ITALY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 rib boat tours in Italy worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Set out from Marina Piccola in an 8.5 or 10-meter Zodiac RIB with an English or Italian-speaking skipper. Cruise past Poetto and the Devil’s Saddle, then stop at Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and nearby coves for swimming, snorkeling, and 1 to 2 glasses of homemade white wine.
“very nice, i can recommend 2h trip. This is enough!”
From Arbatax, ride a fast RIB along the Baunei coast with an English or Italian-speaking skipper. Expect Pedra Longa, Grotta dei Colombi, Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, sea caves, and several swim stops. Marco, Alessandro, and Simone have guided recent outings.
“This might’ve been one of the highlights of my Sardinia trip! The day was well organized and overall an amazing experience. Our skipper and guide, Simone, took the time to explain each stop. Although it was reported to be a bit windy, the weather was great. He made sure everyone felt safe and had a great time on the boat and in the water. Also, the smaller group made the experience even more special. Highly recommend!”
Spend four hours aboard a small RIB with a certified skipper such as Enzo or Giulio, visiting clear-water coves around Budelli, Spargi, Razzoli, or Caprera. You get several swim stops, snorkel gear, shade, and a faster, more personal ride than a large excursion boat.
“Amazing! Beautifully planned and well executed to cover the 4 hours. We were able to have 4 stops to swim and visit beaches and toured around to enjoy the sea. Highly recommended”
Join Escursì from Olbia Marina for a 3.5-hour RIB trip toward Figarolo, Capo Figari, and Cala Moresca. Guide Davide and the marine biology team help you spot dolphins, explain their behavior, and choose the best swim stop based on sea conditions. Snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are included.
“Super, et vu énormément de dauphins mes filles étaient émerveillée je recommande sans hésiter.”
Set out from Dock H for a small-group RIB cruise along Cagliari’s Gulf. Your skipper takes you past Sella del Diavolo, Cala Fighera, Calamosca, Sant’Elia, and Poetto, with three swimming and snorkeling stops. English and Italian guides include snorkeling gear, fuel, and insurance.
“The tour was lovely, we had the opportunity to swim in three different spots and the guide was very kind and helpful”
Join a small-group maxi rib tour from Poetto’s Marina Piccola for two hours of swimming and snorkeling near Sella del Diavolo, Calamosca, and Cala Fighera. Your skipper, possibly Emilio, Andrea, Francesco, or Marco, provides gear, local tips, and one or two glasses of homemade white wine.
“Emilio was the best skipper - had awesome chats and recommendations for us and took us to see some absolutely gorgeous views 100% worth the money”
From Porto Rotondo, ride a comfortable BWA 750 RIB with a skipper to four or five beaches and islands, including Capriccioli, Elephant Beach, Mortorio, Soffi, and Le Camere. The guide speaks Italian and English. Bring water, sun protection, and swimwear. Snorkeling gear costs extra.
“We loved spending the day with Gippo! He showed us beautiful beaches while telling us about Sardinia’s history.”
Spend up to eight hours on a private RIB with Daniele or Valeria around La Maddalena, Spargi, Budelli, Caprera, and nearby islands. Choose your stops, swim in clear coves, enjoy drinks and snacks, and decide whether to eat aboard or ashore. Fuel and lunch cost extra.
“Daniele and Valeria were excellent. They were very friendly and very informative. The day was a little windy and Daniele was able to take us to the most sheltered coves and beaches and they were all breathtakingly beautiful. The boat was verRead more”
Take a self-drive inflatable boat from La Darsena in Vieste and spend about four hours exploring the Gargano coast. Boats can reach sea caves, quiet coves, and swimming spots near Mattinata. Rental is for up to six people, with fuel charged separately at €50.
“Uncomplicated boat rental. 40hp without licence. Boat is fast enough and you manage to cover a good distance. Fantastic coast line with unforgettable swimming in marine caves. To be recommended.”
Spend eight hours aboard a 12-seat RIB visiting Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani. Expect swim stops at Cala Azzurra, Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, and Cala Minnola, plus lunch, wine, and an afternoon aperitif. Skippers including Pasquale and Santo have been praised for their friendly care, though English commentary may vary.
“Le skipper a discuté toute la journée en italien avec les italiens laissant sur le carreau français et espagnols. Aucun échange, aucune explication concernant les 2 îles. Aucun effort ! Traversée catastrophique pour 3 d’entre nous : malgré tee-shirts et serviettes nous étions trempés. Le skipper ne nous a rien dit comme si cela était tout à fait normal. Activité décevante !!!”
Spend about eight hours on a private RIB for up to 10 people, visiting Spargi, Pink Beach, Porto della Madonna, and one additional island. A skipper handles the route, while you swim from the boat, snorkel in shallow water, and enjoy a flexible day in Sardinia’s national park.
“It was a lot of fun. We were sailed to the most beautiful bays and swam everywhere from the boat. Skipper Mario knew the area very well. Given the speed of the boat, 1 day gives you enough time to see the entire archipelago.Auto-translated”
Set out from Arbatax with an Italian- or English-speaking skipper on a 2024 RIB for an eight-hour tour of the Gulf of Orosei. Swim at Cala Goloritzè, Cala Luna, and Cala Mariolu, with Cala Biriala or Grotta del Fico as the flexible fourth stop.
“Unfortunately due to weather we had to cut our tour short. However it was a perfect 3 hour tour and we enjoyed the weather. Our guide was great”
Set out from Palau in a RIB boat for four hours among La Maddalena’s granite islands. A local skipper chooses a La Maddalena or Caprera route based on sea conditions, stopping at clear-water coves for swimming and snorkeling. The boat carries up to 10 people, with water and gear included.
“Very nice experience. Skipper very competent and nice .. advice . Unforgettable beautiful placesAuto-translated”
Set out from Arbatax with a skipper on a 2024 Domar inflatable boat. In about three hours, you’ll see Pedra Longa, Cala Goloritzé, and Cala Mariolu, with time for photos, swimming, and coastal views. Guide Pier-Angelo is named in the tour feedback, and departure times change by season.
“It was a quick but unforgettable experience! If you don’t want to spend all day on a boat tour would highly recommend!”
Set out from the Gulf of Cugnana on a private RIB for up to six people. Your skipper takes you along Costa Smeralda to Capo Figari, Figarolo, and Cala Moresca, with dolphin watching, swimming, snorkeling, and onboard refreshments.
“Always beautiful places to see, snorkeling in Figarolo was beautiful. Magic sea of Sardinia. Our captain was very kind and professional.Auto-translated”
Every kind of fast boat on the site, and the water it runs on.
