Maddalena Archipelago: Catamaran Day Trip with Sardinian Lunch

Summary

Swim, eat, and drift through Maddalena’s wild blue islands by catamaran

You’ll board a catamaran in Cannigione for a day trip across the Maddalena Archipelago, swimming off Spargi’s beaches and pausing in silence before Budelli’s pink sands. Enjoy fresh seafood pasta with local wine as you float at Porto della Madonna—sun-warmed skin, salty hair, laughter echoing over turquoise water.

What’s the experience like?

There was this slap of salt air as we stepped onto the Lagoon 380 catamaran at Cannigione — not sharp, just that soft sea smell that clings to your skin for hours. Our captain, Marco, grinned and handed me a coffee (I think he could tell I was half asleep). The boat hummed out past the docks and suddenly it was just us, a handful of strangers swapping sunscreen and stories, with Sardinia’s north coast sliding away behind us.

I didn’t expect the water around Spargi to be so clear — like someone had forgotten to add color. We anchored close to shore, and Marco tossed us snorkels. I hesitated (cold water always gets me), but then you see these flashes of silver fish darting below and forget about goosebumps. There’s a moment when you swim toward those white beaches and it’s just your breath in your ears, sand soft underfoot. Someone laughed because I surfaced with seaweed stuck in my hair. That’s in all their photos now.

We drifted past Budelli’s famous pink beach — Spiaggia Rosa — which you can’t actually walk on (strict rules). Marco made us hush for a second while we floated there. It’s weird how quiet everyone got; even the kids stopped splashing. The sand really does have this blush tint against the rocks, almost unreal. He told us about Antonioni filming here — I pretended to know who that was until someone else admitted they didn’t either.

Lunch was pasta with fish (Sardinian style) and cold Vermentino wine poured into plastic cups while we bobbed at Porto della Madonna. The sun hit everything just right so people started talking softer or maybe it was just the wine. At some point I tried mirto liqueur — sweet but sharp — and nearly coughed it back up, which made Marco laugh again. There are worse ways to spend an afternoon than stretched out on deck listening to water slap against fiberglass while strangers start feeling like friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Maddalena Archipelago by catamaran

• Depart from Laconia pier, Cannigione
• Stop at Spargi island bay for snorkeling
• Swim to white sandy beaches of Spargi
• View the protected Pink Beach of Budelli
• Visit Porto della Madonna lagoon
• Swim in selected crystal-clear coves
• Explore Razzoli island and Cala S. Maria beach
• Enjoy snorkeling and seawatching in Porto Madonna
• Return and free time on board

Top questions

Where does the Maddalena Archipelago catamaran tour start?

The tour departs from the Laconia pier in Cannigione.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch includes Sardinian-style seafood pasta with local wine and drinks onboard.

Can you swim at Budelli’s pink beach during the tour?

No, swimming or walking on Spiaggia Rosa is not allowed due to strict environmental protection.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available onboard along with bottled water, soft drinks, beer, Vermentino wine, coffee or tea, and mirto liqueur.

Is this catamaran tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed onboard.

How long is the Maddalena Archipelago day trip from Cannigione?

The tour lasts one day with multiple stops among islands like Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

If you have allergies or special dietary needs beyond no-fish or vegetarian options, bringing your own packed lunch is recommended as onboard accommodations are limited.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Cannigione with WiFi onboard, use of snorkeling equipment for swims around Spargi and other islands, bottled water and soft drinks throughout the journey plus cold Vermentino wine and local beer during lunch—a Sardinian seafood pasta served fresh on deck—followed by coffee or tea and a taste of mirto liqueur before heading back ashore.