From Palau/La Maddal: Boat Tour of La Maddalena Archipelago

White beaches, old boats, and clear water await. This full-day cruise from Palau combines a refurbished 1956 motorship with swimming stops at Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi. I like the friendly crew and the roomy boat, and I also like that the route includes the famous Spiaggia Rosa from the water. The main drawback is simple: you spend eight hours aboard, and food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the €5 landing fee cost extra.

The day is well suited to families, friends, and solo visitors who want Sardinia’s finest water views without arranging several island trips. The boat is smaller than many large excursion vessels, which helps the day feel less packed. Still, give yourself extra time to park in Palau, and bring a waterproof bag because the deck can get wet when people return from the sea.

Key things to know before booking

• Apollo II is a refurbished 1956 vessel: You get character, covered seating, an upper sun deck, a bar, kitchen service, and two bathrooms.
• The swimming time is generous: You have a 30-minute stop at Cala Serena, 90 minutes near Budelli, and two hours at Cala Connari.
• You can reach shore in different ways: Use the included dinghy, swim from the boat at Cala Connari, or stay aboard and use the facilities.
• Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from offshore: The famous pink beach is admired from the boat rather than visited directly.
• Food is available on board: You can buy pasta, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks, wine, coffee, and snacks.
• Bring €5 in cash: The landing fee is paid on board when you check in.

Why the Apollo II makes this day different

La Maddalena is best understood from the water. The islands sit close together, with pale beaches, rocky coves, and sea colors that shift from blue to green as the boat moves through the archipelago. A road trip cannot give you this same view, since many of the prettiest swimming spots are reached by boat.

The Apollo II adds a bit of old-school character. It is 18 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with a covered deck, an upper deck for sunbathing, two bathrooms, and space to sit inside or outside. You are not booking a sleek private yacht, but you are getting a practical excursion boat with room to move around.

I especially like the balance between comfort and access to the sea. You can sit in the shade, order a cold drink, listen to information from the crew, or climb to the upper deck. When the boat stops, you can swim, snorkel near the vessel, take the dinghy to shore, or simply stay on board.

That choice matters. Not everyone in your group may want the same kind of day. One person can swim while another rests in the shade. A child who is tired can stay on board. Someone keen on photographs can remain near the rail instead of rushing to a beach.

Starting in Palau at 10:15 a.m.

The meeting point is Quay Medaglie d’Oro in the port of Palau. Look for the Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket. The boat leaves at 10:15 a.m. and returns at about 5:30 p.m., so plan for a full day rather than a short harbor ride.

Palau is a busy departure point in northeastern Sardinia. Parking can be difficult, particularly when the port is full, so arrive with extra time. The last thing you want is to begin a relaxed island cruise by searching for a space with minutes to spare.

There is a €5 landing fee, paid in cash on board at the time of boarding. Keep that money handy. The price of the excursion is listed at $81 per person, though the final amount can vary with booking currency and date. For an eight-hour trip with several swim stops, boat transport between islands, and a dinghy service, I consider that a fair price, especially if you make good use of the full day.

A scenic first run past Palau and Caprera

The first 30 minutes are for looking, listening, and getting comfortable. The boat passes between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso, with views of the Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center.

This opening section gives useful context before the swimming begins. You see how much is packed into this corner of Sardinia: old military sites, sailing facilities, rocky islands, and open water all appear within a short run. The crew provides information about the places along the route and the stops ahead.

The boat then reaches Cala Serena on Caprera for a 30-minute swim stop. It is a good first chance to cool off and test the water before the longer beach stops later in the day. Thirty minutes is enough for a quick swim and a look below the surface, but it will feel short if you want a long session with a mask and fins.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you have it. The crew may lend goggles, as they have done for some people on board, but you should not rely on that as a guaranteed service.

Budelli and the view of Spiaggia Rosa

After Cala Serena, the Apollo II sails for roughly 40 minutes toward Budelli. This stretch is part of the pleasure of the trip. You get time to sit back, watch the islands pass, and let the crew point out the scenery.

The main stop is offshore near Spiaggia del Cavaliere, for about an hour and a half. The beach has very pale sand and clear water, and it is one of the places where the colors of the archipelago look almost unreal. You can reach the beach by dinghy with the crew, snorkel near the boat, or remain aboard.

This is also where you view Spiaggia Rosa, the famous pink beach. The key detail is that you admire it from the water. Do not book this excursion expecting to walk onto the pink sand. The offshore view is still worthwhile, especially when the boat gives you time to take in the soft color and surrounding water without a hurried pass.

The choice between the beach and the boat is useful. The dinghy transfer lets you get closer to the sand without swimming the full distance. If you prefer to avoid a shore landing, the Apollo II has bathrooms, seating, refreshments, and places to rest. The boat can get wet, though, so protect phones, wallets, and clothing in a waterproof bag.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

The next major section takes you toward Spargi, one of the most attractive islands in the group. The stop is at Cala Connari, where you have about two hours. This is the longest swim break, and it gives the day its relaxed pace.

At Cala Connari, you can stay on the Apollo II, swim from the boat, snorkel nearby, or make your way to shore by swimming. The water is the star here, with clear conditions that make it easy to understand why this region is famous for sea swimming.

Two hours gives you room to do more than one thing. You can swim first, dry off on the sun deck, eat something from the bar, and return to the water later. If you are with children, friends, or a mixed-age group, this longer stop helps everyone set their own rhythm.

The limitation is that reaching the beach requires either a swim or the dinghy service, and the activity is not designed around a long walk on land. If you want a full afternoon exploring island trails, shops, or villages, this is not that kind of tour. It is a sea day with short shore access.

What to eat and drink on the boat

Food and drinks are not part of the $81 price, but you can buy them aboard. The kitchen and refreshment service offers pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, pre-packaged snacks, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, soft drinks, beer, wine, and coffee.

That makes packing simpler. You do not need to carry a full picnic, and you can buy lunch without giving up beach time. Still, I would bring a small personal snack if you have dietary needs or prefer a particular meal, since the available choices are casual boat food rather than a full restaurant menu.

The bar is also useful after swimming. A cold drink and a shaded seat can make the difference between enjoying the second stop and feeling worn out. Since food costs extra, budget for it when comparing the tour price with other options.

Comfort, group size, and the feel of the day

The strongest part of this boat trip is the balance between space and sociability. The Apollo II has covered seating and an upper sun deck, so you are not forced to sit in one exposed area all day. The boat is also described as less crowded than larger excursion boats, with one outing carrying around 30 people.

That smaller feel can matter in La Maddalena, where the busiest boats may make a beautiful cove feel less peaceful. You are still taking a shared tour, so expect other people around you, but the vessel does not sound designed for maximum numbers.

The crew receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming. That is especially useful for solo visitors, who can find it easier to settle into the group on a day built around shared swim stops. The crew also assists with the dinghy and offers practical help around the boat.

The Apollo II can cross under a bridge with limited height, something larger boats cannot do. That gives the route an extra bit of flexibility and helps explain why a smaller vessel can reach places that are not available to every operator. Strong winds can still affect the plan. In those conditions, the captain may adjust the route and choose more sheltered swimming areas.

What to bring for a wet, sunny day

Pack lightly, but pack carefully. You will want a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag. The boat may get wet when people climb aboard after swimming, and bags are kept under benches on the floor.

I would also wear sandals or other secure footwear for moving around the deck, though the required items specifically listed for the activity are the hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Bring a phone case or dry pouch if you plan to take pictures near the water.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. If seeing fish is important to you, bring your own mask and snorkel, or ask the crew what may be available on the day. Do not bring a pet, since animals are not allowed. The trip is also not suitable for babies under one year.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this cruise if you want a simple way to see several famous islands in one day. It suits people who care more about swimming, scenery, and time on the sea than organized sightseeing on land.

It is a strong fit for:

• Families who want shade, bathrooms, food, and flexible swim options
• Couples and friends looking for a full day around clear water and white beaches
• Solo visitors who prefer a friendly shared outing
• First-time visitors to La Maddalena who want to cover Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi efficiently
• Anyone who prefers a smaller traditional boat to a larger, more crowded vessel

I would look elsewhere if you want a private charter, a quiet sailing trip, extensive snorkeling instruction, or long visits on shore. You should also think twice if eight hours on a boat sounds tiring. The day is built around water access, and you will get the most from it if you are comfortable swimming or using the dinghy.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Sardinia schedule is still moving, but you should still check the departure time and availability for your date.

Should you book the Palau to La Maddalena cruise?

I would book it for the excellent swim time, helpful crew, and comfortable smaller boat. The route covers several of the archipelago’s best-known sights without making you organize separate ferries, beach transfers, and boat connections.

The best value comes when you treat it as a full sea day. Bring sun protection, a waterproof bag, and cash for the landing fee. Budget for lunch and drinks, then enjoy the freedom to swim, use the dinghy, or stay aboard.

Skip it if you want a land-based island tour or guaranteed access to Spiaggia Rosa. Book it if your ideal Sardinian day means clear water, pale beaches, scenic cruising, and enough time to get wet.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Quay Medaglie d’Oro in the port of Palau. The vessel is called Apollo II, and the crew wears black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

What time does the boat leave?

Departure is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. The boat returns to Palau at approximately 5:30 p.m.

How long is the experience?

The boat trip lasts about eight hours.

Which islands and beaches are included?

The route includes Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi. Stops include Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere near Budelli, and Cala Connari. Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from the boat.

Is the landing fee included?

No. The landing fee is €5 and must be paid in cash on board when you embark.

Is food available during the trip?

Yes. You can purchase pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and coffee on board.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking conditions.