Private Catamaran Tour Magdalene Archipelago from Sardinia

Seven hours across turquoise bays, white beaches and the Pools between three islands

A private catamaran tour of the Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia departs Porto Rafael around 9:45am and returns by 5:30pm, visiting Rosa Beach, Spargi, Santa Maria and the Pools. You swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water with provided equipment, and eat lunch cooked on board with Sardinian fish, wine and aperitifs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Maddalena Archipelago by Catamaran

• Start tour at 9:45am
• Visit Rosa beach and photograph externally
• Stop at Spargi island for swimming and snorkeling
• Admire coves of Santa Maria island
• Explore the Pools area between Budelli, Santa Maria, and Razzoli
• Enjoy typical Sardinian aperitif on board
• Have lunch cooked on board with Sardinian fish cuisine
• End tour around 5:30pm

The experience

The boat leaves Porto Rafael in the morning and heads into the archipelago's most protected waters. You'll anchor at Rosa Beach, one of the world's most photographed stretches of sand, now fully protected. You can photograph it from the water and take in its scale. The catamaran then moves to Spargi, an uninhabited island where turquoise water meets white beaches and wild scrub, or to the coves of Santa Maria overlooking the Pools, a body of water between Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli where the color shifts between turquoise and emerald depending on the light and depth.

Swimming and snorkeling happen throughout the day in whichever bays the captain chooses based on conditions and wind. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board. A typical Sardinian aperitif (local cheeses, cured meats, olives) is served mid-morning, followed by lunch cooked in the galley: fish-based dishes from Sardinian tradition, with vegetarian or no-fish options available if you request them when booking. Wine, beer, Vermentino white wine from Gallura, myrtle liqueur, fruit, coffee and desserts round out the meal. The itinerary shifts with weather. The captain may alter stops to keep the boat safe, so the exact sequence of islands is not guaranteed.

A guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian throughout the day. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult's lap. Specialized infant seats are available. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for boarding and moving around the catamaran. If you have food intolerances beyond no-fish or vegetarian, bring your own packed lunch, as the galley cannot manage other dietary restrictions.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• typical Sardinian aperitif with local cheeses and cured meats.
• lunch cooked on board based on fish from Sardinian cuisine with vegetarian or no-fish option available.
• Vermentino white wine from Gallura, beer, soft drinks, fruit, Sardinian myrtle liqueur and coffee.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Italian.

Information

Lasts 7h, from € 1,890 per group, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Italian, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jul 20272 departing soon ›

GroupPrivate1 group tour ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

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

Book up to2h before

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sardinia Sailing Tour

Is this one for you?Book this private catamaran if you want the Maddalena Archipelago's best anchorages without sharing the boat with other groups, and you have a full day to spend swimming and snorkeling across multiple islands.

Traveler reviews

4.86★★★★★★★★★★

29 verified traveler reviews

5 ★28

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on board and you can use it in the calm, shallow waters of the bays throughout the day. The guide can show you how to use the mask and fins, and you set your own pace in the water.

What is the Pools, and why is it called that?

The Pools is a body of water between the islands of Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli where the seabed is shallow and the water stays calm and transparent. The name comes from the way the water looks, like a series of connected pools, and the color shifts between turquoise and emerald depending on depth and light.

Will we definitely visit Rosa Beach?

Rosa Beach is a stop on the itinerary, but the captain may adjust the route based on weather and sea conditions to ensure safe navigation. You'll photograph it from the water. The beach itself is now fully protected and closed to landing.

What if I don't eat fish or have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian and no-fish options are available on request when you book. If you have other food intolerances or allergies, the galley cannot accommodate them, so you're welcome to bring your own packed lunch instead.

How long is the boat ride from Porto Rafael to the first stop?

The tour departs around 9:45am and ends around 5:30pm, covering seven hours total. The exact timing of each leg depends on which islands the captain visits that day and sea conditions.