Charter boat cruising past Sardinian granite coastline

Sardinia Yacht Charter

Boat Charter Sardinia

Chartering a boat in Sardinia opens up a coastline that is impossible to experience from land. The hidden coves between granite headlands, the archipelago of national park islands, the famous bays of the Costa Smeralda — all of it is designed to be seen from the water. A boat charter in Sardinia ranges from a four-hour RIB excursion to a week aboard a crewed catamaran, and every format shares the same reward: turquoise water, total freedom, and a coastline that rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean.

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formats

Boat Charter Formats in Sardinia

Day charter (4–10 hours): The most popular boat charter format in Sardinia. Board in the morning at Cannigione, Palau, or Porto Cervo, spend the day visiting 3–5 stops with swimming, snorkelling, and lunch, and return by late afternoon. A day boat charter covers either the La Maddalena Archipelago (pristine islands, crystal-clear water) or the Costa Smeralda coastline (famous bays, glamorous ports). Half-day charters (4–5 hours) are available on most boats.

Week charter (Saturday to Saturday): The full Sardinia experience. You live aboard the boat, anchor in a different bay each night, and cover 60–90 nautical miles over six sailing days. The classic itinerary combines the Costa Smeralda, the Maddalena Archipelago, and a crossing to Bonifacio in Corsica. A week boat charter in Sardinia gives you more variety, more anchorages, and more memories than any other holiday format. See our itinerary guide.

Multi-day charter (2–5 days): Available outside peak season, and increasingly popular for guests who want more than a day but cannot commit to a full week. A 3-day boat charter covers the Maddalena Archipelago thoroughly, while a 5-day charter adds the Costa Smeralda or a Corsica crossing.

Sunset charter (3–4 hours): An evening departure with a swim stop, aperitivo aboard, and sunset over the Sardinian mountains. The most romantic boat charter format, and one of the most affordable at €400–€900.

boats

Boats Available for Charter in Sardinia

RIBs (7–12m) are the day charter workhorse. Fast enough to cover the entire Maddalena Archipelago in a day, small enough to nose into coves that larger boats cannot reach. A 7m RIB suits 4 guests; a 10–12m RIB with T-top shade and sunpads handles 8–10 guests in comfort. The most booked boat charter type in Sardinia.

Motor boats and motor yachts (30–80ft) offer more space, more comfort, and more shade than RIBs. A proper saloon, flybridge, swim platform, and — on larger models — air conditioning and crew cabins. Motor boats are ideal for groups of 8–12 who want a comfortable day on the water, or for luxury week charters with full crew.

Catamarans (38–50ft) are the standard for weekly boat charter in Sardinia. Four cabins, four bathrooms, a spacious cockpit, and the twin-hull stability that makes a week at sea comfortable for families and first-timers. A 42ft catamaran is the most requested boat charter in Sardinia for groups of 6–8.

Sailing boats (36–50ft) suit experienced sailors and couples who value the sailing experience itself — the wind, the quiet, the responsiveness. Lower charter cost than catamarans, better sailing performance. A 40ft monohull with 3 cabins is the sweet spot for a couple or small family.

destinations

Where to Go on a Boat Charter in Sardinia

La Maddalena Archipelago — seven main islands forming a national park with the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Spargi (Cala Corsara), Budelli (Pink Beach), Caprera (Cala Coticcio), Razzoli, Santa Maria. The number-one destination for boat charter in Sardinia. Short distances between islands mean more swimming, less motoring.

Costa Smeralda — the glamorous 20km stretch from Porto Cervo to Baia Sardinia. Famous bays: Cala di Volpe, Romazzino, Liscia Ruja, Capriccioli. Island of Mortorio for snorkelling. World-class restaurants and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The social counterpart to the Maddalena's wilderness.

Bonifacio, Corsica — a dramatic French clifftop town 12 nautical miles north of the Maddalena islands. The approach from the sea is one of the great sights in Mediterranean sailing. Excellent restaurants, different cultural flavour. Most week-long boat charters include at least one night here.

Tavolara — a 560-metre limestone island visible from Olbia. Dramatic profile, excellent snorkelling on the western side, and a tiny beach restaurant that is one of the best-kept secrets in Sardinia. A popular stop on day charters departing from Olbia or Portisco.

with skipper

Boat Charter With or Without Skipper

The majority of boat charters in Sardinia are skippered — a professional captain sails the boat while you enjoy the day. The skipper knows the coast, the anchorages, the wind patterns, and the restaurants. No licence required, no experience needed. For day charters, a skipper is almost always included in the price. For week charters, a skipper costs €1,300–€1,800/week on top of the boat hire.

Bareboat charter — you sail the boat yourself. Available on sailing yachts, catamarans, and some motor boats. You need a valid boating licence (ICC, RYA Day Skipper, or equivalent) and proven chartering experience. The most affordable format for a week charter, but you handle navigation, mooring, provisioning, and weather decisions. See our bareboat guide.

For a luxury boat charter, a full crew (captain, chef, steward) handles everything — from gourmet meals to water toy setup to restaurant reservations. Crewed boat charters are available on motor yachts of 50ft and above, and on premium catamarans. See our luxury charter guide.

booking

How to Book a Boat Charter in Sardinia

Booking a boat charter in Sardinia is straightforward. Choose your dates, select a boat type and charter format (day, week, skippered, bareboat), and submit an enquiry through our platform. We come back with available boats, transparent pricing, and a recommendation based on your group size and preferences.

For day charters, booking 2–4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient outside peak season. In July–August, book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best boats.

For week charters, book 3–6 months ahead for peak season (July–August), especially for 42–46ft catamarans which are the most requested boat charter type. June and September offer more last-minute availability.

We handle all logistics — marina coordination, skipper assignment, provisioning options, and transfers. You just need to get to Olbia Airport and we take it from there. Contact us with your dates and we will do the rest.

pricing

Boat Charter Pricing in Sardinia

RIB day charter (with skipper): €600–€1,800. The most accessible boat charter in Sardinia.

Motor boat day charter: €1,500–€4,000 for a full day with skipper.

Sailing boat week charter (bareboat): €2,000–€5,000/week peak.

Catamaran week charter (bareboat): €4,000–€9,000/week peak.

Skipper for week charter: Add €1,300–€1,800/week.

Crewed motor yacht week charter: €8,000–€30,000/week all-inclusive.

Sunset charter: €400–€900.

June and September are 20–30% cheaper than July–August. Full breakdown in our cost guide.

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Map

Boat Charter Bases in Sardinia

Day and week charters depart from Cannigione, Olbia, Palau, and Porto Cervo — all within 40 minutes of Olbia Airport.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence for a boat charter in Sardinia?

Not for skippered charters — the skipper handles everything. For bareboat charters of boats over 40hp or 10m, a valid licence is required (ICC, RYA Day Skipper, or equivalent). Small boats under 40hp/10m: no licence needed.

What is included in a day boat charter?

Skippered day charters typically include the skipper, fuel, safety equipment, and basic snorkelling gear. Lunch is usually extra — either eat aboard (bring your own) or stop at a waterfront restaurant. Some charters offer catering packages.

Can I charter a boat in Sardinia in May or October?

Yes — the season runs May to October. May and October are cooler and quieter with the lowest prices. The water is swimmable (20–22°C) and the sailing conditions are good, though some charter companies reduce their fleet in shoulder months.

What is the most popular boat charter in Sardinia?

For day charters: a skippered RIB (7–10m) visiting the Maddalena Archipelago. For week charters: a 42–46ft catamaran (bareboat or skippered) covering the Maddalena and Costa Smeralda.

How many people can go on a boat charter?

RIBs: 4–10 guests. Motor boats: 6–12. Sailing boats: 4–8. Catamarans: 6–12. Larger crewed motor yachts: up to 12 guests.

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