Asinara Day Cruise from Stintino — Dolphins, White Donkeys & Snorkeling
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Light fitness—able to board a small boat, swim short distances, and walk short rocky shore paths.
Overview
A seven-and-a-half-hour day cruise from Stintino to Asinara National Park that pairs swimming and snorkeling in protected coves with a shore walk at Cala Reale to meet the island’s famous white donkeys. Expect clear water, local food served aboard, and narration by an environmental guide.
Asinara Day Cruise from Stintino — Dolphins, White Donkeys & Snorkeling
Select participants and date
The boat slips away from Port Mannu as the town’s low-slung harbor recedes into blue—fishermen folding nets, a lighthouse watching like an old guard. Sea spray cools your face while the coastline of northwest Sardinia narrows into a silhouette; the skipper hums through the engine and the environmental guide points out the first porpoises arcing beside the bow. The navigation is deliberate: long looks, short swims, a shore stop at Cala Reale where limestone cliffs give way to pale sand and the island’s famously pale donkeys roam with a proprietorial calm.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early at the Coast Guard square
Meeting point is strict and parking isn’t allowed in the square—plan extra time for drop-off or public transit.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The park enforces conservation rules; avoid chemical sunscreens to protect marine life and coral.
Wear water shoes for shore landings
Cala Reale has rocky approaches and uneven paths—non-slip shoes make the short walk comfortable.
Prevent seasickness
Take motion-sickness medication before boarding if you’re sensitive—there are open-water stretches despite sheltered coves.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Asinara’s white donkeys
History
Asinara served as a quarantine island and later a high-security prison until the late 20th century; it became a national park to protect its unique coastline and ecosystems.
Conservation
Landing and swimming are restricted to authorized spots to protect fragile habitats; visitors are asked to use reef-safe products and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Stintino
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
For swimming and snorkeling at the authorized buoys.
summer specific
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky shores and offers grip when boarding from small ladders.
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Protects skin and the marine environment during long sun exposure.
summer specific
Light windproof layer
Useful for cooler mornings or breezy afternoons on deck.
spring specific