This is the third year in a row that I have spent the summer in the Maddalena archipelago, specifically in the town centre of La Maddalena island. Although I have always been a fan of tropical countries and exotic destinations, I need to admit that its crystal water has almost no equals in the world.
White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters will welcome you as soon as you get here.
DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
Why take a boat trip of the Maddalena archipelago.
If you visit the main islands by land, you will be able to reach beautiful beaches and coves, both in La Maddalena and Caprera island, however, seeing them by sea is something else.
In fact, with a boat tour, you will be able to reach stretches of sea, such as the natural pools of Budelli, or beaches such as the Pink Beach and the wonderful beaches of Spargi, that you would not be able to see otherwise.
Also, especially the most beautiful beaches of the island of Caprera, such as Cala Coticcio or Cala Napoletana, are quite inconvenient to reach and accessible by land only via quite strenuous paths in nature.
And then by sea you can better capture the many shades of this stretch of the Mediterranean, ranging from emerald green (my favorite), to aqua green, to deep blue to phosphorescent blue. If you love sea, I assure you that the colors of the Maddalena archipelago, will blow your mind!
So, if you are on vacation in Sardinia, note down a boat tour in La Maddalena as one of the things not to miss.
>> Read also: 2024 Guide to the best of Caprera island (beaches and more) <<<
What are the stops on the boat tours in the La Maddalena archipelago?
Each tour makes different stops. Generally they are predetermined however they also vary depending on weather conditions and wind conditions, so the itinerary could change at the captain’s discretion.
Generally, the boat tours include stops at some of the best places of the archipelago. Some of these are the natural swimming pool of Budelli, Santa Maria island, the beaches of Cala Corsara or Cala Granara in Spargi island, the Pink Beach of Budelli island, Cala Soraya, and several stops for swimming at other points in the archipelago, which may be in Santo Stefano island, or in Caprera or around the island of La Maddalena.
Is it possible to visit Budelli’s Pink beach?
Since 1994, famous Pink Beach has been closed to the public to preserve its delicate ecosystem.
Until that year, in fact, tourists unfortunately defaced and carried away the sand, which owes its special color to the presence of a pink microorganism found only there and in few other parts of the world.
Today you cannot access the beach, famous for its turquoise waters and pink sandy beach.
To admire it, therefore, you must join a boat tour to La Maddalena and observe it from the sea. Some tours, such as dinghy tours, will allow you to go down to the island of Budelli and following the route, you can admire it from the back, where you will also find the island guard who will give you information about this special place.
How long does a boat tour in the Maddalena archipelago last?
Although each tour is different, generally standard tours last about 7 to 8 hours, leaving around 9/10am and returning around 4:30/5pm.
Do you need travel insurance for your next vacation?
Choose Heymondo travel insurance and travel worry-free!
Get a 10% discount for my readers here!How does a boat tour in La Maddalena work?
There are many types of boat tours but an average tour generally involves departure in the morning, navigation with guide’s explanation of what you are seeing, 3/4 stops and swim stops, return in the evening.
Then, depending on the excursion chosen there are tours that include lunch on board, those that include a snack or appetizer, and those that include nothing but often have a bar on board where you can buy what you want.
Where do boat tours in the Maddalena Archipelago depart from?
The majority of boat tours in the Maddalena archipelago depart from the marina in Palau, or from one of the ports in La Maddalena. There are also some tours that depart from Santa Teresa Gallura or Porto Cervo, with a transfer to reach the port of Palau.
What to bring on a boat excursion to La Maddalena?
– Snorkeling equipment to enjoy the beauty of marine life
– Fresh water (the islands where you will stop are uninhabited, so you won’t find anyone selling drinks except on board)
– Something to eat if not included in the tour
– Beach towel
– Swimsuit
– A hat and sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– A light windbreaker in case of windy weather
– GoPro or phone protection if you want to take photos
La Maddalena boat tours – Prices
To visit La Maddalena archipelago, you can choose between a dinghy tour, a catamaran trip, a large boat with seats, or even a luxury yacht private tour. Also, it is up to you to choose whether you prefer the privacy of a private boat for you and your group of friends, or a trip with many other people. For this reason, prices can range from 50 euros to 3000 euros (for groups of up to 8 people).
The best boat tours in the Maddalena archipelago
As you can imagine, being in one of the most beautiful seas in the world, the offer of boat tours is truly very wide. How to choose the best ones?
I have tried several and I will tell you about my experience with each of them.
Catamaran excursion in the archipelago
I don’t know anything about boats even though I’m deeply fascinated by them. However, if I had to choose my favorite type of boat, it would definitely be the catamaran. I find it aesthetically very elegant and I love the side nets where you can lie down and sunbathe.
I tried this catamaran tour from Palau with lunch included and found it very pleasant and comfortable.
The advantage is that there are only a few people on board (there were about ten of us), so we are more spread out and disembarkation operations with the tender boat are also quicker.
We stopped and bathed in several of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago and on board we were served both a tasty aperitif with cured meats, typical cheeses and wine and a pasta lunch.
The price is certainly higher than trips on large boats with larger capacities but for me it is worth it.
BOOK YOUR CATAMARAN TOUR FROM PALAU HERE
La Maddalena dinghy tour with an experienced skipper
Another way to visit the archipelago is to book a dinghy tour. I really like this type of boat because it allows you a more intimate contact with the sea and because, being smaller in size, it allows you to get closer to the coast.
Choose it, however, if you like swimming, because to get to the beach there are no tender boats but you have to dive. There is both a shaded and a sunny part on board, so you can choose where you are most comfortable.
An advantage is that there are only a few people, then it depends on the dinghy but generally a maximum of 12. A disadvantage is that there are no services on board, such as bathrooms.
On this tour you can find on Get Your Guide, there are departures from both La Maddalena and Palau and drinks are included (lunch is not, so bring something from home).
Speedboat cruise to La Maddalena with lunch and drinks
If you are looking for an excursion with lunch included, you can book this speedboat tour from Palau with a guided tour of the La Maddalena national park. The boat is small but comfortable, and the tour includes stops at the most beautiful spots in the area.
Also included on board is lunch with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snorkeling sets at your disposal.
Sailing boat trip La Maddalena
For sailing boat enthusiasts, I recommend instead this tour departing from the island of La Maddalena. The boat is very elegant and has shower and toilet facilities. The tour includes two or three stops at the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, depending on the weather.
It lasts 8 hours and includes a lunch of local specialties and fish dish.
Island of La Maddalena motorboat tour
If you are on a tight budget but don’t want to give up enjoying the best of the archipelago, you can book a boat tour aboard a boat like this one, which you can find on Get Your Guide.
You leave from Palau aboard a large boat with seating and sail to the most beautiful beaches of island of Spargi, Santa Maria and Caprera. Again there are stops for swimming and getting off on the beach, so don’t forget your snorkeling gear. To get to the beaches there is a tender service.
The price is definitely advantageous, however, you are sitting and also there are many people. Lunch is not included but there is a bar on board where you can buy whatever you want.
The great thing is that there is a multilingual guide who explains minutely everything you will see. Departures are from the port of Palau.
BOOK YOUR BOAT TOUR TO LA MADDALENA HERE
Check here for availability:
VIP yacht tour from La Maddalena or Palau
For a special day where all you have to think about is enjoying the sea and relaxing, I recommend this VIP tour by shared yacht (usually maximum 12 people). For an all-inclusive price, it will let you experience the comfort of a luxury tour.
You will have a guide on board who will give you all the most important information about the archipelago, and you can enjoy an aperitif and seafood lunch on board.
The yacht is comfortable and spacious, full of place to lay in the sun or even relax in the shade.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Luxury yacht tour in the archipelago (private tour)
If you have a high budget and looking for an exclusive and unforgettable day, you can book an entire luxury yacht just for you and your group. In fact, dividing the price by 8 people, the tour does not even come to cost an excessive amount, compared to the quality you have.
On this tour, for up to 8 people, you will be aboard a beautiful 140sqm “floating villa” with all the amenities. You will have bar service with typical local specialties and drinks of your choice and in addition to the tender to reach the main islands, there is a SUP you can use for free.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Where to stay in La Maddalena Island
In the historic center of La Maddalena, Casa Ilva offers family rooms with kitchenettes and the possibility of boat trips. Casa Ilva accommodations are equipped with a living area, kitchenette, closet, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom.
750 meters from Cala Francese beach and 1 km from Carla Carlotto beach, Villa La Forgia offers air-conditioned accommodations with free WiFi and a seasonal outdoor pool. The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with pool view.
Located just 200 meters from the Punta Tegge beach, the Hotel Villa Del Parco boasts rooms and suites in a rustic style. The Villa Del Parco organizes boat trips to Corsica and around La Maddalena, and provides a shuttle service to the beach and to Olbia Airport or Port.
If you liked this post, you may also like:
Top 20 restaurants where to eat in La Maddalena island
The 10 best Kos beaches (2025)
La Maddalena island, Sardinia, what to see and the best beaches
2024 Guide to the best of Caprera island (beaches and more)
Cala Coticcio Beach on Caprera Island, Sardinia
Dear reader, please note that some of the links on my blog are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.