Private Boat Tour: Maddalena Archipelago with Pink Beach

Pink Beach and natural pools: a full day on the water between five islands

A private boat tour of the Maddalena Archipelago departing from Palau, led by a skipper born and raised in the islands. The route covers Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria, with swimming stops in coves and natural pools, lunch included, and the itinerary adjustable to your interests and sea conditions. Seven to eight hours on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore La Maddalena Archipelago by boat

• Depart from Palau tourist port
• Head towards Spargi, pass Porto Rafael and Punta Sardegna
• Continue to cala Conneri via cala Soraya and cala Granara
• Swim in one of the three coves
• Travel to Budelli and admire Pink Beach
• Anchor at Porto Madonna natural pools
• Lunch break
• Head north of Caprera, explore cliffs
• Stop at north coast of Caprera (optional)
• Visit Cala Coticcio (Thaiti)
• Return to Palau

The Experience

The boat leaves Palau's tourist port and heads toward Spargi, skirting Porto Rafael and Punta Sardegna before dropping into coves—Soraya, Granara or Conneri—for a swim depending on the crew's call and the conditions. Each stop is a chance to get in the water; the skipper reads the day and picks which coves work.

From Spargi, the route crosses to Budelli for a stop at Pink Beach, where the sand holds a pale rose color from crushed shells and coral. After photos, you anchor in Porto Madonna, a natural harbor ringed by Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria, where the "natural pools" are shallow, clear water between the islands—another swimming break and the lunch stop. The itinerary can shift based on what you want to see or how the sea is running that day.

The afternoon heads north along Caprera's cliffs, with a possible stop on the island's north coast before the final leg to Cala Coticcio (known locally as Thaiti), a small beach tucked into the rocks. Then back to Palau. Charlie, the skipper, was born here and describes the history, the natural features and the quirks of each place as you move between them—the kind of detail only someone who has lived on these islands can offer.

What’s included

• Boat and skipper for the full day.
• live guide in English, Italian or French.
• icebox for your drinks.
• swimming stops in three or four coves and natural pools.
• a stop at Pink Beach on Budelli.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Charlie Sea Excursion

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to swim in multiple coves and natural pools rather than stay on one beach—the skipper's knowledge of which stops work that day and his ability to adjust the route means you see more of the archipelago and spend less time planning which island to visit next.

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Top questions

What's included in the private boat tour of the Maddalena Archipelago?

The tour includes the boat, the skipper's guidance in English, Italian or French, and an icebox for your drinks. Lunch is part of the day; you bring food or arrange it separately depending on your preference.

How many swimming stops are there, and where do you swim?

The tour includes three or four swimming stops depending on sea conditions and crew preference. You swim in coves on the way to Spargi (Soraya, Granara or Conneri), then in the natural pools at Porto Madonna between the islands, and possibly at Cala Coticcio on the return.

What is Pink Beach and why does it look that color?

Pink Beach on Budelli is a small beach with sand that holds a pale rose hue from crushed shells and coral fragments. The tour stops there for photos and a short time on the sand before moving to the natural pools for the main swimming and lunch break.

Can the itinerary be changed if I want to see different places?

Yes. The skipper customizes the route based on your requests and interests. Sea conditions may also shift the stops—the itinerary can change if weather or waves make a planned cove unsafe or inaccessible that day.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs seven to eight hours. It departs from Palau's tourist port; confirm the exact start time when you book, as it may vary by season.

Is this tour suitable for children or people who aren't strong swimmers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. Swimmers of any ability can join; the skipper chooses calm coves for swimming stops.