Asinara & La Pelosa Catamaran Day Trip from Stintino — Swim, Snorkel & Turtle Rescue Visit
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers of average fitness; expect short uphill walks (≈30 minutes) and repeated boardings from swim platforms.
Overview
Sail from Stintino aboard a day-long catamaran that threads past La Pelosa’s shoals to Asinara National Park—swim crystalline coves, visit a turtle recovery center, and climb to the old prison at Cala d’Oliva. This full-day trip blends conservation, rugged island geology, and simple Sardinian cuisine.
Asinara & La Pelosa Catamaran Day Trip from Stintino — Swim, Snorkel & Turtle Rescue Visit
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You step off the jetty in Stintino and the harbor smells of salt and varnish; the catamaran rocks gently as crew fold last-minute towels and lay out bottles of Vermentino. Engines fall silent and the wind takes you north, past the pale shoals of La Pelosa where shallow water unspools in impossible shades of turquoise. The island of Asinara appears like a pale hull against the horizon—an inward landscape of granite scars, scrub, and the low white buildings of its former penitentiary.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The tour stops for multiple swims in clear, shallow water—use reef-safe sunscreen to protect seagrass and marine life.
Pack a reef boot or water shoes
Some shoreings and the quarry visits have sharp granite and uneven rock; footwear with grip makes exits and land excursions safer.
Prepare for seasickness
The crossing can be choppy depending on wind; bring motion-sickness medication if you’re prone to nausea.
Respect protected areas
Do not touch turtles or marine life, avoid anchoring on seagrass, and follow guide instructions during beach visits.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Mediterranean shearwater and occasional monk seals along remote coasts
History
Asinara was a quarantine site and later a high-security prison; many buildings and quarry scars date to those eras and are now part of the national park’s cultural landscape.
Conservation
Asinara is a protected national park with strict rules on anchoring and wildlife disturbance; tours coordinate with park regulations and support local rehabilitation efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Stintino
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the fragile marine ecosystem during extended sun exposure.
summer specific
Snorkel mask (personal)
Guaranteed fit and hygiene for multiple snorkeling stops in crystal-clear water.
summer specific
Light wind layer
Keeps you comfortable on the open-deck crossing when the sea breeze picks up.
spring specific
Reef boots or water shoes
Protects feet on rocky landings and while exploring old quarry sites.
summer specific