LA MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO: EXCURSION ON BOARD MAUI

Exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago by boat is a classic Sardinian experience, and this tour on board Maui promises a full day of spectacular scenery, relaxing stops, and delicious local flavors. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-rounded, value-packed adventure perfect for lovers of natural beauty and Mediterranean charm.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers the chance to visit several islands—Budelli, Spargi, Razzoli, Santa Maria, and Caprera—each with its own unique character. Second, the inclusion of lunch served on board with Sardinian specialties elevates the experience from simple sightseeing to a genuine taste of local culture. Third, the opportunity for multiple swimming stops means plenty of chances to cool off and enjoy crystal-clear waters.

However, one aspect worth considering is the group size and language—reviews mention occasionally cramped spaces and some guides sharing information primarily in Italian, which might limit the experience for non-Italian speakers. Yet, for those seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water with good value, this trip seems worth considering.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and local flavors in a small-group setting. If you’re after a straightforward day of island hopping with a friendly guide and beautiful views, this one could be perfect.

Key Points

• Stunning Islands: Visit iconic spots like Budelli’s pink beach and natural pools with vibrant colors.
• All-Inclusive Lunch: Enjoy Sardinian-inspired cuisine, including mussels, Prosecco, sweets, and Mirto.
• Multiple Swimming Stops: Benefit from 3-4 breaks for swimming and snorkeling, ideal for water lovers.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable skippers and guides enhance the journey, with some reviews mentioning language limitations.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve with pay-later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Duration

The adventure begins at Piazza del Molo, 5 in La Maddalena or Palau, with a departure typically scheduled at 10:00 AM. The entire trip lasts about 7 hours—a good length to comfortably explore several islands without feeling rushed. Returning around 5:00 or 5:30 PM, it provides ample time for sightseeing, swimming, and dining.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Budelli Island
Famous for its pink beach, Budelli is the star of many photos and a highlight of this tour. The boat anchors here for about 2 hours, giving you time to take photos, go for a swim, and enjoy a guided visit. Reviewers rave about Budelli’s beauty, with one mentioning it being “absolutely stunning”. The included aperitif while anchored adds a relaxed touch to the experience.

Stop 2: Santa Maria Island, Maddalena Archipelago
This stop combines a break, photo opportunities, and another guided tour. With roughly 2 hours, it’s enough to explore the island’s charm and take in the views. Some reviews note that Santa Maria offers a different vibe—more peaceful and scenic, perfect for a quiet stroll or more photos.

Stop 3: Spargi Island
The shortest of the stops at about 1 hour, Spargi is ideal for a quick visit. Here, you can enjoy a coffee, visit notable spots, and indulge in another swim. Reviewers appreciate Spargi’s tranquil environment and spectacular views.

The Food: A Sardinian Feast

The lunch served on board is a definite highlight. The menu features mussels with Vermentino di Sardegna, a local white wine, along with coffee, Sardinian sweets, and Mirto liqueur. The food quality appears to be well-regarded, with one reviewer noting Luca’s fabulous lunch. The Sardinian-style aperitif, packed with local flavors, makes the meal feel authentic and hearty.

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Water Activities

With 3-4 swimming stops, the tour maximizes your time in the water. Reviewers describe the waters as crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling and swimming. They also mention that the natural pools are especially beautiful, with vivid colors that are a photographer’s dream.

The Vessel & Group Size

The boat, Maui, is described as comfortable enough for small groups, limited to 10 participants. This smaller size fosters a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. One review pointed out that with 12 people onboard, the space felt a bit cramped, but generally, the small group size helps with intimacy and flexibility.

Guides & Language

Guides are fluent in Italian and English, which is helpful for most travelers. However, some reviews mention that information is shared mainly in Italian, which might limit the experience for non-Italian speakers, especially if you’re keen on detailed commentary.

Price & Value

Considering that lunch, drinks, swimming stops, and a souvenir photo with drone are all included, the overall price seems reasonable, especially for the high-quality scenery and authentic experience. Reviewers say the tour offers good value during high season, and the included local flavors and scenic stops make it a memorable day out.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re someone who enjoys island hopping, unforgettable landscapes, and local cuisine, this tour ticks all the boxes. The small-group setting and multiple swimming stops are ideal for those who like a bit of flexibility and time in the water. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an authentic Sardinian experience without the fuss of arranging transport or meals.

However, if you’re seeking a highly detailed guided experience or prefer larger groups, this might feel a bit intimate or limited in terms of commentary. Also, if language is a concern, it’s worth noting that some info might be primarily in Italian.

Final Thoughts

This La Maddalena Archipelago tour on Maui offers a beautiful, well-rounded day on some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning islands. The combination of breathtaking scenery, relaxing swimming stops, and tasty Sardinian food creates a memorable mix of nature and culture.

The value for money is evident given the all-inclusive nature—lunch, drinks, stops, and a souvenir photo—making it a convenient choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience. While the guide language might be a slight drawback for some, the overall experience seems to make up for it through the scenery and relaxed pace.

In essence, this trip is best suited for water lovers, island enthusiasts, and those eager to indulge in local flavors while soaking up unforgettable views. It’s a day that balances adventure and relaxation, perfect for creating lasting memories of Sardinia’s hidden gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers the skipper, fuel, aperitif with Sardinian specialties and Prosecco, mussels with Vermentino di Sardegna, coffee, Sardinian sweets, Mirto liqueur, and 3-4 swimming stops. You also get a souvenir photo with drone footage.

Where does the tour start and end?
The activity begins at Piazza del Molo, 5 in La Maddalena or Palau and returns to the same point at the end of the day.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours with departure around 10:00 AM and return around 5:00-5:30 PM.

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

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen to enjoy your swimming stops comfortably.

Is there a guide onboard?
Yes, the tour features a live guide in Italian and English, enhancing your understanding of the surroundings.

What if I don’t speak Italian?
Some information may be mainly in Italian, which could limit detailed commentary, but the scenery and experience still speak for themselves.

This La Maddalena Archipelago boat tour on Maui offers a genuine taste of Sardinia’s natural beauty and local flavors, making it a worthwhile addition to your island itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: