Tour to the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago by sailing boat

If you’re dreaming of a day spent cruising among Italy’s stunning islands, a sailing tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally joined this exact trip, the feedback and details from travelers paint a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you’re into relaxing on beautiful beaches, snorkeling in clear waters, or enjoying local food and drinks on deck, this experience offers a lot.

Two things we really like about this tour are the small group size, which tends to make the day more personal and relaxed, and the all-inclusive food and drinks—think aperitifs, local specialties, and beverages that keep the atmosphere lively. On the flip side, one consideration is that marine weather can change the itinerary, so plans might shift if the sea gets rough. Still, this tour seems best suited to travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic cruising, good company, and some comfort.

This experience is ideal for those who want to combine scenic island hopping with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Families with older children should find it suitable, but travelers with mobility issues or over 95kg might want to check more closely before booking. All in all, it looks like a fun, well-organized way to see the archipelago without the hassle of self-navigation.

Key Points

• Small Group Comfort: With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy a more personalized experience.
• Flexible Itinerary: The stops depend on weather conditions, which can be a pro or con depending on your flexibility.
• All-Inclusive Food & Drinks: Aperitifs, local specialties, and drinks are included—making it great value.
• Experienced Guides: Multiple reviews highlight the captain’s knowledge, humor, and attentiveness.
• Variety of Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, beach stops, or just relaxing under the sun—your choice.
• Strong Customer Feedback: Rated 4.6/5 by over 70 reviews, with many travelers highly recommending it.

Introduction to the Tour

This sailing trip around La Maddalena offers an opportunity to explore some of Italy’s most picturesque islands aboard a comfortable, well-equipped boat. The tour is praised for its intimate group setting, making it ideal if you dislike large crowds and prefer a more personal touch.

Two aspects that stand out immediately are the professionalism of the crew and the quality of the included food and drinks. Travelers rave about the local aperitifs and pasta, which turn the day into a real treat. Plus, the captain’s ability to adapt the itinerary based on weather conditions shows a dedication to safety and flexibility—something that can make or break a day at sea.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour might vary depending on weather, so you need to be okay with some flexibility. If you’re seeking a highly structured day, this might not be perfect, but if you enjoy spontaneous adventures, it’s a plus. The tour suits those who are comfortable on a boat, enjoy small-group outings, and appreciate good local food in a relaxed setting.

What’s Included and How Value Is Created

For around $118.58 per person, you get a roughly 7-hour adventure packed with scenery, food, and fun. The price includes snorkeling gear, paddle boards, national park tickets, and local drinks like Prosecco, Aperol spritz, wine, and beer. The included lunch is described as a “first course inspired by the chef,” along with snacks, seasonal fruit, and dessert, served at three different stops.

Many reviewers feel this pricing offers great value, especially considering the drinks and food are included, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to other tours. Travelers also appreciate the small group size, which enhances the experience, giving everyone more space and interaction with the crew.

However, the extra costs are limited to things like beach towels or dinner if you want more after the tour. You’ll need to pay attention to weather updates since the itinerary can change, but this flexibility often results in a day tailored to safe and enjoyable conditions.

The Itinerary and Island Stops

The tour’s itinerary is weather-dependent, with proposed stops on Santa Maria, Spargi, Budelli, Santo Stefano, and Maddalena. The captain chooses the islands the morning of, based on conditions, which means your day might look slightly different each time you go.

Each stop offers something unique: beaches for swimming, snorkeling spots, or simply relaxing on deck while soaking up the views. Travelers report spending over an hour at each stop, which is enough to enjoy the scenery, swim, or snap plenty of photos.

Santa Maria is often a highlight, with its protected bay and calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Budelli, famous for its pink beach, is also popular, though some reviews indicate the itinerary may shift if conditions aren’t ideal.

On the boat, you’re free to snorkel and play with the paddleboard, or just lie back and sunbathe. The flexible nature of the stops means you’re not locked into a rigid schedule, giving you freedom to make the most of each location.

The Food and Drinks Experience

One of the tour’s biggest selling points is the high-quality, local-inspired food served at each stop. Expect aperitifs with typical local products, a first course, and snacks. The reviews consistently mention the excellent drinks selection—Prosecco, Aperol spritz, wine, beer, and soft drinks—which keep the mood lively and refresh everyone throughout the day.

Guests often comment on how the food and drinks are more than just filler—they provide a genuine taste of the local culinary style. The pasta served for lunch is a real highlight, and many say the hospitality from the crew, especially the captain, makes this experience feel like a day with friends.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, it’s best to request this a day in advance, which the crew accommodates.

The Crew and Guides

Stories from reviews showcase the crew as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Captain Gianpiero, in particular, gets a lot of praise for his humor and storytelling, making the trip not just scenic but also engaging. One reviewer mentioned that he let guests choose how they wanted to spend the time—a nice touch that adds to the relaxed vibe.

Multiple reviews highlighted the professionalism and care of the crew, even when weather conditions were challenging, like strong wind days. The crew’s ability to keep everyone safe and comfortable, while still making the experience fun, is a major plus.

Practicalities and Group Size

The max group size of 8 travelers is part of what makes this tour special. Smaller groups mean fewer crowds, more space, and more interaction with the crew. It also allows for more personalized attention, which many guests appreciated.

Start time is at 9:30 am, with meet-up points at Maddalena or Palau, and the tour ends back at the starting point. If you’re arriving by car, plan for some extra time, especially since parking at Palau can be busy.

The tour is suitable for most travelers aged 5 to 75, but not for those with mobility issues or over 95kg. The crew does their best to ensure safety and comfort, but physical limitations should be considered before booking.

Real Traveler Experiences

The majority of reviews paint this as a fantastic day out. Travelers praise the captain’s humor and storytelling, along with the quality of the food and drinks. One reviewer mentioned that even on a windy day, the crew was “incredible, careful, and professional,” which shows their commitment to safety and service.

A few negative reviews mentioned issues like itinerary changes due to weather or misunderstandings about the trip length or inclusions, but overall, most travelers find this tour offers excellent value.

For example, travelers loved how Gianpiero “let us choose how we want to spend the time,” and marveled at the beautiful views and charming coves. The small group setting makes every guest feel special, and many say they’d happily do it again.

This sailing trip really shines for those wanting a relaxed, intimate day exploring La Maddalena’s islands. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy small-group experiences, scenic views, and good food. If you’re after a flexible itinerary that adapts to weather yet still covers key islands, you’ll appreciate the crew’s professionalism.

The inclusive drinks and delicious local cuisine make this a fantastic value, especially for the quality and personal touch. While it may not suit someone with mobility issues or those expecting a highly structured schedule, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day at sea with great company.

In short, this tour offers a genuine taste of La Maddalena—beautiful scenery, friendly hospitality, and a relaxed vibe that will leave you with memories long after the day ends.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 5 and above can participate. However, it’s not recommended for children under 5 or elderly over 75, and those with mobility issues might find the boat less accessible.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, national park tickets, and drinks including Prosecco, Aperol spritz, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. It also includes lunch, snacks, seasonal fruit, and coffee.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan meals?
Yes, you can request vegetarian or vegan options at least one day before, and the crew will accommodate your dietary needs.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary is weather-dependent, and stops may change based on conditions. The captain will decide on the best course of action to ensure safety. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are on each tour?
A maximum of 8 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 9:30 am and lasts approximately 7 hours, ending back at the starting point.

Is there parking available?
Parking at Palau can be busy, so plan to arrive a bit early. The meeting points are at Maddalena or Palau for convenience.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic day on the water with good food, friendly guides, and stunning views, this sailing tour from La Maddalena might be just the ticket. It’s a great way to experience the archipelago without the chaos of large groups or overly rigid plans—perfect for anyone wanting to truly unwind and enjoy Italy’s natural beauty.