La Maddalena boat tour from Palau: Swim at Pink Beach

Cruise four islands and swim in emerald water, then pick your ending

A full-day boat tour of the La Maddalena archipelago departing from Palau at 10:30am, visiting Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and either the mother island's town centre or Caprera's Cala Coticcio. The tour includes live commentary in English, Spanish, Italian or French, and stops for swimming and beach time at each island. A €5 landing fee per person applies, payable in cash at check-in. Two itineraries let you choose between exploring shops and ice cream in La Maddalena town or swimming in the natural aquarium at Tahiti beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour around La Maddalena islands

• Check in at Palau 9am-10am
• Depart Palau at 10:30am
• Cruise to Spargi island
• Stop and explore Spargi beaches
• Photographic stop at Budelli Pink Beach
• Swim at Porto Della Madonna natural pool
• Stop at Santa Maria island beach
• Walk to Santa Maria lighthouse or swim
• Final stop varies by day
• Swim at Cala Coticcio on Caprera (Mon, Tue, Fri)
• Visit La Maddalena town center (Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun)
• Return to Palau around 17:30

The experience

The boat leaves the commercial port in Palau at 10:30am sharp, so check in opens at 9am to give you time to find the ferry station and locate box numbers 4 and 5. The first stop is Spargi, where you step straight off the boat onto white sand beaches and can pick which one suits you. From there the route heads to Budelli for a photographic stop at the famous Pink Beach, Spiaggia Rosa, before moving into Porto Della Madonna, a natural swimming pool where the water turns so green it stops conversation.

Santa Maria is next, and here you get real time to move around: swim, sunbathe, or walk to the old lighthouse on the island. After Santa Maria, the day splits. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, you head to Caprera for a final swim in Cala Coticcio, the natural aquarium locals call Tahiti. On Wednesday through Sunday, the boat instead goes to the charming historical centre of La Maddalena town, where you can browse boutiques and try superb Italian ice cream before heading back to Palau, arriving around 5:30pm. The boat carries a restroom on board and a live guide who speaks your language. Fuel surcharge and commentary are included in the price.

Parking at the port costs €2 per hour in coins, and the town hall of La Maddalena charges a €5 landing fee per person, payable in cash at check-in. Bring a mobile number with your country code when you book. The operator may need to contact you about weather. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can board if a companion helps you on and off. Strollers and prams work for infants and small children, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Fuel surcharge.
• live commentary in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• onboard restroom.
• swimming stops at multiple islands.
• beach time at Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour 1 Spargi-Budelli-S.MariaGuide in 4 languages · Available from 15 May 2027Lasts 7 hours

Maxi tour 2 including Cala CoticcioGuide in 4 languages · Available from 17 May 2027Lasts 7 hours

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 90

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Linea delle Isole

Is this one for you?Book Tour 1 if you want to explore the mother island's town centre and shops. Choose Maxi Tour 2 if your priority is a final swim in the natural aquarium at Cala Coticcio instead. The itinerary you pick determines your last stop, so the choice depends on whether you'd rather walk and browse or spend more time in the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the swimming stops on the La Maddalena boat tour?

You swim at Porto Della Madonna, a natural pool with emerald water between Budelli and Santa Maria; at Santa Maria itself; and on your chosen itinerary, either at Cala Coticcio on Caprera (Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays) or at whichever beach you pick on Spargi at the start of the day.

Can I choose between different itineraries on this tour?

Yes, you pick one at checkout. Tour 1 ends at the town centre of La Maddalena for shopping and ice cream. Maxi Tour 2 ends at Cala Coticcio on Caprera, the natural aquarium, for a final swim instead.

What time does the boat leave Palau and when do I need to arrive?

The boat departs at 10:30am sharp. Check-in opens at 9am and closes at 10am, so arrive with time to park, find the ferry station in the commercial port, and locate boxes 4 and 5.

What's included in the La Maddalena tour price?

The tour includes fuel surcharge, a restroom on board, and live commentary in English, Spanish, Italian or French. A €5 landing fee per person is payable in cash at check-in. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs seven hours from departure to return, leaving Palau at 10:30am and arriving back around 5:30pm.

Is the Pink Beach stop a place to swim, or just to photograph?

The Pink Beach on Budelli is a photographic stop where the boat pauses so you can see and photograph Spiaggia Rosa. Your main swimming stops are at Porto Della Madonna, Santa Maria, and your chosen final destination.