The Best Boat Rentals in Sardinia

For a simple self-drive motorboat or RIB suitable for exploring close to shore, day rates usually start around €200 to €300 in late spring and autumn and rise to about €280 to €400+ in August. Shared group tours to hotspots like the Gulf of Orosei or Tavolara commonly run about €60 to €120 per person, depending on duration and inclusions. Private captained day charters on comfortable motorboats often range from €700 to €1,500 per day, while larger sailing yachts and motor yachts can run from €1,500 to €4,000+ per day; luxury yachts in Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda may exceed €7,000 per day in peak season. Fuel is very often not included and is settled based on consumption. Captains, crew, park permits, marina fees, and cleaning may be extra unless the listing says otherwise; self-drive rentals typically require a refundable security deposit.

You’ll find a wide mix, from compact motorboats and RIBs for easy cove-hopping to spacious sailboats and catamarans for a full-day cruise. There are also premium motor yachts for celebrations and coastline sightseeing. Many day trips operate on comfortable powerboats or classic sailing vessels, and in the north you’ll see everything from nimble runabouts to superyachts based around the Costa Smeralda.

Both options are available. If you want to self-drive, Italy generally allows you to operate a motorboat up to 40.8 hp (30 kW) within 6 nautical miles from the coast without a boating license; more powerful engines or going farther offshore require a valid license. Jet skis always require a license. Even for no‑license boats, some owners may ask for prior experience. Choosing a captained charter removes the stress of navigation, docking, and local rules, and is recommended if you’re new to the area or planning a special event.

Popular launch points include Palau and Cannigione for the La Maddalena Archipelago, Porto Cervo and nearby Porto Rotondo/Portisco for Costa Smeralda cruising, Olbia and Porto San Paolo for Tavolara and the Piscine di Molara, Cala Gonone for the Gulf of Orosei beaches and caves, Alghero for Capo Caccia and Neptune’s Grotto by sea, Cagliari for city-coast runs, and Villasimius on the southeast for the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area. You can choose a marina near where you’re staying or plan a short, scenic drive to the best departure point for your route.

Highlights include the granite islets and aquamarine lagoons of the La Maddalena Archipelago; Tavolara’s dramatic limestone massif and the emerald “pools” off Molara; the Costa Smeralda’s white-sand coves; and along the east coast, the towering cliffs and beaches of the Gulf of Orosei, such as Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzé. Near Alghero, boats skirt the cliffs of Capo Caccia to reach Neptune’s Grotto, while the far northwest offers the turquoise shallows of Asinara National Park.

Marine protected areas have specific rules. In the La Maddalena Archipelago and Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo, expect reduced speed near shore, designated mooring areas, and strict bans on anchoring over Posidonia seagrass. Some zones require a paid permit, and certain beaches (like Budelli’s Pink Beach) are off-limits. Skippers usually handle permits on captained trips; if you’re self-driving, your rental host will explain how to obtain any required permits and where to anchor or pick up a mooring buoy.

Yes, families are welcome on most charters. Boats carry the legally required safety equipment, including life jackets, and many operators stock child sizes. Some shared excursions set minimum ages, and facilities like onboard toilets vary by boat. If you have young children, it’s smart to confirm life jacket sizes in advance and consider bringing a snug, familiar jacket for the best fit.

Policies vary by boat, but most private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and drinks. Some shared tours include an aperitivo or lunch, while others are BYO. Glass is discouraged on deck, and many skippers prefer cans or reusable bottles and plastic cups for safety. If catering is important, ask your host about pre-ordering platters or arranging a stocked cooler.

Some boats are pet-friendly and may allow dogs with advance notice, often with an extra cleaning fee and a refundable deposit. Others do not allow pets, especially on shared tours or where park rules or deck materials make it impractical. If you plan to bring a pet, filter for pet-friendly listings and confirm size limits, fees, and any rules about where pets can rest onboard.

Sardinia enjoys long, sunny summers, but local winds—especially the northwesterly Mistral—can stir up choppy seas. Morning departures are usually calmer. If a captain determines conditions are unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded according to the listing’s policy. Each Getmyboat listing sets its own cancellation terms, so review them before booking; attractions like Neptune’s Grotto also suspend visits when seas are rough, which your skipper will monitor on the day.

Absolutely. Captained motorboats, catamarans, and yachts are ideal for celebrations—think swim stops in clear coves, a Prosecco toast on deck, and an easy soundtrack via Bluetooth. Tell the host your headcount, preferred vibe, and any must‑see stops so they can match the boat, route, and provisioning. Note that marine park rules limit speed, music volume, and where you can anchor, which your captain will manage.

Peak boating runs June through September, with the busiest weeks around the August 15 Ferragosto holiday. Late May and early October are beautiful shoulder months with lighter crowds. Expect heightened demand and lots of yacht activity during major regattas near Porto Cervo, such as the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta (typically late May) and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (early to mid‑September). Weekdays are quieter at popular coves, and early morning departures help you beat both traffic and afternoon breeze. If you’re visiting from the U.S., note that Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends aren’t Italian holidays, but they still drive traveler demand—reserve early if your trip overlaps those dates.

Captained trips are turn‑key: your skipper plans the route, handles permits, moorings, and local rules, and adapts to weather on the fly—great for groups or anyone short on experience. Bareboat or no‑license rentals give you maximum flexibility for short coastal hops in calm conditions, but you’ll be responsible for navigation, fuel, park permits, and caring for the boat. If you want to cover more miles, visit multiple protected areas, or just relax, a captained outing is usually the easiest and most stress‑free choice.

Yes. From Palau or Cannigione, spend the day island‑hopping the La Maddalena Archipelago’s turquoise bays. From Porto San Paolo or Olbia, cruise to Tavolara’s towering cliffs and swim in the luminous Piscine di Molara. From Cala Gonone, explore the Gulf of Orosei’s beaches and sea caves. From Alghero, sail the Coral Riviera to Capo Caccia and approach Neptune’s Grotto by sea. On the northwest, depart Stintino to drift over the pale blue shallows of Asinara’s Fornelli channel. Each route shows a different face of Sardinia’s coastline and is easy to book as a half‑ or full‑day adventure.