From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago 4 Stops Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of shimmering waters, sandy beaches, and colorful island villages, a boat tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago from Palau might just be your ticket. While we haven’t personally hopped aboard, countless travelers have shared their experiences, making this trip a standout for exploring North Sardinia’s most iconic islands. Think crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, picturesque stops that scream postcard, and a smooth, modern boat that ensures comfort throughout the day.

What we love most? The chance to see Spiaggia Rosa’s elusive pink sands, wandering La Maddalena’s charming streets, and the multiple opportunities to cool off in the welcoming waters. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide explaining the islands’ stories in four languages is a big bonus. That said, the tour does involve a fair amount of group time, and the national park fee of €5 per person (cash only) adds a small extra step.

This experience suits travelers who crave scenic beauty, appreciate local culture, and enjoy a well-organized day out without breaking the bank. If you love being on the water, exploring islands at a relaxed pace, and trying Sardinian cuisine, this tour is likely to hit the spot—just be prepared for a busy, full-day adventure.

Good To Know

• Comfortable Modern Boat: The Lady Luna 3, built in 2025, offers a smooth, safe, and eco-friendly cruise experience.
• Multiple Island Stops: Four distinct destinations, each with unique scenery and activities.
• Beautiful Beaches & Scenic Views: From pink sands to emerald waters, perfect for swimming and photography.
• Expert Guided Tour: Live commentary in four languages, making the trip informative and engaging.
• Flexible Food Options: Onboard meals or bringing your own, with reasonably priced Sardinian dishes.
• Great for Relaxed Sightseers: Plenty of time at beaches and towns, with options for sunbathing, wandering, or sightseeing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and What to Expect

This tour offers a full day out on the water, with roughly 6 hours of sailing, swimming, and exploring across four main stops. It’s designed to balance scenic sightseeing, leisure, and culture, making it a versatile choice for most travelers.

Starting Point: Palau

Your day kicks off early at the marina in Palau, where you’ll meet in front of the maritime station near the ferry terminal at 9:30 am. The boat, named LADY LUNA 3, is a modern vessel built in 2025, which means you’ll benefit from contemporary amenities, safety standards, and comfort. With a capacity of 150, passengers, it’s a lively group, but the crew manages the space well, as many reviews note.

The Short Sail to Budelli and Spiaggia Rosa

After a 35-minute cruise across the turquoise waters, you’ll arrive at Budelli Island, famous for its pink sand beach, Spiaggia Rosa. Only a short stop here, but enough time to snap some photos of the surreal sands and marvel at Roccia del Coccodrillo, a notable rock formation. Reviewer Moira mentioned, “Lunch was freshly cooked on board and was really very good,” highlighting that onboard dining is a highlight, especially since the beaches often draw crowds.

Piscine Naturali and Swimming Opportunities

Next, the boat drops anchor at Piscine Naturali, natural swimming pools formed by rocks, offering calm, sheltered waters perfect for splashing around or snorkeling. Expect about 20 minutes here—just enough to cool off and enjoy the marine life. Several reviews emphasize how relaxing these stops are, with one traveler noting, “The stops were perfect, and the on-board lunch was decent,” indicating a good balance of activity and downtime.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Santa Maria Island

Moving on, you’ll spend roughly 75 minutes at Santa Maria Island, where you can sunbathe on the long, sandy beach, walk along the shoreline, or explore the small town. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to wander through La Maddalena’s streets, with some mentioning, “Wander the streets of La Maddalena town and taste a very special ice cream.” It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely break and a taste of local life.

Spargi Island and Cala Granara

Spargi is next, with a 75-minute stop that’s often rated as a highlight. The beaches here—like Cala Granara—are protected from the wind, offering ideal conditions for sunbathing or snorkeling. Reviewers like Digna noted, “The beaches were sandy, no swimming shoes needed,” which is helpful if you’re concerned about footwear. Marine life viewing and wildlife encounters add a bit of adventure for those interested.

Testa della Strega and La Maddalena Town

A brief 5-minute scenic drive takes you to Testa della Strega for a final photo stop, with stunning views over the archipelago. Then, a longer stop of about an hour at La Maddalena town allows for wandering, shopping, and taking in the colorful harbor views. Many guests mention how charming the town is, with options to buy souvenirs or simply relax at a café.

Final Legs and Return to Palau

On the way back, sail past Santo Stefano and Caprera islands, offering a last glimpse of the area’s natural beauty. The boat arrives back at Palau around 5:15 pm, concluding a busy, fulfilling day.

Why This Tour is a Great Value for Your Money

While the tour isn’t the cheapest option, reviews consistently praise its value. The price includes transportation, a live multilingual guide, insurance, and stops at all four islands. Plus, onboard amenities like free Wi-Fi and the option to purchase a wide range of affordable Sardinian dishes make it convenient.

The lunch, often described as freshly cooked pasta or Sardinian antipasto, is considered good, especially when compared to typical boat meals. Guests also note the eco-friendly efforts, with biodegradable utensils and careful waste management, which adds value for environmentally conscious travelers.

The national park fee of €5 is a small extra, payable in cash, but it grants access to protected areas, ensuring your visit supports local conservation efforts. Many reviews mention that the guides’ commentary and the overall organization keep the day running smoothly, even with a large group.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Crowds and busy boat decks are common in reviews, but this is part of the appeal—being part of a lively, well-coordinated group. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides who explain the islands’ stories in multiple languages, adding educational value to the trip. Several highlight the stunning scenery and crystal waters as the biggest draws, with many saying it’s a “must-do” for visiting Sardinia.

The swimming opportunities at each stop receive high marks, with many travelers describing the waters as “incredible” and noting the beaches are sandy and accessible without special footwear. The stops at Spiaggia Rosa and Spargi are often singled out as breathtaking.

The onboard lunch receives mixed reviews, but most agree it’s good value, especially given the convenience. Travelers who prefer to bring their own food can do so, although the options available are tempting enough to try without worry.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for nature lovers, families, and groups who want a relaxed but packed day of sightseeing. If you enjoy beaches, swimming, and scenic drives, you’ll find plenty to love. The guided commentary makes it suitable for those interested in learning about the area, and the comfortable boat ensures a smooth ride even for longer days.

However, if you’re looking for a solo, quiet, or highly customizable experience, this might feel a bit crowded or regimented. Also, travelers with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at some stops. It’s not designed for wheelchair users, but the boat itself is well-maintained.

Final Thoughts

This La Maddalena Archipelago boat tour from Palau offers a well-rounded, scenic adventure filled with stunning beaches, charming towns, and marine wonders. The modern vessel, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtfully planned stops make it a good value for those eager to see Sardinia’s best in one day.

While the busy boat environment and extra park fee might be minor considerations, most travelers find that the picturesque scenery, friendly staff, and delicious onboard meals make this a worthwhile splurge. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a taste of everything—the beaches, the culture, and the natural beauty—in a single, memorable trip.

FAQ

Is the boat tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is described as very safe for kids, with stops suitable for swimming and relaxing, making it a family-friendly option.

What is included in the tour price?
The ticket covers transportation by cruise, a live guide in four languages, stops at each island, passenger insurance, and free Wi-Fi onboard.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Absolutely. While onboard meals are available at reasonable prices, you are welcome to bring your own food if preferred.

How long is the boat trip?
The total duration from departure at 9:30 am to return around 5:15 pm gives about 6 hours of scenic and leisure time.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, a €5 national park fee per person must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

How many stops are there, and what can I do at each?
There are four main stops: Spiaggia Rosa for photos, swimming at Piscine Naturali, relaxing at Santa Maria and Spargi beaches, and exploring La Maddalena town.

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
It’s not ideal, as it involves walking on uneven terrain and some boat maneuvering. It’s not designed for wheelchair users.

What language are the guides speaking?
The live commentary is available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, cash for the park fee, and snorkeling gear if you have it.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.

In sum, this tour offers a captivating mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation, all delivered on a modern, safe vessel with knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re in Sardinia for a week or a day trip, it provides a memorable way to experience the breathtaking La Maddalena Archipelago.

You can check if your dates are available here: