La Maddalena Archipelago sailing tour: 3 island stops

Three island stops and lunch aboard, under sail instead of engine

A full-day sailing tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago with a skipper and small group of up to 12 guests, visiting the beaches of Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria with dinghy transfers to shore, snorkeling equipment, and lunch prepared on board. The route is recommended by the skipper but can shift based on weather and crowding, and the defining element is that the boat moves under sail for as much of the day as conditions allow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and exploring La Maddalena

• Board sailing boat
• Visit Spargi and Cala Corsara
• Stop and descend to beach via dinghy
• Visit Cala Soraia and Budelli
• Stop and descend to beach via dinghy
• Visit Santa Maria island
• Swim from the boat
• Enjoy lunch on board

The experience

You board a sailing boat in the morning for a seven-hour day on the water. The skipper chooses the route based on weather and how busy the popular spots are that day. The classic run takes in Spargi and Cala Corsara, Budelli with its Cavaliere beach, and Santa Maria, though the itinerary can pivot toward Caprera, La Maddalena itself, or the Corsican islands of Lavezzi and Isola Piana if conditions favor them. What ties all the possible routes together is the sailing itself: the boat moves under canvas as much as the wind allows, which is the core of the experience.

There are typically three stops. Two of them involve a dinghy ride from the boat to the beach, where you swim and explore the shoreline. The third is a swim-from-the-boat stop where you stay closer to the vessel. Snorkeling gear is on board, and a fresh-water shower at the stern rinses off the salt. Lunch arrives mid-day: bruschetta, Sardinian pecorino and salami to start, then a pasta course, followed by local vermentino wine, beer, or myrtle liqueur. Bottled water is available throughout, and the crew handles the cooking.

The group stays small, maximum 12 people, which shapes how the day moves. A skipper who speaks English or Italian leads the route and the stops. If you have food allergies or intolerances, flag them at booking so the crew can adjust the lunch. Floating tablets are provided for anyone who wants extra buoyancy in the water.

What’s included

• Dinghy transfers to the beaches.
• snorkeling equipment and floating tablets.
• lunch on board with bruschetta, Sardinian pecorino, salami and pasta.
• Sardinian vermentino wine, beer and myrtle liqueur during lunch.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• fresh-water stern shower.
• use of the restroom on board.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 15 Nov

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (1 to 7 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Italian

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Petag Sailing in Sardinia

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want the skipper to adjust stops based on weather and crowds. Book a different departure if you prefer a fixed route mapped out in advance.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 7 years); Infant (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What are the three main islands we visit on the classic itinerary?

The classic route visits Spargi with Cala Corsara, Budelli with Cavaliere beach, and Santa Maria. The skipper may suggest alternatives like Caprera, La Maddalena, or the Corsican islands of Lavezzi and Isola Piana depending on weather and how crowded the popular spots are that day.

How much of the day do we actually spend under sail?

The boat moves under sail as much as wind and conditions allow: that is the defining element of the tour. Movements between stops prioritize sailing over motoring, though the exact amount depends on the weather on the day you go.

What's included in the lunch on board?

Lunch includes bruschetta, Sardinian pecorino cheese, salami, and a hearty pasta course, plus Sardinian vermentino white wine, beer, and myrtle liqueur at the end of the meal. Bottled water is available throughout the day, and the crew prepares everything on board.

Do we need our own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on the boat. A fresh-water stern shower is also available to rinse off after swimming, and floating tablets are on hand if you want extra buoyancy in the water.

How do we get from the boat to the beaches?

Two of the three stops include a dinghy transfer from the sailing boat to the beach, so you don't have to swim to shore. The third stop is a swim-from-the-boat location where you stay closer to the vessel.

Can the itinerary change if the weather is bad?

Yes. The skipper recommends the route but can customize it based on weather conditions and how crowded the popular spots are. You might visit different islands or beaches than the classic itinerary, but the sailing experience and the stops remain the core of the day.