La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour: Vintage Motorship

A vintage boat and six hours between islands, without the crowds of a speedboat run

A full-day boat tour from Palau aboard a restored 1956 motorship explores the La Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia, with stops for swimming and snorkeling at Cala Connari, Spiaggia del Cavaliere and Cala Serena, plus a pass by the protected Pink Beach. A live guide in English or Italian accompanies the route; dinghy transfers to the islands are included, and the tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours from boarding to return. A municipal disembarkation tax of €5 per person (ages 6–99) is payable in cash at embarkation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of La Maddalena Archipelago

• Depart from Palau
• Navigate 30 minutes past landmarks
• Stop at Cala Connari for snorkeling and swimming
• Admire Caprera coastline and swim at Cala Serena
• Stop at Knight's Beach for snorkeling or beach visit
• View Pink Beach from the boat
• Explore wild island sandy coves
• Return to Palau

The Experience

The boat leaves Palau on the northeastern coast of Sardinia and spends roughly 30 minutes navigating past Fort San Giorgio, the Villa Marina Tower and the former NATO base before reaching the first stop. You board a refurbished motorship built in 1956—comfortable and steady enough to carry you through the day without the noise and spray of a speedboat. The crew handles the route and the stops; a live guide in English or Italian explains what you're passing and where you're headed.

The first real stop is Cala Connari, where you stay for about two hours. You can stay on deck and use the boat's services, snorkel from the boat, or swim to the beach itself. The water is clear enough to see down, and the crew is there if you need help. Next comes a bath stop at Cala Serena along Caprera's coast, then the boat moves to Spiaggia del Cavaliere (Knight's Beach), where you again choose: stay aboard, snorkel, or take the inflatable dinghy to the sand with a crew member. The dinghy transfers are included, so you don't arrange a separate ride to shore.

The final pass is by Spargi and the Pink Beach—a protected area where swimming is not allowed, but the boat brings you close enough to see why it's famous. The pink color comes from a microorganism that lives in the seagrass and washes ashore in shells; it's one of the Mediterranean's most photographed beaches, and you see it from the water rather than fighting for space on the sand. The whole experience is built around the boat itself as your base: you leave from it, return to it, and spend the day moving between islands at a pace that lets you linger without rushing.

What’s included

Fuel and dinghy service for transfers to the islands; a live guide in English or Italian narrating the route and stops.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Escursì - experience sardinia

Is this one for you?Book from Palau if you're staying on the Sardinian mainland; book from La Maddalena if you're based on the island itself. The 1956 motorship is slower and more stable than a speedboat, which means a calmer ride and time to actually sit and look, but it also means the day is full—6 to 7 hours total—so pick this one if you want a full immersion in the archipelago rather than a quick hit-and-run.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the Palau and La Maddalena departure times?

You can book the tour departing from Palau on the Sardinian mainland or from La Maddalena island itself; both follow the same route and stops, so the choice depends on where you're staying and which port is closer to your hotel.

Can I swim and snorkel at every stop, or do I have to stay on the boat?

At Cala Connari and Spiaggia del Cavaliere, you choose each time—stay on board, snorkel near the boat, or take the dinghy to the beach. Cala Serena is a bath stop where swimming is the main option. The Pink Beach is a protected area, so you view it from the boat only.

How long do you actually spend in the water at each stop?

Cala Connari is a two-hour stopover, giving you real time to swim or snorkel. Cala Serena and Spiaggia del Cavaliere are shorter bath stops where you get in and out rather than spending hours ashore.

Is lunch included, or do I need to bring food?

Lunch is not included, so bring snacks or a packed meal if you want to eat during the day. The boat has services on board, but you'll want to confirm what's available when you book.

What happens if I arrive late for boarding?

The start time shown is the boarding time, not the departure time; arriving late can delay the whole tour, so the operator asks you to arrive on time, especially during summer months when the boat is full.

Is there a fee I have to pay when I get on the boat?

Yes—all passengers between 6 and 99 years old must pay a municipal disembarkation tax of €5 in cash (exact change preferred) at the time of boarding; this is compulsory and separate from the tour price.