramatic sea caves.
I like the private boat and the chance to avoid the thickest crowds by adjusting the timing. I also like the practical extras: a snorkeling kit, beach umbrella, and toast are included, and Cala Luna offers the option of eating at a restaurant.
The main drawback is the price, listed at $964.04 per person. Lunch and bottled water are not included, and you’ll also pay a €3 environmental beach contribution per person. This makes the trip easiest to justify for a honeymoon, family celebration, or small group that values privacy.
Key points to know before booking

- Private RIB with Davide: Your group is the only group on the activity, with a skipper who can adjust the day.
- Five coastal stops: The route includes Cala dei Gabbiani, Cala Mariolu, Piscine di Venere, Cala Biriala, and Cala Luna.
- One hour at several beaches: Cala dei Gabbiani, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriala, and Cala Luna each receive about an hour.
- Optional Piscine di Venere stop: This is a short, 20-minute pause for photographs and swimming from the boat.
- Useful gear included: You receive a beach umbrella, snorkeling equipment, and a toast.
- Plan for extra costs: Lunch, bottled water, and the €3 beach environmental contribution are not included.
A private start from Arbatax at 9:00 am

The day begins at Via Lungomare, 13, in Arbatax, with a 9:00 am departure. The activity ends back at the same meeting point after roughly eight hours, so you are committing most of the day to the coast rather than squeezing in a short boat ride between other plans.
That timing works well for a full coastal circuit. You have enough daylight for several beach stops, but you should arrive ready to go. Bring any water and food you need, since bottled water and lunch are not part of the package.
The private format changes the feel of the outing. You are not joining a large boat with a fixed schedule and a long passenger list. Davide Skipper Arbatax runs the RIB with your group only, giving you room to shape the pace. The description specifically allows you to choose coves, times, and activities to suit your day.
That flexibility is especially useful for couples on a honeymoon or families with different swimming habits. One person might want to stay in the water, another may want photographs, and someone else may prefer a quiet hour on the beach. A private boat gives you a better chance of balancing those wishes.
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Pedra Longa sets the coastal scene
The route begins with an explanation of Pedra Longa, a well-known coastal landmark near Baunei. The information provided does not give a fixed duration for this stop, so treat it as an orientation point rather than one of the main beach sessions.
This opening explanation adds context before the swimming begins. You get a chance to look at the coast from the water and understand the setting you are about to explore. Since the day is built around coves and beaches, Pedra Longa helps frame the route rather than taking up a large portion of it.
The trip is called a marine safari, and that is a fair way to think about it. The point is not one single attraction. It is the changing rhythm of rock, cave, beach, and clear water along the Baunei Coast.
Cala dei Gabbiani gives you a full hour by the water

Cala dei Gabbiani is the first listed beach stop, with about one hour for swimming. Admission is included in the tour, though the separate €3 environmental contribution still applies to each person for the protected beaches.
An hour is long enough to make the stop feel useful rather than rushed. You can swim, use the snorkeling kit, sit beneath the beach umbrella, or simply take in the cove. The exact mix is up to you and your group.
The practical point is to use this first beach as a test of the day’s pace. If everyone is eager to swim, you may want to spend the full hour in the water. If your group prefers photographs and moving between coves, you can ask Davide to keep the schedule moving.
Because this is a private outing, the listed duration should not feel like a rigid command. Still, the route includes several major stops, so spending far longer than planned at the first beach could shorten your time later at Cala Luna or Cala Biriala.
Cala Mariolu is another proper swimming stop

Cala Mariolu receives another hour, with beach time and swimming included. Having two one-hour beach stops early in the route gives you a good chance to settle into the day without feeling that the boat is constantly rushing away.
This is also where the snorkeling equipment earns its keep. The tour includes a snorkeling kit, so you do not need to arrange that separately. The water is described as crystal clear, making the kit a useful addition for anyone who wants to look below the surface rather than only swim.
A beach umbrella is included as well. That matters on a long day in the sun, particularly if your group includes children or anyone who needs a break from the water. The umbrella is a simple item, but it makes the beach stops more comfortable.
Keep your expectations practical. The available information does not promise a particular marine animal sighting, a guided snorkeling lesson, or a specific underwater route. You are getting equipment and time in the water, not a dedicated scuba or wildlife excursion.
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Piscine di Venere keeps the plan flexible

The Piscine di Venere stop is optional and shorter, at about 20 minutes. It is intended for admiring the pools, taking photographs, and possibly swimming from the boat.
This stop works best as a quick scenic pause. You are not going ashore for a full beach session. Instead, you can remain with the RIB, look at the water and rock formations, and decide whether a short swim fits your group’s mood.
The optional nature is valuable. If the sea is calm and everyone wants a quick swim, this can be a memorable break between longer beach visits. If the group is hungry, tired, or eager to spend more time at Cala Luna, you can give it less attention.
For photographers, this may be one of the most useful parts of the day. A boat-based view lets you frame the pools and nearby coast from the water. Bring a secure phone case or camera setup if you plan to photograph while swimming, but the tour does not state that protective equipment is provided.
Cala Biriala offers another hour to slow down

Cala Biriala is scheduled for about an hour of bathing and relaxation. By this point, the day has a comfortable pattern: travel along the coast, stop at a cove, swim or rest, then move on to another stretch of water.
I like the inclusion of a dedicated relaxation stop. A route with too many short pauses can feel like a checklist, especially when you are trying to enjoy the coast. An hour at Cala Biriala gives you time to stop looking at the clock.
Use the private format here. If your group wants a quiet beach hour, tell Davide. If everyone has had enough sun, the skipper can help you manage the pace within the day’s route. The supplied details promise flexibility, but they do not guarantee that every stop can be extended indefinitely, so a conversation early in the trip is wise.
As with the other beaches, the environmental contribution is separate from the advertised price. Add €3 per person to your budget rather than treating it as an unexpected charge at the end of the day.
Cala Luna combines beach time and a meal option

Cala Luna is the final listed stop and allows about an hour on the beach. You also have the possibility of eating at the restaurant there, which gives this stop a useful role in the day’s schedule.
Lunch is not included. That means you should decide before departure whether you plan to eat at the restaurant or bring food of your own. The supplied information does not state restaurant prices, menu details, or whether a reservation is needed, so you should not build a firm meal plan around anything more specific.
The restaurant option is convenient because an eight-hour boat trip can create a real appetite. It also gives you a break from carrying all your food on the RIB. On the other hand, a restaurant meal may reduce your time for swimming and beach relaxation, particularly if service is slow.
If lunch matters to you, ask Davide at the start how he expects the timing to work. The private format should make the discussion easier, but the day still has a planned route and several stops to cover.
What the private format is worth at $964.04 per person

At $964.04 per person, this is not a casual budget boat ride. The cost makes sense only if you place a high value on having the RIB to yourself, setting the pace, and receiving direct attention from Davide.
For a honeymoon couple, the privacy may be the central reason to book. One five-star account describes the private setup as especially suitable for a honeymoon, with Davide adjusting the experience to avoid the most crowded periods. That is the clearest sign of where this tour’s value lies: not simply in reaching the beaches, but in reaching them with more control.
For a family, the calculation is different. A private boat can be worthwhile when different ages and energy levels make a fixed group schedule difficult. You can use the umbrella, snorkeling kit, and beach stops in a way that suits your own group instead of matching strangers.
For a larger group, check the final per-person cost carefully. The supplied price is per person, and the details do not state the maximum number of passengers or offer a group discount. You should confirm those points before paying.
The included toast adds a small celebratory touch, but it should not be confused with a full meal. Lunch and water remain your responsibility. Include drinks, food, the €3 environmental contribution, and any restaurant spending when comparing the total cost with other private boat choices.
What to bring for eight hours on the coast
The tour provides a beach umbrella and snorkeling kit, which saves you from arranging those items yourself. You still need to plan for the basics that are not included.
Bring:
- Bottled water
- Lunch or money for the Cala Luna restaurant
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sun protection
- A secure way to carry your phone or camera
- Any personal items you need for an eight-hour outing
These suggestions follow directly from the tour’s duration and exclusions. The activity does not list bottled water, lunch, towels, or sun protection as included, so do not assume they will be supplied.
The toast is included, but the information does not specify the drink or the amount. Think of it as a brief celebratory refreshment, not as your main source of hydration.
Who will enjoy this Baunei Coast trip most
I would put this tour high on the list for couples who want a private day on the water, especially for a honeymoon or special occasion. The ability to adjust the timing and avoid the heaviest crowds adds real value when the trip itself is the centerpiece of your day.
It also suits families who want several swimming stops without joining a larger group. You can take advantage of the beach umbrella, snorkeling kit, and longer beach sessions while keeping the day within your own rhythm.
It is less suitable if you are mainly looking for a low-cost boat transfer, a short sightseeing ride, or an organized lunch. The price is high, and the experience is built around privacy and flexibility rather than a basic ride from one beach to another.
Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. No specific accessibility details are provided, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the provider for practical information before booking.
Weather, cancellation, and the practical booking choice
This experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 am start time.
That 24-hour rule matters. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted and are not refunded. The cut-off follows local time in Sardinia.
You receive confirmation when booking, and the activity uses a mobile ticket. Keep the meeting point, Via Lungomare, 13, 08048 Arbatax NU, Italy, easy to find on your phone.
Should you book Davide’s private RIB?
Book it if you want a full private day, not merely a boat ride. The strongest reasons are the exclusive group format, Davide’s ability to adjust the pace, the five attractive coastal stops, and the chance to reduce crowd exposure by choosing your timing.
Think twice if $964.04 per person stretches your budget or if you expect lunch, water, and all beach fees to be covered. Those extras are separate, and the cost rises quickly for a larger party.
For a honeymoon, family celebration, or small group that values privacy more than low price, I can see the appeal. For everyone else, compare the total cost carefully and confirm the passenger capacity before booking. The Baunei Coast is the star, but this tour’s real advantage is having more say in how you experience it.
FAQ
Where does the private RIB tour start?
The tour starts at Via Lungomare, 13, 08048 Arbatax NU, Italy.
What time does the experience begin?
The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately eight hours and ends back at the meeting point.
Is this a private activity?
Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.
Which beaches and coastal stops are included?
The route includes an explanation at Pedra Longa, Cala dei Gabbiani, Cala Mariolu, the optional Piscine di Venere, Cala Biriala, and Cala Luna.
What is included in the price?
A beach umbrella, snorkeling kit, and toast are included.
Are lunch and bottled water included?
No. Lunch and bottled water are not included. You can potentially eat at the restaurant at Cala Luna.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.
Can I cancel the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted or refunded.
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