Start with the zone
The protected area covers part of Sardinia’s north-eastern coast as well as the islands of Tavolara, Molara and Molarotto. Its zoning map is the useful starting point: two nearby points may fall under different rules. Before choosing a beach, boat route or place to enter the water, locate the exact spot and read the Marine Protected Area authority’s current provisions rather than relying on a broad destination label.
Boating, stopping and anchoring are separate
Permission to navigate in an area does not automatically mean that you may moor, anchor or stop anywhere in it. Nautical activities can be subject to specific rules depending on the zone and type of vessel. For a commercial trip, ask for the planned route and check that the provider is authorised for the service offered. With a private boat, verify any requirements before leaving the harbour.
Snorkelling is a rules question too
Clear water does not by itself make a location suitable or open to swimming. Snorkelling must be checked against both the zone and conditions on the day. Bathing is prohibited in Zone A integral protection areas, so do not plan to float or stop in the water there. Elsewhere, provisions may differ: consult the applicable rules, keep clear of the seabed and wildlife, and do not mistake a scenic description for permission.
Ask precise questions before booking
An itinerary that simply mentions Tavolara or Molara is too vague to assess. Ask the provider for the planned route or stopping points, which activities are included, and what happens if conditions or regulations rule out a stop. Compare the answer with the Marine Protected Area’s official information. If the details remain unclear, choose a provider able to explain the limits and realistic alternatives.
Leave room to change plans
Wind, waves and visibility can make an activity unsuitable even when it is allowed in that zone. Check the forecast and follow the skipper’s or guide’s assessment; do not insist on reaching a particular cove. Keep a second option that avoids prohibited areas and does not require forcing a crossing. A straightforward land-based stop may be the better choice when you do not need another nautical activity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I snorkel in every bay in the protected area?
No. Rules vary by zone, and bathing is prohibited in Zone A integral protection areas. Locate the exact point on the zoning map and read the current regulations before entering the water, then assess local conditions and follow instructions from the provider or authorities.
Can a boat anchor anywhere if it stays offshore?
No. Navigation, mooring, anchoring and stopping are distinct activities and may have different conditions. Check the rules for the exact location and vessel, or ask an authorised provider to specify its route and planned stops. A generic itinerary does not replace checking the regulations.