Renting a Boat in Olbia & Golfo Aranci
Bottom line: Renting a boat or booking a yacht charter in Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Rotondo and the Costa Smeralda is one of the best things you can do in Sardinia. A small boat for a couple, a RIB for a family, or a luxury yacht with skipper, will take you to Tavolara, Molara, La Maddalena and quiet coves that are impossible to reach from the road.
Why renting a boat here is special
The stretch between Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Rotondo and the Costa Smeralda is a dream for boating. With a small motorboat you can visit quiet bays in the Gulf of Olbia. With a fast RIB or yacht you can reach Tavolara and Molara, the island of La Maddalena, or the famous coves around Capriccioli and Cala di Volpe. Many guests tell us that a day boat rental from Olbia or Golfo Aranci becomes their favorite memory of the entire holiday.
When you search for things like “boat rental Olbia without skipper”, “yacht charter Golfo Aranci”, or “RIB rental Porto Rotondo”, you will see many offers. This guide helps you understand the options, what to expect, and how to choose safely.
Types of boat rental: from small RIBs to luxury yachts
You will find three main styles of boat rental in North East Sardinia:
- Self drive RIBs and small boats for couples and families, usually between 5 and 7.5 meters. Some require a license, some do not.
- Skippered day charters on larger RIBs and motorboats, perfect if you prefer a captain who knows the area, the wind and the safest anchor spots.
- Luxury yacht charter for a private experience along the Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena and even Bonifacio on the Corsican side, often with crew, lunch and toys included.
For a first experience, many guests choose a RIB rental out of Golfo Aranci or Marinella. These departures are close to La Maddalena, Tavolara, Cala Sabina and the famous coves near Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo, which makes the most of your day on the water.
A real example of a premium day boat on the North East Sardinia coast, similar to what you can book via local partners like Marefun.
Recommended local partners
If you are looking for premium yacht charters in Sardinia, we suggest you start with Marefun, based between Golfo Aranci and Olbia. Their fleet focuses on high quality day yachts and powerful boats, ideal if you want to explore Tavolara, La Maddalena and Costa Smeralda in comfort.
For guests who prefer RIB rental near Porto Rotondo, a very good option is Travel Boat Rent, located in the Golfo di Marinella area. They specialize in RIBs, dinghies and small boats that are perfect for families who want to discover Mortorio, Soffi, Cala Sabina and other coves at their own pace.
These are only two examples. There are many operators in the region, from simple day rentals to full service crewed yachts. Always read recent reviews, check what is included in the price (fuel, skipper, drinks, toys) and confirm the departure port. From our side at Rental12, we are happy to share neutral, experience based suggestions in your digital guidebook once your stay is confirmed.
Choosing the right boat for your group
When you decide to rent a boat in Olbia or Golfo Aranci, keep these points in mind:
- Experience and licenses: some boats can be rented without a nautical license; others require proof of experience.
- Group size and comfort: check the maximum number of guests and think about shade, seating and storage for bags.
- Itinerary: short routes inside the gulf are ideal for smaller boats; longer trips to La Maddalena or Bonifacio call for more range and power.
- Children on board: ask about life jackets in the right sizes and how stable the boat feels in afternoon wind.
- Budget: self drive RIBs are usually the most economical; luxury yachts offer a very different level of service and price.
If you want to combine boat days with easy access to town, consider staying in our designer apartments in Olbia’s historic center or in the AZULIS collection in Aldo Moro. You can see the full list on the All properties page and filter by area in the properties index.
Typical day routes from Olbia & Golfo Aranci
Every captain has a favorite route, and conditions change with wind and sea, but these are some classic boat itineraries from Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo:
- Olbia and Tavolara: cruise out past Pittulongu and Bados, swim under the cliffs of Tavolara and stop near Molara’s natural pools.
- Golfo Aranci and Capo Figari: start from the harbor, move towards Cala Moresca and Capo Figari, then continue to Cala Sabina for a beach stop.
- Porto Rotondo and Costa Smeralda: from Marinella or Porto Rotondo you can reach Mortorio, Soffi, Cala di Volpe and the coves near Capriccioli and Romazzino.
- La Maddalena archipelago: a full day charter to Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria, usually with several swim stops and a simple lunch on board or in a small port.
To combine your boat day with time on land, see our guide to beaches near Olbia and Golfo Aranci and the bars and aperitivo spots for sunset.
“Every time I go out by boat, I fall in love with this coast all over again.”
“From the water you see Sardinia differently. The colors, the silence between islands and the freedom to stop where the sea is calm and clear.
That is why I always encourage guests to plan at least one day on a boat or yacht if they can.”
– Kristina, co founder of Rental12 · Meet your hosts
Practical tips for safe and easy boat days
- Book early in July and August: the best boats and skippers sell out quickly.
- Check wind forecasts: Maestrale days can be choppy; your rental company or skipper will suggest safer routes.
- Bring essentials: sun protection, hats, light layers, water and simple snacks even if lunch is included.
- Agree the route in advance: talk about whether you prefer more swimming, more coves, or a longer cruise along the coast.
- Respect nature: do not anchor on posidonia seagrass, follow park rules around Tavolara and La Maddalena and take all waste back to port.
- Stay close: if you want to return without stress, choose departures from Olbia, Golfo Aranci or Marinella so you are home in minutes after docking.
After a full day at sea, many guests enjoy a quiet dinner in town. For ideas, have a look at our guide to family friendly restaurants in Olbia or explore the latest tips on the Rental12 blog.
Boat rental FAQs for Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo
Do I need a boat license to rent a boat in Olbia or Golfo Aranci?
It depends on the engine power and the rental company. Some small boats and RIBs are available without a nautical license, while more powerful boats and yachts require one. Ask clearly in advance whether your chosen boat is “no license needed” and what experience the company expects from you as captain. When in doubt, choose a skipper for a more relaxed day.
Where do most boat rentals and yacht charters depart from?
Many day charters leave from Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Rotondo and Golfo di Marinella. Check your confirmation email for the exact marina and pier number, and plan parking time before departure. If you stay in a Rental12 apartment in Olbia, you can park at Via Sassari 20 and reach most city piers by car in a few minutes.
What should I bring on a boat day in Sardinia?
Bring light layers, sunblock, hats, swimwear, towels, water and some snacks even if food is included. A soft bag works better than a hard suitcase in small boats. If you plan to snorkel, ask whether masks and fins are provided or bring your own. Remember that the sun is strong even when the wind feels fresh on the water.
Is a private boat trip in Sardinia worth the cost?
For many guests the answer is yes. Compared to a large group excursion, a private boat gives you control over the timing, the stops and the atmosphere on board. You can choose quieter coves, stay longer in places you love and avoid busy boarding queues. If you split the cost between several people, a full day on a RIB or shared yacht can offer good value for a unique experience.
Can Rental12 book a boat or yacht for me?
We do not operate boats directly and we stay neutral between providers, but once your booking is confirmed we can share trusted options and local contacts in your digital guidebook, based on your dates and group profile. This way you can book directly with the charter company, while still benefiting from local insight and updated feedback.