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

One long swim day in Sardinia’s best waters. This La Maddalena Archipelago day trip out of Palau feels relaxed from the first minutes on board the Apollo II, a 1956-vintage motorship with a covered deck, sun deck, and bar service. I like how the route mixes big views with real water time, plus you get expert commentary along the way.

The best part for me is the combination of multiple swimming stops and crew help, including transfers by dinghy where the boat can’t drop you right at shore. The one thing to think about is that you’re paying for a day at sea, not a full picnic, so plan for the fact that food and drinks cost extra and there’s a landing fee paid in cash.

Key things to know before you go

• Apollo II is built for comfort: covered seating, upper sun deck, bar service, and onboard kitchen options when you want to buy something.
• You get both views and swim time: short sail segments, then real chances to cool off at multiple coves.
• Transfers are handled by dinghy: the included dinghy service helps you reach some beaches without struggling through rough water.
• Small-boat feel: past riders report a smaller group size, so it doesn’t feel like you’re packed in like a transport.
• Snorkeling is part of the plan, but gear isn’t included, so bring your own if you rely on specific equipment.
• A cash landing fee applies: you’ll pay €5 on board at embarkation.

Getting on Board Apollo II in Palau (and what that changes)

Palau is the launch point for this Sardinia outing, and the meeting setup is straightforward. You’ll find the guide waiting at quay medaglie d’oro, and the boat is named Apollo II. The crew typically wears black trousers with a grey shirt and black jacket, so you can spot them quickly once you’re at the quay.

I appreciate that the boat itself helps set the tone. You’re on a refurbished 1956 vintage motorship with a covered deck for shade and an upper deck for sun. That matters because Sardinia can go from breezy to bright fast, and you’ll want a place to regroup between swim stops.

Also, this is not the kind of tour where you spend half your day hunting for shade. You can stay on board, then move out for swimming when the captain sets you up at the right coves. It’s a simple rhythm that makes the day feel longer in the good way.

One practical note: parking around Palau can be a headache. If you’re driving, give yourself extra time to park and walk to the quay. You’ll thank yourself before the boat leaves.

The 10:15 Departure: How the morning navigation sets up the day

The tour starts with a 10:15 a.m. departure from Palau. Early on, you do about 30 minutes of panoramic navigation between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. This is where the commentary earns its keep. As you cruise, you pass points like the Fort of San Giorgio, the Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center.

This part matters even if you’re mostly in vacation mode. It gives you context for what you’re seeing, so the islands and coastline aren’t random names. You also get a feel for the area’s geography before you hit the water stops, which makes every cove later on feel more intentional.

Then you get your first chance to actually get wet.

Cala Serena (Caprera): your first swim stop

Next up is a 30-minute swim stop at Cala Serena in Caprera. This is a short window, but it’s a good starter. You’ll get into the water without the pressure of committing to a full beach day. If you’re a swimmer, you’ll have plenty of time to rinse off, float around, and enjoy the clear water.

If you’re new to snorkeling, this kind of stop is also friendly. You can keep it simple, just goggles and light exploration near the boat. One helpful detail: riders have noted that the crew can lend goggles, which is great if you forgot yours or packed the wrong thing.

Potential drawback: 30 minutes goes fast once you’re enjoying the water. Treat it like a warm-up, then save your slow moments for later stops where you get more time.

Budelli Island: a 40-minute sail and the feeling of “wow”

After that, there’s about 40 minutes of sailing toward Budelli. I like this pacing. It breaks the day into clear chunks, so you’re never wondering when the next swim moment happens.

Budelli is famous for its shoreline colors, and from the boat you’ll also get the chance to admire the look of Spiaggia Rosa from afar. You’re not landing on that exact beach during this particular route, but seeing that soft pink sand effect from the water is still a memorable moment.

The plus here is you get the dramatic coastline without the logistical hassle of shore transfer at every stop. The tradeoff is you won’t do a full on-land exploration of every island, so if you want long hikes or serious beach walking, this is more of a water-focused day than a dry-land tour.

Spiaggia del Cavaliere (Cavaliere beach): 1.5 hours with options

One of the most practical stops is the offshore stop at Cavaliere beach, with about 1 hour and 30 minutes in the water-and-onboard mix. This is where you can choose your pace.

You can:

• Stay on board and use onboard services
• Snorkel near the boat
• Or reach the beach on an inflatable boat, accompanied by the crew

That flexibility is a big deal. If the water is calling, you can go right in. If you want a more relaxed moment, you can hang out in the shade and keep enjoying the coastline from the deck.

One thing to plan for: being in and out of the water is messy by nature, and the boat gets wet as everyone jumps in. Bring a towel, and consider a waterproof bag for anything you want to protect. People who’ve done the trip have praised having this ready, because it keeps your essentials from turning into sea projects.

Spargi sailing and Cala Connari: where the time feels generous

After Cavaliere, you sail toward Spargi. Then comes the longest stretch of “do what you want” time: a stop at Cala Connari for about 2 hours.

Here again, you choose how to spend your time:

• Stay on board and use the services
• Snorkel near the boat
• Or reach the beach by swimming

Two hours is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to take your time getting comfortable, explore around with goggles if you have them, and still have time to hang out without rushing. It also reduces stress if the water is a little choppy, because you can pick the easiest option for your comfort level.

Why Cala Connari works so well: you get a mix of stillness and movement. You’re not just staring at the sea from a deck. You’re in the water often enough that the day stops feeling like “just a boat ride.”

Crew and onboard vibe: why it feels friendly, not scripted

The crew is a major reason this trip earns such strong marks. I love when boat crews are actually fun, not just formal. On this one, riders have described staff as welcoming and kind, with a sense of humor that makes the day feel lighter.

There’s also a practical side. The crew helps you with water time and gear needs, including lending goggles. And during the stops where you might swim in or take the inflatable transfer, you’re not left to figure it out on your own.

Another detail that came up in past experiences: the boat is small enough to make certain routes possible that bigger boats might not be able to handle, including a crossing under a bridge with limited height. Translation for you: this tour may be able to access parts of the day that feel more flexible than the large-boat options.

What you should pack (so you enjoy the water, not manage it)

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

If you want to be extra smart, add:

• A waterproof bag for your phone, wallet, and any dry clothes
• Something simple to wear back on board, because your feet and bags will get wet

Not allowed: pets. Also, it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year. If you’re traveling with very young kids, this is one of those days that’s better suited once everyone can handle the swim-focused rhythm.

Food, drinks, and the landing fee: the cost you should actually plan for

The tour price is listed at $81 per person, and you do get real value in the basics. The motorboat excursion is included, and the dinghy service for transfers to the islands is included too. That’s what lets the day keep its rhythm.

But here’s the part that can surprise people: food and drinks are not included. That said, the boat does offer options you can purchase onboard, including pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot-dogs, maxi-toasts, and snacks. So you don’t have to pack a full day of meals, but you should expect to buy what you want.

You’ll also pay a €5 landing fee in cash on board at embarkation. Plan to have that amount ready, because if you’re fumbling for cash, it can slow the process.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want your own setup, bring it. If not, the crew may help with goggles, but don’t count on a full set if you have specific needs.

Price and value check: who this $81 day suits best

For $81, you’re buying a full 8-hour day out on the water plus a route that hits multiple islands and coves. You’re not just buying scenery from a distance. You get repeated swim chances, including snorkeling near the boat at more than one stop.

This is also a better deal than you might think if you compare it to the cost of individual ferry rides, plus boat-day parking and timed tickets. Here, the big operating value is that everything is scheduled and the boat handles the transitions.

Who I think will love it:

• Couples and groups who want a relaxed day with real swimming time
• People who enjoy snorkeling at their own pace
• Anyone who wants to see Caprera, Budelli, Spargi, and key bays without planning a route

Who might want a different style tour:

• If you want lots of long shore walks or villages
• If you hate getting wet or you prefer strictly dry sightseeing
• If you’re hoping snorkeling gear is provided for free

The biggest “make or break” details before you commit

Two things decide whether this trip feels amazing or just okay. First is whether you’re comfortable with repeated water entry. The itinerary is built around swim stops, so you’ll be in and out a few times.

Second is whether you plan for the small extras. Food and drinks cost extra, and there’s the €5 landing fee in cash. Once you plan for that, the day tends to run smoothly.

If you do both, you’ll likely come away with the kind of memory people talk about for years. Clear water, pink-sand views from the boat, and a day that feels like it has enough variety to stay fun even for people who aren’t hardcore beach bums.

Should you book this La Maddalena boat tour?

I’d book it if your ideal day in Sardinia includes: getting out onto the water, seeing the archipelago highlights, and having multiple chances to swim and snorkel without complicated logistics. The strong points are the comfort of Apollo II, the help and friendliness from the crew, and the pacing that gives you both cruising and real time in the coves.

Skip it if you want long hikes, museums, or a completely dry itinerary. And if you’re sensitive to water conditions, be honest with yourself about how much you’ll enjoy swim transfers and on-the-fly snorkeling moments.

If you match the trip style, this is a solid value for an 8-hour day that focuses on the thing the Maddalena Islands do best: water so clear it basically steals your attention.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the boat?

You meet at quay medaglie d’oro. The vessel is called Apollo II, and you can identify the crew by their black trousers and grey shirt with a black jacket.

How long is the tour, and when does it run?

The duration is 8 hours. It departs at 10:15 a.m. from Palau and returns at approximately 5:30 p.m.

What islands and stops are included?

You’ll cruise and stop at places including Caprera, with a swim stop at Cala Serena, then Budelli, then an offshore stop at Cavaliere beach, then Spargi, and finally a stop at Cala Connari. You can also admire Spiaggia Rosa from the boat.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the motorboat excursion plus dinghy service for transfers to the islands.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you may be able to buy items onboard such as pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, and drinks.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You should plan to bring your own if you want full control over your gear.

Is there an extra landing fee?

Yes. There is a landing fee of €5, paid in cash on board at the time of embarkation.