Chia: kayak tour to Tuerredda with snorkeling

Tuerredda’s best scenery is often found away from the main beach, and this four-hour kayak trip takes you there under your own power. You paddle from Capo Malfatano past cliffs, caves, natural pools, Ferraglione’s rocky islands, and small coves that cannot be reached by road.

I like the small group of no more than eight, which gives guides such as Simone and Simon time to help beginners get comfortable in the kayak. I also like the useful mix of activity and downtime: you get a 25 to 30 minute stop at Perda Longa, snorkeling, swimming, and a quiet cove near Tuerredda.

The main caution is physical. You need to swim, paddle for several hours, and manage a kayak from the water. The tour is not suitable for children under 12, people with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, or anyone over 110 kilograms.

Key points to know before booking

• Perda Longa gives you 25 to 30 minutes to swim and snorkel rather than rushing from one stop to the next.
• Ferraglione’s islands add more than pretty views, with rocky formations, natural pools, and sea urchin colonies to observe.
• A second cove near Tuerredda is reachable only by sea, giving the trip a sense of access that a standard beach visit cannot provide.
• Simone and Simon are experienced with beginners, including people using a kayak for the first time.
• The group is capped at eight people, and the guide speaks Italian and English.
• The $77 price includes the key equipment, including a kayak, lifejacket, snorkeling mask, insurance, and waterproof bag.

Why this stretch of Sardinia works so well by kayak

The coast around Chia and Tuerredda is made for a boat that can move close to shore. From a kayak, you can paddle beside cliffs, enter small sea caves, and pause near shallow natural pools. You are not simply looking at the coast from a beach. You are moving through it at a slow pace, with time to notice changes in the seabed and water.

I like that the route mixes several types of scenery. Tuerredda is known for clear water and a beautiful beach, but the trip also includes the less obvious parts of the coast: Ferraglione’s rocky islands, sea urchin colonies, and a cove accessible only from the water.

The setting is especially attractive for someone who wants more than a standard beach afternoon. You still get time to lie back, swim, and snorkel, but you also spend a good part of the tour paddling and learning the shape of the coast. That balance gives the four hours a clear purpose.

The water conditions matter. If the sea becomes rough, the route may change for safety. That is sensible, but it means you should treat the exact sequence of stops as flexible rather than guaranteed.

Starting at Capo Malfatano

The tour begins at the car park of Ittiturismo Antica Pescheria. From there, you meet the guide, collect the equipment, and get ready for the kayak portion of the trip.

If you have never used a kayak, pay close attention during the initial instructions. Simon has been praised for his patience with first-time paddlers, and Simone has also received strong praise for clear English and a helpful approach. That matters here because a poor first few minutes in a kayak can make the rest of the outing tiring.

Your lifejacket and other kayak equipment are included. You also receive a snorkeling mask and a waterproof bag, but ask the guide about the bag during the tour so you know what it is designed to hold. Bring only what you need on the water.

The launch point at Capo Malfatano sets up the route toward Tuerredda Island. I would arrive ready to get wet, with swimwear already under your clothes and a change of clothes packed for later.

Perda Longa: the first proper break

The route reaches Perda Longa beach for a stop of about 25 to 30 minutes. This is your first chance to get out of the kayak, stretch your legs, swim, snorkel, or simply sit on the sand and take in the coast.

That time limit is useful. It is long enough to make the stop feel real, but short enough to keep the tour moving. If snorkeling is your priority, organize your mask and belongings before you reach the beach so you do not spend much of the break getting ready.

Perda Longa is also the most practical point to reset your energy. Paddling uses your arms, shoulders, and core, even at an easy pace. A short beach stop breaks up the physical effort and makes the later sections more enjoyable.

I would not expect a full beach day here. You have time for a swim and a look beneath the surface, not hours of sunbathing. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water. The tour information specifically recommends a hat, sunscreen, towel, flip-flops, swimwear, and spare clothes.

Ferraglione’s islands and the natural pools

After Perda Longa, the kayaks continue past sheer cliffs toward Ferraglione’s islands. This rocky group is one of the more distinctive parts of the route because the focus shifts from beach scenery to exposed rock, shallow pools, and marine life.

The natural pools are worth watching closely. Their appeal comes from the small details: water held among the rocks, changes in color, and sea urchins living below the surface. Your guide can point out the colonies, but you must not touch or collect the sea urchins.

That rule is important for both your safety and the health of the marine environment. Sea urchin spines can hurt, and handling marine life damages the very places people come to see. Keep your hands to yourself and watch from the kayak or while snorkeling as directed.

This section also shows why a small group helps. With only eight participants, it is easier for the guide to give instructions near the rocks and keep the group together. It also reduces the sense of crowding that can take away from a quiet coastal stop.

Tuerredda and the cove reached only by sea

The route continues toward Tuerredda Island and the clear waters around the beach. Tuerredda is the headline destination, but the most appealing part may be the nearby cove that can be reached only from the water.

A road-access beach can be beautiful, but a cove with no land approach feels different. You arrive by kayak, tie the visit to the sea, and get a break from the usual pattern of walking from a car park to the sand. The exact stop can depend on marine conditions, so keep an open mind about how long you stay and where the guide places the kayaks.

This is another chance to swim and snorkel. The water is described as exceptionally clear, and the tour is built around seeing the seabed rather than simply admiring the color from shore. The snorkeling here is best suited to confident swimmers, since non-swimmers cannot join this experience.

You should also expect the guide to set the pace. The point is not to race toward Tuerredda. It is to move along the coast, stop at good places, and return safely. If you want a fast, athletic paddle with little time to pause, this may feel too relaxed. If you want scenery and water time in equal measure, the pace makes sense.

The return through the fishermen’s lagoon

The return to Capo Malfatano includes a visit to the fishermen’s lagoon. This gives the last part of the route a different character from the open coast, with a change from cliffs and islands to a more enclosed water setting.

The lagoon also helps keep the outing from feeling like a simple out-and-back route. You see more of the area and get another point of reference before returning to the starting point.

By the end of four hours, you will have spent time paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and resting on a beach or cove. That is a fairly full half-day, especially if you are not used to kayaking. Plan the rest of your day with some breathing room rather than scheduling a demanding activity immediately afterward.

What the $77 price really covers

At $77 per person, this tour offers solid value if you would otherwise need to rent a kayak and snorkeling gear separately. The price includes the guided kayak tour, a specialized guide, insurance, a lifejacket, the kayak equipment, a snorkeling mask, and a waterproof bag.

The guide is an important part of the value. You are not just hiring equipment. You are getting route planning, help with kayak technique, guidance around rocks and natural pools, and a person who can adjust the outing to the marine conditions.

The group limit also matters. Eight people is small enough for personal help without making the price feel like a private charter. It is not a solo experience, but it should feel more manageable than a large group on the water.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring water and consider a small snack for before or after the outing, but keep your belongings light and secure. The waterproof bag is useful for essentials, not a reason to bring a large beach load.

Flexible booking adds some practical value. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before planning transport or other activities.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to adults and older teenagers who want a hands-on way to see the coast. It suits confident swimmers, people who like being outdoors, and anyone curious about learning basic kayaking with an instructor nearby.

It is also a good fit for beginners. The guide support matters, and Simon’s patience with first-time kayakers is a useful sign for anyone worried about handling the boat. Simone has been praised for his English, so English-speaking participants should be able to follow instructions clearly.

This is less suitable if you want a passive boat ride. You will be expected to paddle, follow safety directions, and manage your own kayak. It is also not a good choice for anyone who cannot swim, anyone with mobility limitations, children under 12, or people over 110 kilograms.

The age rule is specific: participants from 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent. This is not a drop-off activity for younger teenagers.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, flip-flops, water, and a complete change of clothes. The combination of sun, salt water, and paddling makes spare clothes especially useful at the end.

Use sunscreen before the tour starts and reapply when you have the chance. The route includes open water, a beach stop, and time near exposed rock, so shade may be limited.

Keep your packing simple. The tour includes a waterproof bag, but you should still avoid bringing valuables or bulky items. Ask the guide how to use the bag and where it will be stored.

Most important, be honest about your swimming ability. The trip includes snorkeling and open-water movement, and non-swimmers are not accepted. If you are unsure, this is the kind of concern to settle before booking, not at the launch point.

Final verdict: should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want to combine Sardinia’s famous clear water with real movement along the coast. The route has enough variety to justify four hours: Perda Longa for a proper break, Ferraglione for rocks and sea urchins, Tuerredda for swimming, a sea-access-only cove, and the fishermen’s lagoon on the way back.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the small eight-person group, the patient help available to beginners, and the amount of equipment included for $77. The main reason to skip it is equally clear: you need to swim and paddle, and the sea may force changes to the route.

Book it if you want an active half-day with time to stop and look around. Choose a simpler beach visit instead if you mainly want to lie on the sand or avoid physical effort.

FAQ

Where does the kayak tour start?

The meeting point is the car park of Ittiturismo Antica Pescheria at Capo Malfatano.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $77 per person.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Italian and English.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and a waterproof bag are included, along with the kayak equipment and lifejacket. Ask the guide about the mask and bag during the tour.

What places does the route visit?

The route starts at Capo Malfatano and heads toward Tuerredda Island. It includes Perda Longa beach, Ferraglione’s islands, a secluded cove near Tuerredda, and the fishermen’s lagoon on the return.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 12 cannot join. Participants aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for anyone over 110 kilograms.