From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

The turquoise coves of La Maddalena are the main event here. In seven hours aboard the Navetta Sea Star, you get beach time at Spargi and Santa Maria, a photo stop near Budelli’s famous pink beach, and a chance to swim in clear water near Caprera. I like the two proper beach stops and the choice of a town visit or a final swim, depending on the day.

I also like the practical value: at $59 per person, the boat, guide, toilets, insurance, and several island stops are covered. Food and drinks cost extra but are available onboard. The catch is crowding. The boat and popular beaches can become busy, and some commentary is hard to hear from every seat.

Key points to know before booking

• Two substantial beach stops: You get about 90 minutes at Spargi and 75 minutes at Santa Maria, enough for a swim without feeling rushed.
• Budelli is a photo stop only: Spiaggia Rosa and Porto della Madonna are viewed from the boat, not visited on foot.
• The final stop changes by weekday: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday usually feature a swim near Cala Coticcio, while Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday include time in La Maddalena town.
• Food is available onboard: Pasta, mussels, sandwiches, drinks, and sometimes Nutella pancakes have been offered, with prices described as reasonable.
• Expect a full boat in summer: Everyone has a seat, but deck space and quiet viewing spots may be limited.
• Bring cash and arrive early: The landing tax is cash-only, and traffic plus the walk from parking can make the morning check-in slower than expected.

What this $59 cruise actually gives you

La Maddalena is not one island but a protected group of islands and smaller islets scattered between northeastern Sardinia and Corsica. The water is the star: pale green over shallow sand, dark blue around rocky points, and clear enough for fish to be visible from the boat.

For $59, you are buying access to places that are awkward to connect by car. That matters. You can spend the day moving between Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Caprera, and possibly La Maddalena without arranging separate ferries or renting a small boat.

This is a shared excursion, not a private sailing trip. You should expect a set schedule, other boats at the same coves, and a fairly active day of boarding, swimming, walking, and returning on time. I see it as a good first look at the archipelago, especially if your Sardinia holiday is short.

The trip lasts about seven hours, though one recent outing returned roughly an hour earlier than expected. Weather can alter the route, and the captain may replace a stop or use an alternative route if conditions turn poor.

Palau check-in and the morning departure

The meeting point is inside Palau’s Maritime Station on Via Piazza del Molo. Check-in takes place at boxes 4 and 5 between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., with departure scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Do not treat that check-in window as a reason to arrive at the last minute. Traffic into Palau can be heavy, and reaching the actual boat from a parking area may take up to half an hour. One useful approach is to arrive early, complete the paperwork, then use the spare time to find the restroom, buy anything you forgot, and locate your boarding point.

You will need to pay a landing tax in cash on arrival, €5 per person from June through August or €2.50 in September. Bring extra cash for food and drinks too, since electronic payments may fail while the boat is moving or when you are on the islands.

Large luggage is not allowed. Pack a small beach bag with a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera. A snorkeling mask is especially worthwhile for the Caprera stop, since equipment is not listed as included.

Spargi and Cala Corsara: your first real swim

The boat reaches Spargi in less than 15 minutes. That quick run gets you to one of the archipelago’s most appealing islands before the day has really begun.

The main stop is around Cala Corsara, where you have about 90 minutes of free time. Expect white sand, clear water, rocky edges, and unspoiled surroundings. You can swim, sunbathe, or look around the bay for its natural and historical features.

This is a good first stop because it gives you genuine beach time rather than only a quick picture from the deck. You can get into the water, but you need to watch the meeting time closely. The boat will not wait for late boarders, and missing departure means losing any right to a refund.

After returning onboard, you can buy lunch or a snack while the boat continues along Spargi’s eastern coast. The onboard food has included pasta with tomato sauce, mussels, sandwiches, caprese-style dishes, drinks, and crepes or Nutella pancakes. Several people found the food tasty and fairly priced, though older feedback was less positive about the meal. I would bring a small backup snack even if you plan to eat onboard.

Budelli’s Spiaggia Rosa from the water

Budelli is one of the places you see rather than visit. The boat pauses so you can photograph Spiaggia Rosa, the famous pink beach, along with the Natural Pools of Porto della Madonna.

The beach itself is protected, so this is not a shore excursion. That limitation is important. If you are picturing a walk on the pink sand, adjust your expectations now. You will view it from the boat, with the advantage of seeing the surrounding water and small islands spread around the protected area.

The color of Spiaggia Rosa is best appreciated from a distance, where the pale sand contrasts with the water. Your exact view depends on the boat’s position, other vessels, and the day’s conditions. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long, quiet photo session.

Porto della Madonna is often the more impressive sight from the water. Its sheltered pools and shifting shades make this part of the cruise feel different from the open beach stops. It is also one of the reasons a boat tour makes sense here: the shape of the coves and channels is easier to appreciate from offshore.

Santa Maria and the long second beach stop

The second main beach stop is Cala Santa Maria on Santa Maria island. You have about 75 minutes, and you can reach the broad beach via a dock.

This stop gives you another chance to swim and relax without having to climb directly from the boat into the water. If you prefer a short walk, the old lighthouse is about one kilometer away. That sounds manageable, but the time is limited, so you will need to choose between the beach and the lighthouse rather than trying to do both slowly.

The beaches are beautiful, but summer crowds are part of the deal. Boats arrive throughout the day, and a quiet cove can fill quickly. I would get off promptly, claim your preferred patch of sand, and swim before the next wave of boats arrives.

On Mondays, the Santa Maria beach stop may be replaced by Cala Garibaldi on Caprera, following National Park rules. This is one of the tour’s less predictable details, so check the weekday route before booking if a particular beach matters to you.

Choosing between Cala Coticcio and La Maddalena town

The afternoon route changes according to the day of the week.

On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, the final part of the program usually heads toward Caprera for a swim from the boat in the bay of Cala Coticcio. The cove is also called Tahiti because of its exotic setting. You do not normally go ashore here. Instead, you swim directly from the boat for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the final schedule.

This is the better route for you if swimming and snorkeling are the main reason you booked. Bring your own mask and keep it accessible, not buried beneath dry clothes. The water is known as a natural aquarium, and this is the stop where you are most likely to want more time in the sea.

On Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, the final stop is usually the historic center of La Maddalena. You can stroll through characteristic streets, visit the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, or shop. The boat also passes Cala Francese’s old granite quarries, the Guardia Vecchia weather station, Villa Webber, where Benito Mussolini was imprisoned, and the historic port of Cala Gavetta.

La Maddalena town gives the day a cultural finish and a chance to walk on solid ground. Some people prefer this to another swim, while others feel that town time takes away from the beaches. If your priority is coast and water, select a swim-stop day. If you want a mix of islands, local streets, and landmarks, choose a town-stop day.

The return route adds more than scenery

The journey back to Palau is not simply dead time. Depending on the route, you may see Santo Stefano, the former NATO base, Napoleon’s fort, and works connected with the G8 meetings.

The guide provides commentary in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. The crew has included Gabriele and Fabio, both specifically praised for their explanations and ability to spot dolphins. The information helps put the islands into context, though you may not hear every announcement clearly if you are seated far from the microphone or the boat is noisy.

I would treat the commentary as a useful bonus rather than the main reason to book. The natural scenery is strong enough to carry the day, while the historical details make the long periods of cruising more worthwhile.

Life aboard the Navetta Sea Star

The boat has public restrooms, seats for everyone, and a food service. That makes the excursion easier than a tiny open boat, particularly for a seven-hour outing. You can sit down between stops, eat lunch, and stay out of the strongest sun for part of the crossing.

The tradeoff is space. In July and August, the boat may feel packed even though everyone has a seat. The most popular beaches also fill with other excursion boats. If you want an empty cove, flexible timing, or a quiet deck, a smaller private boat would likely suit you better, but it would cost more.

Smoke can also be an issue on deck, depending on passenger behavior and crew practice. If fresh air matters to you, choose your seating carefully and move away if needed. Diesel fumes have also bothered some people near the boat.

The crew generally keeps the schedule moving and announces boarding times. Listen carefully, especially at beach stops. The day works best when you treat the stated return time as firm.

Food, costs, and the real value

The headline price is $59 per person, but budget for the landing tax, lunch, drinks, and any snacks. The tax is €5 from June through August and €2.50 in September. Food onboard has included three main meal choices, sandwiches, drinks, pasta, mussels, and Nutella pancakes. Cash is wise because card payments may not work.

I consider the price strong for the amount of ground covered. Two beach stops, a Budelli photo stop, a swim or town visit, a multilingual guide, restrooms, and passenger insurance add up to a useful day out. You also avoid the cost and stress of arranging several separate boat connections.

The value drops if you dislike fixed schedules or crowded beaches. You spend roughly three hours or more cruising, depending on the day, and only part of the day is on land or in the water. That is not a flaw in itself, since the archipelago is best seen by boat, but it is worth knowing before you book.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this excursion if you want a broad introduction to La Maddalena without paying for a private charter. It suits couples, families, and first-time visitors who want clear water, beach time, island views, and a little local history in one day.

It is also a sensible choice if you are staying in Palau and want an easy full-day activity. The multilingual format helps mixed-language groups, and the onboard meal service means you do not have to organize lunch on an island.

You should think twice if you need step-free access, have limited mobility, or are pregnant. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and pregnant women. Boarding, beach access, dock transfers, and swimming from the boat all require reasonable physical ability.

Weather is another factor. Strong wind can change the route or cancel the trip. The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sardinia plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Sea Star?

Book it if you want the best-value introduction to the archipelago and you are comfortable sharing the water with other boats. The two substantial beach stops are the strongest part of the day, while Cala Coticcio is the prize for anyone who enjoys snorkeling.

Pick your date with care. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday favor a final swim near Caprera, although Santa Maria can change to Cala Garibaldi on Mondays. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday finish in La Maddalena town.

Arrive early, carry cash, pack your own mask and snack, and keep an eye on the clock at every stop. With those expectations, this is an enjoyable and practical way to see a spectacular corner of Sardinia for $59.

FAQ

Where does the La Maddalena boat tour depart?

The meeting point is inside the Maritime Station in Palau at Via Piazza del Molo. Check-in is at boxes 4 and 5 between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., with departure at 10:30 a.m.

How long does the boat tour last?

The planned duration is seven hours. The actual return can vary, and one recorded outing arrived back about an hour earlier than expected.

Which languages are available on the boat?

The live guide provides information in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but they are not included in the $59 price. Cash is recommended because electronic payments may not work during the trip.

Is Spiaggia Rosa open for a beach visit?

No. The boat stops near Budelli so you can photograph Spiaggia Rosa and the Natural Pools of Porto della Madonna from the water.

Does every departure visit Cala Coticcio?

No. On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, the final stop is usually a swim from the boat near Cala Coticcio on Caprera. On Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, the final stop is usually the historic center of La Maddalena.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a camera, cash, and a credit card. Snorkeling gear is also recommended, especially for the Cala Coticcio stop.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility limits?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. It is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.