La Maddalena Private Boat Tour: Swimming & Spiaggia Rosa

Swim in the natural pools of Budelli, then drift past the pink sand.

A half-day private boat tour of La Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia for 1 to 8 guests, with a professional skipper navigating to Cala Soraya, Budelli's Spiaggia Rosa, Razzoli and Santo Stefano Island for swimming stops in clear water. The boat carries snorkeling masks, a stand-up paddle board, safety gear, beach towels, seasonal fruit and drinks including Prosecco, plus the National Park entrance fee. Departures run morning or afternoon, roughly 4 hours each, and a restroom is on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore La Maddalena Archipelago by boat

• Stop at Spargi Island bay
• Photo stop at Pink Beach, Budelli Island
• Visit Natural Pools on Budelli Island
• Sail past Santa Maria Island
• Optional swim at Santa Maria Island
• Swim stop near Santo Stefano Island

The Experience

The boat leaves from La Maddalena or nearby ports (fuel costs vary by departure point and are paid on board), and the skipper plots a route through islands most visitors never reach on foot. You stop first at one of Spargi Island's bays, then motor past Budelli's famous pink beach—the sand is protected now, so you photograph it from the water—before dropping anchor at the island's natural pools for a swim. Snorkeling masks sit ready on deck; the stand-up paddle board is there if you want to paddle out instead.

The route swings past Santa Maria Island (a swim stop if time allows) and finishes at Santo Stefano Island, where you anchor again in shallow, clear water. Between stops, the skipper points out the landscape and the history—these islands were a military zone until recently, which is partly why they stayed wild. The boat carries plush towels, seasonal fresh fruit, soft drinks, beer and Coca-Cola, plus one bottle of Prosecco or white wine to share. Four hours moves at an easy pace; you are not rushing between sites.

Flexible morning or afternoon departures mean you can fit this around the rest of your day. The boat is yours alone—no strangers, no fixed itinerary beyond the stops the skipper knows will work. A restroom on board means you do not have to plan around that either. The National Park entrance fee is already built in, so there is nothing to pay at the gate.

What’s included

• Professional skipper with local expertise.
• snorkeling masks and stand-up paddle board.
• safety equipment and plush beach towels.
• seasonal fresh fruit, sweets and chips.
• soft drinks, beer and Coca-Cola.
• one bottle of Prosecco or fine white wine.
• restroom on board.
• National Park entrance fee.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Emerald Freedom La Maddalena Private Boat

Is this one for you?Book this if your group is up to 8 people and you want a private boat where you choose morning or afternoon departure; the skipper navigates while you swim at multiple stops.

Top questions

What is Budelli's Spiaggia Rosa and why can't we swim there?

Budelli's Spiaggia Rosa is the famous pink beach of the archipelago, colored by crushed coral and shell. It is now protected, so the boat passes close enough to photograph it and you can swim at the island's natural pools instead, which sit in equally clear water nearby.

Can we bring our own snorkeling gear or do we have to use what's on the boat?

Snorkeling masks are available on board for all guests. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer your own fit and prescription lenses.

How many swimming stops are there, and how long do we spend in the water?

The tour includes stops at Cala Soraya on Spargi Island, the natural pools at Budelli, and Santo Stefano Island. Santa Maria Island is a swim stop if time allows. The skipper decides how long to stay at each based on the group's pace and the conditions that day.

Is lunch included, and what if someone gets hungry during the 4 hours?

Lunch is not included, but the boat carries seasonal fresh fruit, sweets, chips and drinks—water, beer, Coca-Cola, and Prosecco or white wine—so you have snacks and refreshment throughout the tour.

Where does the boat depart from, and is there a difference in price depending on the port?

The boat departs from La Maddalena, Palau, or Poltu Quatu. Fuel costs are paid on board and vary by departure point: €150 from La Maddalena or Palau, €260 from Poltu Quatu.

How many people can fit on the boat, and is it private to our group?

The boat holds 1 to 8 guests and is exclusively yours for the tour—no other groups join. The skipper tailors the route and pace to your party.