Sardinia: Maddalena Archipelago Sailing & Swim Day Trip

Summary

Sailing from santa teresa di gallura through pink sands and wild coves

You’ll board a small sailing boat in Santa Teresa di Gallura and spend a day exploring Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago—swimming off Spargi island, drifting past Budelli’s Pink Beach (no landing), eating lunch on deck with local wine, snorkeling in clear lagoons, and soaking up sun between stops. It’s relaxed, full of small surprises, and leaves you wishing for one more hour at sea.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that color? That’s not Photoshop,” our skipper Marco grinned, pointing out at the water as we left Santa Teresa di Gallura behind. I’d seen photos of Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago before, but nothing really prepared me for how unreal the sea looked up close—somewhere between mint and electric blue, with these pale streaks where the sand glowed underneath. The boat rocked gently and you could smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the air. We were just eight of us, plus Marco, who seemed to know every rock by name.

The first stop was Spargi island—Marco dropped anchor in a bay so clear you could count pebbles on the bottom. I slid off the side (awkwardly, always) and floated for a bit, letting the chill water wake me up properly. There was this quiet except for someone laughing as their mask filled with water. Snorkeling here is wild—tiny fish everywhere, darting around your toes. Lunch came out after we dried off—simple stuff: pasta with clams, bread that tasted faintly of aniseed, cold white wine that went straight to my head in the sun. Not fancy but honestly perfect.

We sailed past Budelli’s famous Pink Beach next—Marco slowed down so we could take photos from the deck. “No walking there,” he said seriously, “it’s protected.” The sand really does have this weird blush to it; apparently it’s crushed coral and shells. I tried to say ‘Spiaggia Rosa’ right but Marco just shook his head and laughed (my Italian is tragic). Later we stopped at Cala Santa Maria—a long stretch of pale sand—and I remember lying back on my towel thinking I could stay here forever if I didn’t have to go back to work next week.

On the way back, everyone was quieter—sun-drunk or maybe just full from lunch. The wind picked up a bit and you could hear ropes creaking against the mast. Sardinia does something strange to your sense of time; hours slip by without you noticing much except light changing on the water or someone passing around more coffee. I still think about that last swim—how cold it felt at first and then how you never wanted to get out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and island exploration

• Depart from Santa Teresa di Gallura 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 without landing
• Enjoy aperitif and lunch on board
• Return to Santa Teresa di Gallura port

Top questions

How long is the Maddalena Archipelago sailing tour?

The sailing trip lasts about 7 hours, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Santa Teresa di Gallura port.

Is lunch included on board?

Yes, lunch is served on board along with drinks like wine, soda, coffee or tea.

Can you walk or swim at Budelli's Pink Beach?

No, Spiaggia Rosa is protected—you can only view it from the boat.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear as well as bottled water, soda, wine and other drinks are included.

What islands are visited during this day trip?

The itinerary usually includes Spargi, Budelli (view only), Santa Maria and Razzoli islands.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes; infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller/pram during the tour.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated for lunch?

No special requests beyond vegetarian or no-fish options can be managed; otherwise bring your own packed lunch.

Does weather affect the itinerary?

Yes; routes may change depending on weather conditions for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Santa Teresa di Gallura with all drinks (wine, soda, bottled water), coffee or tea breaks on deck, use of snorkeling gear for swims in clear bays like Spargi island, a fresh lunch served onboard (with vegetarian/no-fish options), plus plenty of time to relax between stops before returning in late afternoon.