La Maddalena Sailing: Island Hopping, Snorkeling & Lunch

Summary

Sailing through la maddalena’s wild colors with local food stops

You’ll sail through La Maddalena’s dazzling waters on a small-group boat tour, stopping to swim or snorkel in hidden coves and taste Sardinian snacks and homemade pasta for lunch. With local drinks flowing and time to relax on deck or try paddle boarding, you’ll soak up both sunshine and stories—a day that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color—like someone dropped every shade of blue into the sea around La Maddalena. We’d barely left Palau when our captain, Matteo, handed out coffee (strong enough to wake up anyone) and pointed out Spargi island ahead. The wind was salty and a bit wild that morning. There was this older couple from Milan who kept laughing at my attempts to pronounce “Budelli”—I still don’t think I got it right.

Our first stop was Santa Maria, where the sand felt almost powdery underfoot. Matteo set out an aperitif—cheese that tasted like grass and sun, some olives, pane carasau so thin it crunched like autumn leaves. I tried snorkeling but mostly floated, watching tiny silver fish flicker in the light. The water was cold at first but then you just… forget about it because of how clear everything looks below. Someone played music quietly from their phone—old Italian songs—and for a while nobody talked much.

Lunch was pasta (Matteo said his sister made the sauce), with wine that tasted better than anything I’ve had back home. We drifted near Budelli after that, and I tried paddle boarding for maybe three minutes before falling in—which got a round of applause from everyone on deck. There’s something about sharing food on a boat with strangers that makes you feel like you’ve known them longer than a few hours. The day trip around La Maddalena archipelago wasn’t what I expected—less rushed, more real somehow.

I still think about those last moments stretched out on the warm wood of the deck as we sailed back—the sun burning off any worries I’d brought with me. If you’re thinking about booking this sailing tour from Palau or Maddalena, just go for it. You might come back smelling like salt and sunscreen, but honestly? It’s worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing tour of La Maddalena islands

• Board sailing boat
• Visit Santa Maria island
• Enjoy aperitif with drinks
• Snorkel and admire marine life
• Visit Spargi island
• Have first course meal with drinks
• Visit Budelli island
• Swim and play with SUP board
• Visit Santo Stefano island
• Relax and sunbathe on boat
• Visit Maddalena island
• Enjoy snack with drinks
• Return to departure point

Top questions

How many people are on the La Maddalena sailing tour?

The group size is usually limited to 8 or 9 people for comfort.

Are food and drinks included during the sailing trip?

Yes, aperitif, lunch (first course), snacks, seasonal fruit, dessert, coffee, beer, wine, prosecco and soft drinks are all included.

Where does the sailing tour depart from?

You can depart from either Maddalena (9:00 am) or Palau (9:30 am).

Which islands do we visit during the day trip?

The itinerary may include Santa Maria, Spargi, Budelli, Santo Stefano or Caprera depending on weather conditions decided by the captain.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included in your booking.

Can vegetarians or vegans be accommodated?

Yes—just request vegetarian or vegan meals at least one day before your tour.

Is this sailing trip suitable for children?

No—the minimum age is 5 years old; infants under 5 cannot join.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes—you must know how to swim to participate in this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes departure by sailing boat from Palau or Maddalena with a small group (usually 8–9 guests), three scenic island stops for swimming or snorkeling with provided gear and paddle board access. You’ll be served an aperitif of local products followed by a chef-inspired pasta lunch with drinks like prosecco or wine included throughout the journey before returning in the afternoon.