1. Find the exact spot, not just the destination
“Gallura” or “Tavolara” can refer to a broad area, while rules depend on the precise stretch of coast and marine zone. Before entering the water, locate the spot on a reliable map and check the relevant Marine Protected Area or National Park rules. Zone A areas at Tavolara are under integral protection and do not allow bathing, so do not plan snorkelling or a water stop there.
2. Confirm that access is permitted
A beach visible from the road or reachable by boat is not necessarily open to every activity. Check restrictions on landing, bathing and navigation, plus any permits for a vessel, anchoring or stopping. In the La Maddalena archipelago, a ferry ticket does not replace nautical permits. For an excursion, ask for the exact itinerary and confirm that the provider is authorised for the service offered.
3. Assess the sea and weather where you are
Check wind, waves, current, visibility and boat traffic before putting on your mask. Clear water is not the same as safe water, and a cove that looks calm from the beach may change farther out. Follow local notices and skip the swim if you cannot identify a straightforward way in and out. Do not treat the direction a beach faces as a guarantee of shelter: assess conditions on the day.
4. Match equipment and company to your ability
A well-fitting mask, correctly sized fins and flotation suited to your ability make the activity easier to manage; test your gear before setting out. Do not go far from shore alone, and agree on a return point with your companion. If you are not confident in the water or do not know the site, consider an authorised guided outing. Ask about group size, included equipment and cancellation terms before booking.
5. Look without touching or chasing
In the water, keep clear of rocks, anchor lines and moving boats. Do not touch animals, plants or the seabed, and do not collect shells. Permission to snorkel in one place does not mean that every protected sector is open or that wildlife may be disturbed. If the water becomes rough or visibility falls, return to a safe exit rather than following a fish or a photographic opportunity.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to snorkel?
It depends on the location and any related activity. Snorkelling from shore is different from a boat trip involving anchoring or landing. Check the protected-area rules, confirm that bathing is allowed, and ask the management authority about nautical permits. Do not confuse a ferry ticket with permission to navigate or stop a vessel.
Can I enter the water if the sea looks calm?
Do not rely only on appearance. Assess wind, waves, current, boat traffic, visibility and how easily you can return; consider your ability and follow local notices. If in doubt, stay ashore or choose an authorised guided activity. Environmental rules and personal safety are separate checks, and both matter.