Top 5 water sports in Sardinia

Stunning beaches, strong winds, amazing weather and unique wildlife welcome you to Sardinia, Italy's second-largest island. Get ready to discover the Mediterranean from a new perspective with the best water sports in Sardinia!

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is Italy's second-largest island. Known for its wild nature and historical heritage, Sardinia is also the best place for some memorable outdoor adventures. Thanks to its stunning coastline, pristine waters and amazing weather, there's no better place than Sardinia for water sports. In addition, the remote location of the island and its natural landscape make it the perfect destination for a wonderful journey with friends and family, leaving you with the best memories. If you are planning your trip and you're searching for some exciting activities in Sardinia, you will not be disappointed. Travellers of all kinds can practice their favourite water sport surrounded by Sardinia's magical and unspoiled landscape, from coasteering to canyoning and from snorkelling to windsurfing. This article will help you discover the top 5 water sports in Sardinia. Protected marine areas, vibrant flora and fauna, coral cliffs and white-sanded beaches await you!

1. Coasteering

Coasteering in Chia
Escursi

Sardinia is known for having some of the most beautiful cliffs in Italy. Acknowledged as one of the most fascinating islands of the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia's coastline will offer unparalleled views. Thanks to this coasteering in Chia, near Cagliari, you'll try one of the best water activities in Sardinia. This 4-hour journey is designed for beginners, allowing every adventurer able to swim to join. Your certified guide will help you gear up and teach you how to explore the coastline safely. Following your guide, you'll jump from 10-metre (32.8 ft) high cliffs, climb rock formations and swim in crystal-clear waters. But the best is yet to come because you'll descend an incredible zip line! Hanging on the waters you'll speed down the cable and reach the other end cheering with the rest of the group for your achievement - a thrilling experience you don't want to miss!

2. Windsurfing

Windsurfing in Tortolì
Sports Paradise

If you want to feel the Mediterranean breeze tickling your face, you cannot miss this windsurfing course in Tortolì. Thanks to its strong winds and good waves, windsurfing is undoubtedly one of the best water sports in Sardinia. More and more surfers travel from all around the world to try windsurfing in Sardinia, making it an intriguing destination! If you have always dreamt of surfing on the blue Mediterranean waves, here's your chance to try it. With a professional instructor, you'll spend the day learning how to windsurf in Tortolì, on the island's eastern coast. Extend the course to 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, boosting your chances of becoming a successful windsurfing enthusiast. Suitable for beginners, you'll learn all the fundamentals about the equipment, balance, steering and changing direction during this course. There's no better place than Sardinia for a memorable windsurfing session!

3. Snorkelling

Snorkelling in Alghero
Dran Experience

Swim and explore the shallow waters of the northwestern coast with this guided snorkelling in Alghero! Live one of the most relaxing activities in Sardinia and reconnect with nature during a wonderful snorkelling session. No previous experience is required. Any sea lover able to swim can join! Your experienced guide will equip you with all the necessary: masks, snorkels and fins. You'll swim through crystal-clear waters and discover Sardinia's precious marine life. Thanks to the perfect visibility, you'll admire different types of fish, gorgonian, seaweeds and different types of rocks! Slide around the cliffs and enjoy a fantastic snorkelling exploration from the shores. During this full-day activity, you'll enjoy multiple snorkelling sessions in Alghero. With a professional guide by your side, you'll experience 50-minute snorkelling sessions along the coastline, discovering Sardinia's hidden gems. Gather your friends and dive into Alghero's waters full of enthusiasm.

4. Scuba diving

Scuba diving in La Maddalena
Scuba Point

Sardinia is one of the most spectacular scuba diving spots in the Mediterranean. With plenty of protected marine areas ready to be explored, there's no better place than Sardinia for a scuba diving session. With this discover scuba diving in La Maddalena, beginners can dive in with a professional instructor and breathe underwater for the very first time! All geared up and under the attentive supervision of your instructor, you'll dive to a maximum depth of 6 metres / 19.6 feet. If you are a certified diver, you cannot miss scuba diving in Sardinia! With these adventure dives in La Maddalena, you'll explore the rich seabed and discover vibrant and unique marine life! Coral cliffs, gorgonian, and different types of fish are waiting for you! Thanks to its unique marine life and stunning coastline, scuba diving is one of the best water sports in Sardinia. Divers of all levels won't regret diving in and cruising around!

5. Canyoning

Canyoning in Iglesias
Bitan Daily Tours

Known for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, Sardinia is also the perfect place for canyoning. If you are an adventurous explorer seeking a thrilling experience, you should try this canyoning down Rio Zairi in Iglesias! Rio Zairi is one of the best spots for canyoning in Sardinia, thanks to its convenient location right next to Iglesias and the fascinating environment. Immersed in nature, you'll follow a guide through a fantastic 4-hour canyoning in Iglesias. With jumps up to 7 metres high / 23 feet and lots of slides, waterfalls and natural pools, this canyoning is suitable for beginners. A professional guide will provide you with all the safety equipment, teach you how to descend and supervise you all along. With all your friends by your side, you'll have the best time canyoning down Rio Zairi, one of the best water activities in Sardinia!

With its incredible landscape, Sardinia has a lot to offer: from stunning beaches to protected marine areas, from steep canyons to rocky cliffs. Whether you're travelling alone or with a group of friends, there are plenty of exciting sports in Sardinia, all you have to do is choose your favourite one! You can visit the island all year round, due to the warm weather and the good winds. If you want to make the most of Sardinia's Mediterranean beauty, you should opt for late spring or summer, ensuring wonderful days for your holidays. Now is the perfect time to pick your favourite water sport and make your stay in Sardinia unforgettable.

If you are travelling to Sardinia this year, check out all of our activities in Sardinia and explore the island!