Sailing In Sardinia
Sardinia offers one of the most spectacular yet lesser-known sailing holidays in the Mediterranean. With its emerald coves, rugged coastline, and laid-back island charm, this is Italy at its wildest and most beautiful. As with our other small-group sailing adventures in Croatia, Greece, and French Polynesia, this trip blends comfort, connection, and off-the-beaten-track exploration. Highlights include swimming in crystal-clear bays, exploring ancient port towns, enjoying long Italian dinners on deck and even a hop across to Bonifacio, Corsica’s dramatic cliff-top town that feels straight out of a movie.
Itinerary & Map
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your Water By Nature trip leader and escorted to your hotel in the heart of Sardinian countryside.
Included: Dinner
Today after breakfast, we’ll head down to our yacht in Portisco, the lovely little port where we find our home aboard our 55 foot yacht for the coming days. After your skipper has shown you to your cabin and shared safety on board, we’ll cast off and head for the short sail to our beautiful destination for this evening, Tavolara Island. We’ll enjoy sundowners on the board and a wonderful meal cooked by your crew.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
After on board breakfast, we set sail bound for an island which itself is a national monument. Caprera was purchased by famous Italian historical figure Giuseppe Garibaldi and you canvisit his house at Porto Garibaldi which has now become a museum. Whether you spend your day basking in the Mediterranean sunshine or exploring the quaint fisherman’s village, Caprera is guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful spots on your trip!
Included: All meals
Today, we’ll be sailing to another country. Yes, we sail from Italian waters, to French waters in the South of Corsica.
As you approach Bonifacio, you’ll be greeted by a stunning natural harbour that beckons you in to see more!
We’ll enjoy an evening meal in this spectacular port.
Included: All meals
After a lovely breakfast in Bonifacio, we set sail back towards Sardinia where you’ll be greeted by one of the best photo opportunities of the trip – the incredible pink sands of Budelli Island!
As part of the La Maddalena National Park, Budelli is incredibly well protected to ensure its pristine condition can be enjoyed by all visitors meaning you won’t find a bustling town here, but rather a tiny oasis that feels truly cut off from the rest of the world.
Enjoy dinner on board this evening with some lovely wine pairings.
Included: All meals
Another wonderful day of sailing on the cards today. A chance to take the wheel and feel the wind in your hair. Today we are bound for Maddalena, a rather large and busy island. Here you will find a bustling town with lots of shops and restaurants to explore that has been in existence since ancient times – you just have to look at the fortifications cut into the rocky terrain to get a sense of how long this military stronghold has been in significance. Evening meal ashore.
Included: All meals
Start your day by leaving the charming island of Maddalena, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning coastline. On our way, we take a detour to Spargi, a secluded island with pristine beaches and lush, Mediterranean vegetation. Ideal for a swim, snorkel, or simply relaxing in the sun, Spargi’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for water sports. The rugged coastline also offers numerous hidden coves, ideal for a peaceful lunch stop on board.
Before reaching Porto Cervo, we may make a quick stop at the glamorous Cala di Volpe. This stunning bay is famous for its luxury resorts and is a favourite of the jet-set crowd. Once we arrive in Porto Cervo, Sardinia’s chicest town, prepare to be enchanted by its glamorous atmosphere. Stroll through the quaint streets lined with upscale boutiques, cafes, and luxury yachts. Take a moment to visit the Church of Stella Maris, which sits high above the harbour and offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline.
Included: All meals
This morning on our penultimate day, we take the beautiful sail back to Portisco and back to our hotel for the evening, for as wonderful meal and a celebratory night together.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, we’ll take you back to the airport in Olbia for your onward flight.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Saturday 30 August 2025 - Sunday 7 September 2025 Total Cost: $7800 | £6000 | €7195 | 9 days |
| Saturday 13 June 2026 - Sunday 21 June 2026 Total Cost: $8450 | £6250 | €7500 | 9 days |
| Saturday 29 August 2026 - Sunday 6 September 2026 Total Cost: $8450 | £6250 | €7500 | 9 days |
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Download equipment file- A pair of Chacos / Keens or similar sandals. (Sandals with a closed toe are ideal)
- 2 pairs of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costumes or bikinis for ladies.
- 2 rash vests (not cotton) or long sleeved top to wear under your personal flotation device.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line or from your river crew.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- Lightweight neutral coloured long trousers.
- Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirt or t shirt.
- 1 pair of Shorts.
- Fleece jumper / sweatshirt.
- Sarong.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Underwear.
- A 4-season sleeping bag for August departures, 3-season sleeping bag for September onwards. (Can be hired in advance)
- Travel Pillow.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Flip flops for wearing around camp.
- Thermal top and bottoms. (Good to sleep in)
- 1 pair of light weight neutral coloured trousers
- 1 long sleeved top or t shirt neutral coloured.
- Fleece or jumper.
- T shirt and shorts for day wear.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Any medication you may be taking.
- Anti malarial medication.
- Insect repellent.
- Blister plasters.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
- If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
- Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.
- Tents, sleeping mats.
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