La Maddalena excursions prices 2026: complete guide to costs, rates and how to save

Are you planning an excursion to La Maddalena and want to know how much it costs? The prices of the boat trips vary greatly depending on the period, the type of boat and the age of the participants. In this article you will find a detailed price table updated to 2026, all information about the landing fee, tips for choosing the best tour for your budget and strategies for saving money without sacrificing quality. Read all the way to the end so you are not unprepared.

1. How much does an excursion to La Maddalena cost in 2026? Price table month by month

The prices of hiking the Magdalena vary significantly between May and October, peaking in August. Here is the reference price table for a full-day (7-8 hours) dinghy or motorboat tour, valid for the 2026 season. Prices are per person and usually include skipper, fuel and basic snorkelling equipment.

Price Table - Standard Day Excursion

As you can see, August is the most expensive month: adults pay € 70 and - beware - children and even infants pay € 70. This means that in high season there are no discounts for the little ones: a family with two adults and two children will spend € 280 just for the boat trip. In May, however, the same family spends € 160 (50+50+30), a saving of € 120.

2. What are landing fees and why do you have to pay them?

In addition to the price of boat tours, you have to consider an additional compulsory cost: the landing fee. This is a contribution that is paid to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park for access to the islands and is charged to each passenger over the age of 7. The fee is not included in the basic price of the excursion and is usually paid in cash directly to the skipper on the day of the departure.

Landing fee tariffs 2026 (for passengers over 7 years)

So, if you do a’boat excursion In July with two adults and an 8-year-old child, you will have to add € 15 (3 x € 5) to the tour price. In May, on the other hand, the same family would only pay € 7.50 landing tax.

Why do you pay? The tax serves to finance the maintenance of the National Park, beach monitoring, beach cleaning and surveillance activities. It is a compulsory cost for all authorised tours. If an operator tells you that you do not have to pay it, they are probably not in compliance or are circumventing regulations. Always be wary of offers that are too cheap.

3. Do prices change according to the type of boat? Dinghy vs motorboat vs catamaran

Yes, the type of boat has a big influence on the final cost. Here is a comparison of average prices per adult in July 2026 (excluding landing tax):

Which one to choose according to budget?
If you want to save the most, the motor vessel is the obvious choice. Bear in mind, however, that during the high season these boats are packed: you could spend half an hour queuing to get on or off at each stop. For a’boat excursion more enjoyable, even spending a little more, the dinghy offers the best value for money.

For families with very young children (0-4 years), the motor vessel is still recommended because it is more stable and has interior spaces to shelter from the sun. If you are travelling as a couple and looking for a romantic experience, invest in a catamaran or in a sailing boat: i breathtaking landscapes deserve the extra cost.

4. What is the cheapest period for a boat trip to La Maddalena?

Analysing the price table, three seasonal bands clearly emerge:

Low season (May and October)
Adults € 50, children € 30-40, infants € 15-30. This is the ideal period for those seeking the best value for money. The water in May is already pleasant (around 18-20°C), while in early October it is still warm (22-23°C) after the summer. Advantages: few crowds, semi-deserted beaches, easy parking at Palau and no queues to board. Disadvantage: a few extra wind days possible, and some services (e.g. equipment hire) may be reduced.

Mid-season (June and September)
Adults € 55-60, children € 35-50, infants € 25-35. It is the perfect compromise. June offers already warm water (22-23°C) and long days, September has the sea still warm (24-25°C) after the summer. The crowds are present but manageable, and prices are 15-20% lower than in July and August. My personal advice: choose the first half of September. The sea is perfect, the sun is still hot but not torrid, and the children are already back at school (less crowds on the beaches).

High season (July and August)
Adults € 65-70, children € 55-70, infants up to € 70. August is record-breaking: equal prices for all ages. A family with two adults and two children under 10 spends € 280 for the boat trip, plus € 20 landing tax (4 people over 7 years old x € 5), total € 300. In May, the same family spends € 160 + € 10 = € 170. The difference is considerable. If you have the choice, avoid August. If you have to (holidays, children on holiday), book at least 3-4 weeks in advance.

Summary comparison: percentage savings compared to August

5. How to save money on your boat trip: 5 practical tips

Here are the best strategies to lower the cost of your excursion to the Magdalena without compromising on quality.

1. Travel in May, June or September
As we have seen, the savings compared to August can exceed 40% for households. In addition, the boat trips these months offer a more relaxed experience: fewer boats, less confusion, more space for you.

2. Book online in advance
Many operators offer discounts of 5-10% for those who book online at least 15-30 days in advance. In addition, book in advance locks in your price: if you wait until July to book August, you risk paying even higher rates or finding only the most expensive tours still available.

3. Choose the motor vessel if budget is the priority
A motor vessel in June costs € 35-40 against € 55-60 for the dinghy. The saving is € 20 per person. For a family of four, that's € 80 less. Of course, the experience is different, but for those who just want to see the islands and go swimming, the motor vessel is more than enough.

4. Bring a packed lunch
Many tours offer the “without lunch” option at a reduced price of € 10-15 per person. Bringing sandwiches, fruit and water from home can save you € 40-60 for a family of 4. Be careful though: check whether the tour allows you to bring your own food (most do, but some do not).

5. Search for family or group packages
Some operators offer the “fourth person free” or discounts for groups of 6 or more. If you are travelling with friends or relatives, you can share the cost of a dinghy private. A whole dinghy for 10-12 people costs between € 600 and € 800 in July: divided by 10 people that's € 60-80 each, in line with shared tours but with the freedom to decide itinerary and hours.

6. What is included in the price of a tour? Beware of hidden costs

When you compare the prices of hiking the Magdalena, you have to read carefully what is included. Here are the main items to check:

Usually included

• Experienced skipper and fuel

• Compulsory insurance

• Mask, snorkel and fins (snorkelling)

• Lifejacket for children

• Water bottle (sometimes)

• Toilets on board

Often not included (extra costs)

• Landing fee (€ 2.50-5 per person over 7 years) - is almost always excluded and payable in cash

• Lunch (if not specified) - may cost € 15-25 per person if added

• Drinks (beers, soft drinks, extra wine)

• Tips for the skipper (not compulsory but appreciated, € 5-10 per person)

• Transfer to and from the port (if your accommodation is far away)

• Parking a Palau (in high season it can cost € 15-20 per day)

Example of the real total cost for a family (2 adults + 2 children aged 8 and 6) in July:

In May, the same family would spend: € 160 tour + € 10 tax + € 10 parking = € 180. Savings of € 85.

7. Is it better to book online or directly in Palau?

Both options have pros and cons. Here is a comparison:

Online booking

• Advantages: Lock in the price, choose the tour you prefer, read authentic reviews, often have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

• Disadvantages: pay now (or a deposit), you might miss out on any last-minute offers.

Booking on the spot in Palau

• Advantages: you can see the weather in real time, sometimes find last-minute discounts to fill empty seats.

• Disadvantages: in high season you risk not finding a place for the day you want, especially for the inflatable boats small. Physical agencies may have slightly higher prices than online agencies.

My advice: book online for June, July, August and September. For May and October you can also wait until Palau and decide according to time. Use platforms such as GetYourGuide, Viator or directly the sites of local operators. Always check the cancellation policy: it is best if it is free up to 24 hours in advance.

8. Frequently asked questions on La Maddalena boat trip prices

Do children under 4 always pay?
It depends on the operator. In the table we have seen, infants (0-4 years) pay in all months, but some tours let them on for free. Always read the conditions before book.

Does the landing fee also apply to children under 7 years of age?
No, the tax only applies to passengers aged 7 or older. So a 6-year-old child does not pay it.

Can I take the dog on a boat trip?
Some operators allow this, often free of charge or for a small supplement (€5-10). Ask before book. The dog does not pay the landing fee.

If it rains, do I get a refund?
On most tours, yes, if the weather conditions are really prohibitive (high waves or strong wind). For light rain, we usually go anyway. Check the cancellation policy before book.

Are there discounts for residents in Sardinia?
Some operators offer discounts of 10-20% for residents, but you must present proof of this. Ask at the time of booking.

Can I pay by card on board?
Better to have cash. Many small operators only accept cash for the disembarkation fee and for any extras. For the tour itself, if book online pay by card; if book on site, ask if they accept cards.

Summary: key points on excursion prices on La Maddalena 2026

• Prices vary a lot per month: adults from € 50 (May/October) to € 70 (August); children from € 30 to € 70; infants from € 15 to € 70.

• August is the most expensive month and does not provide discounts for children and infants (all € 70).

• The landing tax is compulsory for over 7s: € 2.50 in May, September and October; € 5 from June to August.

• The best time to save is May or the first half of October: same prices as in August but -29% on adults and -43% on families.

• The type of boat price changes: motor boat € 35-45, dinghy € 60-75, catamaran € 90-130, sailing boat € 80-110.

• Hidden costs to consider: landing fee, lunch, parking at Palau, tips, transfers.

• Book online in advance to lock in the best prices, especially for July and August.

• Bringing a packed lunch can save you € 40-60 for a family of 4.

• A family of 4 spent in July about € 265 (all inclusive) against € 180 in May: savings of € 85.

• Always check what is included in the price before book to avoid nasty surprises on the day of the departure.

With this data and advice, you can choose the boat tours perfect for your budget and enjoy the wonders of the archipelago without economic stress. Good planning and good holidays in Sardinia