Snorkeling Excursion in Sardinia: La Maddalena & Lavezzi islands

If you’re dreaming of a day spent floating in warm, crystal-clear waters amid stunning islands, this snorkeling excursion from Palau may just be your ideal escape. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, based on the detailed reviews and comprehensive itinerary, it promises a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic marine exploration.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the luxury boat—a sleek 10-meter Chris Craft—that’s nimble enough to access secluded coves. Second, the small group size, capped at just 12 travelers, ensures intimacy and personalized attention. Third, the opportunity to try diving with guidance from a qualified instructor, adding an extra layer to your experience.

The only consideration? The tour’s fixed schedule and reliance on good weather mean that if you’re expecting a very flexible day or are prone to seasickness, you might want to plan accordingly.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate being on the water, want a taste of snorkeling or diving, and enjoy exploring beautiful islands without the crowds. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging day in Sardinia’s marine environment.

Good To Know

• Small group setting ensures a more personalized and intimate experience.
• Luxurious boat design allows access to coves unreachable by larger vessels.
• Inclusion of snorkeling gear and optional diving caters to varying levels of experience.
• Delicious light lunch, snacks, fresh fruits, and beverages keep you energized throughout the day.
• Convenient meeting point just 45 minutes from Olbia airport makes logistics simple.
• Weather dependence means your experience might be rescheduled or refunded if conditions aren’t ideal.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Meeting at Scuba Point and Departure

The journey begins at the PADI 5-Star Dive Resort in Palau, a location easy to access from Olbia Airport. The meeting at 9:00 AM gets you ready for a full day on the water, with the boat set to return around 5:00 PM. The small group size, with a maximum of 12 travelers, suggests you’ll receive plenty of attention, whether from guides or fellow explorers.

Cruising on a Stylish Chris Craft

Once aboard the sleek 10-meter Chris Craft boat, you’ll quickly notice how clean and well-maintained it is—an important detail for comfort and safety. This vessel’s design allows it to anchor in the most secluded coves, giving you access to Sardinia’s lesser-visited spots. The boat’s speed and agility make it suitable for drifting over the La Maddalena Archipelago’s famous waters, where the scenery is as impressive as the marine life beneath.

Snorkeling in Crystal Waters

The core of this tour is, of course, snorkeling in the clear waters. Expect to see vibrant marine life, thanks to the protected Marine Park of Lavezzi. The provided masks, snorkels, and fins are high quality, ensuring a comfortable experience even for beginners. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way we could explore the islands near Palau, including the famous swimming pools and pink beach,” highlighting that the stops are both scenic and fun to explore.

Exploring Unique Islands and Coves

The itinerary includes visits to iconic spots like the famous swimming pools and pink beach, along with secret coves. These areas are praised for their tranquil beauty and are perfect for photos or just unwinding. The boat’s ability to anchor close to the shoreline means you’ll often have calm, shallow waters to paddle around in.

Light Lunch and Refreshments

A light lunch accompanied by snacks, fresh fruits, and beverages provides a welcome break, especially after snorkeling or the optional diving session. This is a crucial aspect because it allows you to stay energized and enjoy the day without feeling deprived. Reviewers mention the food is satisfying and perfect for a day at sea, further emphasizing the thoughtful planning behind the tour.

Optional Diving Experience

For those curious about exploring beyond snorkeling, the trip includes a supervised diving trial led by a Scuba Point instructor. This offering is ideal for beginners or those wanting to try a quick underwater experience without committing to a full certification course. The presence of a qualified instructor ensures safety and guidance, making it accessible for most travelers.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up around 5:00 PM back at Palau, giving you plenty of time to unwind after a full day of marine adventures. The small group atmosphere means conversations are relaxed, and you can share your favorite moments with your guides and fellow travelers.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The Small Group Advantage

With only 12 people max, this snorkeling adventure avoids the crowded feeling some larger tours can generate. It fosters a more relaxed, personalized atmosphere—something that many reviewers appreciate. One guest described their day as “just three guests on a boat with Luca and Paolo,” highlighting the intimate vibe.

The Luxury Boat Experience

The Chris Craft is not just stylish but functional, allowing access to hidden coves and calm waters. Its sleek design means you’re not just floating in a sea of boats but enjoying a comfortable, high-quality vessel that adds to the overall experience.

Snorkeling and Diving for All Levels

Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a complete novice, the gear provided makes exploration easy. The chance to try diving with professional guidance is an extra perk, making this tour suitable for those looking to dip their toes into underwater activities.

Delicious Food and Refreshments

The tour’s inclusion of a light but satisfying meal enhances the value, especially considering the full-day schedule. You’ll savor fresh fruits, snacks, and cold drinks, which reviewers have found to be just right for keeping energy levels high.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The Marine Park of Lavezzi

Your journey to the Lavezzi Islands introduces you to one of the most protected marine areas in Sardinia. The waters here are renowned for their clarity and diversity of marine life. Expect to see colorful fish, coral formations, and other underwater surprises that make snorkeling so rewarding.

The La Maddalena Archipelago

Known for its stunning scenery and turquoise waters, La Maddalena is a highlight. The famous Pink Beach and natural pools are more than just Instagram-worthy—they’re great spots to relax, paddle, and take in the views. As one reviewer mentioned, the boat tour included visits to the islands near Palau, making it easier to access these iconic locations without the hassle of navigating yourself.

Seclusion and Serenity

Unlike busier boat trips, this tour’s ability to anchor in secluded coves means you’ll often be in calm, quiet waters. This is especially important for snorkeling, as clear, still water enhances visibility and overall enjoyment.

Food and Beverage Quality

The light lunch and snacks are more than just a practical detail—they’re integral to the experience. Fresh fruits and beverages allow you to take a break and recharge, which reviewers say makes the day feel even more special.

Professional Guidance for Diving

The optional dive trial is supervised by a qualified instructor from Scuba Point, giving beginners confidence to explore underwater safely. It’s a flexible addition that complements the core snorkeling experience—something many reviewers appreciated for its inclusiveness.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

Duration and Timing

At approximately 7 hours, this tour offers a full yet manageable day out. Starting at 9:00 AM and returning around 5:00 PM provides enough time to explore, relax, and enjoy without feeling rushed.

Accessibility and Location

Located just 45 minutes from Olbia airport, Palau is a convenient starting point. The proximity reduces travel stress and maximizes your time on the water.

Group Size and Cost

With up to 12 travelers and a price of around $179.59 per person, this trip balances affordability with a high-quality experience. Smaller groups mean more personalized attention, and the cost includes gear, food, and guided activities, making it a good value for the unique experience offered.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

The tour is weather-dependent; if conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free if done 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind to plan around your travel schedule.

Who is This Tour Perfect For?

This snorkeling excursion suits travelers who enjoy being on the water and want to explore Sardinia’s marine beauty in an intimate setting. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small-group experiences, want easy access to iconic islands, and are curious about trying diving in a safe environment.

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, those prone to seasickness or looking for a highly flexible day might find the scheduled timing less accommodating. It’s also great for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a personalized adventure.

The Sum Up

This Sardinian boat trip combines comfort, authentic marine encounters, and spectacular scenery in a way that’s hard to beat. The small-group approach ensures a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, while the luxury vessel allows access to the most beautiful, secluded spots in the La Maddalena and Lavezzi islands.

The inclusion of snorkeling gear, a light lunch, and optional diving makes this experience versatile and well-rounded. It offers genuine value for travelers who want to explore Sardinia’s underwater world without the hassle of navigating on their own.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler, eager beginner, or simply someone who loves the idea of floating in calm, turquoise waters surrounded by stunning islands, this tour is worth considering. It’s a smart choice for those who want a memorable day in Sardinia’s marine paradise—quiet, beautiful, and full of surprises.

FAQ

How do I meet the tour?
You meet at Scuba Point, a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort in Palau, at 9:00 AM. The location is easy to reach, about 45 minutes from Olbia airport.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour provides masks, snorkels, fins, a light lunch, snacks, fruits, and beverages. You also have the option to try diving with a qualified instructor.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 7 hours, from 9:00 AM to around 5:00 PM.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially because the gear is provided, and the diving experience is supervised by a professional. It’s also perfect for those new to snorkeling.

What are the main highlights?
Expect to visit the La Maddalena Archipelago, the Marine Park of Lavezzi, enjoy snorkeling in clear waters, and explore secluded coves and islands.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 12 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.

What is the price?
The tour costs about $179.59 per person, offering good value considering the gear, food, and guided activities included.

Is there an option for diving?
Yes, a supervised diving trial is available, led by a qualified Scuba Point instructor, perfect for beginners or those wanting to try underwater exploration.

This snorkel trip in Sardinia offers a wonderful balance of adventure and relaxation, with enough flexibility for diverse travelers. It’s a fantastic way to experience the island’s stunning marine environment in a comfortable, small-group setting.