La Maddalena Sailing Day Trip: Small Group, Lunch & Swim

Sail La Maddalena’s wild coves & taste Sardinian flavors with locals

You’ll sail through La Maddalena’s clearest waters with a small group and local skipper, stopping at Spargi and Budelli for swims and beach walks. Enjoy homemade lunch on board—think bruschetta, Sardinian cheese, pasta—and sip Vermentino wine as you drift between islands. Expect laughter, new friends, maybe even a nap in the sun as you watch colors shift across the sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and beach stops in La Maddalena

• Board sailing boat with small group
• Sail to Spargi Island
• Stop and descend to beach by dinghy
• Visit Cala Corsara and Cala Soraia
• Stop and descend to beach by dinghy
• Visit Budelli and Cavaliere beach
• Swim from the boat near Santa Maria Island
• Enjoy lunch on board under awning

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was how the wind actually smells different out here — salty, but also a bit like wild herbs. We’d barely left the port in Palau when our skipper, Andrea, grinned and said something about “the real show” starting once the sails went up. He let us help with the ropes (I mostly fumbled), and suddenly we were gliding toward Spargi. There’s this silence you only get under sail — just water slapping the hull and some laughter from a couple trying to take a selfie without dropping their phone overboard. I didn’t expect to feel so… unplugged, honestly.

We stopped at Cala Corsara first. Andrea pointed out a rock shaped like a witch’s head — apparently everyone sees something different. The water was cold at first but then perfect, and I could see tiny silver fish darting around my toes. After drying off in the sun (and maybe falling asleep for ten minutes), we drifted to Budelli. The sand there is almost pink — not cartoon pink, just a blush that shows up when the light hits right. Lunch was bruschetta, local pecorino, and pasta that tasted way better than anything I make at home. Someone asked about the Vermentino wine and Andrea told us it’s from his cousin’s vineyard; it tasted crisp and paired weirdly well with sea air.

Santa Maria island was our last stop — no crowds, just us and a few gulls eyeing our leftovers. We swam again off the boat; my arms are still sore but in a good way. On the way back, Andrea poured us all little glasses of myrtle liqueur (he called it “medicine”) and told stories about growing up on these islands. There was this easy feeling among everyone by then — sunburned faces, salt in our hair, nobody checking their phones anymore. I still think about that view as we sailed back toward Palau, kind of wishing we’d had one more hour out there.

What’s included

• Your day includes all sailing between islands by wind power whenever possible.
• three scenic stops with two dinghy transfers to beaches.
• swimming directly from the boat.
• use of snorkel gear and floating mats.
• homemade lunch featuring Sardinian appetizers and pasta.
• bottled water plus Vermentino wine, beer during lunch and myrtle liqueur after.
• fresh-water shower at the stern.
• shaded seating under an awning.
• restroom access throughout your journey.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Petag Sailing in Sardinia

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Top questions

How many people are on the La Maddalena sailing trip?

The group size is small—maximum 12 guests per boat.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is served on board with appetizers like bruschetta and pecorino cheese plus pasta.

What islands do you visit during the sailing tour?

The usual route includes Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria; sometimes Caprera or Lavezzi depending on weather.

Are drinks provided on board?

Bottled water is always included; during lunch you get Sardinian white wine (Vermentino), beer, and myrtle liqueur after eating.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes—there are stops for swimming from both beaches and directly off the boat; snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is there shade or restroom access on board?

The boat has shaded areas (awning) and an onboard restroom for guest use.

Are transfers to beaches included?

A service dinghy takes guests to shore for two of the stops during the day trip.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Please inform them when booking—they can accommodate allergies or intolerances for lunch.