Yacht Charter Costa Smeralda

The Costa Smeralda ('Emerald Coast') runs for approximately 20 kilometres along the northeast coast of Sardinia, from the Gulf of Cugnana in the south to Baia Sardinia in the north. It was developed in the 1960s by a consortium led by the Aga Khan IV, who saw the potential of this wild, uninhabited stretch of granite coastline and transformed it into one of the world's most exclusive resort destinations.

What makes the Costa Smeralda special from a yachting perspective is the density of world-class anchorages in a compact area. Within a 10-nautical-mile stretch, you have Cala di Volpe, Romazzino, Liscia Ruja, Petra Ruja, Capriccioli, and the islands of Mortorio and Soffi. Each bay has its own character — some wild and secluded, others surrounded by beach clubs and waterfront restaurants. A day charter from Porto Cervo can visit three or four of these bays with time to swim, snorkel, and lunch at each.

The ports are equally impressive. Porto Cervo is the social hub — home to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, designer boutiques, and restaurants where a waterfront table requires a reservation weeks in advance. Porto Rotondo is quieter but equally beautiful. Baia Sardinia has a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Portisco is the working marina where most charter companies base their fleets.

The Costa Smeralda's northern edge connects directly to the La Maddalena Archipelago, meaning a week charter can combine the glamour of the coast with the wilderness of the national park in a single trip. This combination — civilisation and untouched nature within the same afternoon — is what makes the Costa Smeralda the premier yacht charter destination in the Mediterranean.

Cala di Volpe: The most photographed bay on the Costa Smeralda. Named after the legendary Hotel Cala di Volpe (which featured in a James Bond film), this wide bay has turquoise water over white sand and is sheltered from the Mistral. Popular with yachts — arrive before 11:00 to secure a good anchoring spot in peak season.

Romazzino: A smaller, more intimate bay south of Porto Cervo. White sand, shallow turquoise water, surrounded by low scrub and granite. Less crowded than Cala di Volpe but equally beautiful. The Romazzino beach club serves excellent seafood.

Liscia Ruja: One of the longest beaches on the Costa Smeralda — 500 metres of fine sand. Shallower water makes it ideal for families. The southern end is quieter. Good anchoring in settled weather.

Mortorio Island: A small uninhabited island 2nm offshore. The western anchorage has exceptional snorkelling over rocky seabed with grouper, octopus, and schools of bream. A favourite lunch stop on Costa Smeralda day charters.

Capriccioli: Twin crescents of white sand separated by a granite headland. The northern beach faces the Maddalena Archipelago and has the best water colour on the coast — an almost Caribbean shade of turquoise over sand.

The Costa Smeralda attracts the full spectrum of charter yachts, from 7m RIBs to 100ft+ superyachts.

RIBs (7–12m) are the day charter staple. Fast enough to cover the whole coast in a day, nimble enough to nose into shallow bays. With a local skipper, a RIB day charter is the best way to see the Costa Smeralda's highlights in a single outing.

Motor yachts (40–100ft+) are the signature Costa Smeralda charter vessel. The flybridge, the air conditioning, the swim platform, the sheer presence when anchored in Cala di Volpe — this is the yacht type that defines the Costa Smeralda experience. Crewed motor yachts with chef are available for both day and week charters.

Catamarans (42–52ft) combine space and stability for families and groups. Most catamaran charters depart from Cannigione or Portisco and include the Costa Smeralda as part of a broader itinerary that also covers the Maddalena Archipelago.

Sailing yachts (36–50ft) offer the most authentic experience — sailing between the bays under wind, with the granite coast sliding past to starboard. Slower than motor yachts but the sailing conditions along the Costa Smeralda are excellent.

A day charter on the Costa Smeralda is one of the most popular yacht experiences in Sardinia. The format: depart Porto Cervo, Cannigione, or Portisco in the morning, spend 6–8 hours visiting the famous bays with swim stops, a gourmet lunch (prepared by the onboard chef on crewed yachts, or at a beachside restaurant), and return in the late afternoon.

The Classic Costa Smeralda Day: Porto Cervo → Cala di Volpe (swim) → Mortorio island (snorkelling and lunch) → Romazzino (afternoon swim) → Liscia Ruja or Capriccioli (final stop) → Porto Cervo. Approximately 15–20nm, 6–8 hours.

Costa Smeralda + Maddalena Combo: A longer day (8–10 hours) that starts with the Costa Smeralda bays in the morning, then continues north to Spargi or Caprera in the Maddalena Archipelago for the afternoon. Best on a fast RIB or motor yacht. The contrast between the two areas is dramatic.

Sunset Cruise: A 3–4 hour evening charter departing at 17:00. Swim stop, aperitivo aboard, and watching the sunset paint the granite rocks gold and pink. The light on the Costa Smeralda at golden hour is extraordinary.

A week charter starting from the Costa Smeralda typically combines the glamorous coast with the wilderness of the Maddalena Archipelago and, for many guests, a crossing to Bonifacio in Corsica.

The Classic Week: Portisco → Porto Cervo → Cala di Volpe → Spargi → Budelli → Razzoli → Bonifacio → Lavezzi → La Maddalena → Cannigione → Portisco. 70–90nm total. The definitive Sardinia charter itinerary. See our itinerary guide.

Costa Smeralda Intensive (5 days): For guests who want to stay on the glamorous coast. Porto Cervo → Porto Rotondo → Cala di Volpe → Tavolara → Mortorio → Baia Sardinia → Porto Cervo. More time in ports, more restaurant dinners, more of the Costa Smeralda social scene.

Most week charters depart from Portisco or Cannigione (where the major charter companies base their fleets) rather than Porto Cervo itself, due to lower marina fees. Porto Cervo is typically the first or last night stop on the itinerary.

RIB day charter (with skipper): €700–€2,000. The most popular format on the Costa Smeralda.

Motor yacht day charter (crewed): €2,500–€8,000 depending on yacht size.

Luxury motor yacht week (crewed): €10,000–€45,000+ all-inclusive.

Catamaran week (bareboat from Cannigione/Portisco): €4,500–€9,000.

Sailing yacht week (bareboat): €2,000–€5,000.

Skipper add-on: €180–€250/day.

July and August are peak — highest prices and busiest anchorages. June and September offer 20–30% savings with better sailing conditions and more space in the popular bays. See our cost guide.