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

If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia, a visit to the La Maddalena archipelago is a must-do, and many travelers opt for a boat tour to experience its beauty. This particular full-day cruise from Palau, operated by Linea delle Isole – Sea Star, promises to show you some of the most iconic spots in the park—think pristine beaches, colorful coves, and even a peek at the famous Spiaggia Rosa.

We’ve looked into this tour’s details, reviews, and what you can realistically expect, so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for your Sardinian adventure. One thing we love is how accessible and well-organized the experience seems, with stops that blend natural beauty and history. That said, it’s not without its quirks—crowds and short stops can sometimes feel rushed. If you’re someone who appreciates a leisurely pace and detailed explanations, you’ll want to weigh that.

This tour works best for travelers who want a balanced taste of scenic sailing, beach time, and sightseeing in a single day. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for good value, memorable views, and a structured itinerary. Let’s dive into what makes this trip tick—and what to consider before booking.

Key Points

• Ideal for those seeking a full-day adventure with multiple stops around La Maddalena.
• Boat comfort and group size might be a concern, as reviews mention some crowding.
• The stops offer a mix of beaches, swimming, and sightseeing, with snorkeling recommended on certain days.
• The experience provides a knowledgeable multilingual guide to share insights and historical tidbits.
• Food on board is available for purchase, but it’s helpful to bring snacks if you’re picky.
• Weather can influence the route, so flexibility is key for a smooth trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This full-day cruise is a popular way to see La Maddalena’s highlights without the hassle of organizing your own boat. Starting from Palau or La Maddalena itself, the trip lasts around 7 hours, with various stops that let you stretch your legs, swim, or just soak up the scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins with a departure from Palau or La Maddalena early in the morning, with check-in around 9:00-10:00 am. After a brief onboard briefing, you’ll head out across the water, ready to explore some of the most famous islands.

First Stop: Spargi Island
In less than 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at Spargi, often called one of the archipelago’s gems. Here, you’ll have around 1.5 hours to relax on the beaches, explore the historical features in Cala Corsara, or simply enjoy the crystal-clear waters. The reviews mention that the time allocated is generally adequate, though some wish for more historical context about the sites.

Second Stop: Budelli Island
Next, the boat moves on to Budelli. While you’re only stopping for photos of the famous Spiaggia Rosa from the boat (since landing isn’t permitted), the sight of this pink-sand beach is striking. The natural beauty of the island’s coastlines is hard to beat, and many travelers find the photo opportunity here to be a real highlight.

Third Stop: Cala Santa Maria
The third stop is at Cala Santa Maria on Santa Maria Island. This is often the second beach stop, with about 75 minutes of free time to swim, sunbathe, or stroll to the old lighthouse—about a kilometer away. Some reviews appreciate this chance to unwind, although a few mention that it can get busy.

Fourth Stop: Cala Coticcio / Tahiti Beach
On certain days (Monday, Tuesday, Friday), the boat will anchor at Cala Coticcio, known for its exotic vibes and clear waters. This spot is particularly popular for snorkeling, and visitors are encouraged to bring their gear. The reviews consistently highlight the stunning nature of this area, although some note that the beaches can be crowded.

Final Stop Options: La Maddalena or Caprera
Depending on your day, the last stop differs. On some days, you’ll visit the historic center of La Maddalena for about an hour—perfect for wandering streets, shopping, or visiting the church. On others, you’ll cruise to Caprera for a final swim in Cala Coticcio, often called “Tahiti” for its beauty.

Onboard Experience

The boat features swimming stops, a multilingual guide, public restrooms, and an option to purchase food and drinks. The reviews mention that the crew is generally friendly and helpful, although some pointed out that smoking on deck by staff was unprofessional. The onboard menu includes snacks and local pasta, with some reviews praising the quality and others noting that you might want to bring your own snacks.

The Highlights for Travelers

• Stunning scenery that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling opportunities—bring your gear.
• A good mix of beaches, nature, and history.
• Photo opportunities at Spiaggia Rosa and Porto Della Madonna.
• Guided commentary enhances the experience, sharing stories about the islands.

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What Are the Potential Downsides?

While this tour offers a well-rounded view of La Maddalena, some common critiques pop up in reviews.
Crowding is a recurring theme—many beaches and coves get busy, especially during peak season. If you’re after solitude, this might not be the best choice.
Short stops can leave you wishing for more time, particularly if you want to explore the islands more deeply.
Food options are limited onboard, and cash-only purchases can be inconvenient if you’re not prepared.
Weather can impact the route or the experience itself—bad weather might lead to cancellations or route changes.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re someone who wants to see the highlights of La Maddalena without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors eager to catch a snapshot of the islands’ beauty in a single day.

Travelers who enjoy guided excursions and are comfortable in busy, group settings will likely enjoy this. However, if you’re looking for a more private, relaxed experience or want to explore at your own pace, you might prefer a smaller boat or a private tour.

Note that the itinerary isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Also, bringing your snorkeling gear and sun protection is highly recommended.

Practical Tips For Your Trip

• Arrive early for check-in, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods.
• Bring cash for landing taxes, snacks, and drinks—network issues can disrupt card payments.
• Pack light, as oversize luggage isn’t permitted.
• Dress comfortably with shoes suitable for walking or exploring.
• Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat—the Sardinian sun can be intense.
• Bring your snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater at Cala Coticcio.
• Prepare for crowds—early morning departures tend to be less busy.

Final Thoughts

This full-day boat tour offers a solid introduction to La Maddalena’s spectacular islands. The multiple stops, guided insights, and opportunities to swim and relax make it a good value, especially at around $57 per person. While it can feel crowded and the stops are brief, many reviews praise its organization, friendly staff, and unforgettable scenery.

If you’re after a balanced experience that hits the high points of the archipelago with a bit of everything—beaches, nature, and history—this tour can be a great choice. Just go in with realistic expectations, especially about crowds and the short stops, and you’ll likely come away with some beautiful memories.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children? This tour isn’t specifically geared toward families with young children, especially since it involves boat time and walking to some sites. However, older kids who enjoy boat trips and beaches might find it enjoyable.

What should I bring on the tour? Pack essentials like sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, snorkeling gear, a camera, cash for landing taxes and snacks, and comfortable shoes.

Are meals included? No, food and drinks are available for purchase on board. It’s advisable to bring some snacks if you’re particular about what you eat.

Can I get off the boat during stops? Yes, at some stops like Cala Santa Maria, you can disembark via the dock to explore or relax on the beach.

What happens in case of bad weather? The tour might be canceled or rerouted if weather conditions are unsafe. It’s good to check the forecast and have flexible plans.

How long are the stops? Most stops last between 75 minutes to 1.5 hours, which is enough for sunbathing, swimming, or brief sightseeing, but some travelers wish for more time.

This La Maddalena Islands tour is a straightforward, well-organized way to see some of Sardinia’s most beautiful spots. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, it’s worth considering if you want a packed, scenic day with plenty of photo ops—and are comfortable with the lively, sometimes crowded nature of island boat trips.

You can check availability for your dates here: