Marine Protected AreaMarine Protected Area
Tavolara Island
The limestone giant of the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo MPA
At a glance: Easy difficulty, access by boat. Recommended season: May – October. Seabed: granite rock and seagrass.
What you will see
- Posidonia seagrass meadows and granite walls
- Sea breams, gilt-heads and Mediterranean barracuda
- Clear water, often with visibility beyond 20 m
- Shallow seabeds, ideal for beginners too
Chance of an encounter*
The guide
Tavolara dominates the sea south-east of Olbia with its unmistakable profile. The island is the heart of the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, established in 1997, and its seabeds are among the richest in north-eastern Sardinia.
The best area for snorkelling is Spalmatore di Terra, the sandy spit at the island’s western tip: you swim over posidonia meadows and strips of white sand where sea breams and salema are easy to meet and, with a bit of luck, small schools of barracuda.
The island is a 15–25 minute boat ride from Porto San Paolo, with frequent departures in season. The MPA is divided into zones with different rules: zone A is closed to swimming, so always rely on authorised operators and respect the signs.
This spot lies within a Marine Protected Area: zoning restricts swimming and boating in some stretches. Rely on authorised operators and check the managing body’s current rules.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Tavolara Island?
Tavolara can only be reached by boat from Porto San Paolo, in 15–25 minutes; in season departures run frequently all day.
Is Tavolara suitable for beginners?
Yes: the Spalmatore di Terra area has shallow sand-and-seagrass beds, suitable even for first-time snorkellers.
Are any areas closed to swimming?
Yes. Zone A of the Marine Protected Area is closed to swimming: rely on authorised operators and respect the signs.
Learn more
Blog Useful reads for this area
Keep exploring
Other spots
Marine Protected Area
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* The encounter percentages are indicative estimates, worked out by combining each species’ typical habitat with the characteristics of the spot. They are not survey data: whether the fish are actually there depends on the season, the weather, the time of day, sea conditions and, not least, a bit of luck. Always respect marine life and the rules of protected areas.