Which islands and highlights do these tours usually include?

Most full-day routes loop past Spargi, Budelli, the “natural pools” between Budelli–Razzoli–Santa Maria, and at least one beach landing on Spargi or Santa Maria. Many tours also include a swim stop near Caprera or a brief visit to La Maddalena town.

Can I go ashore on Budelli’s Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa)?

No. Budelli’s Pink Beach is strictly protected; landing, bathing, and walking are forbidden. All visits are view-only from a distance.

How long are the stops on a typical full‑day tour?

Standard motorboat tours allow around 45–90 minutes at main stops, with shorter pauses for swim-from-boat segments. This duration is usually enough for a quick swim, photos, and a brief walk.

Should I choose a large motorboat, small RIB, or sailing catamaran?

Large motorboats offer more shade and stability, while small RIBs and sailing boats provide a more relaxed experience with fewer passengers. Choose based on budget and desired comfort.

Is a half‑day La Maddalena tour enough, or do I need a full day?

Half‑day RIB tours work well for a few scenic stops, typically skipping La Maddalena town. Full‑day tours are ideal for first‑time visitors wanting a comprehensive experience with multiple landings.

What’s typically included in the price, and what costs extra?

Inclusions vary: some tours cover just the cruise, while others include lunch, drinks, and sometimes park fees. Always check the specific details for your tour.

Do I need to book my La Maddalena tour in advance?

Yes – in July and August, tours often sell out days in advance. In May–June and September, last-minute spots may be available, but pre‑booking is recommended.

Are these tours suitable for children, older travellers, and non‑swimmers?

Large motorboats and catamarans are generally more family-friendly with ample shade and stable decks, whereas RIBs and ladder-access landings may pose challenges for very young or mobility-limited passengers.

I get seasick / have limited mobility – is a La Maddalena tour a good idea?

If you're prone to seasickness, opt for larger, slower vessels and avoid small RIBs. For mobility limitations, consider tours that minimize boarding steps and extensive walking.

Do tours run in bad weather, and can the route change on the day?

Strong winds and rough seas can lead to route adjustments or cancellations. Final decisions are made based on safety, and rescheduling or refunds may apply if conditions are unsafe.

When is the best time of year to do an island‑hopping tour here?

Late May, June, and September typically offer the best balance of clear water and manageable crowds, while July–August are peak season with hotter temperatures and busier boats.

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Experience the best of La Maddalena from Olbia

Explore the beauty of La Maddalena Archipelago, a paradise of islands in northeastern Sardinia, Italy, celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

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Slide 1 of 9, Catamaran sailing in La Maddalena Archipelago with distant mountains.

From Cannigione: catamaran tour among La Maddalena Archipelago

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Discover the La Maddalena archipelago from Cannigione: explore Caprera, Budelli, Spargi and breathtaking views in a unique experience on this catamaran tour!

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Discover the La Maddalena archipelago from Cannigione: explore Caprera, Budelli, Spargi and breathtaking views in a unique experience on this catamaran tour!

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La Maddalena

Explore the beauty of La Maddalena Archipelago, a paradise of islands in northeastern Sardinia, Italy, celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

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Most La Maddalena boat tours run 7–8 hours from Palau, Cannigione, or La Maddalena itself, on either large motorboats, smaller RIBs, or sailing catamarans. Expect 3–5 stops, typically around Spargi, the natural pools near Budelli, Santa Maria, and sometimes La Maddalena town, with the day spent swimming, snorkeling from the boat, and relaxing on island beaches plus a short town stroll.

Overview of La Maddalena island hopping tours

Boat types: Large double-/triple-deck motorboats (100–200+ passengers), smaller RIBs and motorboats (8–12 passengers), and full-day sailing or catamaran tours (typically 10–20 passengers).
Reality check – Pink Beach: Budelli’s Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) is strictly no‑landing; all tours view it from the water or nearby bays only, with no walking or swimming on the pink sand.
Inclusions & extra costs: Most full-day catamaran/sailing tours include lunch, drinks, and snorkeling stops; standard motorboats often exclude lunch and may charge extra onboard. Park/landing taxes are usually bundled but some operators list them separately.
Departure bases: Departures run mainly from Palau and La Maddalena town, with some catamarans and sailing boats also leaving from Cannigione. Starting point affects your early-morning transfer time but routes are broadly similar.
Tour formats: Standard full-day “mini‑cruises” focus on Spargi, Santa Maria, and the Budelli “natural pools”; small-group RIB, sailing, and catamaran options offer fewer people and more swim/snorkel flexibility; a 4‑hour RIB format covers a compressed set of stops.
Duration & effort: Full-day tours run about 7–8 hours with multiple swim/beach stops; half-day RIB trips are ~4 hours with more time in the water than ashore. Most landings involve ladders and walking on sand, which can be challenging for limited mobility.
Departure logistics: Palau is best if you’re based on mainland Sardinia; La Maddalena town works if you are already staying on the island; Cannigione suits Costa Smeralda stays. Hotel pickup is only included on selected sailing/catamaran products.
Price range: Expect roughly €50–€65 per adult for large shared motorboats, €100–€130 for small-group catamaran or sailing tours with lunch, and higher per person for luxury or semi-private RIB and yacht options.

Know before you book your La Maddalena island‑hopping tour

Step 1: Choose your base. Most tours start from Palau, but several catamaran and sailing trips also depart from Cannigione and La Maddalena town. If you’re staying on the main Sardinian coast, Palau or Cannigione is simplest; if you’re overnighting on the islands, pick departures from La Maddalena to skip an extra ferry.
Step 2: Pick your route. Classic full‑day motorboat loops focus on Spargi (Cala Corsara), the “natural pools” between Budelli/Razzoli/Santa Maria, plus a beach stop on Santa Maria and sometimes La Maddalena town. Some sailing/catamaran itineraries drop the town stop to add extra swim coves instead.
Step 3: Choose your boat. Large vintage motorboats and standard motor cruisers carry 100–200+ people with more shade and very fixed timings. Catamarans and sailing boats cap groups at about 12–20 with a quieter feel and more flexible swim stops. Short 4‑hour RIB tours from Palau or La Maddalena use small inflatable speedboats (fewer people, more motion, less shade).
What's usually included. All full‑day group tours include navigation in the park, several swim/landing stops, a skipper‑guide, basic insurance, and lifejackets; many catamaran/sailing options add a cooked lunch and wine on board.
Extra costs to check. On big motorboats, national‑park/landing fees, lunch, and drinks are often paid in cash on board; RIB and sailing products may or may not include lunch and park fees—check your specific variant.
The big restriction or route caveat. Budelli’s Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) is view‑only: no tour can land there, and all operators may alter or skip advertised stops if Mistral winds or sea conditions make a cove unsafe.

Which La Maddalena island hopping tour is right for you

Full-day big-boat cruises (Palau & La Maddalena departures)

Best for: First-time visitors who want the classic loop with Spargi, Budelli view, Santa Maria and often La Maddalena town in one structured day.
Duration: Around 7–8 hours dock to dock, typically a 9:30–17:30 schedule including boarding and island stops.
Islands & stops: Commonly Spargi (Cala Corsara), Santa Maria, sail-through of the “natural pools” lagoon, and offshore views of Budelli’s Pink Beach.
What the pace feels like: Busy and efficient, with 45–75 minute island stops and fixed re-boarding times; decks and beaches feel crowded in July–August.
Inclusions: Boat transport, onboard toilets, shaded seating, basic commentary; lunch and park fees vary by operator and can add cost on the day.

Premium full-day catamaran & sailing tours

Best for: Couples, friends, and photographers who prioritize comfort, more space, and quieter swim stops over seeing every possible landing.
Duration: Roughly 7–8 hours including hotel/port check-in, usually a single unbroken cruise with several swim/snorkel sessions.
Islands & stops: Typically Spargi area, “natural pools” between Budelli–Razzoli–Santa Maria, plus additional coves; some routes skip La Maddalena town altogether.
What the pace feels like: Unhurried and relaxed, with longer in-water time and flexible timing, but fewer distinct island landings than big-boat loops.
Inclusions: Smaller groups, lunch on board, drinks, snorkeling time, and personal skipper commentary; less shade and more motion than large vessels.

Half-day small-group RIB tours

Best for: Active travelers with limited time who mainly want fast access to a few top coves and lagoon swims rather than a full sightseeing circuit.
Duration: About 4 hours pier to pier, often morning or afternoon slots that fit around other Sardinia plans.
Islands & stops: A compact set of anchors around Spargi and the “natural pools” area, with quick passes near Budelli rather than multiple island landings.
What the pace feels like: Energetic and condensed, with short hops between spots and more time in the water relative to cruising or town visits.
Inclusions: Small-group RIB, skipper, swim stops, and basic safety gear; minimal facilities, little shade, and no La Maddalena town stop.

Your La Maddalena boat tour starting points

From Palau

Best for
Most full-day motorboat cruises and many catamaran/RIB tours start here, including our classic “Full-Day Motorboat Tour of La Maddalena Archipelago” and 4‑hour RIB options. Ideal if you’re based on mainland northern Sardinia and want the broadest choice of departures.

Where you start
You’ll check in at the Palau waterfront, then walk to the assigned tour pier along the harbor. Different products use different docks, so your voucher is the source of truth for the exact pier and meeting time.

Getting there
Palau is around 50–60 minutes by road from Olbia/Costa Smeralda and 30–40 minutes from Santa Teresa Gallura. In summer, parking near the port can be busy, so allow extra time to park and walk to the waterfront.

What to expect
Expect a simple “drive and sail” day: minimal sea transfer time to the islands, lots of route choices (big boats, RIBs, and catamarans), and a lively port atmosphere. If you want the widest range of standard and premium tours, start browsing Palau‑departure products first.

La Maddalena island by island - what each stop is like

Spargi Island (Cala Corsara)

Spargi is a wild, uninhabited island famous for its white-sand bay and granite rocks. It’s a key stop for a quick swim and beach exploration.

Budelli & the Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa)

Budelli is a protected island known for its stunning pink-sand beach. Boats offer a view-only experience as landing is prohibited.

Illustrative view of the natural pools lagoon

Porto della Madonna / “Natural Pools” Lagoon

This lagoon, dubbed the natural pools, offers emerald and baby-blue waters perfect for a refreshing snorkel or dip.

Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria Island serves as a calm beach stop with shallow waters and minimal facilities for a relaxed experience.

Historic waterfront of La Maddalena Town

La Maddalena Town (Historic Center)

Experience the charm of La Maddalena town with its quaint waterfront and local shops, perfect for a brief stroll.

Caprera Coast / “Tahiti” Bay (Cala Coticcio area)

Caprera Coast features steep, piney cliffs and clear coves, ideal for a scenic boat-only visit with great snorkelling spots.

Different types of boats during your La Maddalena tour

Large motorboats (“motonave” ferries)

What they're like: Big double- or triple-deck boats carrying 100–200+ people, with indoor salons, bench seating, plenty of shade, toilets and a snack bar. They are stable in normal seas.
Pros: Most shade, smoother ride, and efficient for full-day routes.
Cons: Can feel crowded and noisy with regimented stops.

Catamarans

What they're like: Wide, stable sailing catamarans for roughly 12–20 guests with cushioned seating and shaded areas.
Pros: Smoother, quieter ride with ample lounging space.
Cons: More exposed to sun and typically longer cruising time.

Monohull sailing yachts

What they're like: Classic sailing boats with a central cockpit and side decks; smaller groups feel the boat's motion more.
Pros: Romantic and authentic sailing experience with a slower pace.
Cons: Less shade and more movement, which can be challenging for some.

RIBs (rigid inflatable boats)

What they're like: Low, agile speedboats with minimal shade, offering a close-to-the-water experience.
Pros: Fast, ideal for short trips and flexible swim stops.
Cons: Bumpier ride with limited shade and storage.

Plan your island hopping tour in La Maddalena

Timings

How long does the tour take?

From Palau / La Maddalena town (most tours): 7–8 hours on the water plus check‑in time; around 8–9 hours door‑to‑door.
From Olbia / Costa Smeralda with transfers: Approximately 10–11 hours including transfers.
Half‑day RIB tours: About 4 hours with 2–3 swim stops.

When do tours usually start?
Most full‑day departures start between 9:00 and 10:00, with check‑in around 8:15–9:30. Transfers from Olbia may begin as early as 7:00.

Best time of year to go:
Late May, June, and September are optimal for weather and crowds.

Seasonal or operational changes:
Strong winds may cause route tweaks or cancellations; Budelli’s Pink Beach remains off‑limits.

Frequently asked questions about La Maddalena island‑hopping tours

Most full-day routes loop past Spargi, Budelli, the “natural pools” between Budelli–Razzoli–Santa Maria, and at least one beach landing on Spargi or Santa Maria. Many tours also include a swim stop near Caprera or a brief visit to La Maddalena town.

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