Boat Tour Full Day La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Budelli

Experience the Best of Sardinia’s Archipelago with a Full-Day Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day exploring Sardinia’s most breathtaking islands, this full-day boat tour from Cannigione offers a pristine escape. For around 7.5 hours, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable skipper, visiting highlights like La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, and Budelli. The tour is priced at $127.72 per person, with a maximum of just 12 travelers—making it a cozy, personalized adventure. Expect a series of carefully curated stops that let you swim, relax, and take photos of some of the most iconic parts of the archipelago.

What we love most about this experience is its focus on small-group intimacy and authenticity. With just 10 to 12 people, you’ll enjoy a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels involved. The second standout feature is the expert skipper, who spotlights the best spots for swimming and explains the islands’ stories, adding an educational touch to the fun. On the downside, you might want to consider that lunch isn’t included, so bringing some snacks or planning a meal afterward is wise.

Designed for travelers who appreciate stunning scenery, personalized service, and a flexible schedule, this tour suits those looking for a balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another peek at Sardinia’s jewels, this experience offers enough variety and comfort to keep everyone satisfied.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Setting: Small groups enhance comfort and allow personalized interaction.
• Optimal Itinerary: Seven carefully chosen stops highlight the most striking spots in the archipelago.
• Expert Skipper: Guides share insightful commentary and lead you safely through open waters.
• Uncrowded Beaches: You’ll enjoy swimming and relaxing at pristine, seldom-crowded beaches.
• No Lunch Included: Bring your own snacks or plan to dine after the tour.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about a month ahead, indicating high popularity.

Exploring Sardinia’s Archipelago: A Complete Breakdown

What the Tour Is Like in Practice

This full-day boat journey is designed to show off Sardinia’s most impressive islands with a focus on comfort, safety, and the kind of access that larger boats often miss. Starting from Cannigione, you’ll head out around 10 a.m., ready for a day of sun, sea, and spectacular views. The tour wraps up around 5 p.m., returning to the original meeting point, but not before a series of unforgettable stops.

First Stop: Cala Brigantina on Caprera

Your adventure kicks off with a swim at Cala Brigantina, a deserted beach that feels like your own private paradise. Arriving around 10:20 a.m., you’ll have roughly 45 minutes to enjoy the wild, unspoiled sands. This spot’s solitude is highly praised—reviewers mention being “alone on a totally wild beach,” which is a rare treat in today’s crowded sea spots. The sense of exclusivity here makes it special, especially since it’s free of charge.

Second Stop: Cala Coticcio

Next, at about 10:45 a.m., you’ll visit Cala Coticcio, often called the “Toscana of Sardinia” for its rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The tour anchors within a designated buoy field, ensuring you can swim safely without boat traffic around you. The guide will take you along the coast, highlighting ravines and interesting geology. One reviewer notes the spectacular scenery and the fact that this spot is protected from landings, making it peaceful for swimming.

Budelli and Its Pools

Leaving Caprera, you’ll head north to Budelli, famous for its Pink Beach (though the actual pink sand is not accessible from the boat). Here, the boat anchors in front of Cavaliere beach, offering an hour of swimming in natural pools. The captain also treats everyone to an aperitif of Sardinian products, adding a cultural element to the day. Several reviews mention how relaxing and scenic this stop is, with one describing it as a “fantastic experience” with “beautiful places.”

Lunch Break at Cala Santa Maria

At 13:00, the group heads to Cala Santa Maria, the longest stop of the day—around an hour and a half. Here, you can relax on the beach or take a short walk. The reviews highlight this as a peaceful, leisurely spot perfect for unwinding and enjoying your own picnic or local eateries after the tour. It’s a perfect chance to stretch legs and soak in the views without rushing.

Rosa Beach: A Photogenic Wonder

After lunch, a brief 15-minute visit to Rosa Beach offers an excellent photo opportunity. This beach is only accessible by boat, giving you the chance to see its unique pink sand and take memorable photos. The limited time ensures you get a taste of this special spot without it feeling rushed.

Spargi Island’s Hidden Gems

In the late afternoon, around 3 p.m., the boat heads to Spargi, where you’ll explore beaches like Cala Granara, Cala Soraya, and Cala dell’Amore. These are perfect spots for swimming and relaxing, with the boat anchoring close to shore so you can enjoy the water comfortably. Reviewers appreciate the magical bathing opportunities and describe Spargi as “a beautiful island with beaches you won’t forget.”

Cala Corsara and Final Highlights

The last stop on the itinerary is Cala Corsara, often regarded as the most picturesque. Expect to spend an hour here, appreciating the remarkable scenery, with white sands and rocky outcrops. Several travelers laud this as one of their favorite spots, emphasizing how the natural beauty leaves a lasting impression.

Wrapping Up with Scenic Views

Before heading back around 5 p.m., the boat cruises along the western side of La Maddalena island, offering stunning views of rugged coastlines and the famous Santo Stefano. The guide will point out the symbol of Palau, the Bear Rock, which is a fun photo stop and a nice touch to end the day.

Authenticity and Comfort: What You Can Expect

This tour balances authentic island charm with modern comfort. The boat is described as new and fully equipped, including snorkeling gear. The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd—allowing personal interaction with your skipper, who is praised for being caring, professional, and knowledgeable.

The snorkeling gear is included, great for those wanting to explore underwater life. The onboard aperitif featuring Sardinian products is a thoughtful touch that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing. Since lunch isn’t included, you might want to bring some snacks or plan a relaxed meal after the tour.

Safety and Planning

The reviews mention that the skipper is careful and attentive, especially when navigating open sea. This focus on safety, combined with modern dinghies that prioritize comfort and stability, makes the experience suitable even for those who aren’t seasoned sailors.

Booking and Practicalities

Most travelers book about 31 days in advance, indicating its popularity. The meeting point is at Noleggio Le Isole in Cannigione, easily accessible by public transport or car. The tour operates rain or shine, with a full refund policy if canceled due to bad weather or insufficient booking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy small-group experiences, personalized guides, and stunning scenery, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to maximize their time in the archipelago without the crowds and are comfortable with a full day on the water. The variety of stops—beaches, coves, and iconic islands—means it appeals to both nature lovers and those looking for memorable photo opportunities.

It’s also ideal for travelers who want an authentic Sardinian experience—with local touches like Sardinian snacks and a knowledgeable captain sharing stories and tips. If you prefer independent meals or have specific dietary needs, remember to bring your own snacks, as food isn’t included in the price.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

This boat tour offers an excellent value for those eager to explore Sardinia’s most beautiful islands in a relaxed yet adventurous setting. The small group size, combined with knowledgeable guides and carefully curated stops, ensures a personalized, memorable day. It’s perfect for travelers seeking authentic scenery with the comfort of modern boats and a touch of local culture.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and intimate adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, take photos, and soak up the atmosphere, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially suited for those who prioritize quality experiences over large crowds and want to combine sightseeing with leisure in Sardinia’s stunning archipelago.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, from about 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the tour, allowing you to explore underwater at several stops.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers full free cancellation if canceled due to bad weather or insufficient bookings, with a 24-hour notice.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Noleggio Le Isole in Cannigione and returns there at the end of the day.

This carefully curated tour offers a delightful balance of natural beauty, personal service, and relaxed exploration—ideal for travelers eager to truly experience Sardinia’s stunning archipelago.