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Top things to do in Olbia

La Maddalena

Explore the beauty of La Maddalena Archipelago, a paradise of islands in northeastern Sardinia, Italy, celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Loved by over 53 million guests worldwide
Slide 1 of 9, RIB boat with tourists exploring La Maddalena Archipelago's clear waters and rocky coastline.
RIB boat with tourists exploring La Maddalena Archipelago's clear waters and rocky coastline.

La Maddalena Archipelago 4-Hour RIB Tour

4 hrs

  • Glide across the La Maddalena Archipelago on a 4-hour small‑group RIB led by a professional skipper for a relaxed, active outing.

  • Depart from Palau or La Maddalena; your skipper handles navigation while you enjoy the ride. Expect to see standout islands like Budelli or Spargi, weather and sea conditions permitting.

  • Spend unhurried time swimming and snorkeling at scenic coves, with gear and drinking water included for your comfort.

  • Access shallow bays and quiet inlets a larger boat can’t reach, making stops ideal for a refreshing dip and photos.

  • Upgrade to GOLD boats for premium comforts—on board aperitifs, fridge and hob, Bluetooth audio, and a diving platform.

More details

  • Glide across the La Maddalena Archipelago on a 4-hour small‑group RIB led by a professional skipper for a relaxed, active outing.

  • Depart from Palau or La Maddalena; your skipper handles navigation while you enjoy the ride. Expect to see standout islands like Budelli or Spargi, weather and sea conditions permitting.

  • Spend unhurried time swimming and snorkeling at scenic coves, with gear and drinking water included for your comfort.

  • Access shallow bays and quiet inlets a larger boat can’t reach, making stops ideal for a refreshing dip and photos.

  • Upgrade to GOLD boats for premium comforts—on board aperitifs, fridge and hob, Bluetooth audio, and a diving platform.

from
€47.50
Slide 1 of 7, Motorboats exploring the turquoise waters of La Maddalena Archipelago, Italy.
Motorboats exploring the turquoise waters of La Maddalena Archipelago, Italy.

Full-Day Vintage Motorboat Tour to La Maddalena

7 hrs - 8 hrs
1 more

  • Board a refurbished vintage 1956 motorship and spend a full day exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago by sea.

  • Set sail with live crew commentary and enjoy a relaxed cruise punctuated by multiple swim stops.

  • Access beaches easily using the onboard dinghy where permitted, then swim or snorkel at your pace.

  • See Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi, and admire the Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) from the water.

  • Spacious shaded and sun deck areas let you relax between swim stops and scenic stretches.

  • Choose a convenient departure port—Palau or La Maddalena—based on your travel plans.

More details

  • Board a refurbished vintage 1956 motorship and spend a full day exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago by sea.

  • Set sail with live crew commentary and enjoy a relaxed cruise punctuated by multiple swim stops.

  • Access beaches easily using the onboard dinghy where permitted, then swim or snorkel at your pace.

  • See Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi, and admire the Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) from the water.

  • Spacious shaded and sun deck areas let you relax between swim stops and scenic stretches.

  • Choose a convenient departure port—Palau or La Maddalena—based on your travel plans.

from
€71.50
Slide 1 of 8, Sailboat approaching a beach in La Maddalena Archipelago with swimmers in clear blue water.
Sailboat approaching a beach in La Maddalena Archipelago with swimmers in clear blue water.

La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Sailing Tour With Lunch

7 hrs 30 mins - 8 hrs
2 more

  • Spend a full day under sail through the La Maddalena Archipelago with lunch served on board and expert crew.

  • Multilingual audio commentary helps you identify viewpoints and landmarks as you sail.

  • Take in turquoise coves, wind-sculpted granite, and island panoramas from deck as you cruise.

  • Lunch is included, so you can relax and savor the views without planning mid-day meals.

  • Routes and island stops may vary with sea conditions, keeping the day optimized for calm coves and clear water.

More details

  • Spend a full day under sail through the La Maddalena Archipelago with lunch served on board and expert crew.

  • Multilingual audio commentary helps you identify viewpoints and landmarks as you sail.

  • Take in turquoise coves, wind-sculpted granite, and island panoramas from deck as you cruise.

  • Lunch is included, so you can relax and savor the views without planning mid-day meals.

  • Routes and island stops may vary with sea conditions, keeping the day optimized for calm coves and clear water.

from
€106
Slide 1 of 9, Catamarans sailing near La Maddalena's rocky coastline in clear turquoise waters.
Catamarans sailing near La Maddalena's rocky coastline in clear turquoise waters.

La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Catamaran Tour With Lunch

7 hrs 30 mins
2 more

  • Spend a full day exploring the islands by catamaran, with swim stops and an onboard lunch paired with local Vermentino.

  • Departing from Palau or Cannigione, cruise to multiple islands in one trip, balancing sailing time with unhurried swim and sunbathing breaks at sheltered spots.

  • Your ticket includes access to core amenities: bathroom, outdoor shower, tender for shore access, and a music system onboard.

  • Enjoy freshly prepared local fish dishes served onboard, creating a relaxed, no‑fuss meal break at sea.

  • Small‑group capacity on a catamaran keeps deck space comfortable during sailing and at anchor.

More details

  • Spend a full day exploring the islands by catamaran, with swim stops and an onboard lunch paired with local Vermentino.

  • Departing from Palau or Cannigione, cruise to multiple islands in one trip, balancing sailing time with unhurried swim and sunbathing breaks at sheltered spots.

  • Your ticket includes access to core amenities: bathroom, outdoor shower, tender for shore access, and a music system onboard.

  • Enjoy freshly prepared local fish dishes served onboard, creating a relaxed, no‑fuss meal break at sea.

  • Small‑group capacity on a catamaran keeps deck space comfortable during sailing and at anchor.

from
€89
Slide 1 of 9, Catamaran sailing in La Maddalena Archipelago with distant mountains.
Catamaran sailing in La Maddalena Archipelago with distant mountains.

From Cannigione: catamaran tour among La Maddalena Archipelago

7 hrs 30 mins
1 more

Discover the La Maddalena archipelago from Cannigione: explore Caprera, Budelli, Spargi and breathtaking views in a unique experience on this catamaran tour!

More details

Discover the La Maddalena archipelago from Cannigione: explore Caprera, Budelli, Spargi and breathtaking views in a unique experience on this catamaran tour!

from
€89

Explore more destinations from Olbia

1

Boats anchored in the turquoise waters around La Maddalena, Sardinia.

La Maddalena

Explore the beauty of La Maddalena Archipelago, a paradise of islands in northeastern Sardinia, Italy, celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

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Italy

Most La Maddalena boat tours run 7–8 hours from Palau, Cannigione, or La Maddalena itself, on either large motorboats, smaller RIBs, or sailing catamarans. Expect 3–5 stops, typically around Spargi, the natural pools near Budelli, Santa Maria, and sometimes La Maddalena town, with the day spent swimming, snorkeling from the boat, and relaxing on island beaches plus a short town stroll.

Overview of La Maddalena island hopping tours

  • Boat types: Large double-/triple-deck motorboats (100–200+ passengers), smaller RIBs and motorboats (8–12 passengers), and full-day sailing or catamaran tours (typically 10–20 passengers).
  • Reality check – Pink Beach: Budelli’s Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) is strictly no‑landing; all tours view it from the water or nearby bays only, with no walking or swimming on the pink sand.
  • Inclusions & extra costs: Most full-day catamaran/sailing tours include lunch, drinks, and snorkeling stops; standard motorboats often exclude lunch and may charge extra onboard. Park/landing taxes are usually bundled but some operators list them separately.
  • Departure bases: Departures run mainly from Palau and La Maddalena town, with some catamarans and sailing boats also leaving from Cannigione. Starting point affects your early-morning transfer time but routes are broadly similar.
  • Tour formats: Standard full-day “mini‑cruises” focus on Spargi, Santa Maria, and the Budelli “natural pools”; small-group RIB, sailing, and catamaran options offer fewer people and more swim/snorkel flexibility; a 4‑hour RIB format covers a compressed set of stops.
  • Duration & effort: Full-day tours run about 7–8 hours with multiple swim/beach stops; half-day RIB trips are ~4 hours with more time in the water than ashore. Most landings involve ladders and walking on sand, which can be challenging for limited mobility.
  • Departure logistics: Palau is best if you’re based on mainland Sardinia; La Maddalena town works if you are already staying on the island; Cannigione suits Costa Smeralda stays. Hotel pickup is only included on selected sailing/catamaran products.
  • Price range: Expect roughly €50–€65 per adult for large shared motorboats, €100–€130 for small-group catamaran or sailing tours with lunch, and higher per person for luxury or semi-private RIB and yacht options.

Know before you book your La Maddalena island‑hopping tour

  • Step 1: Choose your base. Most tours start from Palau, but several catamaran and sailing trips also depart from Cannigione and La Maddalena town. If you’re staying on the main Sardinian coast, Palau or Cannigione is simplest; if you’re overnighting on the islands, pick departures from La Maddalena to skip an extra ferry.

  • Step 2: Pick your route. Classic full‑day motorboat loops focus on Spargi (Cala Corsara), the “natural pools” between Budelli/Razzoli/Santa Maria, plus a beach stop on Santa Maria and sometimes La Maddalena town. Some sailing/catamaran itineraries drop the town stop to add extra swim coves instead.

  • Step 3: Choose your boat. Large vintage motorboats and standard motor cruisers carry 100–200+ people with more shade and very fixed timings. Catamarans and sailing boats cap groups at about 12–20 with a quieter feel and more flexible swim stops. Short 4‑hour RIB tours from Palau or La Maddalena use small inflatable speedboats (fewer people, more motion, less shade).

  • What's usually included. All full‑day group tours include navigation in the park, several swim/landing stops, a skipper‑guide, basic insurance, and lifejackets; many catamaran/sailing options add a cooked lunch and wine on board.

  • Extra costs to check. On big motorboats, national‑park/landing fees, lunch, and drinks are often paid in cash on board; RIB and sailing products may or may not include lunch and park fees—check your specific variant.

  • The big restriction or route caveat. Budelli’s Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) is view‑only: no tour can land there, and all operators may alter or skip advertised stops if Mistral winds or sea conditions make a cove unsafe.

Which La Maddalena island hopping tour is right for you

Full-day big-boat cruises (Palau & La Maddalena departures)

  • Best for: First-time visitors who want the classic loop with Spargi, Budelli view, Santa Maria and often La Maddalena town in one structured day.
  • Duration: Around 7–8 hours dock to dock, typically a 9:30–17:30 schedule including boarding and island stops.
  • Islands & stops: Commonly Spargi (Cala Corsara), Santa Maria, sail-through of the “natural pools” lagoon, and offshore views of Budelli’s Pink Beach.
  • What the pace feels like: Busy and efficient, with 45–75 minute island stops and fixed re-boarding times; decks and beaches feel crowded in July–August.
  • Inclusions: Boat transport, onboard toilets, shaded seating, basic commentary; lunch and park fees vary by operator and can add cost on the day.

Premium full-day catamaran & sailing tours

  • Best for: Couples, friends, and photographers who prioritize comfort, more space, and quieter swim stops over seeing every possible landing.
  • Duration: Roughly 7–8 hours including hotel/port check-in, usually a single unbroken cruise with several swim/snorkel sessions.
  • Islands & stops: Typically Spargi area, “natural pools” between Budelli–Razzoli–Santa Maria, plus additional coves; some routes skip La Maddalena town altogether.
  • What the pace feels like: Unhurried and relaxed, with longer in-water time and flexible timing, but fewer distinct island landings than big-boat loops.
  • Inclusions: Smaller groups, lunch on board, drinks, snorkeling time, and personal skipper commentary; less shade and more motion than large vessels.

Half-day small-group RIB tours

  • Best for: Active travelers with limited time who mainly want fast access to a few top coves and lagoon swims rather than a full sightseeing circuit.
  • Duration: About 4 hours pier to pier, often morning or afternoon slots that fit around other Sardinia plans.
  • Islands & stops: A compact set of anchors around Spargi and the “natural pools” area, with quick passes near Budelli rather than multiple island landings.
  • What the pace feels like: Energetic and condensed, with short hops between spots and more time in the water relative to cruising or town visits.
  • Inclusions: Small-group RIB, skipper, swim stops, and basic safety gear; minimal facilities, little shade, and no La Maddalena town stop.

Your La Maddalena boat tour starting points

From Palau

Best for
Most full-day motorboat cruises and many catamaran/RIB tours start here, including our classic “Full-Day Motorboat Tour of La Maddalena Archipelago” and 4‑hour RIB options. Ideal if you’re based on mainland northern Sardinia and want the broadest choice of departures.

Where you start
You’ll check in at the Palau waterfront, then walk to the assigned tour pier along the harbor. Different products use different docks, so your voucher is the source of truth for the exact pier and meeting time.

Getting there
Palau is around 50–60 minutes by road from Olbia/Costa Smeralda and 30–40 minutes from Santa Teresa Gallura. In summer, parking near the port can be busy, so allow extra time to park and walk to the waterfront.

What to expect
Expect a simple “drive and sail” day: minimal sea transfer time to the islands, lots of route choices (big boats, RIBs, and catamarans), and a lively port atmosphere. If you want the widest range of standard and premium tours, start browsing Palau‑departure products first.

La Maddalena island by island - what each stop is like

Vibrant beach scene on Spargi Island

Spargi Island (Cala Corsara)

Spargi is a wild, uninhabited island famous for its white-sand bay and granite rocks. It’s a key stop for a quick swim and beach exploration.

Different types of boats during your La Maddalena tour

Large motorboats (“motonave” ferries)

  • What they're like: Big double- or triple-deck boats carrying 100–200+ people, with indoor salons, bench seating, plenty of shade, toilets and a snack bar. They are stable in normal seas.
  • Pros: Most shade, smoother ride, and efficient for full-day routes.
  • Cons: Can feel crowded and noisy with regimented stops.

Catamarans

  • What they're like: Wide, stable sailing catamarans for roughly 12–20 guests with cushioned seating and shaded areas.
  • Pros: Smoother, quieter ride with ample lounging space.
  • Cons: More exposed to sun and typically longer cruising time.

Monohull sailing yachts

  • What they're like: Classic sailing boats with a central cockpit and side decks; smaller groups feel the boat's motion more.
  • Pros: Romantic and authentic sailing experience with a slower pace.
  • Cons: Less shade and more movement, which can be challenging for some.

RIBs (rigid inflatable boats)

  • What they're like: Low, agile speedboats with minimal shade, offering a close-to-the-water experience.
  • Pros: Fast, ideal for short trips and flexible swim stops.
  • Cons: Bumpier ride with limited shade and storage.

Plan your island hopping tour in La Maddalena

Timings

How long does the tour take?

  • From Palau / La Maddalena town (most tours): 7–8 hours on the water plus check‑in time; around 8–9 hours door‑to‑door.
  • From Olbia / Costa Smeralda with transfers: Approximately 10–11 hours including transfers.
  • Half‑day RIB tours: About 4 hours with 2–3 swim stops.

When do tours usually start?
Most full‑day departures start between 9:00 and 10:00, with check‑in around 8:15–9:30. Transfers from Olbia may begin as early as 7:00.

Best time of year to go:
Late May, June, and September are optimal for weather and crowds.

Seasonal or operational changes:
Strong winds may cause route tweaks or cancellations; Budelli’s Pink Beach remains off‑limits.

Frequently asked questions about La Maddalena island‑hopping tours

  • Most full-day routes loop past Spargi, Budelli, the “natural pools” between Budelli–Razzoli–Santa Maria, and at least one beach landing on Spargi or Santa Maria. Many tours also include a swim stop near Caprera or a brief visit to La Maddalena town.