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

The best part of this full-day cruise is the chance to see several of La Maddalena’s famous islands without wrestling with a rental boat or squeezing onto a packed ferry. You travel aboard Apollo II, a refurbished 1956 motorboat, with time for swimming at Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi.

I like the roomy setup, with a covered deck, upper sun deck, two bathrooms, and a bar. I also like the flexible beach stops: you can stay aboard, swim near the boat, or use the included dinghy service to reach the sand. The main drawback is that food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the €5 cash landing fee cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Apollo II is a smaller 18-meter motorboat: You get more room than on the large, crowded boats used by some operators.
• Three main swim stops shape the day: Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere at Budelli, and Cala Connari at Spargi.
• Spiaggia Rosa is a boat-view sight: You admire its famous pink sand from offshore rather than landing there.
• The dinghy service is included: Crew members can take you from Apollo II to the beach at Cavaliere.
• You have about three hours for the main stops: The longer pauses leave time for swimming, sunbathing, and a slow lunch.
• Bring cash and a waterproof bag: The landing fee is €5 in cash, and wet swimmers can make the area beneath the benches quite damp.

Why this Palau boat tour works so well

La Maddalena is made for seeing from the water. Its islands sit close together, and the best beaches are often tucked into small bays that are awkward to reach by land. This tour handles the transport while giving you enough time to enjoy the water instead of spending the day merely looking at it.

The schedule runs from 10:15 a.m. to about 5:30 p.m., so you get a full day without a painfully early start. The route includes scenic cruising, three swimming opportunities, and stops at some of the archipelago’s best-known beaches.

I especially like the balance between movement and downtime. You are not rushed from one photo stop to the next. After a short first swim, the tour gives you 90 minutes at Budelli and two hours at Spargi. That is enough time to swim, sit in the sun, eat something, and settle into the day.

The boat itself matters. Apollo II measures 18 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with a covered deck, seating, an upper sun deck, a bar, kitchen service, and two bathrooms. The arrangement gives you options when the sun is strong or the water gets choppy. You can sit under cover, claim a place upstairs, or move around between stops.

This is not a silent sailing trip. The motorboat makes the journey practical, and the crew provides information in Italian and English about the islands and the places along the route. You also get a social atmosphere, which works well if you are traveling alone or with friends.

Meeting Apollo II in Palau

You meet at the Medaglie d’Oro quay in the port of Palau. Look for the boat named Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket. That detail is useful because the harbor can be busy, and a clear boat name saves time.

I would arrive early enough to get oriented, especially if you are driving. Parking near the port can be difficult and busy, so build in extra time rather than arriving just before 10:15 a.m. The tour returns to the same meeting point at around 5:30 p.m.

The €5 landing fee is paid in cash aboard the boat at embarkation. Keep that money handy. It is a small charge, but forgetting it creates an avoidable scramble before the day starts.

The tour is not suitable for babies under one year, and pets are not allowed. Beyond those limits, the setup is fairly straightforward for families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want a day on the water.

The opening cruise past Capo d’Orso and Caprera

The first part of the route is a 30-minute panoramic cruise between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. Along the way, you pass the Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center.

This opening section gives you a useful sense of the area before the swimming begins. You see how the islands, military sites, sailing facilities, and rocky coast fit together. The crew explains the places you pass, so keep your ears open if you want more than beach time.

After the opening cruise, Apollo II reaches Cala Serena on Caprera for a 30-minute swim stop. This is a short introduction to the clear water and quiet coves that define the route. You will want your swimsuit on before boarding, because changing time can eat into a half-hour stop.

Cala Serena is also a good place to test your comfort with getting in and out of the water. The tour focuses on swimming and snorkeling near the boat, rather than a long walk or formal shore visit. If you prefer to remain dry, you can stay aboard and use the seating and onboard facilities.

Budelli and the view of Spiaggia Rosa

The sailing time from Caprera to Budelli takes about 40 minutes. That interval is part of the experience, not dead time. You can sit under the covered deck, head to the upper sun deck, or watch the islands pass while the crew shares information.

At Budelli, the boat stops offshore at Spiaggia del Cavaliere for about 90 minutes. This is the first long pause of the day, and you have several ways to use it. You can remain aboard, swim close to Apollo II, snorkel near the boat, or reach the beach by inflatable boat with the crew.

The included dinghy service is a real convenience. It saves you from having to swim all the way to shore with a towel, phone, or bag. The transfer also lets you experience the beach without making the whole group wait for a slow landing.

Do not confuse Spiaggia del Cavaliere with Spiaggia Rosa. The famous pink beach is admired from the boat, and this tour does not present it as a landing stop. That limitation is worth knowing if standing on the pink sand is your main reason for booking.

Spiaggia Rosa is best treated as a scenic sight during the cruise. You get the view, the unusual beach color, and the chance to photograph it from offshore, but you should not expect a shore visit there.

The 90-minute stop is long enough for a proper swim and a relaxed break. It is also the point when a waterproof bag becomes useful. Bags stored beneath the benches can get wet as people climb aboard after swimming, so protect phones, wallets, and cameras.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

After Budelli, the boat continues to Spargi and stops at Cala Connari for two hours. This is the longest stop, and it gives the tour its relaxed feel.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel nearby, remain on deck, or reach the shore by swimming. Unlike the Budelli stop, the information provided does not include dinghy transfer to this beach, so plan on staying aboard or swimming if you want to reach land here.

Cala Connari is a good final water stop because you have time to settle into your own rhythm. I would use the first part for swimming, the middle for lunch, and the last stretch for drying off and enjoying the bay. Two hours gives you room to do more than take one quick photo and climb back aboard.

The water is the star at Spargi. The tour is built around clear swimming areas and sheltered coves, so pack a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Snorkeling equipment is not included, though you may bring your own. Some equipment may be available informally from the crew, but you should not count on that when packing.

The long stop also makes the onboard food service useful. You can buy pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, snacks, and coffee. That means you can travel light, but it also means the advertised price does not cover lunch or drinks.

Food, comfort, and the practical side of a wet boat

The tour costs $81 per person. I consider that fair value for an eight-hour cruise with a refurbished boat, crew guidance, several island views, three swim stops, and dinghy service at Budelli. You are paying for a full day on the water rather than a short sightseeing ride.

The value is strongest if you want swimming. If you plan to stay seated all day and avoid the water, you may not get as much from the schedule, since much of the day is built around beach and swim stops.

Food and drinks are available aboard, which is handy if you do not want to prepare a picnic. Still, I would budget separately for lunch and drinks. The menu covers basic boat fare rather than a restaurant meal, and the tour does not include any food or beverages.

Apollo II has a covered deck, an upper sun deck, two bathrooms, and a bar. Those details make a long day easier. You can get shade, find a toilet without waiting for a port stop, and buy a drink without carrying a full cooler.

The boat can still get wet. Everyone entering and leaving the water brings spray and dripping swimwear aboard, so keep electronics in a waterproof pouch or sealed bag. Store only items that can tolerate damp conditions beneath the benches.

The vessel’s size is another practical advantage. At 18 meters, Apollo II is large enough for onboard services and comfortable seating, but smaller than the biggest excursion boats. The information provided does not give a fixed passenger limit, though the experience is described as having ample space rather than a cramped arrangement.

What to pack for the eight-hour route

Keep your packing simple and water-friendly:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash for the €5 landing fee
• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Personal snorkeling gear, if you want it

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if possible. The first swim arrives fairly early, and the 30-minute stop at Cala Serena is too short to waste time changing.

Bring sunscreen even if you expect to spend most of the day under cover. The upper sun deck and beach stops provide plenty of sun exposure. A hat helps during the cruising sections, while a towel keeps you comfortable after each swim.

You do not need to pack a full meal unless you prefer your own food. The boat sells several simple lunch items and drinks. Since the tour lasts eight hours, I would bring a refillable water bottle if allowed by your own travel routine, but the supplied information does not specify a water policy.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this trip if you want a simple, social day covering several parts of the archipelago. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like meeting people on board. The friendly crew and shared boat setting can make solo travel feel less isolated.

It also suits you if you do not want to rent a boat or plan your own route. The crew handles navigation, explains the sights, and organizes the stops. You can spend the day watching the coast and swimming instead of studying maps and anchorages.

Strong swimmers will get the most freedom at Cala Connari, where reaching shore requires swimming if you do not remain aboard. At Budelli, the dinghy transfer makes the beach easier to reach.

I would think twice if you need a completely quiet outing, dislike wet clothing around your bags, or want a guaranteed landing at Spiaggia Rosa. This is an active boat day with engine noise, shared facilities, extra charges for food, and an itinerary centered on swimming.

Weather and sea conditions can affect the feel of the route. Strong west winds may require the captain to adjust stops, but the crew can choose locations that keep the day enjoyable. That flexibility is useful, though it means the exact experience on the water may vary.

Booking details and cancellation

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sardinia schedule is still moving around.

The tour lasts eight hours, with a 10:15 a.m. departure and an expected return around 5:30 p.m. The host or greeter speaks Italian and English. Confirm the exact start time when booking, since availability controls the final schedule.

Should you book the Apollo II cruise?

Book it if you want a full day of clear water, small coves, and several islands without the cost or work of arranging your own boat. The strongest reasons are the smaller vintage vessel, the generous swim periods, the covered seating, and the included dinghy transfer at Budelli.

Before booking, accept the trade-offs: lunch and drinks cost extra, snorkeling gear is not provided, Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from offshore, and the sea can leave your belongings damp. Bring cash, a waterproof bag, and realistic expectations about an active shared boat day.

At $81 per person, I find the package good value for anyone who plans to swim and wants to see Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi in one outing. If that sounds like your kind of Sardinian day, Apollo II gives you a practical and comfortable way to spend it.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at the Medaglie d’Oro quay in the port of Palau. Look for the motor vessel named Apollo II and crew wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

What time does the tour depart and return?

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

Which islands and beaches does the route visit?

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

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, snacks, coffee, soft drinks, beer, and wine aboard Apollo II.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is the landing fee included?

No. The landing fee is €5 and must be paid in cash aboard the boat when you board.

How do I reach the beach at Budelli?

At Spiaggia del Cavaliere, you can stay on Apollo II, swim near the boat, snorkel nearby, or use the included inflatable boat transfer with the crew to reach the beach.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and cash for the landing fee. A waterproof bag is also a smart choice for protecting valuables from water on the boat.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.