The day begins with your yacht anchored off the coast. The weather is clear and warm, and the sea is calm - perfect for a short ride away by tender from the yacht to the Grotta del Bue Marino. Another of the world’s natural wonders: awe-inspiring and beautiful.
The approach to the Grotta is striking. A wide opening in the limestone cliffs marks the entrance, and the tender pulls up to a small dock just inside. The Grotta del Bue Marino, named after the monk seals that once lived here, is one of the largest and most well-known sea caves in Sardinia. It has two branches - north and south - but only the southern section is open to visitors.
You’ll join a guided tour, booked by your Captain, along a wooden walkway that runs through the accessible part of the cave. It’s around 900 metres long, and the air will be noticeably cooler inside. The path is well-lit, and the guide will give explanations as you go along. You’ll see a series of large chambers with different types of rock formations - stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the ground, and calm pools of water reflecting the shapes above. Some rooms have names, like the Chandelier Room or Mirror Room, based on their formations.
In one section of the cave, you stop at a beach area inside the rock. This was where monk seals, now rarely seen in the region, used to rest and raise their young. The cave gets its name “bue marino” or “sea ox” from the local nickname for these seals. Although they haven’t been seen here in decades, this part of the cave has been left untouched in case they ever return.
Further along, the guide will point out prehistoric carvings on the walls. These petroglyphs were created thousands of years ago and show human-like figures arranged in circles. No one knows exactly what they mean, but they show that the cave has been used by people since ancient times.
The tour takes about an hour, moving at a relaxed pace. It’s easy to walk and the group size is small.
After the tour, it’s time to head back to the yacht, which will still be anchored nearby. Swimming and diving are not allowed inside the Grotta itself as the cave is a protected site, both for its geological features and its historical importance. Back on the yacht, drinks and lunch will be waiting - something light and local perhaps?
After lunch, there will be time to visit other nearby spots. Cala Luna, a beach only accessible by foot or boat, is a short cruise away. You can anchor offshore and swim or paddle ashore. The water is clear and warm, and the beach is quiet compared to others on the island.
The Grotta del Bue Marino is not just a scenic stop; it’s an interesting and peaceful experience. The size of the cave and the variety of rock formations, combined with the knowledge that people and animals have used it for thousands of years, give it meaning and add variety to a yacht charter. It is one of Sardinia’s most unique natural sights.
