La Maddalena Archipelago boat tour: snorkel 3 islands

Dive into hidden natural pools and toast with Sardinian Vermentino at sea

A full-day boat tour from Palau to the La Maddalena Archipelago aboard a 16-meter sailing boat, with stops at Spargi, Budelli and Manto della Madonna for snorkeling and swimming. The boat carries lunch, wine, beer and snorkeling equipment; the skipper adjusts the route based on weather and sea conditions, sometimes substituting Caprera's bays if conditions favor it. English and Spanish-speaking guides lead the tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and island exploration

• Depart from Port of Palau
• Stop at Spargi for snorkeling and swimming
• View Pink Beach at Budelli from boat
• Explore Port Madonna lagoon for snorkeling
• Stop at Cala Santa Maria beach for swimming
• Optional sail to Caprera island bays
• Enjoy aperitif and lunch on board

The Experience

You board at the Port of Palau in the morning and sail into the protected waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago. The boat is a monomaran—a hybrid design that combines the comfort and living space of a catamaran with the elegance and seaworthiness of a traditional sailboat. The first stop is Spargi, where the water is so transparent you can see the white sand bottom from the deck. You get in with snorkeling gear and swim toward the beaches; the skipper holds the boat steady while you explore the bay for about an hour.

From Spargi, you sail north to Budelli to see the Pink Beach—the coral-colored shore that Michelangelo Antonioni filmed in his 1964 film "Deserto rosso." The beach is protected by the Maddalena Geomarine National Park, so you cannot walk on it or swim at its edge, but the boat positions you to photograph and observe this natural monument from the water. Then you head toward Manto della Madonna, a lagoon enclosed by three islands with emerald-colored water and natural pools. This is where you stop for lunch and a long swim in the turquoise shallows. The boat serves white wine (Vermentino di Gallura), beer, myrtle liqueur, and a full lunch on board; coffee and tea are available throughout the day.

The itinerary is flexible. If weather and sea conditions allow, the skipper may sail to Caprera instead, where you could snorkel at Cala Coticcio (nicknamed "Tahiti" for its water color), swim at the sandy Cala Portese, or visit one of the quieter bays like Punta Fico. The tour runs about seven and a half hours from departure to return. WiFi is available on board, and a restroom is accessible to all passengers.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• lunch on board.
• white wine (Vermentino di Gallura), beer and myrtle liqueur.
• soda, bottled water, coffee and tea.
• WiFi on board.
• use of the restroom.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sardinia Catamaran Tour

Is this one for you?The boat departs early and returns mid-afternoon, so it suits a full day of water time rather than a half-day excursion. You'll be in and out of the water multiple times across three stops, so comfort with snorkeling and swimming is what makes the day work—the skipper chooses the route to keep the sea calm and the visibility clear.

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Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling at Spargi?

Spargi's bay has incredibly transparent turquoise water where you can see the white sand bottom. You snorkel and swim directly from the boat during the first stop, which lasts about an hour.

Can I actually swim at the Pink Beach on Budelli?

The Pink Beach is protected by the Maddalena Geomarine National Park, so swimming and walking on the beach itself are not permitted. The boat brings you close enough to photograph it and observe the coral-pink color and granite formations from the water.

What does lunch include, and when do we eat?

Lunch is served on board at Manto della Madonna, the third stop. It includes white wine (Vermentino di Gallura), beer, myrtle liqueur, soda, water, coffee and tea, plus a full meal.

What if the weather is bad—do we still visit all three islands?

The skipper adjusts the route based on weather and sea conditions to ensure safety and the best sailing experience. On some days, Caprera's bays may be visited instead of one of the standard stops, but the tour always includes snorkeling and swimming in protected waters.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling gear is included with the tour. You don't need to bring your own unless you prefer your personal equipment.

How long is the full tour, and what time do we return to Palau?

The tour runs approximately seven and a half hours from departure. You leave Palau in the morning and return the same afternoon.