Exploring Sardinia’s Spectacular Archipelago: From La Maddalena and Palau to Budelli & Santa Maria
A boat tour around the La Maddalena Archipelago promises a day packed with breathtaking scenery, relaxing swims, and an authentic taste of Sardinian charm. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, extensive reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect.
What truly sets this experience apart are the iconic Pink Beach of Budelli, the chance to swim in natural pools, and an included delicious lunch featuring pasta with shrimp sauce — a highlight that many reviewers mention with enthusiasm. However, the tour’s 7-hour duration, while generally well-paced, might feel a little long for those prone to seasickness or looking for a shorter trip.
This tour is perfect for travelers who love scenic boat rides, want to see Sardinia’s most famous islands without the fuss of organizing their own transport, and enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxation. If you’re craving a day out on the water with clear swimming spots and stunning photo opportunities, this experience is a solid choice.
You can check if your dates are available here:Good To Know
- Iconic Pink Beach: A must-see natural marvel with its distinctive hue.
- Multiple swim stops: Including natural pools and beaches, with plenty of time to relax and cool off.
- Expert guides and scenic views: Guided commentary and beautiful landscapes at every turn.
- Delicious Sardinian lunch: Pasta with shrimp, served onboard.
- Flexible departure points: Options from La Maddalena or Palau.
- Ideal for those comfortable with boat trips: Not suited for seasickness-prone travelers or those over 95 years old.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
What Makes This Tour Special?
This full-day excursion offers a well-rounded experience of Sardinia’s best islands, combining scenic cruising with ample time to enjoy the waters and beaches. The itinerary is designed to showcase the archipelago’s most stunning spots, making it a favorite for those wanting both sightseeing and leisure.
Starting from La Maddalena or Palau
The tour departs at 10:00 am from La Maddalena or 10:15 am from Palau, giving you flexibility depending on where you’re staying. The meeting points are straightforward — either the Piazza del Molo in La Maddalena or a nearby designated spot in Palau. The boat departs slightly later than some other cruises, which means there’s a bit more breathing room in the morning and less rushed transitions.
The Pink Beach of Budelli
Your first glimpse of the famous Pink Beach happens early on, as the boat makes a close pass just before the first stop. While you won’t have time to set foot on the actual pink sands during this initial pass, it’s enough to snap photos of the shimmering hue that’s caused by crushed shells and coral. The Pink Beach remains a jaw-dropping sight and a highlight for many visitors.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyNatural Pools at Porto Madonna
Soon after, the boat pulls into the Porto Madonna area, also known as Piscine Naturali. This spot is famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters and natural rock formations. Here, passengers are encouraged to dive off the boat and swim in the inviting waters, or climb the side ladder back onto the boat. Reviewers consistently mention the ample swim time as a major plus, with one noting that there’s “more than enough time to enjoy 3 swims (2 beaches).”
Santa Maria Island and Cala Santa Maria Beach
Next, the boat docks at Santa Maria Island, where passengers can disembark for about an hour and a half at Cala Santa Maria. Here, you’ll find a lovely sandy beach nestled among rocky cliffs, perfect for a swim, a walk, or some snorkeling. Multiple reviews praise the relaxing pace and the scenic beauty of this stop, with one noting it was “great to have enough time to enjoy the scenery.”
Lunch Break with Sardinian Flavors
After a good dose of swimming and exploring, lunch is served onboard, featuring a pasta with shrimp sauce. Reviewers have spoken positively about the meal, with one mentioning that they received a “fresher cooked food” and appreciated the generous portions — some even asked for a second helping, which was offered for free. The onboard guide explains the scenery in both English and Italian, adding an educational touch to the relaxing meal.
Spargi Island and Cala Corsara
In the afternoon, the tour heads south to Spargi Island, making a brief stop at Cala Corsara, where you’ll enjoy two hours of free time. The scenery here is often described as spectacular, with striking rock formations and a pristine beach. Reviewers emphasize that the longer stop allows for a comfortable amount of time to relax, swim, or take photographs. Many mention the scenic views during the sailing legs and the helpful guides who make sure everyone gets their perfect shot.
What to Expect at Each Stop
Pink Beach of Budelli: While you only see it from the boat, the photo opportunities are incredible. The pink hue of the sands makes it one of Sardinia’s most Instagrammable spots.
Porto Madonna/Natural Pools: Calm waters perfect for swimming and jumping off the boat, with easy access via a ladder. The natural rock formations make for striking photographs and fun water play.
Cala Santa Maria: Accessible by foot, this beach offers shallow waters, soft sands, and scenic surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot ideal for relaxing after the morning’s sightseeing.
Cala Corsara at Spargi: The largest stop of the day, with a two-hour window for swimming, exploring, and soaking in the scenery. Reviewers highlight that the boat’s captain makes multiple turns at viewpoints, giving everyone chances for photos.
The Experience from the Guides and Crew
From the reviews, the guides and crew stand out as a major positive. Many mention the friendly, accommodating staff who responded quickly to questions and provided clear instructions. One reviewer pointed out that the audio guide in English and Italian explained the scenery, which added value to the trip.
The boat itself is spacious enough to avoid feeling crowded, even in peak season, and the crew’s attentiveness ensures everyone feels safe and comfortable. One guest noted that the captain turns the boat multiple times at viewpoints so everyone can get good photos — a small but thoughtful detail.
Food and Drink
While drinks aren’t included in the price, the lunch — notably pasta with shrimp sauce — is praised for being tasty and generous. Passengers appreciated the freshly cooked quality and the option to request seconds, adding a layer of value that many tours don’t include.
Duration and Timing
The 7-hour length is quite reasonable, offering a full day of exploration without rushing. The schedule provides enough swim and relax time at each stop, making it suitable for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and downtime. Reviewers mention that the late departure from La Maddalena gives a more relaxed morning.
Practical Tips for Future Travelers
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, as you’ll be exposed to the sun during extended periods on the boat and at the stops.
- Pack a towel, snorkel gear, and waterproof shoes if you like to explore underwater or walk along rocky beaches.
- Consider seasickness remedies if you’re prone to motion sickness, as the boat ride can be choppy depending on the weather.
- Purchase drinks onboard if you want beverages during the trip, since they’re not included.
- Arrive early for your departure point, especially in high season, to secure a good seat and settle in comfortably.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This boat trip is best suited for those who enjoy scenic cruising, swimming, and relaxing on beaches—perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends. It offers a well-balanced day with stunning views, friendly guides, and authentic Sardinian flavors.
However, it’s less ideal for travelers sensitive to seasickness or those seeking a shorter, more intense experience. If you prefer a quick glimpse rather than a full day, this might feel a bit long.
Final Thoughts
This 7-hour boat tour from La Maddalena and Palau provides an excellent way to see Sardinia’s highlights without the hassle of planning your own excursions. The stops at Pink Beach, natural pools, and Cala Corsara showcase some of the most stunning scenery in the archipelago, and the onboard lunch adds a satisfying touch of local flavor.
The friendly staff and well-organized schedule ensure a comfortable experience, making it a reliable choice for travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and laid-back fun. The only real consideration is the length and the boat ride, which might not suit everyone — but for most, the beautiful views and relaxed pace outweigh these factors.
This tour offers fantastic value and memorable moments, especially for those eager to explore Sardinia’s natural beauty with ease.
FAQ
Is the Pink Beach of Budelli included in the tour?
You don’t land on Pink Beach; instead, the boat makes a close pass for photos. It’s a quick view, but plenty of travelers say it’s a stunning sight worth capturing.
How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll have roughly 30 minutes near Pink Beach, 1.5 hours at Cala Santa Maria, and 2 hours at Cala Corsara, with a brief stop at Porto Madonna for swimming.
Can I swim at all the stops?
Yes, swimming is a major part of the experience. The natural pools and beaches are perfect for jumping into the clear waters. Many reviews mention multiple swim opportunities.
What food is served onboard?
A pasta with shrimp sauce is included in the lunch. Reviewers mention it’s fresh, tasty, and served in generous portions, with some guests asking for seconds.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you can purchase beverages on board if needed.
Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
It’s suitable for most ages, but not recommended for those over 95 or those prone to seasickness. The boat ride can be choppy, depending on weather conditions.
What language are the guides in?
Guides speak both English and Italian, providing commentary and explanations throughout the trip.
This detailed review hopes to give you a comprehensive view of what to expect and help you decide if this Sardinian boat adventure is the right fit for your travel plans.
You can check if your dates are available here: