From Palau or La Maddalena: Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour

Spargi to Caprera is a full day of nonstop scenery. What makes this tour work is the smart mix of big swimming windows and time in places you can reach only by boat, plus a modern ride with plenty of space onboard.

I like how the schedule gives you real breathing room at each stop, especially around Cala Granara on Spargi Island, where lunch is served during the longer stretch of free time. I also like the practical onboard setup, with a large solarium, bar, two bathrooms, and state-of-the-art equipment run by an experienced team. The main drawback to consider is that swim time can get busy, so getting in and out of the water quickly may feel slow if the group is packed.

The tour is built around classic stops in the Maddalena archipelago from Palau Marina, plus a pickup stop in La Maddalena. You cruise through protected-water highlights and finish with two chances to swim on Caprera Island, ending back at Palau or La Maddalena depending on where you started.

Key things I’d plan around

• Cala Granara first: About 2.5 hours of free time right on Spargi, with sea-only access and dunes, plus lunch served onboard.
• Budelli’s Cala Liò stop: Short but sweet swim time near the Pink Beach area, with time to enjoy calm water on your own terms.
• Caprera Island beaches: Two different moods, a natural-pool feel at Cala Garibaldi and a sheltered, fish-filled bay at Cala Coticcio.
• Paduleddi Islets passing moments: You cruise by multiple named islets, including Cala Santa Maria and Corcelli with a small black light.
• Landing fee is extra: You pay cash only on board, and the fee changes by season.
• Bring cash and swim gear: Sunscreen and swimwear matter, and you cannot count on lunch and drinks being fully included.

Palau Marina pickup and the modern boat vibe

This tour runs out of the Palau Marina, dock n. 4, right in front of the Stazione Marittima. If you are staying closer to La Maddalena, there is also a pickup stop in La Maddalena at Medaglie d’Oro on Via Amendola, about 15 minutes.

Once everyone is onboard, the big win is the comfort. The boat is described as modern with state-of-the-art equipment, plus a kitchen, a double living room feel (good for when you need a break from sun), a restaurant bar, a large solarium for tanning, and two bathrooms. That matters on a full day because you will likely spend time both in the sun and out of it.

Safety is clearly part of the plan. The staff is experienced and the tour emphasizes safe cruising. There are also rules you should expect to follow, like no fishing, no alcohol and drugs, and no feeding or touching animals. If you keep those in mind, the whole day tends to feel calmer and more orderly.

Spargi Island and Cala Granara: sea-only beaches and a long swim block

The itinerary starts with Spargi Island, focusing on Cala Granara. This beach is reached only from the sea, which is exactly why it feels so different from the crowded shorelines you might know. Cala Granara is described as a set of four small beaches with small dunes, and the plants here include rare and endemic species.

On the western side, there is a rock called Testa della Strega. Even if you do not go out of your way to identify it, it helps you understand the character of the place, rocky edges paired with soft sand and clear water.

Plan for roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes of free time to swim and explore. That is long enough to do the classic routine: swim out, pause, float, and then head back without feeling rushed. During this stretch, lunch is served onboard, which is handy for timing, but it also means you should expect to coordinate lunch with whatever water time you want to protect.

Budelli Island and Cala Liò: short swim time near Pink Beach

After Spargi, the tour heads toward the Budelli area. You get a stop connected to Budelli Island and specifically Cala Liò. Cala Liò is one of those “put your towel down and enjoy” stops, where the water looks inviting and you can spend the time however you like.

Your free time here is shorter, around 30 minutes for swimming. It sounds brief, but that is not necessarily a disappointment. It is often the perfect length for a quick swim and a careful reset, especially since your day keeps getting better on Caprera.

You are also in the orbit of Budelli’s famous Pink Beach. The tour does not say you will land on Pink Beach itself, so I would treat this as a nearby area experience: the goal is time on the water and in the right bay conditions, not a strict check-the-famous-shorebox moment.

If you want photos, give yourself a few tries. Wind and boats shifting can change the light fast, and you will be moving anyway.

Cruising by Paduleddi Islets and Santa Maria waters

Between the main stops, you cruise past the Paduleddi Islets. The details matter here because they turn “travel time” into part of the day’s story.

The tour passes multiple named points, including Punta Presa Cavalli, Cala Santa Maria, Barrettini, and Corcelli. Corcelli is described as a small island on the east of Santa Maria, and it has a small black light on the highest part.

You will not be getting off the boat for these, but this is where the archipelago feels like a living system. You see how many separate coves and rocky fragments shape where the water calms, where it turns clear, and where the coastline offers shelter.

This stretch is also a good time to refill your sunscreen and water habits. Even on a cloudy day, the sun on open water can sneak up on you.

Caprera Island: Cala Garibaldi and Cala Coticcio, two very different bays

Caprera is where the day really pays off. You get two stops that each have their own flavor.

Cala Garibaldi: a natural pool feel

On the west coast of Caprera, Cala Garibaldi is described as a natural pool. The sand is thin and white, with clear water facing a clean horizon. Because it is a natural pool setup, it often feels easier for swimming than bumpier, open-coast conditions.

Your free time here is longer, around 70 minutes for swimming and enjoying the beach. That extra time makes a difference. You can go in deeper or stay shallow. You can also take advantage of the break to dry off on a quiet stretch and reset before the final stop.

Cala Coticcio: sheltered cliffs and fish-filled water

The last stop is Cala Coticcio, on the northern part of the eastern side of Caprera. It sits close to heights and between steep cliffs, which helps make it well sheltered from west winds. That shielding factor is more important than it sounds. When wind changes, sheltered coves can keep the water smoother and your swim more pleasant.

Cala Coticcio also has a reputation for good sea life. The tour describes numerous fish around the bay. You are not promised snorkeling gear, but you can still keep an eye on movement near the surface if you are swimming where the water is clear.

Your free time here is around 30 minutes. It is enough time for one solid swim and a final soak before heading back.

Lunch, drinks, and the real cost math (landing fees matter)

The tour includes a lunch moment in the timing, with lunch served onboard during the Cala Granara free-time block. The key detail is that lunch cost is not included in the tour price. Snacks and drinks are also not included.

So you should treat your $88 per person as the boat ride plus guide and transport, then plan extra spending for food and what you want to drink. The lunch being served is convenient, but paying separately can affect your total budget.

On top of that, there is a landing fee. Landing fees are not included and you pay on board, cash only. The amount depends on the month:

• 2.50 euros in June and September
• 5 euros in July and August

If you are traveling in peak summer, make sure you have the cash ready so you do not scramble at the end. And keep in mind that the crew will need the cash collected for the day’s access and protected-area rules.

Swim time logistics: how to avoid the crowded-water headache

One theme that can make a difference is getting in and out of the water during busy windows. When a boat is full and many people want to swim at the same moment, ladders and entry points get crowded.

The good news is that the tour gives you generous time blocks at the best stops. The first long swim block at Cala Granara helps. But if you want the smoothest water entry, consider this simple strategy: go early in the swim window, not late.

Bring the right stuff:

• Swimwear so you can change quickly
• Sunscreen because sea-day sun is intense
• Cash for landing fees and lunch options

You might also want a towel you can manage fast, because drying off and packing takes time when you are shared with a big group.

If you are sensitive to close quarters, you can reduce stress by keeping your pace steady. Move calmly, wait your turn at the ladder, and give yourself extra time when the boat first anchors.

Timing, weather, and why the sea decides the day

This is an archipelago tour, so the sea conditions can change the plan. The schedule notes that the itinerary may undergo variations based on weather and sea conditions. Return time can also be dictated by cruising speed and conditions.

That means you should plan your day around flexibility, not around tight connections later the same day. If you are pairing this with other activities in Sardinia, give yourself buffer time afterward.

Also, the experience is designed for a full day at sea, with multiple stops and free-time swimming. When the sea is calm, it feels easy. When it is not, you will still have a good day, but your comfort depends on whether you are okay with shifting schedules.

Who this tour is best for, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong match for you if you want:

• A one-day boat plan that hits Spargi, Budelli area, and Caprera without stress
• Multiple swim chances, including a longer stop at Cala Garibaldi and a classic bay feel at Cala Coticcio
• A modern boat with space to hang out onboard between swims

It is also a good choice if you care about protected nature rules. You get clear guidance on what you can and cannot do, like no fishing and no touching animals, which usually means less chaos at the beaches.

You may want to pick a different option if:

• You hate crowds in the water during busy swim windows
• You need very loud, clear narration at every moment, because audio can be hard to hear depending on wind and boat motion
• You are traveling with a strict plan for meals, because lunch and drinks cost extra even though lunch is served during the day

Should you book this Palau or La Maddalena boat tour?

I think you should book it if your dream day is a boat-powered island route with generous swimming, especially if Cala Granara and Caprera’s bays are on your mental map. The value is strongest when you treat lunch and drinks as flexible add-ons and you keep a relaxed mindset about entry points and timing.

If you are budget-sensitive, plan for the cash landing fees and the fact that lunch is not included in the price. If you are crowd-avoidant, go for calm swim timing by entering early, and stay patient at the ladder.

Bottom line: for a single day that mixes sea-only beaches, sheltered coves, and real time in the water, this is a practical, high-payoff route across the Maddalena archipelago.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the boat tour?

Meet at the Marina of Palau, dock n. 4, just in front of the Stazione Marittima. There is also a 15-minute stop in La Maddalena at Medaglie d’Oro on Via Amendola.

Which islands and beaches are included in the day?

You visit Spargi Island with Cala Granara, Budelli Island with Cala Liò, and Caprera Island with Cala Garibaldi and Cala Coticcio. The route also passes the Paduleddi Islets, including Punta Presa Cavalli, Cala Santa Maria, Barrettini, and Corcelli.

How much swimming time do I get?

You get free time to swim at each main stop: about 1.5 hours at Cala Granara, about 30 minutes at Cala Liò, about 70 minutes at Cala Garibaldi, and about 30 minutes at Cala Coticcio.

Is lunch included in the $88 price?

Lunch is served onboard during the Cala Granara stop, but the cost of lunch is not included in the tour price.

Do I need to pay an extra landing fee?

Yes. Landing fees are not included and are collected on board in cash. The fee is 2.50 euros in June and September, and 5 euros in July and August.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and cash.

What is not allowed during the tour?

Fishing is not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. You also cannot feed animals or touch animals.