Maddalena Archipelago Sailing Tour from Santa Teresa

Seven Hours Under Sail to Sardinia's Pink Beach & Hidden Coves

You sail from Santa Teresa di Gallura through the Maddalena Archipelago for seven hours, stopping to swim and snorkel at Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. Lunch and drinks are included on board. The captain adjusts the route for wind and weather, so each day is slightly different. Return by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and island exploration

• Depart from Santa Teresa port
• Stop at Spargi island for swimming and snorkeling
• Visit Cala Santa Maria beach and coves
• Explore Razzoli and Santa Maria islands
• Observe Pink Beach from boat
• Enjoy aperitif and lunch on board
• Return to Santa Teresa port

The experience

The boat leaves Santa Teresa di Gallura at 9:30am, and within an hour you're anchored off Spargi, looking down into water so clear you can count the rocks on the seabed. This is a sailing tour, not a motorboat run: the boat moves on wind and canvas, which means the pace feels different from the start. You swim when the captain finds the right spot, not when the schedule says so. The Maddalena Archipelago sits just north of Sardinia's northeast coast, a protected marine park where the granite islands rise sharp and sculptural from turquoise shallows, and the contrast between the white sand and the water color is the kind of thing that makes you understand why people come back to Sardinia year after year.

The itinerary moves between four main islands (Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria), though the captain adjusts the route depending on wind and weather, which is part of what makes sailing different from a fixed schedule. You'll anchor at Cala Santa Maria, a long beach with turquoise water so shallow it fades to white near the shore, or at one of the western coves if conditions shift. The famous Pink Beach on Budelli is a photo stop only. It's a protected natural monument, so you observe it from the water, but the coral-pink sand against the granite cliffs and the intensity of the sea color make it worth the camera work. Snorkeling happens in reserved areas of the park where the water is calm and the seabed is visible. You can spend as long as you want in the water at each stop, which beats a timed slot.

Lunch and an aperitif come on board: the crew serves it between stops, so you eat when you're anchored and the boat is still. If you have food intolerances or dietary restrictions, bring a packed lunch instead. The boat can't manage special requests on the water, but vegetarian and no-fish options are possible if you arrange them ahead. The day ends back in Santa Teresa around 5:30pm. Groups stay small (the boats hold a maximum of 8, 10 or 12 passengers depending on which one you're on), so there's no crowding at the snorkel stops and no queue to get in the water.

What’s included

Your day includes a seven-hour sailing cruise departing from Santa Teresa di Gallura at 9:30am, stops at multiple islands in the Maddalena Archipelago (Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria), swimming and snorkeling in protected marine areas, lunch and an aperitif served on board, bottled water, soda, coffee and tea, and return to port around 5:30pm. The boat holds a maximum of 8 to 12 passengers depending on the vessel.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · 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 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sardinia Sailing Tour

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see the Maddalena Archipelago under sail rather than by motorboat, with time to swim and snorkel at each stop instead of a rushed schedule: the small group size and flexible routing mean you're not following a fixed timetable, which is what makes the day feel less like a tour and more like a day on the water.

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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 time does the sailing tour start and end?

Departure is around 9:30am from Santa Teresa di Gallura port. Return is around 5:30pm the same day.

Can you swim and snorkel on this tour?

Yes. The boat stops at multiple islands and bays where you can swim and snorkel in designated areas of the marine park. You can spend as long as you want in the water at each stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and an aperitif are served on board between stops. If you have food intolerances, bring a packed lunch. Vegetarian and no-fish options can be arranged in advance.

How many people go on the tour?

Groups are small. The boats hold a maximum of 8, 10 or 12 passengers depending on the vessel.

What islands do you visit?

The tour visits Spargi, Budelli (Pink Beach), Razzoli and Santa Maria. The exact stops depend on wind and weather conditions.

Is the Pink Beach included?

The Pink Beach on Budelli is a photo stop from the water only. It's a protected natural monument, so you cannot swim or walk on it, but you can photograph it and observe it from the boat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain adjusts the itinerary according to weather and sea conditions to ensure safe navigation. Stops may change, but the tour still operates.

What's included in the price?

The seven-hour sailing cruise, lunch, aperitif, soda, bottled water, coffee and tea are included.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. This is a passenger sailing tour, not a crewed sailing course. No experience is needed.