La Maddalena: Private Boat Tour with Skipper & Island Stops

Swim, snack, and laugh through Sardinia’s wild island beauty

You’ll float through turquoise waters in the Maddalena archipelago by private boat with a local skipper, stopping to swim or snorkel at hidden coves and famous beaches alike. Taste Sardinian snacks with sparkling wine on deck as you soak up sun and silence. It’s relaxed, flexible, and feels like a real slice of island life.

What’s included

• Your day comes with a licensed skipper guiding your private boat through La Maddalena’s islands.
• insurance.
• entry authorization for protected areas.
• plus glasses of sparkling wine paired with typical Sardinian products served onboard during one of your chosen stops—fuel costs are settled transparently at day’s end based on actual use.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour of Maddalena islands

• Start point
• Relaxing baths and snorkeling at Cala Corsara
• Stop at pink beach and Cavaliere beach
• Relax, snorkel, and taste local products
• Visit Santa Maria beach and lighthouse
• Explore secret coves on the island
• Head to Razzoli island near Corsica

The Experience

The day started with me realizing I’d left my sunglasses in the car — so there I was, squinting at the blue glare as our skipper Marco waved us over to his boat in La Maddalena. He just grinned and handed me an extra pair (“Too many forget!”). We set off, engine humming low, past boats that looked like they hadn’t moved since last summer. The air smelled salty and sharp, a little like suncream and seaweed mixed together. Marco asked if we wanted to see the famous pink beach or try somewhere quieter first — I blurted out “both?” before anyone else could answer.

First stop was Cala Corsara. The water really is that clear — you can see your toes from the side of the boat. There were only a few other people floating around, mostly locals who nodded but didn’t say much. Marco tossed us snorkels and pointed out where he’d seen an octopus last week (we didn’t spot it, but I swear something brushed my foot). Later, he popped open a bottle of sparkling wine and passed around little plates of pecorino and salty pane carasau. I tried to pronounce carasau properly; Marco laughed and shook his head — “Close enough.”

We drifted toward Santa Maria beach after that. The sand squeaked under my feet when we finally swam ashore (didn’t expect how soft it’d be). It was quiet except for some gulls arguing overhead and the sound of someone’s radio far away. On Razzoli island, near the old lighthouse, we just sat for a while not saying much at all. Sun on my shoulders, sea breeze in my hair — sometimes you don’t need words. I still think about that view.

Top questions

How many islands do you visit on this Maddalena private tour?

You can choose up to six islands to visit during your private boat tour in the Maddalena archipelago.

Is lunch included on this private boat tour?

The tour includes local snacks such as pecorino cheese and pane carasau served with sparkling wine during one of the stops.

Do I need to know how to swim for this Maddalena boat tour?

Yes, swimming is mandatory as the boat does not dock directly on beaches; you reach them by swimming from nearby anchor points.

Are snorkeling sessions included?

Yes, there are stops dedicated to snorkeling sessions in clear waters where you can explore underwater environments.

Is fuel included in the price?

No, fuel is paid separately at the end of the tour based on actual consumption shown by an onboard computer.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If weather conditions are unfavorable, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point for this Maddalena archipelago private tour.