La Maddalena Islands: Catamaran Day Tour & Seafood Lunch

Summary

Swim, eat, and drift through Sardinia’s wild blue coves

You’ll sail from Santa Teresa di Gallura through the La Maddalena Archipelago on a comfortable catamaran with just 12 guests. Swim in turquoise bays off Spargi and Budelli islands, enjoy fresh seafood pasta with local wine for lunch on board, and laugh with your guide over stories and aperitifs. It’s relaxed but feels special — you might find yourself wishing for one more hour at sea.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that pale pink sand?” our captain asked, pointing as we drifted closer to Budelli Island. I squinted at the shore — honestly, I’d never seen water this clear. There was a salty breeze that made my hair stick everywhere and the sound of someone laughing as they jumped in first (not me — I hesitated). Our group was just twelve people, mostly quiet at first but by the time we reached Spargi Island, everyone had found their sea legs. The catamaran felt steady under bare feet, sun-warmed and smelling faintly of sunscreen and something herbal from the galley below.

Lunch was one of those simple things that somehow tastes better at sea — plates of seafood pasta passed around while Vermentino wine kept appearing like magic. I tried to say “grazie” with a Sardinian lilt; Li laughed and corrected me gently. Our guide told stories about growing up near Santa Teresa di Gallura and how the islands always look different depending on the wind. There was a moment after eating when everyone went quiet, just listening to the water slap against the hull. It’s funny how quickly you stop caring about your phone out here.

The snorkeling gear came out after Razzoli Island — I’m not much of a swimmer but even paddling close to the boat you could see silver fish darting between rocks. Someone spotted a jellyfish (tiny, harmless), and for a second we all hovered above it like kids at an aquarium. The crew poured us little glasses of myrtle liqueur before heading back toward Santa Teresa; sweet and sharp, burned a bit going down. I still think about that view behind us — islands fading into late afternoon light — and how quiet it got on deck for a while. Guess nobody really wanted it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day La Maddalena Archipelago tour

• Depart from Santa Teresa di Gallura
• Sail to Spargi Island
• Swim and snorkel in bays
• Visit Budelli Island
• Enjoy local aperitif on board
• Have fresh fish lunch on catamaran
• Explore Razzoli Island
• Return to Santa Teresa di Gallura

Top questions

How many people are on the catamaran tour?

The tour is limited to 12 participants for comfort.

Is lunch included during the La Maddalena day trip?

Yes, a fresh seafood pasta lunch is served on board with drinks included.

Where does the tour depart from?

The catamaran departs from Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Are there vegetarian or no-fish options for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian and no-fish options are available on request.

Which islands do you visit on this day trip?

The tour stops at Spargi Island, Budelli Island, and Razzoli Island in the La Maddalena Archipelago.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, masks and mouthpieces are included for snorkeling.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Bottled water, Vermentino wine, beer, prosecco, and myrtle liqueur are provided.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing by catamaran from Santa Teresa di Gallura with stops at Spargi, Budelli, and Razzoli Islands in the La Maddalena Archipelago. You’ll have bottled water throughout the day plus an onboard seafood pasta lunch (vegetarian or no-fish if you ask ahead), local wines like Vermentino, beer, prosecco and myrtle liqueur to try. All snorkeling gear is provided along with paddle boards if you want them before returning in late afternoon.