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Excursion Cala Mariolu by sea

Why we recommend Cala Gonone for travel by sea
Cala Mariolu Picture of Cala gonone
Cala Mariolu from the sky
Picture made by Cristiano Locci - Yellers Sardegna

For the position

A journey full of pleasant discoveries

Cala Gonone is located in the center of the Gulf of Orosei. To the north you will find a low and sandy coast. In the south coast, the marine Supramonte offers imposing cliffs overlooking the sea interspersed with small bays and numerous sea caves. Starting from the port of Cala Gonone for an excursion to Cala Mariolu allows you to admire the entire coast of Baunei (with the sun that illuminates it in the mornig) giving you the best experience possible. The last beach that can easily be reached by land from Cala Gonone is "Cala Fuili". On the boat travel to Cala Mariolu you will discover in succession Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, the beach of Isuili, Cala Biriala, the Piscine di Venere up to Ispuligidenie with the beautiful Cala Mariolu and Cala Gabbiani. Continuing you can reach Cala Goloritzè where access is allowed only by land.

For sea conditions

The "scirocco" current, coming from the southeast, is one of the most frequent winds in the Gulf of Orosei during the summer period. The sirocco waves usually "rise" around 11:00, reaching the peak of frequency when the temperature of the day reaches its maximum. Leaving for an excursion to Cala Mariolu from Cala Gonone early in the morning allows you to tackle the outbound navigation "in tranquility" reaching "Cala Goloritzè" (last beach of the gulf) in about 40 minutes. In the afternoon you will have the stern sea, or the waves will follow the direction of your return allowing you (even when there is no calm) to enjoy the return journey.

Boat trip or rubber boat rental?

what to choose

Both choices are definitely recommended and will turn into one of the best experiences of your vacation.
The excursion to Cala Mariolu by boat is the solution that will make you spend a carefree day, pampered by the crew and with many services on board. The transport company that we recommend also offers you lunch on board and is the best choice for families with children, photography enthusiasts and in general for those who want a day in complete relaxation, even in rough seas.

On the other hand, renting a rubber dinghy autonomously allows you to spend the time you want in your favorite beaches and decide for your stops on your own. The other side of the coin? The responsibility on the vehicle that you will fly as well as the burden of anchoring (which mainly falls on the driver). The difficulty and the consequent tiredness is proportional to the sea conditions and is certainly the recommended choice for those who have a minimum experience with a boat .


Recommended BOAT service in Cala Gonone


Pegaso Escursioni

Why choose Pegaso?

  • Great rates
  • Customized excursions
  • Longest trip on the Gulf
  • Large spaces on board
  • Low emission engine
  • Bar service
  • Possibility to have lunch on board
  • Nautical camping and events on board
A "visual glimpse"
of what awaits you during a mini-cruise with the Pegasus with 2 hours spent in Cala Mariolu

Dinghy rental recommended in Cala Gonone


Azzurra

WHY CHOOSE Azzurra?

  • Excellent value for money
  • New and overhauled inflatable boats
  • Reduced fuel consumption
  • Comprehensive pre-rental course
  • Assistance on request during the day

Departing from Cala Gonone?
Request a quote for...

Ferry excursion

Request a quote for a ferry tour suitable for groups that do not want to have responsibilities on the vehicle. The email will be delivered directly to all companies in Cala Gonone affiliated with calamariolu.it that will respond with a detailed quote. There are no additional costs .

Rental of a rubber boat

Request a quote for a rental without driver of a 40 horsepower dinghy suitable for groups up to 8 people. The email will be delivered directly to all the best rentals in Cala Gonone affiliated with calamariolu.it that will respond with a detailed quote. There are no additional costs .

Departure from Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax

Pedra Longa, Baus Waterfalls, and the Fjords — Discovering the Gulf of Orosei from the South

While Cala Gonone’s central position in the Gulf of Orosei is certainly convenient, setting off from the southern ports of Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax offers its own unique advantages — including breathtaking sights along the Baunei coastline, both inside and just beyond the Gulf.

The towering Pedra Longa sea stack and the spectacular Baus waterfalls, which plunge directly into the sea, create unforgettable views. Don’t miss the secluded coves of Portu Pedrosu and Portu Cuau, two peaceful inlets that add to the charm of the journey.

If you're planning to visit Cala Goloritzè and the stunning beaches of the Gulf of Orosei, we recommend two great options departing from Santa Maria Navarrese and Arbatax:

RIB Tour with Skipper – Tortuga

Swim stop at Cala Goloritzè included

Excellent value for money

Comfortable and spacious RIBs

Tour description

Shared Dinghy Tour – Explore the Hidden Gems of the Baunei Coast and Gulf of Orosei

This is a shared tour (maximum 12–13 guests per boat) departing from the small harbor of Santa Maria Navarrese, offering the chance to discover every hidden corner of the Baunei Coast and the Gulf of Orosei. The tour includes:

  • A scenic cruise from Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Luna

  • Beach stops at Cala Mariolu (approx. 1h30min), Cala Luna (approx. 2h), and Cala Biriala (approx. 1h30min)

  • Short swim stops in front of Cala Goloritzè, Venus Pools, or Escullieru

This experience is suitable for all ages, with the exception of pregnant women and individuals with mobility issues. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

We use high-quality dinghies for this tour:

  • 1 Clubman 26 Black (2022) – 300HP

  • 1 Clubman 26 Black (2023) – 300HP

  • 1 Clubman 28 Black (2024) – 350HP

All boats are equipped with a sunshade, freshwater shower, radio, and comfortable seating at both bow and stern. For easy access to and from the boat—whether anchored offshore or beached—each dinghy features two sturdy ladders (one at the bow and one at the stern).

Only Cala Luna offers a small refreshment point; otherwise, guests are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the beach of their choice.

Included:

  • Bilingual (Italian/English) guide

  • Fuel

Not included:

  • Landing tax (€2 per person, cash only at check-in)

  • Lunch

  • Tips

In case of unfavorable weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, you will be offered either a full refund or the option to reschedule the tour for the next available date. The choice is entirely yours.

Contact us or book easily via WhatsApp by clicking the button

Request a quote for a dinghy trip from Santa Maria or Arbatax

Boat Cruise from Santa Maria Navarrese and Arbatax – Aquila d’Oro

Photographic tour of Cala Goloritzè

Excellent value for money

Onboard restrooms

Bar service available

Tour description

Boat Cruise with Aquila d’Oro – Discovering the Coast of Baunei and the Gulf of Orosei

The Aquila d’Oro boat cruise offers a comfortable, safe, and relaxing way to admire the beaches, coves, and natural wonders of the Baunei Coast and the Gulf of Orosei.

The tour begins at 8:30 AM and ends around 6:00 PM. Guests will meet at the TORTUGA meeting point in the harbor of Santa Maria Navarrese, where our local staff member will greet you, guide you to the boat, and accompany you throughout the day. All explanations during the tour are provided in Italian and English.

Once we leave the harbor aboard our motorboat, we’ll head first toward Pedra Longa, an imposing and fascinating natural rock formation. We then continue past the Grotta dei Colombi before arriving at Cala Goloritzè, where we’ll make a short photo stop in the crystal-clear waters just offshore. Here, visibility reaches up to 30 meters below the surface, revealing the beauty of the seabed.

Our first beach stop will be at Cala Mariolu for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You'll have time to enjoy this stunning beach made up of white pebbles the size of seashells, and to swim in its incredible turquoise waters teeming with marine life.

Back on board, we’ll head toward Cala Biriala, where we’ll stop for another 1 hour and 30 minutes. As an alternative to relaxing on the beach, guests may choose to visit the Grotta del Fico, a spectacular sea cave. The guided tour of the cave lasts about 1 hour and costs €10, with tickets available directly on the boat.

Our final beach stop will be at Cala Sisine, where we’ll spend around 2 hours. You may enjoy a packed lunch on your own, or take a short, scenic walk along a dry riverbed (about 300 meters) to reach a small refreshment point near the beach.

After this final stop, we’ll begin our return journey, cruising past Capo Monte Santo, a dramatic stretch of coastline with deep inlets that resemble the famous Norwegian fjords. We’ll arrive back at Santa Maria Navarrese after an unforgettable 9-hour experience.


Additional Information:

  • This tour is suitable for all ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • The boat, Aquila d’Oro, is approximately 18 meters long and 4 meters wide.

  • Onboard facilities include:

    • Bar service

    • Toilets

    • Indoor and outdoor seating

    • Accessibility for people with reduced mobility

  • Food and drinks may be brought onboard.

  • Dogs are welcome, as long as they are on a leash or held.

Included:

  • Bilingual guide (Italian/English)

  • Fuel

Not included:

  • Optional entrance to Grotta del Fico (€10)

  • Lunch

  • Tips

In case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, guests will be offered either a full refund or the chance to reschedule for the next available date — the choice is yours.

Contact us or book easily via WhatsApp by clicking the button

Request a quote for a ferry trip from Santa Maria or Arbatax

Dommu Livia

DISCOVER DOMMU LIVIA AND CASA SCACCHI. B&B AND HOLIDAY HOME FOR YOUR STAY IN OGLIASTRA.
DEPARTURE FROM Orosei
Cala MAriolu da Orosei con il Pegaso
For excursions to Cala Mariolu and the Gulf of Orosei departing from the small port of Orosei we recommend the Pegaso motor ship. You can contact them via their website at www.escursionipegaso.it
Departure from La Caletta (Siniscola)
Cala Mariolu da La Caletta con il Pegaso
For excursions to Cala Mariolu and the Gulf of Orosei departing from the small port of Orosei we recommend the Pegaso motor ship. You can contact them via their website at www.escursionipegaso.it