Private Boat Tour La Maddalena Archipelago: 12-Guest Maxi-RIB

Seven and a half hours on the water, stops at five islands, nothing left to arrange

A private boat tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia, departing from your choice of marina and returning after exploring Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, La Maddalena town and Caprera. The tour includes a local skipper, snorkeling masks, stand-up paddle board, fresh fruit, soft drinks, Prosecco or white wine with Sardinian appetizers, beach towels, and National Park entry. Lunch is not included and can be arranged at restaurants in La Maddalena town. Half-day and full-day options are available, and the boat accommodates up to 12 guests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore La Maddalena Archipelago by boat

• Stop at Spargi Island bay
• Photo pass at Pink Beach, Budelli Island
• Visit Natural Pools on Budelli Island
• Sail past Santa Maria Island
• Optional swim at Santa Maria Island
• Explore La Maddalena historic center
• Lunch at local restaurant (not included)
• Stop at Caprera Island bay

The Experience

Seven and a half hours means you stop at five islands without rushing between them. The boat leaves from your chosen marina—Poltu Quatu, La Maddalena or Palau—and heads first to one of Spargi Island's bays, where the water is shallow enough to anchor and swim. From there you pass in front of Pink Beach on Budelli Island (a photo stop, since the beach itself is protected), then move to the Natural Pools, a series of shallow channels where the sand shifts color with the light. If time allows, Santa Maria Island gets a swimming stop; the route past it is guaranteed, but the water time depends on how the morning unfolds.

Mid-tour you pull into La Maddalena town, one of Italy's officially designated most beautiful villages, with an hour or more to walk the historic center, browse the boutiques, or sit down at one of the traditional restaurants there. Lunch is your choice and your cost—the tour covers everything else up to that point. The final stop is one of Caprera Island's bays, another anchorage where you can swim or paddle out on the board. Throughout the day the skipper handles all navigation and timing; you bring a swimsuit and sunscreen. The boat carries snorkeling masks and a stand-up paddle board for anyone who wants them, plush towels, seasonal fruit and snacks, soft drinks, and a light aperitif with one bottle of Prosecco or fine white wine and Sardinian gourmet products.

The boat itself is a 10-meter Maxi-RIB with a bar, a restroom on board, and sunbathing areas. An experienced local skipper with years of knowledge of the archipelago runs the tour and speaks English or Italian. The National Park entrance fee is included. Half-day and full-day options exist, and the boat can be arranged for private events like wedding proposals or parties if you want to customize the route further.

What’s included

• National Park entrance fee.
• experienced local skipper.
• snorkeling masks and stand-up paddle board.
• plush beach towels.
• seasonal fresh fruit, sweets and chips.
• soft drinks and a light aperitif with one bottle of Prosecco or fine white wine and Sardinian gourmet products.
• on-board restroom and bar.
• safety equipment.

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 12 people and you want a skipper to navigate while you focus on swimming and exploring—or if you're planning a proposal or celebration and need a private boat to host it.

Top questions

What are the Natural Pools on Budelli Island?

The Natural Pools are shallow channels and basins on Budelli Island where sand shifts color with the water depth and light, creating a striking visual effect. The tour includes a stop there for swimming and exploration.

Can I swim at Pink Beach on Budelli Island?

Pink Beach itself is protected and closed to swimmers, but the tour includes a photo pass in front of it so you can see the distinctive pink sand from the water. Swimming stops happen at other islands on the route.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. The tour stops in La Maddalena town, where you can eat at one of the historic restaurants there at your own cost, or you can bring your own food.

What's included to drink and eat during the tour?

The tour includes seasonal fresh fruit, sweets and chips, soft drinks (water, beer, Coca-Cola), and a light aperitif with Sardinian gourmet products plus one bottle of Prosecco or fine white wine.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling masks are available on board for guests' use at no extra cost. A stand-up paddle board is also available if you want to use it during the swimming stops.

Which marina does the boat depart from?

You can choose your departure point: Poltu Quatu Marina, La Maddalena, or Palau. The skipper will confirm the exact meeting time and location when you book.