From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

Exploring La Maddalena Islands by Boat: An Authentic Sardinian Experience

Imagine spending a full day cruising through one of Sardinia’s most beautiful natural parks, stopping at pristine beaches, swimming in crystal waters, and soaking in incredible views of the archipelago. For a modest price of around $57 per person, you’ll spend approximately 7 hours aboard the Navetta Sea Star, with stops designed for sunbathing, snorkeling, and exploring. The tour departs from either Palau or La Maddalena, making it flexible depending on where you’re staying.

What we love most about this trip is how it combines stunning natural scenery with informative guides. The crew’s multilingual guides do a good job explaining the islands’ history and geography, adding context to the breathtaking views. Plus, the chance to relax on white sandy beaches like Cala Corsara and Santa Maria, combined with snorkeling around Cala Coticcio (also called Tahiti), makes this trip an authentic escape into Sardinia’s wild beauty.

A potential consideration is that the tour can get crowded—some reviews mention how busy the beaches and boat can be—and the stops are relatively short, which might leave some wishing for more time at each locale. If you’re after a very tranquil experience, this might not be your ideal choice.

This trip suits travelers who want a full immersion in the archipelago’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. It’s perfect for those who love a good mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural insight, especially if you enjoy being part of a lively, well-organized boat crew that keeps the day moving smoothly.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and beaches: The tour offers visits to Cala Corsara, Santa Maria, and Cala Coticcio, exposing travelers to some of Sardinia’s most photogenic spots.
• Incredible snorkeling: The natural aquarium of Cala Coticcio, often called Tahiti, is a highlight for anyone wanting to see underwater life up close.
• Balanced itinerary: The stops are well spaced to allow sunbathing, exploring, and swimming, though some reviews mention the short duration.
• Value for money: At around $57, the trip includes multiple stops, a multilingual guide, and swimming times—offering a lot of experience for the price.
• Crowds and logistics: Expect some busy beaches and boat, and note that the stops can vary slightly based on weather and day of the week.
• Authentic Sardinian experience: Besides natural beauty, you’ll get glimpses of the islands’ history, from old fortifications to Mussolini’s villa.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the La Maddalena Islands Boat Tour

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

The cruise begins at the Palau Maritime Station around 9:00-10:00 am, with departure at 10:30 am. From there, the adventure heads straight for the island of Spargi, dubbed one of the archipelago’s most untouched treasures. Here, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to relax on the white sandy beaches of Cala Corsara or explore the bay’s historical features. This stop is a real highlight: the beach is picture-perfect, with clear waters ideal for a quick swim or lounging in the sun.

Many travelers, like Nancy, appreciated the “enough time allocated to each stop,” but some wished for even more historical storytelling. The crew’s knowledge is appreciated, yet the short stops mean you won’t get a deep dive into each spot’s history or ecology.

Next, the boat ventures to Budelli, renowned for the Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach). From the boat, you’ll get a perfect photo opportunity of this world-famous sand, which gets its blush hue from crushed coral. It’s a brief moment, but enough to capture the surreal beauty of this place.

The next stop is Cala Santa Maria, where you can hop off and walk along the dock to reach a large beach or stroll toward the old lighthouse. Here, the roughly 75-minute stay gives you a chance to swim or simply soak up the sun. A few reviews mention the beach being crowded, so it’s best to arrive early or be prepared for a lively scene.

The trip’s highlight for many is the visit to Cala Coticcio on Caprera, known as “Tahiti” for its exotic landscapes and natural aquarium filled with marine life. We loved the idea of bringing snorkeling gear—many reviews recommend it—since this spot is perfect for enjoying Sardinia’s underwater world. The hour-long stop is ideal for a swim or snorkel, though some travelers felt the boat’s limited space made it less comfortable.

The Scenic Journey Back and Additional Stops

On the return leg, you’ll cruise past Santo Stefano, a former NATO base, and see other historic sites like Villa Webber, where Mussolini was imprisoned, and the old granite quarries. These sights add a touch of Sardinia’s layered history to the natural beauty.

On some days—most notably Wednesday to Sunday—the final stop is in La Maddalena’s historic center, where you can stroll the streets, visit the Santa Maria Maddalena Church, or go shopping. This offers a quieter, more cultural ending compared to the busy beaches earlier in the day.

The Experience on Board

The boat itself is described as comfortable enough, with public restrooms and a bar selling snacks and drinks (cash only). While the crew is friendly and multilingual, some reviews mention a few less professional moments, like smoking on deck or long waits before departure. The food is reportedly simple—pasta and basic snacks—so bringing your own extra treats or snacks might be wise.

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The Pros and Cons

The value here is undeniable: for less than $60, you’re getting an all-day boat tour with multiple stops, stunning scenery, and snorkeling opportunities. It’s a good deal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of the islands without the hassle of separate bookings.

However, the crowding can be a downside. Several reviews point out that beaches are busy, and the short stops mean you might wish for more time to relax or explore in depth. The boat’s popularity means it can get noisy and crowded, which might detract from a peaceful experience if you’re seeking solitude.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and scenic drives, this trip is for you. It suits travelers who don’t mind a lively atmosphere and short visits, and who appreciate good organization and helpful guides. It’s a fantastic way to see multiple islands in one day, especially if you’re keen on capturing photos of the Pink Beach and Cala Coticcio.

This tour isn’t ideal for those with mobility issues or looking for a very tranquil or private experience, given the crowds and short stops. Also, if you’re after a leisurely, in-depth exploration of each island, you might find the pace a bit quick.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized introduction to the La Maddalena archipelago. It delivers stunning vistas, crystal waters, and a taste of Sardinia’s underwater marvels. The value for money is solid, especially given the multiple stops and engaging guides, but be prepared for some crowds and brief durations at each site.

It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with swimming and who appreciate a friendly crew and memorable landscapes. If you’re comfortable with some hustle and bustle and looking for a full day of adventure in Sardinia’s natural paradise, this trip hits many of the right notes.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Palau around 10:30 am after check-in between 9:00 and 10:00 am and returns in the early evening, ending back at the meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are available for purchase on board. Travelers often bring their own snacks, and cash is recommended as electronic payments might not work during the cruise.

Is snorkeling gear included?
No, snorkeling gear isn’t provided, but it’s strongly recommended to bring your own if you want to explore Cala Coticcio’s underwater world.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly designed for children, families with children comfortable on boats and at beaches should enjoy it. Keep in mind the short stops and crowds.

Are there any extra fees?
Yes, a landing fee tax must be paid in cash upon arrival, usually €2.50 per person, applicable from June to September.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, camera, cash, and snorkeling gear if you have it. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on beaches and in the town if you explore La Maddalena.

To sum it up, this La Maddalena Islands boat trip balances scenic beauty and fun at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for those eager to see Sardinia’s famous beaches, enjoy underwater snorkeling, and get a glimpse of historic sites—all in one lively, well-organized day. Just go prepared for a busy, energetic experience that captures the spirit of these extraordinary islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: