Maddalena Archipelago: Sailing Tour with Lunch & Swim Stops

Summary

Sail the Maddalena islands, swim clear waters, share lunch onboard

You’ll sail through Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago with a small group, stopping to swim at beaches like Cala Granara and Budelli’s turquoise coves. Enjoy lunch and drinks on board as your captain shares stories and lets you help with sailing if you want. Expect laughter, sun-warmed skin, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Spargi when I realized how salty my skin felt — not just from the sea spray but from laughing so much with the others. The captain, who everyone just called “Capitano,” had this way of telling stories about the Maddalena Archipelago that made you want to lean in closer. He pointed out Caprera off to our right and said something about Garibaldi living there, but honestly I was distracted by the color of the water. It’s that kind of blue that doesn’t look real until you’re in it. When we stopped at Cala Granara beach, a few of us jumped straight in. I forgot how cold Sardinian water can be in the morning — woke me right up.

Lunch happened later than I expected (maybe time moves differently out there?), and it was simple but perfect: fresh bread, cheese, some kind of cured meat I couldn’t pronounce — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Italian — and wine that tasted like sunlight. Someone found a starfish while snorkeling near Budelli and passed it around so gently you’d think it might break. Our guide switched between English and Spanish without missing a beat; she answered questions about why Spiaggia Rosa is protected now (no walking on the sand) and told us how locals used to collect shells here for luck. I still think about that view from the boat as we drifted near Santa Maria island, everyone quiet for a minute except for the gulls overhead.

By the time we circled back toward Porto Palau, my hair was stiff with salt and my arms ached a little from helping pull ropes during one of Capitano’s “everyone help” moments — which honestly made me feel like part of something instead of just a tourist. There’s this strange comfort in sharing coffee with strangers after swimming all day; maybe it’s just being tired together or maybe it’s Sardinia itself doing its thing. Anyway, if you’re looking for a Maddalena Archipelago sailing tour where things aren’t rushed and people actually talk to each other (and yes, lunch is included), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing tour around Maddalena islands

• Depart from Port of Palau
• Swim, snorkel, and sup at Spargi island
• Visit Santa Maria island and enjoy aperitif
• Pass Maddalena, Santo Stefano, and Caprera islands
• Admire Porto Palau and Capo d'Orso lookout
• Stop at Budelli island's Spiaggia Rosa beach
• Swim and have lunch on board at Spiaggia dei Cavalieri

Top questions

How many people are on the Maddalena Archipelago sailing tour?

The group size is usually 12–14 people plus crew.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is served on board along with drinks like wine and coffee.

Can I snorkel during this sailing tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling at various islands.

Where does the sailing tour start?

The boat departs from Port of Palau in Sardinia.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat.

Is this tour suitable for people with spinal injuries?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What islands do we visit during the trip?

You’ll see several islands including Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Caprera, Santo Stefano, and pass by Maddalena itself.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Port of Palau.

What’s included

Your day includes group sailing from Port of Palau through several islands in the Maddalena Archipelago with stops for swimming and snorkeling; a generous lunch served on board along with wine or other drinks; coffee or tea; use of onboard restroom; guidance in your language; plus friendly company from both crew and fellow travelers before returning to port in the afternoon.