Boat Tour to Caprera and La Maddalena Archipelago

Exploring Sardinia’s La Maddalena Archipelago: A Complete Guide to the Boat Tour to Caprera and La Maddalena

Taking a boat tour around Sardinia’s La Maddalena Archipelago is one of those experiences that promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and stunning scenery. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviews, detailed itineraries, and firsthand accounts give us a clear picture of what’s in store.

This 7 to 8-hour journey stands out for its crystal-clear waters, scenic stops, and friendly crew. It’s designed to give you a taste of Sardinia’s natural beauty, avoiding the more commercialized options with smaller, comfortable vessels and flexible stops. We particularly love the way this trip balances sightseeing with free time for swimming and relaxing, but a potential consideration is the need to pay the €5 landing fee in cash—so come prepared.

This tour will suit those who love water activities, scenic cruising, and the chance to explore unspoiled beaches without the hassle of planning every detail. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or going solo, it offers a wonderful way to experience Sardinia’s coast at a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable Vintage Boat: Experience Sardinia from a refurbished 1956 vessel, combining charm with modern comfort.
• Multiple Swimming Stops: Dive into crystal waters at Cala Serena, Cavaliere Beach, and Cala Connari.
• Expert Crew: Guides share insightful commentary on the islands’ highlights and sea life.
• Flexible Beach Time: You can stay on board, snorkel, or land on beaches—your choice.
• Affordable Food & Drinks: Options available for purchase onboard, including pasta, sandwiches, and drinks.
• Ideal for Relaxation & Adventure: Perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups seeking a scenic, fun day on the water.

An Overview of the Itinerary and What to Expect

Starting Point and Departure

Most tours leave from Palau, on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, around 10:15 a.m.. It’s a good idea to arrive early, especially since parking can fill up quickly—several reviewers noted the importance of arriving early to find a spot. The vessel, named Apollo II, is a well-maintained 18-meter boat with a covered deck, sun deck, bathrooms, and a bar.

Scenic Cruising and Cultural Highlights

The first part of your journey involves a 30-minute panoramic cruise between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso, passing notable sights like the Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, and the Caprera Sailing Center. This stretch offers lovely views and a gentle introduction to the islands.

More Great Tours Nearby

Cala Serena and Caprera

The first swim stop is at Cala Serena on Caprera, where you’ll have around 30 minutes to dip in the waters or just relax on deck. Reviewers mention that the crew is helpful with snorkeling gear, and many appreciated the chance to cool off here, especially after the scenic cruise.

The Island of Budelli and the Famous Spiaggia Rosa

Next, you’ll sail 40 minutes to Budelli, home to the legendary Spiaggia Rosa—the Pink Beach. While you won’t land here, the boat offers great views of this unique, softly colored beach from afar. You’ll also enjoy a stop at Cavaliere Beach for about 1.5 hours, where you can swim, snorkel, or relax on the inflatable boats crew provide for land excursions. Reviewers praise this stretch for its serene waters and stunning scenery, making it a highlight for many.

Spargi Island and Cala Connari

The trip continues to Spargi, known for its beautiful coves and clear waters. The boat stops at Cala Connari for 2 hours, giving a generous window to explore, swim, or stay on board. Many guests enjoy the flexibility here: staying dry on the boat, snorkeling, or swimming to nearby beaches. Several reviews mention the helpful crew and their attention to safety and comfort during beach visits.

Return and Reflection

The return to Palau is scheduled for around 5:30 p.m., offering travelers time to relax and unwind after a day full of picturesque views and water activities.

The Experience on Board

The Apollo II vessel is described as spacious and comfortable, with amenities like bathrooms, shaded areas, and a bar serving drinks and snacks (available for purchase). The boat’s vintage charm adds a nostalgic element to the day, and the crew’s professionalism and friendliness are frequently praised—reviewers note they are knowledgeable and eager to help.

Guests can choose to buy onboard pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, and wine, which makes the experience more enjoyable without feeling rushed or overly commercialized. It’s also worth noting that the dinghy service facilitates easy transfers to beaches, adding to the convenience.

Food and Drinks

While food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, many reviewers found the on-board offerings to be fairly priced and tasty, especially considering the remote locations visited. Several travelers appreciated having cold drinks and snacks available during the stops, adding comfort to what can be a warm day in Sardinia.

The Value of This Tour

When you consider the price, this tour offers a lot for a full day on the water. You’re essentially paying for scenic cruising, multiple swimming stops, knowledgeable guides, and the use of a well-maintained vessel. Many reviews mention the good value, especially given the small group size and flexibility of stops.

The tour’s 7 to 8-hour duration strikes a nice balance between seeing the best of the archipelago without feeling rushed or exhausted. Plus, the opportunity to snorkel and relax at your own pace makes it appealing for a variety of travelers.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviewers

Multiple guests highlighted the professionalism of the crew, describing them as helpful, friendly, and fun. One reviewer shared that the crew lent goggles so they could see the fish—a small detail that shows their attentiveness.

The scenery appears to be a major draw, with many describing the beaches as “the most beautiful they’ve ever seen” and the waters as “crystal clear.” Several travelers, including solo adventurers, appreciated how welcoming and friendly the crew was, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

The flexibility of the stops is another recurring theme. Guests loved that they could stay on the boat, snorkel, or land on beaches at their leisure. This approach means you can tailor the day to fit your preferred pace.

Who This Tour Is Best Suited For

This boat tour is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and soak in stunning views. It’s suitable for families with children over 1 year, couples, and solo travelers comfortable with boat excursions.

Those who appreciate informative guides and a smaller, intimate boat will find this experience more enjoyable than larger, crowded tours. It’s perfect for anyone interested in nature, swimming, and scenic cruising rather than party-focused boat trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for young children?
Yes, children over 1 year old are welcome, but keep in mind that the boat is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but onboard options like pasta, sandwiches, and soft drinks are available for purchase.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. It’s also recommended to carry cash for the €5 landing fee and any onboard purchases.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours, with departures typically around 10:15 a.m. depending on the booking.

Can I snorkel during the stops?
Absolutely. Many guests enjoyed snorkeling near the boat or at beaches, with some reviews noting that goggles are lent to help see the fish.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes. The vessel, Apollo II, is described as spacious with covered and sun decks, bathrooms, and plenty of seating—making it suitable for a relaxed day.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour to Caprera and La Maddalena offers an authentic, scenic, and relaxing way to experience Sardinia’s most famous archipelago. From the vintage charm of the vessel to the flexible stops at idyllic beaches, it provides a balanced mix of adventure and leisure that appeals to many types of travelers.

The knowledgeable crew and stunning scenery elevate the experience from simply “a boat trip” to a memorable day in one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal areas. Whether you’re swimming in crystal waters, exploring remote coves, or just soaking up the sun and views, this tour delivers a genuine taste of Sardinia’s natural splendor.

If you love being on the water, enjoy discovering hidden beaches, and value a friendly, professional guide, this tour might just be your perfect Sardinian escape.

You can check availability for your dates here: