Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Isola Tavolara is accessed by ferry from Porto San Paolo. The spot is on the sandy beach facing the mainland, on the northwest tip of the island. Self-managed, no infrastructure on the island. Time your session around the ferry schedule and plan your return carefully. Riders typically set up at the main beach near the small village.

On the water

Open sea with chop of 0.4 to 1m in Maestrale conditions. Rocky bottom in places — stay in the sandy channels. The channel between Tavolara and the mainland creates some confused sea state in strong winds. Water is very clear. Views of the 560m limestone cliffs are spectacular from the water.

Required level

Advanced

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Open year-round. Main season: June to September. Ferry service from Porto San Paolo runs from June to September — check timetables in advance. The island is a protected military and natural zone — some areas are permanently off-limits.

Parking

Parking in Porto San Paolo or Capo Ceraso, accessible from the SS125. The spot is best accessed by water taxi from Porto San Paolo. No direct car access to the riding area.

Hazards

Military zone — riding is prohibited near the restricted areas of the island. Boat traffic from the Porto San Paolo ferry. Strong wind acceleration in the channel between Tavolara and the mainland. Check regulations before heading out.

Wind specificities

Isola Tavolara sits in the middle of the channel between the Sardinian coast and the open Tyrrhenian Sea. The Maestrale is channelled and accelerated between the island and the coast, producing strong and consistent conditions. Northeast thermal sea breeze is also reliable on summer afternoons. The island itself provides some shelter on the eastern side but the northwest-facing beach is fully exposed. Wind can be gusty due to the island's steep topography.

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