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Chartering on the Costa Smeralda: the Tavolara marine reserve and where to anchor
Short answer
Chartering on the Costa Smeralda in north east Sardinia takes most crews to the Tavolara marine
reserve, with its zones, buoys and strict rules on where to anchor.
Seagrass is off limits, the anchor goes on sand,
and the mistral can fill in from the north west within hours.
The Costa Smeralda in north east Sardinia is known for clear turquoise water, granite rocks and short hops between bays that are packed in high summer. Most charters start from Olbia, Portisco or Cannigione. South of Olbia the limestone mass of Tavolara rises from the sea, and around it lies the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo marine reserve. Almost every crew puts it on the plan, and it is exactly where rules apply that many only discover once they arrive.
The marine reserve is divided into zones. In the strictest zone navigation, anchoring and swimming are largely banned, while the other zones set rules on speed, anchoring and the use of mooring buoys. For some areas the reserve asks boats to register or pay a fee; what applies this year is published by the reserve and usually in the base's briefing pack. Anchoring on seagrass is tightly controlled in Sardinia, because the meadows keep the water clear and recover very slowly. Drop the anchor only on pale sand. The La Maddalena archipelago further north needs its own national park permit.
Plan the route around the wind. The mistral blows from the north west, often builds within hours and can be strong along the north coast and in the Strait of Bonifacio; some bays on the Costa Smeralda give good shelter then, others become uncomfortable. Berths in the well known harbours are scarce and expensive in summer, so book early or plan anchorages with an escape route. If you damage someone else's boat or property with the charter yacht you are personally liable, so your own skipper liability insurance belongs in the preparations.
Worth remembering
Pale bottom
sand, good holding and nothing destroyed
Dark bottom
seagrass, anchoring tightly controlled
On the Costa Smeralda the colour of the seabed decides where the anchor may go.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
Can I anchor off Tavolara?
Only outside the strictest zone and then under the reserve's rules, in places only on buoys. Ask the base for the current zone chart before you go.
Why is anchoring on seagrass not allowed?
Seagrass meadows keep the water clear and grow back extremely slowly. An anchor rips out in minutes what took decades to grow. Look for pale sand and follow the local notices.
Do I need a permit for La Maddalena?
Yes, the national park requires its own permit for leisure craft. Ask the base whether it handles the registration or how you do it yourself.
Related
Not sure whether you qualify?
Whether it is “Chartering on the Costa Smeralda: the Tavolara marine reserve and where to anchor” or another question: send us your residence and the flag your boat flies. You will get a straight answer in one email; including a no, if that is the answer.
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