La Maddalena Boat Tour: Caprera, Spargi & Budelli Swim Day

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Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/9

Duration7h 30m

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN · IT +2

Mobile ticketAccepted

Swim wild coves and taste Sardinian flavors on the Maddalena islands

You’ll swim in hidden coves around La Maddalena, snack on Sardinian treats offered by your skipper, and relax on beaches like Cala Santa Maria during this full-day boat tour. With snorkeling gear included and plenty of time for swims or sunbathing, you’ll get a real taste of these islands’ wild side — plus stories you’ll want to tell later.

7h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day boat tour in La Maddalena

Arrive in Caprera at 10:20 am
Swim at Cala Brigantino beach
Swim at Cala Coticcio protected area
Skirt Caprera island's northern ravines
Anchor at Budelli natural pools
Aperitif with Sardinian products on board
Lunch stop at Cala Santa Maria beach
Visit and photograph Rosa beach
Swim near Spargi island beaches
Beach stop at Cala Corsara for one hour
Return route admiring La Maddalena and Santo Stefano
View the bear rock near Palau
Return to Cannigione departure point

The Experience

Ever wonder if those turquoise coves in photos are really that blue? I did, until we zipped out from Cannigione on this La Maddalena boat tour. Our skipper Paolo grinned as he handed out snorkels — “First swim, Cala Brigantino!” The air smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen, and honestly, I was nervous about the water being cold. But it was perfect — cool at first, then just right. There were only us and the sound of Paolo’s radio crackling softly in the background. I remember thinking: so this is what wild means here.

We drifted along Caprera’s jagged edge toward Cala Coticcio, where the rocks look pinkish against the sea. Paolo pointed to a buoy line — “No boats past here,” he said, which meant we could float without worrying about engines or crowds. He told us locals call it ‘Tahiti’ for a reason. And yeah, I tried to say it in Italian (“Cala Coticcio?”), but my accent got a laugh from him and his friend Li on board.

The real surprise was Budelli’s natural pools. We anchored near Cavaliere beach and Paolo pulled out a tray — pane carasau, pecorino, some olives — “Aperitivo sardo!” he announced. The cheese tasted salty and sharp; I still think about that bite with the sun warming my back. Later at Cala Santa Maria we had time to just sprawl on sand (I dozed off for ten minutes). After that came quick stops: photographing Rosa beach (you can’t land there), then swimming off Spargi where the water felt silkier somehow.

Last stop was Cala Corsara — an hour on shore, shells crunching underfoot, wind picking up a little but not enough to chase us away. On the way back Paolo slowed so we could see Palau’s bear rock — honestly looks more like a bear than I expected. By then my hair was stiff with salt and everyone looked half asleep from sun. It didn’t feel like a tour; more like being let in on something locals do when no one’s watching.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Cannigione (or Palau if requested), all entrance fees to La Maddalena archipelago, use of snorkeling equipment for every swim stop, plus an onboard aperitif with Sardinian specialties served by your captain before returning in the late afternoon.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Noleggio Le Isole