Excursion to La Maddalena: the complete guide to the best boat trips in the archipelago
Do you dream of picture-postcard sea, secret coves and unspoilt islands? An excursion to La Maddalena is the experience you are looking for. In this comprehensive guide I explain everything you need to know about the boat trips in the La Maddalena archipelago: how to choose your tour, where to start from, which islands to visit and how to organise your perfect day. If you are planning a holiday in Sardinia and want to live an unforgettable experience, read on: you will find practical advice, detailed itineraries and all the information you need to book your boat excursion in the best possible way.
1. Why choose an excursion to La Maddalena by boat instead of visiting the islands on your own?
L’archipelago of La Maddalena is a jewel of northern Sardinia, a National Maritime Park that protects a unique ecosystem. The beautiful islands that make it up - Maddalena, Caprera, Budelli, Santo Stefano and Razzoli - are mostly uninhabited and can only be reached by sea. For this reason, a’boat excursion is not only the most convenient choice, but often the only way to discover the most beautiful coves and natural pools hidden.
Relying on a boat tours organised allows you to avoid the stress of self-navigation (a boating licence is required for many rental dinghies) and enjoy the day without worries. Le boat trips La Maddalena include experienced skippers who know every inlet and know when to stop to avoid the crowds. In addition, many tours also offer the snorkelling opportunities in seabeds rich in colourful fish and posidonia.
Finally, choose a’excursion to the Magdalena means respecting the environment: authorised operators follow routes that protect the most fragile areas, such as the Pink beach of Budelli. With a boat trip guided you help preserve this paradise for future generations, whereas exploring alone easily risks breaking the rules of the National Park.
2. Where to start an excursion in the archipelago: Palau or other ports?
The main port of call for hiking the Magdalena è Palau, a small town on the north-east coast of Sardinia, facing the archipelago. From ports of Palau dozens of boats depart every day: from large motorboats for the passenger transport up to small dinghies and catamarans. La departure from Palau has the advantage of proximity: in just 15-20 minutes you are already in the crystal-clear waters of the Park. Palau and La Maddalena are also connected by a ferry that takes the car to the main island, but for a dinghy excursion or by tourist boat, it is best to depart directly from Palau.
Alternatively, you can set sail from La Maddalena village (reachable by ferry from Palau) or from locations such as Cannigione e Baja Sardinia. Departing from the island of Magdalena itself allows you to visit the historic centre of La Maddalena before or after the boat trip, but requires a’excursion additional to reach the island. The best choice for most tourists is PalauThere are more operators, competitive prices and more frequent schedules.
If you stay in the northern Sardinia (Emerald Coast, Palau, Santa Teresa), you will have no problem finding a tour with departure comfortable. Just remember to book in advance, especially if you want a dinghy small instead of a motor vessel crowded.
3. Which islands are unmissable on a boat tour to La Maddalena?
A good itinerary of a’excursion to the Magdalena should include at least three or four of the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago. The most popular are:
Spargi: famous for Cala Corsara, a crescent-shaped bay with white sand e turquoise waters. It is one of the bays and coves most photographed in the Mediterranean.
Budellifamous for its pink beach, even though direct landing is forbidden (more on this in the next chapter).
CapreraGaribaldi Island, with spectacular coves such as Cala Coticcio (nicknamed “Tahiti”) and Cala Brigantina.
Saint Stephensmall but with a unique wonder: the Port of Our Lady, a shallow natural lagoon perfect for bathing in total safety.
Many boat tours propose a classic tour which touches all these destinations in one day. During the navigation you can admiring panoramas breathtaking and stop for two stops main beach (where you can disembark) and one or two stops in the open sea to dive directly from the boat. The archipelago islands are all different: some with sandy beaches, others with pink granite rocks shaped by the wind.
A word of advice: choose a itinerary that is not too hectic. Better to visit three islands calmly than five in a hurry. La beauty of the sea by Magdalena should be enjoyed with moments of relaxation and regenerating dips.
4. Budelli and the pink beach: can you really disembark?
The island of Budelli is probably the most famous of the’archipelago of La Maddalena thanks to its famous pink beach. The unique colour of the sand is due to fragments of the shells of a microorganism (Miniacina miniacea) mixing with the pink quartz. Unfortunately, due to the illegal taking of sand by tourists in past years, today access to the pink beach is strictly forbidden.
What it means for your excursion? That you can approach in a boat a few metres from the shore, photograph the beach and admire its colour from the water, but you cannot get off. Some boat trips allow landing on Budelli in non-protected areas, such as the path leading to a belvedere on the beach, but special permits are needed from the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Most tours are limited to a boat stop in front of the Pink beach of Budelli.
Don't be fooled by operators promising to land on the pink beachis almost certainly false or illegal information. Respecting the ban is essential to preserve this unique ecosystem. You can still admire the Budelli's natural pools and the incredibly clear waters surrounding the island. And remember: taking away even a single grain of pink sand is punishable by heavy fines (up to EUR 50,000).
5. Caprera and Cala Coticcio: what is there to know before visiting them?
Caprera is the second largest island in the’La Maddalena archipelago and is famous for being the last home of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Today it is largely an area protected by the National Park. Among its bays and coves most famous stands out Cala Coticcio, nicknamed “Tahiti” for its white sand and turquoise water reminiscent of the Pacific Ocean.
Even in this case, however, there are limitations. Cala Coticcio is only accessible by sea, but landing on the beach is restricted and often prohibited in the summer months to protect vegetation and nesting seabirds. Most of the hiking the Magdalena includes a boat stop in front of Cala Coticcio, where you can dive and swim, but you cannot set foot on the sand. Some authorised tours can obtain landing permits, but with a limited number of visitors per day.
To live to the fullest Caprera, choose a boat tours including a short visit to Garibaldi's White House (reachable by land from the island of Magdalena via a bridge). However, for a boat trip of a day, the most common experience is to admire the coves from the water and enjoy the crystal clear sea at a standstill. In any case, Caprera gives some of the breathtaking landscapes of the entire archipelago.
6. Dinghy or motorboat? How to choose the best vehicle for your excursion
The choice of medium has a great influence on the experience of your boat excursion. Here are the main differences:
Motorshipcapacious (up to 150-200 persons), inexpensive (35-50€ per person), stable, suitable for families with children and those who get seasick. Disadvantages: very crowded, engine noise, cannot enter the smaller coves, short and rigid stops.
InflatableFast, agile, maximum 10-12 people, informal and fun atmosphere. Can access any cove and stop wherever it wants. Disadvantage: can be uncomfortable for those with back problems, less shade, more sensitive to wind.
CatamaranThe ideal compromise: stable, spacious, with large shaded areas and often a fully equipped kitchen. Higher cost (€90-150) but superior experience, perfect for relaxation and fun.
If you are travelling with small children or elderly people, choose a motor vessel or a catamaran. If you are young, seek adventure and want to explore every corner, the dinghy is perfect. A’dinghy excursion allows you to make extra stops in unfamiliar coves and to have more flexibility on schedules. In any case, always check that the boat has awnings, toilets and a ladder to enter the water.
Le best boat trips of the archipelago use small dinghies or luxury catamarans. Avoid the motorboats too cheap: you would end up spending more time in the queue to get off than in the water.
7. How long does a typical boat trip last and how many stops are planned?
A boat trip standard to the Magdalena lasts 7 to 8 hours, with departure usually between 9:30 and 10:00 and return to port between 17:00 and 18:00. During the day there are generally two stops main beach stops (each lasting 60-90 minutes) and two or three shorter stops in the open sea for diving and snorkelling.
Le beach breaks allow you to go ashore, spread your towel and enjoy the beach. Stops at sea are those where the anchor is dropped off a cove or a natural pool, and you can dive straight from the boat. A good day tour It alternates between these two types of stops to give you both the beach experience and the freedom to swim in deep water.
Some faster (so-called “sprint”) tours last 5-6 hours but visit only two islands. Other “full day” tours last up to 9 hours and also include a short walk in the historic centre of La Maddalena. In general, for a’excursion to the Magdalena complete, do not go under 7 hours. Remember that the sailing itself is part of the experience: skippers often tell stories and legends of the islands during the journey.
8. What a boat tour includes: lunch, snorkelling and on-board services
The content included varies greatly from operator to operator. Here is what you can expect from a boat tours of average quality:
Lunch: many tours offer a packed lunch (sandwich, fruit, water) or a hot lunch served directly on board (pasta, salad, local wine). Some exclusive tours include typical Sardinian dishes on board catamarans.
Snorkellingmost of the boat trips provides mask, snorkel and fins free of charge. Some also offer life jackets for children.
Drinkswater and wine are often included; soft drinks and beers are usually charged for.
Insurancecompulsory by law, but check that it is included in the price.
Toiletspresent on all boats, but more comfortable on motorboats and catamarans.
What is not usually included? Admission to museums (e.g. Casa Garibaldi in Caprera), tips for the skipper and parking in the ports of Palau. Some tours require a supplement for the possibility of organising a customised route. Before book, read carefully what the package offers: if lunch is not included, you will have to bring your own packed lunch.
A word of advice: choose a tour with lunch included. Eat pasta with pesto while watching the island of Spargi is an experience worth the extra cost. You also avoid having to carry heavy bags with food and drinks.
9. How to book an excursion to La Maddalena: tips and best times
Book in advance is the most important advice in this complete guide. In July and August, the best excursions and boat trips run out weeks, sometimes months in advance. You can book online through platforms such as GetYourGuide, Viator or directly on the websites of local operators. Alternatively, you can book physically at the agencies of Palau, La Maddalena country or Cannigione.
What is the best period for a’excursion? June and September are ideal: already warm water (22-24°C), fewer crowds, lower prices and easier parking. July and August are beautiful but crowded: expect queues when boarding and full beaches. May and October are cooler (water 18-20°C) but still passable, with spectacular scenery and bargain prices.
How much does it cost? Prices for the boat trips La Maddalena vary according to the medium and services: motor vessel 35-50€, dinghy 60-90€, catamaran 90-150€ per person. Tours with lunch included cost 20-30€ more. Children under 3-4 years often do not pay, while 4-10 years pay half price.
Final advice: book online at least 7-10 days in advance for weekends, and 3-4 weeks in advance for August. Always read recent reviews on TripAdvisor or Google: the best boat trips have excellent feedback on punctuality, cleanliness and the kindness of the skipper.
10. What to bring for a day trip to the La Maddalena archipelago?
Preparing the right backpack is essential to enjoy a smooth day. Here is the ultimate checklist:
Swimming costume (obviously) and a dry change for the return.
Sun cream high protection (SPF 50) and reapply after each dip.
Hat wide-brimmed and polarised sunglasses (the reflection on the water is very strong).
Towel microfibre (dries quickly and takes up little space).
Rock shoes (essential for descending on rocky beaches such as Cala Coticcio).
Fleece or sweatshirt (the wind in the boat can be cool, even in August).
Mask and snorkel (if the tour does not provide them, but it usually does).
Reusable water bottle (many tours have water on board, but better to have your own).
Smartphones and power banks (for photos and videos, but watch out for water: use a waterproof case).
Documents (identity card for the booking and for possible controls of the National Park).
Cash (for tips, extra drinks, souvenirs or parking).
Waterproof backpack or dry to protect electronics and clothing.
Do not bring large suitcases, unnecessary valuables or perishable food unless included. Absolutely avoid disposable glass and plastic: they are forbidden in the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and the fines are steep. Finally, if you get seasick, take a pill one hour before the departure and choose a place in the middle of the boat, where there is less movement.
Summary: the key points for a perfect hike on La Maddalena
Book well in advance, especially if you want a dinghy or a catamaran instead of a motor vessel.
Palau is the point of departure more convenient for the hiking the Magdalenaclose, many operators and frequent connections.
Le unmissable islands are Spargi (Cala Corsara), Budelli (pink beach to admire by boat), Caprera (Cala Coticcio) and Santo Stefano (Port of Our Lady).
Don't expect to land on the pink beach or to Cala Coticcioaccess is prohibited or restricted to protect the National Park.
Choose the medium according to your needs: dinghy for adventure and flexibility, motor vessel for comfort and budget, catamaran for luxury and stability.
A boat trip typical lasts 7-8 hours with two stops on the beach and two in the sea.
Check what the tour includes: lunch, snorkelling, drinks. If not included, bring packed lunch.
The best months are June and September: fewer crowds, warm water, better prices.
Bring sun cream, hat, towel, rock shoes and a windproof sweatshirt.
Respect the rules of the La Maddalena Archipelago National ParkDo not take sand, shells or stones with you, and do not throw rubbish into the sea.
With these tips, your excursion to the Magdalena will be an unforgettable experience. Good navigation and happy holidays in Sardinia