Maddalena Archipelago boat tour: swim at Spargi & Santa Maria

Cruise past pink granite and the Pink Beach, then swim in turquoise coves

A full-day boat tour of the Maddalena Archipelago departing from Olbia with included minibus transfer to Cannigione port, lunch on board, and stops at La Maddalena town, Spargi, Santa Maria and coastal viewpoints including the protected Pink Beach. The tour runs about ten hours and suits all fitness levels; children are welcome from age three.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore La Maddalena Archipelago by boat

• Transfer from Olbia to Cannigione
• Board boat at Cannigione port
• Free time in La Maddalena old town
• Stop at Spargi beach for swimming
• Stop at Santa Maria bay for swimming
• Lunch on board: pasta with tomato sauce
• Panoramic navigation past Pink Beach
• Sail along Punta Sardegna coast
• Pass Porto Rafael village
• View Palau and its port
• Cruise past Bear Rock natural monument
• Return transfer to pick-up location

The Experience

The day starts with a 25-kilometre minibus transfer from Olbia to Cannigione, where you board for the archipelago. The boat heads first to La Maddalena città, the main town, leaving you roughly an hour to walk the old streets, browse shops or grab a coffee before the group reboarding. From there the route moves to Spargi and Santa Maria, each stop lasting about an hour—long enough to swim, snorkel or lie on the beach without rushing. The water is shallow and clear enough to see the bottom; the sand is white or pale gold.

Lunch—pasta with tomato sauce—is served on board while the boat continues along the Madonna Mantle and past Budelli's Pink Beach, which is protected and visible only from the sea, so you'll see it from the deck rather than walk it. The afternoon navigation takes in Punta Sardegna's cliffs and emerald water, the villas of Porto Rafael, views across Palau and its port, and Capo d'Orso, a granite rock carved by wind into the shape of a bear. The boat carries a toilet on board. Return to Olbia happens in late afternoon with the same minibus transfer included back to your starting point.

An audio guide in English, Spanish, Italian and French plays throughout, so you get context for what you're seeing without needing a live narrator. The route is set and the timing is managed, which means the day holds together—no organizing separate boats, no hunting for lunch, no figuring out how to get back to Olbia. A cash boarding fee of €5 per person is payable at the time you board; hotel pickup can be arranged for an additional charge if you're not staying near the Olbia meeting point.

What’s included

• Minibus transfer from Olbia to Cannigione port and back.
• boarding ticket.
• lunch of pasta with tomato sauce on board.
• audio guide in English, Spanish, Italian and French.
• stops at La Maddalena town, Spargi and Santa Maria for swimming and beach time.
• panoramic views of the Pink Beach, Punta Sardegna, Porto Rafael, Palau and Capo d'Orso.
• toilet on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Smeralda 360

Is this one for you?At ten hours, the tour fills most of a day but leaves the morning or evening free—book it if you want the archipelago's main islands and beaches without splitting the trip across multiple days or arranging separate boats.

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Top questions

What can I do during the stops at Spargi and Santa Maria?

Both islands have roughly an hour each for swimming, snorkeling or relaxing on the beach. The water is shallow and transparent, and the sand is white; no organized activities are scheduled, so you choose how to spend the time.

Is the Pink Beach of Budelli included in the tour?

The Pink Beach is protected and cannot be accessed on foot, but the boat passes in front of it during the afternoon, giving you a view and photo opportunity from the sea.

How long does the full tour take?

The tour runs about ten hours from pickup in Olbia to return, including the minibus transfer to and from Cannigione port at each end.

What's included in the lunch on board?

Lunch is pasta with tomato sauce, served while the boat navigates the afternoon route. Snacks and bottled water are not included, so bring your own if you want them.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the port?

No—the minibus transfer from Olbia to Cannigione port is included, and you're picked up at the bus parking area, Molo Brin or your hotel if additional pickup is arranged. You arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome from age three. The boat has a toilet on board, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels.