Sardinia – Emerald Waters
Where Wild Beauty Meets Silent Luxury
The Island You’ll Want To Keep Only To Yourself
Dive into Sardinian lifestyle – a hidden world of dolphins, turquoise waters and long summer days
This journey begins in Golfo Aranci, a sun-drenched fishing village perched on one of the thinnest strips of land in the Mediterranean, rich in sandy shores and coastal charm. Here, between the mainland and the open sea, nature flourishes in extraordinary ways—inviting you to indulge in slow currents, drift through seagrass meadows, and hover beside scenic limestone walls.
Most days end with a moving encounter: the resident community of bottlenose dolphins, who have made the sheltered waters of Golfo Aranci their permanent home. They often swim alongside the dive boats, leaping and gliding in the golden light of sunset—a powerful reminder that here, the sea still belongs to the wild.
Beneath the surface, amberjacks, groupers, octopuses, and colorful nudibranchs populate a mosaic of cliffs and caves. On land, ancient juniper forests, windswept ridges, and Mediterranean scrub frame the shoreline—untouched, resilient, and alive.
And then, to add to this extraordinary biodiversity, there are the mouflons. Wild, elusive, and unmistakably Sardinian, these native mountain sheep are often seen grazing along the rugged slopes of Capo Figari and Figarolo Island, their curved horns silhouetted against the sky—sometimes visible even from the boat deck as you prepare to dive.
Cradled by the wind-shaped coastline of northeastern Sardinia, Golfo Aranci is more than a charming village—it’s the gentle heartbeat of the Emerald Waters Scuba Diving Holiday experience. Here, the land narrows into the sea, and the pace of life slows to match the rhythm of the waves.
A former fishing port turned seaside gem, Golfo Aranci offers the perfect balance between authentic Sardinian culture and refined coastal living. Its promenade winds beside clear, turquoise waters. The scent of sea salt and wild myrtle lingers in the air. Cafés spill into the streets. The old Fishermen mend their nets just steps from lively restaurants serving local seafood and Vermentino wine.
This is a village where sunrises belong to early divers and sunsets to long, lingering dinners. A place where the sea isn’t just a view—it’s a presence. From the harbor, boats set out toward Tavolara, Molara, and the secluded coves of the Costa Smeralda—but many who come here prefer to stay, seduced by the natural stillness and the quiet luxury of life by the bay.
Whether you're wandering narrow lanes, watching dolphins play at dusk, or preparing for your next dive beneath limestone cliffs, Golfo Aranci is not just where the journey begins—it's part of the reason you’ll want to return.
Rising steeply from the sea, the promontory of Capo Figari and the nearby island of Figarolo are among Sardinia’s most iconic dive sites. Designated as a SIC area (Site of Community Importance) this protected zone is home to crystal-clear waters, thriving marine biodiversity, and unique underwater landscapes that create a spectacular backdrop for every descent.
Above the surface, the cliffs of Capo Figari are home to the Semaforo di Marconi, the historic station where Guglielmo Marconi conducted groundbreaking radio experiments in 1932 — sending signals across the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Below the surface, caves, submerged walls, and passing dolphins make every dive feel like an exploration of both nature and history.
From sunlight-drenched rock formations to hidden caves and darting schools of fish, this area offers a dive experience that’s both scenic and rich in biodiversity — a place where the wildness of the island extends beneath the waves.
Just off the coast of Golfo Aranci lies the Tavolara and Molara Marine Protected Area — a sanctuary of wild beauty and one of the most biodiverse regions in the Mediterranean. Beneath the surface, you'll drift through a vibrant world of groupers, moray eels, barracuda, and delicate coral gardens, all thriving in the clarity of pristine, protected waters.
But Tavolara Island is more than a natural wonder — it’s steeped in legend. Once proclaimed the smallest kingdom on Earth, this limestone island rises like a crown from the sea, guarded by sheer cliffs and home to wild goats with golden teeth, said to shimmer in the island sun.
Thanks to its strict marine protection, the area remains untouched and thriving — a place where the underwater world mirrors the myth above.
Every dive here is a journey through nature, history, and imagination.
The Itinerary
Scuba diving holidays around the world
- Arrival at the "Olbia - Costa Smeralda" Airport
- Transfer to Golfo Aranci (30 min drive)
- Overnight at Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- Morning: First Check-Dive at Figarolo Island
- Afternoon: Second Dive at the submerged cliffs of the Capo Figari Promontory
- Overnight at Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- Double Tank Dives in Capo Figari and Figarolo Island dive spots
- Accommodation at Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- Double Tank Dives in the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara Island and into the natural pools of Molara Island
- Accommodation at the Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- Desaturation day spent by the pool or on the private beach, letting the sun and sea breeze work their magic. Feeling adventurous? Choose from a curated selection of day experiences and excursions to explore the island beyond the shoreline
- At Dinner, enjoy a final dinner at a traditional agriturismo, where the rich flavors of Sardinian cuisine and local wines offer a true taste of the island
- Overnight at Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- Departure: Transfer to Olbia "Costa Smeralda" Airport (30 min drive)
- End of the “Emerald Waters" Experience
About The Trip
Highlights & useful information
- 10 Dives Package
The trip includes:- 6 dives in Capo Figari and Figarolo;
- 4 dives in the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara and Molara Islands;
The majority of dives happening as double tank dives. This means you will do a dive, have a minimum of 1 hour surface interval, and then proceed to a second dive without returning to base.
- Flexible Dive Schedule: In case of unfavorable weather, sea, or wind conditions, we may adjust the schedule and conduct one dive in the morning and another in the afternoon. Weather conditions can influence the exact dive sites, and we will always choose the safest and most suitable locations for the best experience.
- Diving on Ribs: All dives will be conducted using very comfortable RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), providing access to some of the most remote and stunning dive sites in Sardinia. The flexibility of RIB diving allows you to reach both shallow reefs and deeper dive sites in comfort and safety.
Your experience includes a stay at the Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites, a charming seaside retreat that blends discreet luxury with Sardinian warmth. A short walk from the dive center (650 meters), and set along a quiet stretch of coast, this hotel is more than a place to rest—it’s where the rhythm of the sea meets effortless comfort.
The included room for this package is the Classic Village View Room, a welcoming space for those who plan to spend their days diving and exploring.
But for those seeking something truly unforgettable—a sunrise over the water, a private plunge pool, a terrace kissed by sea breeze—consider one of the hotel’s elegant sea view suites. The upgrade is simple to book, and the experience is beyond compare.
We offer your stay with bed & breakfast included, giving you the freedom to discover Sardinia’s exceptional culinary scene each evening. From family-run trattorie to sophisticated coastal restaurants, the area offers a range of dining experiences for every taste.
And on your final night, you’ll be treated to a traditional Sardinian dinner at a local Agriturismo — an authentic celebration of the island’s deep-rooted flavors, shared around a long table as the sun dips behind the hills.
- 7 nights in Classic Village View Room, at Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- Breakfast at Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
- 1x Agriturismo Sardinian Dinner on the last evening
- 6x dives in Capo Figari and Figarolo
- 4x long-distance dives in the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara and Molara
- DAN Short-Term Insurance, providing emergency coverage for scuba diving activities during your stay.
- Tanks and Weights
- from and to the "Olbia - Costa Smeralda" Airport (on defined dates)
- to and from the Agriturismo
Please note that any unused services or activities included in the package are non-refundable.
How You Are Protected on Your Trip
At Élite Diving Agency, your safety is our priority. That's why every trip includes DAN Short-Term Insurance, providing emergency coverage for scuba diving activities during your stay. This means:
Emergency medical treatment for diving injuries
Hyperbaric therapy & evacuation
Travel disruption support in case of a diving accident
Worldwide coverage including your country of residence
No action required — we’ve got you covered.
This short-term policy is fully included in your package, so you can dive with peace of mind.
Want Full-Year Coverage? Upgrade with DAN Sport Silver
For divers looking for extended protection, we suggest an optional upgrade: the DAN Sport Silver annual plan.
With this upgrade, you’ll enjoy:
365-day coverage for diving activities, anywhere in the world
90 days of non-diving travel emergency coverage
Legal support, third-party liability, and more
Ideal for divers who travel or train year-round
This policy is managed directly through DAN, and you can purchase it in a few clicks using our partner link below:
We highly recommend this option to any diver pursuing certifications, professional training, or multiple dive trips throughout the year.
Why We Trust DAN
DAN (Divers Alert Network) is the world’s most trusted name in diving safety and emergency assistance. With over 40 years of experience and global support centers, DAN gives divers peace of mind wherever their fins take them.
- Personal Diver: As this is in individual trip, ÉDA "Personal Diver" service is not included, and can be booked separately
- International Travel
- Single room supplement
- Drinks
- Dives not listed
- PADI Certification: Enriched Air “Nitrox” PADI Certification
- Insurance: Travel insurance is not included
- City Tax: € 4.50 per day and per person (to be paid at check-out at the hotel)
- Other: All that is not mentioned above
Book Your Trip Here
Select your preferred dates for this experience
About Your Accomodation
Between Dives, a Place of Quiet Luxury
After each dive, you return to a place where nature meets comfort, a place of calm, curated beauty. Your stay is at the Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites, a seaside haven a few minutes walk (650 meters) from your dive center. Lounge on the private white sandy beach, sip a drink as the sun melts into the horizon, and rest in sea-view rooms or luxurious suites designed to soothe and inspire.
Whether you choose a spacious deluxe suite, a private plunge pool, or a simple balcony with the scent of salt and wild helichrysum —your retreat offers the perfect frame to your days underwater. This is where adventure and luxury coexist.
Your diving days begin just steps from the sea. Explore your home away from home.
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