Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat

Experience the La Maddalena Archipelago by Boat offers an inviting way to see one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating slices of coast. For around six to seven hours, you’ll hop between several islands, including La Maddalena, Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria. The tour, priced at approximately $56.94 per person, combines sightseeing, swimming, and local flavor in a relaxed, informal setting.

What we love about this trip is the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters and lounge on soft white beaches like Cala Corsara. We also appreciate how the tour provides insight into local history and nature, making it more than just a boat ride. The friendly crew and the multilingual audio guide make it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

A possible drawback is that initial boarding can be a bit disorganized, especially during busy seasons, which might cause some delay. Also, since food and drinks are purchased onboard, bringing your own snacks could improve the experience.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy relaxed days on the water, love exploring small islands, and want a taste of authentic Sardinian scenery. It’s ideal for those who value comfort, safety, and a knowledgeable crew, as well as those seeking a well-rounded day out combining nature, culture, and good company.

Key Points

• Stunning Islands: Visit La Maddalena, Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria, experiencing some of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean.
• Multiple Stops: Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and beach lounging at Cala Corsara and other scenic beaches.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Sardinian food is sampled both on board and ashore, giving you a taste of regional cuisine.
• Comfort & Safety: New boats with large spaces, high standards of safety, and a friendly crew. Multilingual audio guides enhance the experience.
• Flexible & Well-Organized: Daily departures from Palau and La Maddalena with time for exploring on land.
• Authentic Experience: The tour balances sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural discovery, appealing to all types of travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour

The Itinerary: What to Expect

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a seven-hour journey through some of Sardinia’s most pristine waters and islands. Starting from either Palau or La Maddalena, the boat sets off with the crew providing a lively commentary — available in multiple languages including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German. We found this to be a real plus, helping us better understand each island’s story and natural features.

The first major stop is La Maddalena itself, where you have some free time to explore the historic center. The town’s Santa Maria Maddalena church and the characteristic “Caruggi” (narrow streets) give a glimpse into the local life. Some reviews mentioned that the boarding process can be slow during busy periods, but once underway, you’ll appreciate the relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere on board.

Next, the boat skirts along Spargi, famous for Cala Corsara, a white sandy cove teeming with sunbathers and swimmers. Here, you are encouraged to swim and snorkel in the clear waters. The tour also includes a stop near Budelli, with its famous Pink Beach, and a swim in the natural pools off Santa Maria island.

Each leg of the trip offers spectacular views and opportunities for photo stops, such as Punta Sardegna and Porto Rafael — charming spots with small squares and colorful yachts. The itinerary may change if the weather turns foul or if the national park authorities issue new directives. Interestingly, during high season, in some cases, the stop at Spargi might change to a different cove, but the overall experience remains equally beautiful.

The Boat & Comfort

The boats are described as new, spacious, and well-maintained, with large spaces that ensure comfort even during busy days. Modern amenities include a bar-restaurant service offering typical Sardinian products, which many reviews say are quite decent — some even call the food options “delicious.” Keep in mind, food and drinks are not included in the base price, so you’ll want to budget extra if you plan to eat or sip onboard.

We appreciated the multilingual audio guide, which adds educational value, helping us understand the local curiosities and natural features. You’ll want to bring your own earphones for clearer listening, especially since engine noise can sometimes mute the commentary.

Swimming & Beaches: The Highlight

The real draw for many travelers is the opportunity to swim in extremely clear waters and lounge on soft white beaches. Cala Corsara on Spargi is frequently praised for its beauty, with one reviewer calling it “the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.” The boat stops in natural pools and near Pink Beach, giving ample chances to snorkel, relax, and enjoy the scenery up close.

Reviews like “We visited La Maddalena which is a beautiful Island… and swam in different beaches and near the ferry,” highlight how memorable and varied these swimming spots are. Some mention that the water is so clear it’s hard not to be mesmerized by the underwater life, especially when fish come close to the boat during snorkeling sessions.

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The Value & What You Pay For

At just under $57 per person, this tour offers a solid value. It includes the boat trip itself, VAT, passenger insurance, and the chance to explore multiple islands with guided commentary. Food and drinks are extra but available onboard, often at reasonable prices (a small pasta dish might cost around 10 euros).

Our experience, echoed by many reviews, suggests that the tour strikes a good balance between relaxation and exploration. The stops are timed well — not too rushed — allowing you to enjoy swimming, wandering, or just soaking up the sun. The crew’s friendliness and the boat’s cleanliness also contribute positively to the overall value.

Potential Drawbacks

No trip is perfect, and this one has a few minor issues. Some reviews mention initial boarding can be slow and seemingly disorganized, especially during peak season when everyone is eager to get started. If you’re someone who hates waiting or values punctuality above all, this might be a slight inconvenience.

Another consideration: food options onboard, while generally liked, are not included in the price. If you prefer to avoid spending extra, you might want to bring your own snacks or lunch. Also, since the boat is open and sun exposure is significant, sun protection like sunscreen and hats are a must.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip suits adventurous yet relaxed travelers who want to see the best of La Maddalena’s islands without the hassle of planning transport or boat rentals. It’s perfect for those who enjoy swimming and beach lounging, as well as anyone interested in local culture and scenery.

It’s not ideal if you have mobility issues or are pregnant, due to the boat’s nature and the physical activity involved. However, families, couples, and solo travelers all find this experience engaging and rewarding.

The Sum Up

If you’re dreaming of exploring Sardinia’s most beautiful islands and beaches with comfort and insight, this full-day boat tour offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural discovery. You’ll enjoy the friendly crew, scenic views, and the chance to taste some regional flavors — all for a reasonable price.

The stops at Cala Corsara, Pink Beach, and the charming town of La Maddalena itself make this trip special. A few organizational hiccups aside, it’s a reliable, memorable way to spend a day in one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating areas.

This tour is best suited for sea lovers, culture explorers, and those seeking a relaxed yet enriching experience. If you want to see the islands without the stress of planning, and you’re okay with spending some time in the sun and water, this trip could be the highlight of your Sardinian adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the boat trip through the archipelago, VAT, and passenger insurance. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard but are not included in the cost.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), credit card, cash for extras, and earphones for the audio guide. It’s recommended to bring your own snacks if desired.

Where does the tour start?
Departure points vary depending on your booking option but generally include Palau and La Maddalena ports. For Palau departures, check-in is between 8:45 am and 9:30 am.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 6 to 7 hours, with departures in the morning and returns around 5 pm. Check specific availability for exact starting times.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the relaxed pace and swimming stops make it family-friendly. However, physical mobility or safety considerations should be taken into account.

Can I change the itinerary?
Yes, in case of bad weather or park directives, the itinerary may be altered. During high season, the stop at Spargi might be replaced with another cove.

Is seating guaranteed?
The boats are described as having large spaces and being well-maintained, but during busy periods, it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.

This full-day boat trip through La Maddalena Archipelago offers a wonderful chance to see some of Sardinia’s best scenery. Its combination of natural beauty, local culture, and comfort makes it a top pick for travelers eager to experience the Mediterranean’s charm without hassle.

You can check availability for your dates here: