La Maddalena Archipelago: 4-Stop Boat Day Trip & Swim

Summary

Swim, stroll and taste island life across La Maddalena’s wild coves

You’ll feel salt on your skin as you swim in Budelli’s turquoise pools, taste simple pasta on Santa Maria after wandering past an old monastery, float by Spargi’s wild coves, and finish your day strolling through La Maddalena town with gelato in hand. Four stops across the archipelago — each one feels like its own small world.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the Lady Luna 2 in Palau was the smell of sunscreen mixing with salty air — everyone already half awake, sunglasses on, quietly excited. Our guide (I think his name was Marco?) greeted us with this easy Sardinian warmth, cracking a joke about “tourists turning pink before Budelli’s sand ever did.” We set off along the coast just after ten, passing Punta Sardegna and Porto Faro. The sea was that unreal blue you see in postcards but never quite believe until you’re there. It was breezy but not cold — hair everywhere, laughter from a family behind me as someone lost their hat to the wind.

Our first swim stop at Budelli’s so-called “natural pools” was honestly surreal. The water felt silkier than I expected — cool at first touch, then perfect. There’s a platform at the back of the boat for getting in (no awkward scrambling). I floated for a minute just watching sunlight flicker under the surface. Someone tried to point out Cavaliere beach but I was too busy grinning at nothing. Later at Santa Maria island, we wandered up toward the old monastery (it’s empty now), past houses that only wake up for summer. Lunch was simple pasta with shrimp sauce — not fancy but after swimming it tasted like something special. Marco teased me for ordering a Caprese salad and then stealing bites of my neighbor’s pasta anyway.

I’d heard about the Pink Beach forever but didn’t know you can’t actually land there anymore — it’s protected now because people kept taking sand home (who does that?). We drifted close enough to see its pale blush and Marco explained how it got its color from tiny organisms living in seagrass. He sounded proud but also a little sad about what’s changed. After that came Spargi island — wilder somehow, with wind-shaped rocks and soft white sand. We had time to swim again or just walk along these nature trails dotted with old military forts nobody really talks about much.

The last stretch took us to La Maddalena town itself. The streets were lively even mid-afternoon — shops open, kids darting between gelato stands, church bells echoing somewhere behind us. I sat on a bench licking pistachio ice cream and watching boats bob in the harbor. It hit me then how every stop felt different: quiet coves, wild coastlines, this little burst of island life at the end. I still think about that view from the panoramic road circling La Maddalena — granite rocks glowing gold under late sun, green macchia brushing right up to the edge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of La Maddalena islands

• Meet at Lady Luna 2 boat
• Depart from Palau port
• Sail past Punta Sardegna and Porto Faro
• Swim at Budelli island natural pools
• Stop and swim at Santa Maria island beach
• Lunch on board (optional purchase)
• View Pink Beach from boat
• Panoramic sail around Spargi island
• Swim and relax at Spargi island beach
• Sail past Santo Stefano island
• Visit La Maddalena island town center

Top questions

How long is the boat excursion around La Maddalena Archipelago?

The day trip starts at 10:30 am from Palau and includes four main stops across several islands before returning later in the afternoon.

Can you swim at every stop during this tour?

You can swim at Budelli (Piscine di Budelli), Santa Maria island, and Spargi island; swimming is not allowed at Pink Beach due to protection rules.

Is lunch included on this La Maddalena boat trip?

Lunch isn’t included by default but you can buy pasta with shrimp sauce or other dishes onboard after swimming at Santa Maria.

Are there restrooms available during the excursion?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board throughout the day trip.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from Palau maritime station (embarkation point 4) near the ferry terminal.

Is this boat tour suitable for families or children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome and all fitness levels are suitable.

Can I bring my service animal on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this excursion.

Do we visit La Maddalena town itself?

Yes, one of your stops includes time to explore La Maddalena town center before heading back.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding from Palau port with check-in around 9:45 am, four scenic stops across Budelli (with swimming), Santa Maria (swim and optional lunch), Spargi (beach time or walking trails), plus free time in La Maddalena town before returning; there’s a restroom on board and gratuities are covered too.