From Palau: Rubber dinghy tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago

If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and an up-close encounter with Sardinia’s famed islands, this rubber dinghy tour from Palau offers a fantastic way to experience the La Maddalena Archipelago. While we haven’t personally taken this specific trip, countless reviews and the detailed itinerary paint a picture of a memorable day out on the water.

What makes this tour especially appealing? First, it’s a small-group adventure—limited to just 6 participants—meaning you’ll get a more personalized experience. Second, the inclusion of snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) turns a simple boat ride into an interactive exploration. And third, the flexible route, adapted for weather and wind, ensures you visit the best beaches and hidden spots.

One potential point to consider is the full-day commitment, which might be tiring if you prefer more relaxed, less activity-heavy days. Still, this tour suits those eager to combine adventure, nature, and a taste of the islands’ beauty in a single outing. If you love stunning scenery, water-based activities, and discovering lesser-accessible beaches, this trip will suit you well.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more intimate, tailored experience
• All-included gear like snorkeling equipment and SUPs adds fun and value
• Flexible itinerary adapts to weather and wind for best routes
• Access to secluded beaches not reachable by larger boats
• Authentic insights from previous travelers highlight the stunning views and friendly guides
• Full-day activity makes it perfect for a dedicated adventure day

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on Your La Maddalena Archipelago Dinghy Tour

This seven-hour excursion sets out from Palau’s Cala Casotto pier, where you’ll step onto a new, fully equipped rubber dinghy. The experience begins with a short water transfer (about 20 minutes) to the archipelago, giving you a chance to settle into the boat and meet your skipper, Michele, known for his friendly, attentive style—according to reviews, he’s a highlight.

The day is designed as a relaxed yet adventurous exploration of some of the most iconic islands and beaches in the national park. The skipper will tailor the route based on weather conditions, ensuring visits to the most impressive and accessible spots.

Island and Beach Highlights

Spargi Island takes the spotlight early in the day, offering stops at Cala Corsara, Cala Soraya, Cala Granara, and Cala Connari. These beaches are famous for their pristine sands and calm waters—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging with a good book. Reviewers mention how photos at Cala Corsara turn out beautifully, and the calm, clear waters make snorkeling easy even for beginners.

Next, the tour visits Budelli Island, home to the Pink Beach—a passing highlight rather than a stop, since swimming here isn’t allowed, but the sight from the boat is worth the photo ops. A quick passage by the island still offers a chance to marvel at the famous pink sands and natural pools, which are often described as breathtaking.

Caprera Island is another stop, where you’ll find Cala Coticcio, Cala Napoletana, and Cala Serena—each with unique waters and scenic cliffs. Reviewers note how these spots feel almost untouched, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The boat anchors close enough for easy access.

Maddalena Island itself offers a blend of natural beauty and local charm. You might visit Testa del Polpo and the lively La Maddalena town, where the group can take a quick break to relax or grab a snack.

Finally, the tour reaches Santo Stefano Island, a quieter, less-crowded spot for swimming and paddleboarding before heading back.

The All-Inclusive Experience

What’s especially nice is that the tour price includes snorkeling gear and SUP boards, making water activities accessible and easy to enjoy. The Bluetooth stereo adds a fun, lively atmosphere during the ride, and the drinking water and aperitif with Prosecco are perfect for relaxing after a swim.

Authenticity and Flexibility

The tour’s flexibility is a big plus. The skipper, Michele, adapts the route to wind conditions and traffic, which means you’ll visit the best spots available that day. According to a reviewer, “Michele is very friendly and attentive,” which makes a difference when you’re navigating busy islands or tricky sea conditions.

The day starts from Via degli Oleandri, with a short water transfer to the archipelago. First stop at Cala Corsara, where you’ll get about 30 minutes to take photos, swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. This pattern repeats at Soraya Beach, Granara, and several other beaches, each time about 30 minutes for activities.

Notably, the Pink Beach pass-by allows for spectacular photos, even if swimming isn’t permitted there. The visit to Budelli lasts about an hour—arguably the highlight for many, with its famously pink sands and serene pools.

Further stops at Cala Napoletana, Caprera, and Testa del Polpo round out the day, each with roughly 30-minute windows for enjoying the water and scenery.

The boat returns to Palau around late afternoon, completing a full day’s worth of adventure.

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Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to larger boat tours or sailing trips, this dinghy experience balances personalized service, active participation, and access to secluded beaches. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and paddleboards means you get more than just a boat ride—you actively engage with the environment.

The small group size ensures that guides like Michele can give personalized attention, share local insights, and help you make the most of each stop. The fact that you can swim and paddleboard in calm, clear waters makes the experience especially memorable—it’s about more than just passing by; it’s about feeling immersed in the landscape.

The full-day duration means you can cover multiple islands and beaches without feeling rushed, giving you ample time to relax and enjoy. The optional packed lunch or casual visit to La Maddalena town offers flexibility depending on your preferences or energy levels.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure suits travelers who enjoy water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding, or those who simply want to relax on beautiful beaches. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a more intimate experience with personalized guidance.

If you’re looking for a full-day exploration in a limited group with stunning scenery and the chance to access beaches that larger boats can’t reach, this tour checks all those boxes.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, less active day or have young children under 2, this might require some planning. Also, those with mobility challenges should note that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For anyone wanting a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic scenery, this dinghy tour delivers. The opportunity to visit several islands, snorkel in clear waters, and paddleboard on calm seas makes for a fun, memorable day. The small group size and attentive guides ensure you’ll feel well taken care of throughout.

If your goal is to see Sardinia’s natural beauty up close, enjoy water-based activities, and avoid the crowds, this experience offers excellent value. The inclusion of equipment and a flexible route means you won’t just see the scenery—you’ll interact with it.

This tour is best suited for active travelers, nature lovers, and small groups looking for a personalized, immersive experience in one of Italy’s most stunning archipelagos.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The price covers the dinghy ride, snorkeling equipment, SUP board, Bluetooth stereo, fuel, a friendly skipper, drinking water, and an aperitif with Prosecco.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, with the start time depending on availability.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Cala Casotto pier at Via degli Oleandri in Palau.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you can bring a packed lunch or buy food at the tourist port of La Maddalena.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera for capturing the scenery.

Can I customize the route?
The skipper will choose the best route for the day based on weather conditions, so it’s tailored to ensure the best experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 years or wheelchair users.

Do I need to know how to paddleboard or snorkel?
No experience is necessary—the equipment is easy to use and friendly for beginners.

What are the stops like?
Each stop offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and paddleboarding, with around 30 minutes per beach.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In essence, this dinghy tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago offers a personalized, activity-rich day in one of Italy’s most scenic waters. Whether you’re aiming for stunning photos, water fun, or peaceful beach time, it’s a route to consider for a genuine Sardinian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: