Cala Gonone Excursions

Gonone Rental

Exploring the Gulf of Orosei alongside Bonny

For those who love to be pampered and want to enjoy a day in complete relaxation and without worries, Gonone Rental offers the opportunity to take a trip along the Gulf of Orosei aboard a 7, 5m dinghy led by Bonny, our skilled skipper of the sea.

Let us take you to paradise and become enchanted with Sardinia – a real daydream! 

The visit includes 30 km (15 miles) of pristine coastline that accompanies you while discovering the most hidden corners of the Gulf of Orosei. We will show you the hideouts of the monk seal, the small "bay shelters" used in the past by the fishermen as wells as unveiling all the secrets of this paradise.

Departure is from the port of Cala Gonone at 10.00 a.m. and return is at 5pm/5.30 p.m. 

Our skipper will act as your guide throughout the day, highlighting all the secrets of a territory that was once populated by the monk seal.

Escursioni Cala Gonone Bonny
Escursioni Cala Gonone con Bonny

The itinerary includes stopovers at the most picturesque beaches like Cala Mariolu (voted as the most beautiful Italian beach in 2016 by Trip Advisor), Cala dei Gabbiani, Cala Biriola, and Cala Luna. 

We will drop anchor along the most beautiful coves of the coast where it will be possible to swim in the crystal clear waters of the “Piscine di Venere” (The “Venus Pools” get their name from the pristine colour of the water) and dive under the arch of Cala Goloritzé

As a last stop you may choose to visit the Grotte del Bue Marino Caves accompanied by a skilled guide that will help you discover one of the most famous hideouts of the monk seal. 

Our goal is for you to have a wonderful day and help you discover the most hidden corners of our coast. Furthermore, we hope to create a bond with our guests and gain their trust allowing them to love this gulf as much as we do. We have made our work our passion. 

Itinerary and dwell times variations may occur in the event of changes of weather conditions and to the discretion of the skipper. This is to ensure safety and serenity of all passengers on board.

Daily excursion rates

How much does an excursion in Cala Gonone cost?

Excursion prices start at €30. Rates vary according to season (low or high season).
Contact us for a quote.

Prices boat rental cala gonone

Excursion in dinghy

Worry-free along the Gulf of Orosei

12 passengers

The maximum number of passengers on board during the excursion is 12 people including children. Ideally, the dinghy is built to transport up to 14 people however we choose to embark less passengers and therefore we invest in your comfort , making it one of its winning features.

Suitable for all

Our excursion is suitable for people of all ages be they small children, in the arms of their parents, or adventurous grandparents eager to discover new shores. There is no danger for those who are usually not avid seafarers nor for those who do not know how to swim. The experience of our skipper and the equipment on board will provide you the security sought, letting you fully appreciate the entire excursion.

Custom-made Itinerary

It is possible for large groups, to exclusively rent the boat with the skipper. During the excursion the skipper will be at your disposal offering advice on places to visit but also letting you choose the stops, dwell times and the time of departure from the port.

Swimming with Bonny

Take the plunge! Here are some of the fantastic sites

F.A.Q.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions

Does the excursion last all day? Are half-day excursions possible?

Usually the excursion lasts a full day. It is however possible to rent the boat exclusively (upon request) with the skipper planning in advance, the itinerary and the various stops. 

The excursion lasts all day. It is however possible to rent the boat exclusively (upon request) with the skipper and organize with his help some of the stops in order to save time. The cost will determined in advance on the basis of the number of people participating in the excursion.

What is the departure time? What time is the return time?

Departure is scheduled at 10.00 a.m. and the return to the port is at 5.30 / 5.45 p.m.

Are there any life jackets on board?

 Life jackets for every participant are available on board. Before the departure, children will be given an additional vest of a suitable size. It is not compulsory to wear them.

Where does the excursion take me?

The itinerary takes passengers along the coastline to appreciate every detail of the 30 km along the beautiful Gulf of Orosei. We will visit some inlets and then drop anchor in a nook of the coast known as the “Piscine di Venere” not far from the arch of Cala Goloritzé. The scheduled stops are planned in the most sought after sites like the “must see”  Cala Mariolu beach, or Cala Gabbiani, Cala Biriola and Cala Luna. 

For those interested, a visit to the Caves of Bue Marino can be planned in the afternoon (The visit lasts about 50 minutes, and the ticket cost is €9 per person. Children pay a reduced ticket price).

The route and the stops can vary depending on the crowding of the beaches or the conditions of the sea. 

What happens if the sea conditions are particularly bad?

If the sea conditions are bad, the excursion will be postponed to the next available date and on the basis of reservations.

Our philosophy is to leave our passengers with a lasting (positive) memory of the land that we love and that we strive for you to discover in all its splendour. In case of bad weather conditions, it will be the skipper's responsibility to anticipate or postpone the time of return or departure in order to guarantee the maximum safety during both the boarding/disembarking process as well as during navigation.

If it is not possible to move/change your reservation, the entire amount paid will be refunded to you.

Is the dinghy safe for children?

Of course! Its size, its conformity and its stability make it unsinkable.

Our dinghy boat and our Skipper's experience guarantee the maximum safety for all passengers on board.

Your children will have the opportunity to experience the sea in a different way, to come upon unique situations and we are sure that at the end of the day, they will ask you to do it all over again.

Want more info or want to book?

Do not hesitate to send an e-mail. We will be happy to answer all your questions, clear your doubts and find the solution that best suits your needs.

 

Complete the blanks spaces in the "Contact Us" section indicating the number of participants, the date, the time of the rental and once you have checked our availability, you can make your reservation.

A deposit will be required to confirm and guarantee the reservation.

The deposit amounts to 30% of the total rental cost.

Once your order is confirmed you will receive a voucher (confirmed by e-mail) that you must show when you visit our offices.

The beaches of the Gulf of Orosei

If the summer is still too far away... scroll with caution

The Bue Marino Caves

The Bue Marino Caves

These are the first natural wonders you will encounter during your day and after only a few minutes of sailing from Cala Gonone. The Bue Marino caves owe their name to the monk seal, in Sardinian "Boe Marinu", which used these caves as a refuge during rough seas and as a place to breed.

These splendid animals inhabited the Gulf of Orosei until the 1980s, and then they slowly disappeared mainly because of the decrease of their main and fundamental food, that is fish, in continuous decline due to the intensive fishing carried out in our seas.

The caves are divided into two branches: the North and the South branches, both of which can be visited and reached by sea and by land through a path immersed in the largest juniper forest in Europe.

The guided tour of the southern branch is available all day long. It lasts about 50 minutes and you will take you about 1km inside the cave. The price of the ticket is €9 for adults. Children’s tickets have a reduced price.

Ziu Santoru

Ziu Santoru

Once passed the Bue Marino caves, you will encounter the first beach named Cala Ziu Santoru. It is not very large, and measures about 50 metres. This beach resembles most those of the Caribbean; Fine sand, crystal clear sea, a low sea bottom extending up to fifteen meters ahead, and an imposing mountain behind it. Moreover, it is perhaps the most particular of the Gulf beaches; It is possible that during the winter season the sea eliminates it, changes its length and width, but be sure that if it resists changes, its beauty will amaze you.

Cala Luna

Cala Luna

Leaving Cala Ziu Santoru you will come to Cala Luna, the largest beach in the Gulf. It is characterized by a mix of fine sand and small pebbles and it is surrounded by the water of the little river with steep mountains rising behind it, marking the boundary between the territory of Dorgali and Baunei.

At the far end of the beach, there are some magnificent caves offering protection from the sun in the hottest hours or where you can do some free climbing.

Cala Luna owes its name to the shape of the beach that resembles the crescent shape of the moon which when in its full moon stage illuminates the beach .

For the most demanding customers, there is also a bar/restaurant located among the Mediterranean scrub easily reachable by a footpath.

A Coast with numerous surprises

A Coast with numerous surprises

The stretch between Cala Luna and Cala Sisine is full of spectacular reflecting pools and caves that penetrate into the cliffs. This part of coast is quite steep and overlooks the sea. You can admire unique concretions and erosion of the rock. A deep knowledge of the area is needed in order to explore these areas and many of these wonders. This area of coastline can be explored with Bonny during one of the guided hikes.

Cala Sisine

Cala Sisine

Continuing south, we come across Cala Sisine beach. Its conformity makes it one of a kind. It is nestled between two cliffs overlooking the sea measuring over 500MT, which are also home to the mouth of a river born inside the canyon

The beach is made up of large light pebbles of different sizes that highlight the crystalline and transparent colour of the sea which slopes down very quickly up to 15 meters. This beautiful beach is also equipped with a bar among the Mediterranean scrub that is easily reachable on foot along a 5 minute-path.

Cala Biriola

Cala Biriola

About 20 minutes from Cala Sisine, you will encounter Cala Biriala, a beautiful beach of white and pink pebbles which enhances the beach’s turquoise and limpid waters.

Overlooking the beach is a forest of Holm oaks and junipers, after which you can admire a cliff with a natural arch used by the bravest of the beachgoers as a diving point. The wall on the left side hand of the mountain is also used by many to practice free-climbing and offers a breathtaking view to those who arrive at the top.

Piscine di Venere

Piscine di Venere

Just ahead of Cala Biriola, we find the Piscine di Venere (The Pools of Venus) a corner of the coastline characterized by its emerald green waters created by the rays of the sun reflecting on the sandy seabed.

This natural wonder is only accessible by dinghy allowing you to swim in this beautiful corner of paradise surrounded by the many fish that “crowd” the area.

A mask and mouthpiece are highly recommended.

Grotta del Fico

Grotta del Fico

Next to the Piscine di Venere, we find the Grotta del Fico.

It gets its name from the fig plant that is located in front of its entrance and it was the last refuge of the monk seal in the 1980s. The seal accessed the cave through an underwater siphon located at about 15m in depth. The monk seal used this cave to reproduce or to seek shelter during storms.

It has been open to the public for about 10 years and the guided visit is approximately 50 minutes long. The visit takes you about 800 Mt inside the cave.

Just drop your anchor in the appropriate space as indicated by the staff and you will be accompanied to the cave for your visit. Ticket price: 8€.

Cala Mariolu

Cala Mariolu

Cala Mariolu is a beach of rounded white pebbles and is divided in two by a limestone cliff which is loved by the beachgoers as a diving point. The varieties of colour of the sea, from an intense blue to a light blue and the clarity of its water, make this beach the most beloved of the Gulf. Recently voted by TripAdvisor as the most beautiful beach in Italy, it continues to remain in the top 10 position as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It owes its name "Cala Mariolu" to the fishermen from Ponza who called the Monk Seal "Mariolu"(thief in Ponza's dialect) because it stole the fish from their nets.

Cala Gabbiani

Cala Gabbiani

Cala Gabbiani gets its name from the seagulls which are present at dawn and at sunset and is known as the "sister"of Cala Mariolu beach. The two “sister” beaches are divided only by a thin strip of land. Once again, you will find clear and crystalline waters with light coloured pebbles that make up the beach. Its peculiarity is a cliff overlooking the beach, with a cave that creates much needed shade and convenient during the hottest hours.

Le Sorgenti

Le Sorgenti

The beaches Le Sorgenti are two very tiny beaches of fine sand mixed pebbles. Behind them we find a 400 meter-wall. They are named after the two freshwater springs that pass under the beaches and flow directly into the sea making the water very cold.

Cala Goloritzè

Cala Goloritzè

Cala Goloritzè is the last beach of the Gulf of Orosei. Born from a landslide in 1962, it is closed by demarcation buoys that forbid access to any type of boat, making it accessible only by swimming.

The major characteristic of the beach is the presence of the natural arch on the right, overlooked by the 143 m high-pinnacle that drops sheer to the sea called the spire (Punta Caroddi).

Sand and small pebbles help in making this beach, nestled in the mountain, something unique. As well, the colours of its water of a turquoise blue explain why it was declared an Italian national monument.

Another feature of this beach is the presence of underground freshwater springs that in some places make the water really cold.

Cala Goloritzé is also accessible on foot, starting from the Golgo of Baunei and along an easy 2-hour path.

It is the beach that marks the southern boundary and the end of the Gulf of Orosei.

  • The Bue Marino Caves

    The Bue Marino Caves

    These are the first natural wonders you will encounter during your day and after only a few minutes of sailing from Cala Gonone. The Bue Marino caves owe their name to the monk seal, in Sardinian "Boe Marinu", which used these caves as a refuge during rough seas and as a place to breed.

    These splendid animals inhabited the Gulf of Orosei until the 1980s, and then they slowly disappeared mainly because of the decrease of their main and fundamental food, that is fish, in continuous decline due to the intensive fishing carried out in our seas.

    The caves are divided into two branches: the North and the South branches, both of which can be visited and reached by sea and by land through a path immersed in the largest juniper forest in Europe.

    The guided tour of the southern branch is available all day long. It lasts about 50 minutes and you will take you about 1km inside the cave. The price of the ticket is €9 for adults. Children’s tickets have a reduced price.

  • Ziu Santoru

    Ziu Santoru

    Once passed the Bue Marino caves, you will encounter the first beach named Cala Ziu Santoru. It is not very large, and measures about 50 metres. This beach resembles most those of the Caribbean; Fine sand, crystal clear sea, a low sea bottom extending up to fifteen meters ahead, and an imposing mountain behind it. Moreover, it is perhaps the most particular of the Gulf beaches; It is possible that during the winter season the sea eliminates it, changes its length and width, but be sure that if it resists changes, its beauty will amaze you.

  • Cala Luna

    Cala Luna

    Leaving Cala Ziu Santoru you will come to Cala Luna, the largest beach in the Gulf. It is characterized by a mix of fine sand and small pebbles and it is surrounded by the water of the little river with steep mountains rising behind it, marking the boundary between the territory of Dorgali and Baunei.

    At the far end of the beach, there are some magnificent caves offering protection from the sun in the hottest hours or where you can do some free climbing.

    Cala Luna owes its name to the shape of the beach that resembles the crescent shape of the moon which when in its full moon stage illuminates the beach .

    For the most demanding customers, there is also a bar/restaurant located among the Mediterranean scrub easily reachable by a footpath.

  • A Coast with numerous surprises

    A Coast with numerous surprises

    The stretch between Cala Luna and Cala Sisine is full of spectacular reflecting pools and caves that penetrate into the cliffs. This part of coast is quite steep and overlooks the sea. You can admire unique concretions and erosion of the rock. A deep knowledge of the area is needed in order to explore these areas and many of these wonders. This area of coastline can be explored with Bonny during one of the guided hikes.

  • Cala Sisine

    Cala Sisine

    Continuing south, we come across Cala Sisine beach. Its conformity makes it one of a kind. It is nestled between two cliffs overlooking the sea measuring over 500MT, which are also home to the mouth of a river born inside the canyon

    The beach is made up of large light pebbles of different sizes that highlight the crystalline and transparent colour of the sea which slopes down very quickly up to 15 meters. This beautiful beach is also equipped with a bar among the Mediterranean scrub that is easily reachable on foot along a 5 minute-path.

  • Cala Biriola

    Cala Biriola

    About 20 minutes from Cala Sisine, you will encounter Cala Biriala, a beautiful beach of white and pink pebbles which enhances the beach’s turquoise and limpid waters.

    Overlooking the beach is a forest of Holm oaks and junipers, after which you can admire a cliff with a natural arch used by the bravest of the beachgoers as a diving point. The wall on the left side hand of the mountain is also used by many to practice free-climbing and offers a breathtaking view to those who arrive at the top.

  • Piscine di Venere

    Piscine di Venere

    Just ahead of Cala Biriola, we find the Piscine di Venere (The Pools of Venus) a corner of the coastline characterized by its emerald green waters created by the rays of the sun reflecting on the sandy seabed.

    This natural wonder is only accessible by dinghy allowing you to swim in this beautiful corner of paradise surrounded by the many fish that “crowd” the area.

    A mask and mouthpiece are highly recommended.

  • Grotta del Fico

    Grotta del Fico

    Next to the Piscine di Venere, we find the Grotta del Fico.

    It gets its name from the fig plant that is located in front of its entrance and it was the last refuge of the monk seal in the 1980s. The seal accessed the cave through an underwater siphon located at about 15m in depth. The monk seal used this cave to reproduce or to seek shelter during storms.

    It has been open to the public for about 10 years and the guided visit is approximately 50 minutes long. The visit takes you about 800 Mt inside the cave.

    Just drop your anchor in the appropriate space as indicated by the staff and you will be accompanied to the cave for your visit. Ticket price: 8€.

  • Cala Mariolu

    Cala Mariolu

    Cala Mariolu is a beach of rounded white pebbles and is divided in two by a limestone cliff which is loved by the beachgoers as a diving point. The varieties of colour of the sea, from an intense blue to a light blue and the clarity of its water, make this beach the most beloved of the Gulf. Recently voted by TripAdvisor as the most beautiful beach in Italy, it continues to remain in the top 10 position as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It owes its name "Cala Mariolu" to the fishermen from Ponza who called the Monk Seal "Mariolu"(thief in Ponza's dialect) because it stole the fish from their nets.

  • Cala Gabbiani

    Cala Gabbiani

    Cala Gabbiani gets its name from the seagulls which are present at dawn and at sunset and is known as the "sister"of Cala Mariolu beach. The two “sister” beaches are divided only by a thin strip of land. Once again, you will find clear and crystalline waters with light coloured pebbles that make up the beach. Its peculiarity is a cliff overlooking the beach, with a cave that creates much needed shade and convenient during the hottest hours.

  • Le Sorgenti

    Le Sorgenti

    The beaches Le Sorgenti are two very tiny beaches of fine sand mixed pebbles. Behind them we find a 400 meter-wall. They are named after the two freshwater springs that pass under the beaches and flow directly into the sea making the water very cold.

  • Cala Goloritzè

    Cala Goloritzè

    Cala Goloritzè is the last beach of the Gulf of Orosei. Born from a landslide in 1962, it is closed by demarcation buoys that forbid access to any type of boat, making it accessible only by swimming.

    The major characteristic of the beach is the presence of the natural arch on the right, overlooked by the 143 m high-pinnacle that drops sheer to the sea called the spire (Punta Caroddi).

    Sand and small pebbles help in making this beach, nestled in the mountain, something unique. As well, the colours of its water of a turquoise blue explain why it was declared an Italian national monument.

    Another feature of this beach is the presence of underground freshwater springs that in some places make the water really cold.

    Cala Goloritzé is also accessible on foot, starting from the Golgo of Baunei and along an easy 2-hour path.

    It is the beach that marks the southern boundary and the end of the Gulf of Orosei.

    Rubber dinghies boat rental

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    Boat rental Cala Gonone

    Looking for a boat rental in Cala Gonone? Gonone Rental has been working for years in the rental boat sector in the Gulf of Orosei with departures from the marina of the hamlet of Dorgali.

    Excursions Cala Gonone

    daily trips with a skipper
    Excursions Cala Gonone

    Looking for a boat trip from Cala Gonone and a day of fun? Our skipper, Bonny, is a real sea dog and is ready help you discover the most hidden corners of the Gulf of Orosei.

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