Sardinia Maddalena Catamaran: Bays, Pink Beach & Lunch

Summary

Catamaran journey through Sardinia’s wild islands with local food and quiet coves

You’ll board a luxury catamaran in Porto Rafael or Palau, gliding through the Maddalena Archipelago’s wildest bays and beaches. Swim or snorkel in Spargi’s clear water, snap photos of Budelli’s rare Pink Beach, then share a Sardinian lunch with local wine on deck. It’s slow travel—the kind where you notice every taste, color, and bit of laughter drifting over the waves.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the catamaran at Porto Rafael just before 10—already sun on our necks, air smelling faintly of salt and sunscreen. Our skipper, Matteo (who looked like he’d been born at sea), grinned and handed out strong coffee as we drifted away from Palau. The engine hummed low. I remember the way the wind tangled my hair while Matteo pointed out Spargi Island ahead—he called it “the first secret” of the Maddalena Archipelago. He wasn’t wrong. The water there was so clear you could see your own shadow on the sand below. I fumbled with my snorkel mask but managed to spot a couple of silvery fish darting around my toes.

After that, we cruised past Budelli’s famous Pink Beach—Matteo slowed down so we could take photos but told us quietly that nobody’s allowed to set foot there anymore. He said it’s protected now because people used to steal bits of pink sand (I didn’t even know that was a thing). The color really does look unreal against those granite rocks; it made me think of old postcards. There was this odd hush as everyone stared—nobody talked for a minute or two, just the slap of water against the hull.

Lunch happened somewhere between Razzoli and Santa Maria, in a patch of turquoise so bright it almost hurt my eyes. Plates appeared—fresh fish grilled right there by Matteo’s cousin (I think his name was Paolo?), plus bread and something sharp and crumbly he called pecorino sardo. We had Vermentino wine too; I tried to say “grazie” with my mouth full and got laughed at by an older couple from Cagliari. Later came tiny glasses of cold mirto liqueur—tasted like herbs and berries all at once. Honestly, I still think about that meal when I’m stuck in city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour of Maddalena Archipelago

• Depart Porto Rafael-Palau at 9:45am
• Stop at Spargi island for swimming and snorkeling
• Pass by the Pink Beach of Budelli for photos
• Visit Port of the Madonna for swimming and beach time
• Explore Razzoli and Santa Maria islands
• Enjoy typical Sardinian aperitif on board
• Have lunch with Sardinian fish cuisine on board
• Relax with wine, beer, fruit, desserts, and liqueur
• Return to Porto Rafael-Palau around 5:30pm

Top questions

How long is the Maddalena catamaran tour?

The tour starts around 9:45 am and finishes around 5:30 pm.

Is lunch included on this Sardinia catamaran trip?

Yes, lunch is cooked on board with Sardinian fish dishes (vegetarian/no-fish option available if requested when booking).

Can you swim at Budelli Pink Beach?

No, swimming or walking on Budelli Pink Beach is not allowed due to environmental protection rules.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The tour departs from Porto Rafael or Palau in northern Sardinia.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water, Vermentino white wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, fruit, desserts, and Sardinian liqueur are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling masks are available on board for guests to use during stops.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed but infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Will we visit multiple islands in the Maddalena Archipelago?

Yes, stops include Spargi Island plus views of Budelli (Pink Beach), Razzoli, Santa Maria and more depending on weather.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Porto Rafael or Palau aboard a luxury catamaran with all snorkeling gear provided. You’ll enjoy a typical Sardinian aperitif followed by lunch cooked fresh onboard (fish-based or vegetarian if you ask ahead), plus Vermentino di Gallura white wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit and desserts—and a taste of local liqueur before heading back in the late afternoon.