La Maddalena Sailing Tour from Palau: Pink Beach & Snorkeling

Sail Past Sardinia's Pink Beach, Then Drop Anchor to Swim

You sail from Palau through the La Maddalena Archipelago with a skipper who adjusts the route based on weather and sea conditions. You'll pass the protected pink beach, anchor in a turquoise swimming pool for lunch and snorkeling, and stop at islands like Spargi and Budelli. Lunch, wine, snorkeling equipment, and all drinks are included. You return to port around 5:30pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing tour of La Maddalena Archipelago

• Depart from Palau at 9:45 am
• Pass by famous pink beach
• Stop at natural swimming pool for lunch
• Swim in turquoise waters
• Stop at Spargi island coves for snorkeling
• Return to port around 5:30 pm

The experience

The rigging hums as the boat leaves the dock at Palau just before 10am, and within minutes the coastline starts to blur. You're on a sailing boat built for comfort, not a crowded catamaran, which means there's actual space to move, to sit without elbows touching, to feel the difference between a tour and a day on the water. The skipper knows these islands the way someone knows their own neighborhood. He reads the wind and the swell and decides where to go, which is why the itinerary shifts. Some days it's Spargi first, some days Budelli. What doesn't change is the approach to the pink beach. You'll see it from the boat, that famous stretch of sand that's now protected by the national park, off-limits for swimming but impossible to miss.

By midday the boat anchors in one of the natural swimming pools, and that's when lunch happens. The crew sets out a spread of pasta with fresh fish, Sardinian snacks, and a bottle of Vermentino white wine that tastes different when you're floating in turquoise water. Snorkeling gear is already on board, so after eating you can slip into the water without fussing with rentals or logistics. The coves around Spargi are the main stop for this: clear enough to see the bottom, shallow enough in places that you can wade, deep enough elsewhere to feel like you've actually gone somewhere. Two or three stops total, depending on conditions and what the skipper decides will work best that day.

The return to Palau lands around 5:30pm, which gives you the afternoon without eating up your whole evening. If you're staying in the area, you've got time to grab dinner in town. If you're moving on, the timing doesn't trap you. The boat handles small groups, so it never feels like you're queuing for anything, not for a spot on deck, not for a turn in the water, not for a plate at lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Palau at 9:45am, passage past the protected pink beach of Budelli, two to three anchored stops for swimming and snorkeling at islands such as Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli, or Caprera, lunch on board featuring pasta with fish and Sardinian snacks, Vermentino white wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee and tea, snorkeling equipment, and return to Palau around 5:30pm.

Before you book

Lasts 7h–8h, from € 99 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Italian, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jul 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendly

Operated by Sardinia Sailing Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water without the crowds of a big tour boat: the small group size and the skipper's flexibility to chase good conditions mean you're actually sailing, not just being transported between photo stops.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

1,151 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,116

4 ★26

3 ★5

2 ★2

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What islands do you visit on the La Maddalena sailing tour?

The skipper typically stops at Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli, or Caprera depending on weather and sea conditions. You'll also pass the famous pink beach of Budelli, which is viewable from the boat but not accessible for swimming due to national park protection.

What time does the boat depart from Palau?

Departure is at 9:45am, with return to port around 5:30pm.

Is lunch included in the sailing tour?

Yes. Lunch is served on board and typically features pasta with fish and Sardinian snacks. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are also included. Vegetarian or no-fish options are available if requested in advance.

Do you need to bring your own snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board at no extra cost.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes. The boat anchors in natural swimming pools where you can swim and snorkel. The pink beach itself is protected and not accessible for swimming, but you'll see it from the boat.

Is the itinerary fixed or can it change?

The itinerary is flexible. The skipper may adjust stops and routes based on weather conditions and sea state to ensure safe navigation. Typically there are two or three stops.

What drinks are included?

Vermentino white wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and Sardinian myrtle liqueur are included. Coffee and tea are available on board.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat operates with small groups to maintain comfort and space on board, though exact group size varies by departure.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit. Snorkeling gear and all food and drinks are provided. A light jacket or cover-up is useful for the breeze on the water.