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

La Maddalena’s best scenery is spread across the sea, and this eight-hour boat day gives you a simple way to reach several islands without arranging separate ferries or beach transfers. The route combines short scenic cruises with long swim stops at Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi.

I like the refurbished 1956 Apollo II, which offers a covered deck, upper sun deck, two bathrooms, and room to move around. I also like the generous time in the water, including 90 minutes at Cavaliere Beach and two hours at Cala Connari. The tradeoff is that food and drinks cost extra, and the €5 landing fee must be paid in cash on board.

Key points at a glance

• A vintage 18-meter motorship: Apollo II has covered seating, an upper sun deck, a bar, kitchen service, and two bathrooms.
• Three strong swim locations: You get stops at Cala Serena, Cavaliere Beach on Budelli, and Cala Connari on Spargi.
• Spiaggia Rosa from the sea: The famous pink beach is viewed from offshore rather than visited directly.
• Dinghy transfers included: The crew can take you from Apollo II to Cavaliere Beach, while Cala Connari can be reached by swimming.
• A smaller-boat feel: The vessel can pass beneath a bridge with limited height, allowing access that larger boats may not have.
• Good value at $81: The price covers the full boat excursion and island transfer service, but not meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, or the €5 landing fee.

Why this Palau boat trip works so well

I see this as a full-day sea outing rather than a sightseeing cruise with a few quick photo stops. You spend much of the day close to the islands, with time to swim, sit in the sun, or remain on board while the scenery changes around you.

The waters around La Maddalena are the main event. Expect bright, clear water, pale beaches, rocky coves, and a strong sense of open space. The crew provides information in Italian and English, pointing out the places you pass and explaining where each stop takes place.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. Apollo II is a refurbished 1956 motorship measuring 18 meters long and 4.5 meters wide. That gives the trip more character than a plain modern transfer boat, while still providing practical comforts: a covered deck, upper sun deck, bar, kitchen service, and two bathrooms.

You do not have to swim at every stop. At the longer breaks, you can stay aboard, use the facilities, snorkel near the boat, or go ashore when that option is available. That flexibility matters if someone in your group wants a quiet afternoon while others spend the day in the water.

Leaving Palau at 10:15 a.m.

The meeting point is quay Medaglie d’Oro in Palau. Look for Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket. The boat returns to this same point at about 5:30 p.m., so plan on a full day from late morning through the afternoon.

Palau is a busy departure point for boat trips into the archipelago. If you are arriving by car, allow extra time to find parking. Getting to the quay on time is important, since the boat leaves at 10:15 a.m. and the first section of the trip begins soon after departure.

Once aboard, you can settle under the covered deck or head upstairs to the sun deck. The covered area is useful during the hot middle part of the day, while the upper deck gives you a better view during the scenic sailing sections.

The crew speaks Italian and English. Their information is tied to the places you are seeing, including the forts, towers, and former military sites along the way. This is not a museum-style tour, but the commentary adds context to what might otherwise be a long series of attractive views.

The first scenic run past Caprera

The opening cruise takes about 30 minutes. You pass between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso, with views of the Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center.

This part of the trip helps you get oriented. You are not simply heading straight to a beach. The route shows how the islands, channels, and coastal points fit together, and the boat’s position on the water gives you changing views that are difficult to get from land.

The first swim stop is Cala Serena on Caprera, where you have about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a refreshing swim, but not a long beach visit. Think of Cala Serena as an early taste of the water rather than the main stop of the day.

If you prefer to remain dry, you can stay on Apollo II. The boat’s seating and facilities make that possible, though the strongest reason to book this trip is the chance to get into the water. Bring a towel and swimwear, even if you are unsure at first. The stops are designed around swimming.

Budelli and the view of Spiaggia Rosa

After Cala Serena, Apollo II sails for about 40 minutes toward Budelli. This is one of the longer stretches of the day, so it is a good time to sit under cover, order a drink, or move upstairs for a better view.

Budelli is famous for Spiaggia Rosa, the pink beach. The tour views it from offshore, so you should not expect to walk onto that particular beach. That limitation is worth knowing before you book, especially if your main goal is a beach landing.

Still, seeing Spiaggia Rosa from the boat gives you a useful perspective on its color and position within the archipelago. The surrounding water and shoreline are part of the view, and the offshore approach avoids turning the visit into a rushed walk past a protected site.

The main Budelli stop is at Cavaliere Beach and lasts about 90 minutes. You have several choices:

• Stay on Apollo II and use the boat’s services.
• Snorkel near the vessel.
• Take the included inflatable boat transfer to the beach with the crew.

The dinghy service is especially useful because it saves you from trying to swim all the way to shore with your belongings. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to use it, since gear is not included. Some equipment may be available informally, but you should not count on that. A waterproof bag is also a smart choice because wet swimmers and splashing water can make the area under the benches damp.

Cavaliere Beach is the stop where you get the most choice. You can swim, go ashore, or simply enjoy the view from the boat. The 90-minute pause is long enough to feel unhurried, unlike the short stops common on many group cruises.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

From Budelli, the boat continues toward Spargi. The second major stop is Cala Connari, where you have about two hours. This is the longest water break and the best chance to set your own pace.

You can swim from Apollo II toward the bay, snorkel near the boat, or remain on board. The information provided does not describe a separate dinghy transfer for Cala Connari, so plan on reaching the bay by swimming if you want to leave the boat at this stop.

Two hours is generous for a boat excursion. You can take several swims, dry off on deck, eat something, and return to the water without watching the clock every few minutes. Families and groups with different energy levels should find this stop easier to manage than a tightly timed beach-hopping route.

Cala Connari is also a good place to appreciate the difference between visiting by boat and visiting only by road. The coves are experienced from the water, and the boat gives you access to a stretch of coast that is not part of a normal town visit.

The main drawback is the lack of a formal guided shore visit at every stop. If you want long walks, archaeological sights, or time in island villages, this is not the right format. The focus is swimming, views, and relaxing on the boat.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Food and drinks are not included in the $81 price, but Apollo II has bar and kitchen service. You can buy pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, coffee, and snacks.

That onboard option makes the day easier. You do not have to carry a full picnic, and you can buy a cold drink without leaving the boat. Still, the final cost will be higher if you rely on onboard food and drinks throughout the day.

Bring a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. I would also add a waterproof pouch or bag for your phone, wallet, and spare clothing. Bags are stored under the benches, and water can reach that area when people return from swimming.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. If seeing fish is important to you, pack your own mask and snorkel. Some crew members may lend goggles, but that is not a service you should assume will be available.

Pets are not allowed, and the trip is not suitable for babies under one year. The boat has two bathrooms, which is helpful on an eight-hour outing, though anyone sensitive to boat motion may want to consider that this is a long time at sea.

What the $81 price really covers

At $81 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want a full day on the water. You are paying for the motorboat excursion, the crew, the route through several parts of the archipelago, and dinghy transfers to the islands where that service is offered.

The price is particularly reasonable for someone who would otherwise need to arrange several separate boat connections. You also get long stops, rather than spending the whole day looking at beaches from a distance.

Remember the extras. Food and drinks cost more, snorkeling gear is not supplied, and there is a €5 landing fee paid in cash on board at embarkation. Bring the fee in euros so you are not trying to find cash at the last moment.

The experience is a good match for families with older children, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends. It is also friendly to solo visitors because the crew helps create an easy social setting on board. If you want total privacy, a private charter would suit you better, but it would cost far more than this shared outing.

Comfort, space, and changing conditions

Apollo II has a covered deck with seating and an upper deck with a sun area. That gives you options during the day, though seating preference may depend on how quickly you board and where you choose to settle.

The boat has enough room for the trip to feel comfortable rather than tightly packed, according to the supplied operating details and direct comments about the onboard experience. It is still a shared excursion, so you should not expect the silence or personal space of a private boat.

Weather can affect the route and the feel of the day. Strong winds may change which coves are most comfortable or safest for swimming. The captain may adjust the stops to make better use of conditions, so the exact experience can vary even when the main places remain the same.

One useful detail is Apollo II’s size and clearance. The boat can pass beneath a bridge with limited height, which larger vessels cannot do. That can open a route through parts of the archipelago that are not available to every excursion boat.

Who should book this experience

You should book this trip if your ideal Sardinia day includes clear water, several coves, plenty of swimming time, and a relaxed boat setting. It works especially well if you want to see Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi in one day without planning the route yourself.

It is also a good choice if you want a mixture of activity and rest. You can swim at every stop, but you can also stay aboard, use the bar, sit under cover, and watch the islands pass.

Think twice if you dislike shared boats, want a quiet private outing, or hope to spend most of the day walking on land. The Spiaggia Rosa viewing is offshore, and the main appeal is the sea rather than village visits or long cultural stops.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Sardinia schedule depends on weather or ferry connections, though you should still check the exact starting time when booking.

Should you book Apollo II from Palau?

I would book it for a straightforward, high-value day around La Maddalena. The combination of a characterful vintage boat, clear swimming water, long stops, English and Italian crew support, and included dinghy service gives you more than a basic sightseeing loop.

The strongest reasons to go are the 90 minutes at Cavaliere Beach, two hours at Cala Connari, and the chance to see Spiaggia Rosa from the water. Bring cash for the €5 fee, pack a waterproof bag and your own snorkeling gear, and allow extra time for parking in Palau.

Skip it only if you need a private boat, extensive time ashore, or an all-inclusive price. For most people seeking an easy full-day introduction to the archipelago, Apollo II offers a well-paced way to see the islands and get plenty of time in the water.

FAQ

Where does the La Maddalena boat tour start?

The tour starts at quay Medaglie d’Oro in Palau, Sardinia. The vessel is called Apollo II, and the crew wears black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

What time does the boat leave and return?

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

Which islands and locations does the tour visit?

The route includes Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi. Stops take place at Cala Serena, Cavaliere Beach, and Cala Connari, with an offshore view of Spiaggia Rosa.

How long is the boat excursion?

The experience lasts about eight hours.

Is food included in the price?

No. You can buy pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, snacks, coffee, soft drinks, beer, and wine on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is the landing fee included?

No. The landing fee is €5 and must be paid in cash on board when you embark.

Can I go ashore at Cavaliere Beach?

Yes. An inflatable boat transfer to Cavaliere Beach is included and is accompanied by the crew. You can also remain on Apollo II or snorkel near the boat.

Are pets or babies allowed?

Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for babies under one year.