Boat rental in Golfo Aranci: Tavolara, Molara and the Costa Smeralda

Golfo Aranci sits at the foot of Capo Figari on the north-east coast of Sardinia, a few kilometres north of Olbia. The town is small and the harbour easy to reach – by ferry, or in a short drive from Olbia airport. Off the coast lies the island of Figarolo and, a little further south, the silhouette many guests know from the plane window: Tavolara, a limestone block rising steeply from the sea.

Tavolara, Molara and the coast down to Punta Coda Cavallo have formed a marine protected area since 1997 (Area Marina Protetta Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo). It is divided into zones:

• In the most strictly protected zones (zone A), navigating and anchoring are in principle forbidden.
• In the other zones there are rules on anchoring, speed and buoy fields.

Which zone lies where and what applies there is set out in the reserve's regulation, published by the Italian environment ministry (link below under «Sources»). Your provider knows the boundaries and shows them to you on the chart at check-in. The reserve is why the water off Tavolara is so clear – and why the rules are worth taking seriously.

One day by motorboat is enough for Tavolara and Molara: out in the morning, a swim at Spiaggia dello Spalmatore on Tavolara, past Molara in the afternoon, back in Golfo Aranci in the evening. Our day-trip idea shows the route with times. Whether you may drive yourself or go with a skipper depends on the boat and your licence.

Four days allow a small loop north: Porto Rotondo, Cala di Volpe on the Costa Smeralda, back past Tavolara. Our four-day idea describes the legs in nautical miles.

A week from Golfo Aranci reaches the La Maddalena archipelago. The run north is longer than from Cannigione or Palau, but you have Tavolara right on your doorstep to the south.

In summer the mistral (maestrale) often blows from the north-west. Golfo Aranci is sheltered by Capo Figari, as is the south side of Tavolara. With an easterly (levante) the eastern sides get rough; then the bays towards Olbia are the better choice. For a motorboat day trip: check the forecast in the morning and talk the plan through with the provider – they will tell you honestly if a day is not suitable.

June and September are pleasantly warm and less crowded. In July and August motorboats for a day are in high demand; if you want to go out on a particular day, book early.