Maddalena Archipelago: Catamaran Day Trip with Sardinian Lunch

Summary

Catamaran journey through turquoise waters and wild islands in Sardinia

You’ll drift through Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago by catamaran, stopping to swim in clear bays and float above white sand at Spargi. Enjoy a Sardinian lunch cooked onboard with local wine and sweets, guided by locals who know every cove’s story. Expect laughter, salt air, and quiet moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the light — that sharp, almost unreal blue bouncing off the water as we left Palau behind. Our captain, Marco, had this way of steering with one hand while chatting about his childhood on La Maddalena, like he’d done this route a thousand times. The hum of the catamaran blended with the slap of waves and someone’s laughter (maybe mine) as we passed Budelli’s famous pink beach. You can’t walk on it anymore — too many people tried to pocket the sand — but seeing it from the deck felt like enough. There was a salty tang in the air and I kept thinking: so this is what all those postcards try to capture.

We stopped at Spargi next. The water there is so clear you can see every ripple over white sand, little fish darting around your ankles if you wade in. I tried snorkeling but mostly just floated, half-listening to Marco telling stories about shipwrecks and wild goats. Lunch was pasta with fresh fish (they made me a veggie version because I asked ahead), plus Vermentino wine that tasted cold and bright under the sun. Someone passed around these crumbly almond sweets — I forgot the name, but they went perfectly with strong coffee and a shot of Mirto that burned just right.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get between stops — just wind and water, no traffic or phone buzzes. At Santa Maria island, our group sat along the edge of the boat dangling feet into what Marco called “the Pools,” where turquoise turns almost emerald against white rock. He pointed out some old stone ruins up on shore; apparently monks lived there centuries ago. The day stretched out lazily after that. Honestly, I still think about that view when things get hectic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury catamaran tour in Maddalena

• Pass by pink Rosa Beach
• Stop at Spargi Island for swim
• Visit Pools area between islands
• Admire coves of Santa Maria Island
• Enjoy typical Sardinian aperitif on board
• Have lunch with pasta and fish
• Taste sweets and Sardinian liqueur

Top questions

How long does the Maddalena Archipelago catamaran tour last?

The tour starts around 9:45 am from Palau and finishes in the afternoon around 5:30 pm.

Is lunch included on the Maddalena catamaran day trip?

Yes, lunch is cooked onboard and includes pasta with fish or a vegetarian option if requested at booking.

Can you swim during this Maddalena Archipelago tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling in different bays and beaches.

Are drinks provided during the catamaran trip?

Yes, white wine (Vermentino), beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee or tea are included.

Is there hotel pickup for this day trip from Palau?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart directly from Palau port.

What islands do you visit on this Maddalena Archipelago tour?

The itinerary includes passing Budelli’s pink beach (no landing), stops at Spargi island, Santa Maria island near “the Pools,” and other scenic coves depending on weather.

Are special dietary requests possible for lunch?

No-fish or vegetarian options are available if requested when booking; other dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated onboard.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during navigation.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing by luxury catamaran from Palau through the Maddalena Archipelago with several swim stops, an aperitif of local Sardinian products onboard followed by a fresh-cooked lunch (with vegetarian or no-fish option if needed), white wine Vermentino or beer plus soft drinks throughout the day, fruit and traditional sweets with coffee or tea after lunch — all while guided by locals who know these waters inside out.