Sardinia Travel Information & Planning Guide

Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Sardinia. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don’t forget to pack a copy to take with you.

Plan

Before you go

Address
Sailitalia/Sunsail
Via A.Vespucci, 28
Cannigione (Sassari)
Sardinia Italy

Cannigione can be found in the gulf of Arzachenais, a beautiful area with a picturesque town, retaining an unspoilt local charm. The base allows for departures for The Maddalena Archipel, The Emerald Coast and Corsica.

Please note that this base is operated by our Franchise partner Sailitalia.

Base hours
Monday – Thursday: in case of embarkment
Friday – Saturday: 9.00am to 8pm, or until the last arrival
Sunday: 9.00am to noon in case of embarkment

Season: The base is open from late March to early November.

Language
The official language in Italy is Italian.

Time Zone
Italy is GMT + 1 hrs.

What to bring

Passport and visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check here for the latest information before you leave. Sunsail is not accountable for any requirement changes.

Customs + immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.

Sailing licences
To charter in Italy, there must be at least one certified skipper over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time. As a yacht skipper, you are required to have an official sailing license or a certificate issued by the government of state approved organisation as detailed below:

Skippers must have a Sailing licence approved in their country of origin:

Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:

• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognised sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”

AND/OR

• RYA “Day Skipper Course” or above
• US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognised sailing association

Luggage + packing list
We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

What’s on board

Mobile phones
Your mobile phone may work when in Italy, but please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.

Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.

Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-italy/

Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Italy is 220 volts and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

WiFi
WiFi is available, cost is as follows:

• €150 per week 5GB – 5 connections (€100 deposit for the modem)

Wi-Fi is not included in your charter price. Please contact your Holiday Planning Specialist who can add this service to your contract. Wi-Fi must be paid for locally in Euro upon arrival.

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Go

How to get there

Airport
The nearest airport is Olbia Airport (OLB). Olbia Airport is approximately 17 miles from the base. By car, the journey to the base takes about one hour.

Transfers
Transfers can be arranged in advance. Contact us for more information. Upon arrival, the following fees apply:

Transfers Airport to Base	1 – 4 passengers	5 – 8 passengers	9 – 12 passengers
Olbia Airport – Base Cannigione	€ 200.00	€ 250.00	€ 300.00

All transfer prices listed are for single journeys (one way).

A supplement will incurred to clients for delays of ½ hour or more: 20% of transfer cost for every delayed hour initiated.

From the Airport Olbia Costa Smeralda or from the port of Olbia there is a bus which links Olbia with the main beautiful cities of the northern part of the Sardinia, including Cannigione.  The bus stop is within walking distance of the marina (approxamately 300 meters).

Car rental

Avis
Eurocar
Hertz

Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer (1 km = 0.621 miles).
An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries.

The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory.
An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from 2 to 12 years of age.

Traffic drives on the right. Road signs are international.
Many petrol stations are closed 12 -3 p.m.
Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times.

Parking
Parking is not available on the base. Please note: there is free parking available nearby – please note this is not affiliated to the base and cannot be pre-booked. First come, first served. 

Boarding time + checking out

On arrival
Your yacht will be ready at 6pm for boarding. Luggage may be left at the base office at the marina.

When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. On your radio, you can also listen to the weather forecast 24 hours a day in both English and Italian. Harbour offices also receive a weather forecast regularly.

Briefing Times: Chart briefings are scheduled between 6 pm and 7 pm local time depending on arrival followed by the boat briefing.   

The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Out of hours
There will be a representative at the base until 9 pm who will accompany the client to their boat. The check-in and briefing will be completed the following morning.

On departure
All charterers must return to base by 5:00 pm the night before disembarkation for debriefing and checks. Disembarkation is at 9:00 am the following morning. 

Before departing your boat they will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away. Return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sail

About the marina

Marina facilities
Your comfort is assured by extensive facilities including a laundromats, hotel, restaurant, public phones, bank and fuel. 

Dock facilities
Fuel: Cost Guide €1.20

Location: In the marina at the Sunsail base

Sailing licences

Experience required

Sailing experience level 3

• At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
• Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds, and remote anchorages.

Qualifications required

ICC International Certificate of Competence
RYA Day Skipper

To sail in this destination you’ll need at least an ICC or an RYA Day Skipper qualification or above. Original license/certificate must be presented upon check-in at the base.

Click here to view the sailing requirements in Italy. 

Permits

 “La Maddalena Permit”:

• Customers need a permit to sail around “La Maddalena Archipelago” and we suggest that this is done before arrival.  
• Apply here: https://autorizzazioni.lamaddalenapark.it/index.php?ssez=Acquista&action=&lang=en_GB
• For more information on how to fill this out, please contact your Vacation Planner.

Fishing permit:

• Fishing from a boat within the waters of the La Maddalena national park is allowed only to residents.
• Outside the waters of the park it is possible to have a sport fishing permit through this link https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/190.

The fisherman, to request the card must follow the steps below

1. Register, on the proposed page indicate the name, an e-mail box to use as USERNAME and a password of your choice
2. Consult the e-mail address indicated and read the message received containing a link to click to activate the account and verify the activation code
3. Access the reserved area of the Ministry site again by specifying the e-mail address provided during registration and the relative password as USERNAME
4. Fill in the required information (identity of the fisherman, date and place of birth, residence, tax code) providing in addition statistical data on the type of fishing practices, geographical area of interest and equipment used
5. Check the data indicated, confirm and print the certificate of communication that will function as a title for the exercise of sport and recreational fishing, no other requirements are necessary 

Sailing grounds

Skippered charter information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12pm-12pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 6pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you’ve reserved a skipper for a later date on your charter they will start at 12pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.

The skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. We suggest that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht. We also suggest that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover: anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you’ll provide cash for meals, whether you’ve included him or her in your provisioning or whether you’ll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore.

The skipper must have his or her own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect your skipper to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.

For one-day check out skippers, it’s your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15-20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.

More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Charter Preparation Tips
All sailing certificates must be sent to the base and received at least 2 weeks before the start of the charter. It is essential that you take your original skippers license or certificate with you in the event that the Port Authorities ask you to present it to them. If you do not have an official sailing license, by law the team at base will not be able to allow you to charter without an officially certified skipper onboard.

Sailing area restrictions
This information is provided in the chart briefing.

Night sailing
Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. 

Moorings fees + taxes
Most overnight stops in the area will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays. The buoys will cost approximately EUR 50 per night and are to be paid locally at each anchorage.

Marina fees start at approximately EUR 40 per night and can be as much as EUR 1600 per night, depending on the time of the year and the size of boat. 

These are approximate prices only.

Health + safety

Illness or injury 
If you get ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible.

Swim Safe 

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your holiday. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

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Eat

Provisioning

Sunsail Provisioning
All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. Visit store.sunsail.com to order. 

Dining

Restaurants
Cannigione is full of affordable restaurants serving traditional local meals.

• Ristorante La Risacca
• Ristorante La Sciumara
• La Zattera
• Ristorante Pizzeria Linus

Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants and bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15 percent of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Tip according to quality of service.

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Shop

Around the base

Hotels
Hotel Residence Riva Azzurra
Hotel Del Porto
Hotel Baja
Hotel Micalosu
Hotel Club Cala di Falco

Currency
The euro is the currency used throughout Italy.

Credit card information
MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted throughout Italy.

Traveller’s checks are accepted in major Italian cities and tourist areas, however not in some very small establishments and outdoor markets.

Banks
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 8.30am-1.30pm and 2.30-4pm.

Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Cash machines are operational 24 hours a day.

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Play

Water toys + sports

Fishing
Sardinia offers numerous opportunities for fishing either inland on the numerous lakes and rivers or on the coast off the rocks or jetties. You’ll often see the locals catching octopi and taking them home for dinner. Offshore sport fishing trips can be also be arranged.

Some hotels in the north of the island offer trips on The Poseidon, a 45 foot sport fishing boat with excellent equipment, a very comfortable cabin and sundeck. They offer day or night fishing, drifting, deep or shallow line fishing and deep or coastal fishing.

The waters around the northeast are especially rich with fish and this is a fantastic trip for the keen fisherman. Inland near Mandra Edera Farm is Lake Omodeo with stunning scenery and coarse fishing. There is also fishing on the lakes and lagoons that surround Oristano on the west coast.

In the south there is excellent fishing at Cala Carbonara where there is an abundance of marine life. From Alghero you can take a boat and rod out to fish under the cliffs at Capo Caccia. From Cala Gonone there is freshwater fishing on the Fiumendosa and Cedrino Rivers, getting better the further up stream you go. Whether you are a keen fisherman or a child with a hand line, fishing is a popular activity in Sardinia.

Fishing permits:

• Fishing from a boat within the waters of the La Maddalena national park is allowed only to residents. 
• Outside the waters of the park it is possible to have a sport fishing permit through this link https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/190.

The fisherman, to request the card must follow the steps below:

1. Register, on the proposed page indicate the name, an e-mail box to use as USERNAME and a password of your choice
2. Consult the e-mail address indicated and read the message received containing a link to click to activate the account and verify the activation code
3. Access the reserved area of the Ministry site again by specifying the e-mail address provided during registration and the relative password as USERNAME
4. Fill in the required information (identity of the fisherman, date and place of birth, residence, tax code) providing in addition statistical data on the type of fishing practices, geographical area of interest and equipment used
5. Check the data indicated, confirm and print the certificate of communication that will function as a title for the exercise of sport and recreational fishing, no other requirements are necessary

Diving and Snorkelling
Sardinia’s clear waters, rocky coastline and islands offer great scuba diving for the novice through to the seasoned diver. Alghero, on the Northwest coast is a good base for year-round diving in the deep sea with many caverns to explore.
In the northeast dive schools abound and some of our hotels have their own dive centres such as the Abi d’Oru, the Capo d’Orso, Park Hotel Cala di Lepre and Dune Village.
In the south marine life abounds and our hotels Sofitel Timi Ama, Hotel and Residence Cormoran and Hotel Chia Laguna have their own dive centres.

Diving is not permitted directly from our yachts under any circumstances. Diving must only take place through reputable, certified dive operators using their own boats and equipment.

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

When snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling
One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water

Kayaks & SUP’s

Kayaks €180 per week (one man) and SUP’s €200 per week

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here

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