Tour of the islands of the archipelago with lunch and drinks

Planning a day out in Sardinia’s La Maddalena Archipelago? This sailing tour offers a thoughtfully curated way to explore some of the most beautiful islands, combined with delicious local food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time to soak in the scenery. With a small group size, professional guides, and a flexible itinerary based on weather conditions, it promises an authentic and memorable adventure.

What really stands out about this experience is the chance to enjoy crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking scenery while being cared for by knowledgeable and friendly crew members. The inclusion of lunch and drinks makes it a value-packed option for those looking to combine comfort, beauty, and a bit of Sardinian flavor. However, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include an open bar, so if you’re a big drinker, you might want to bring some extras.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love sailing, exploring islands, and want a relaxed day without the hassle of planning every detail. It suits those who appreciate small groups, personalized attention, and a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and delicious regional cuisine.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Small group size (8-10 people) ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service.
• Flexible Itinerary: Based on weather, the captain chooses the best islands and stops, offering a customized adventure.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect views of white beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic formations like the Sculptures of Cala Corsara.
• Inclusive Value: Meals, drinks, and entrance to the La Maddalena Park are all included, making it a good value for a full day out.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable crew, often praised for their friendliness and professionalism.
• Authentic Sardinian Flavors: Lunch options include local dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

How the Day Unfolds

The tour kicks off with pickup options from Il Porticciolo or other nearby locations in Palau, making it convenient for travelers staying locally. Once aboard your boat—equipped with an onboard toilet, tender, and all the necessary safety gear—the crew welcomes you with warmth and professionalism. From the start, you can feel the emphasis on comfort and authentic hospitality.

The first major stop is Cala Santa Maria, a spot famed for its guided tours, swimming, and snorkeling. This initial break typically lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time to dip into the clear water, explore the underwater life, or simply relax on the beach. Reviewers mention how well-organized and well-paced these stops are, with some highlighting that the crew is attentive without rushing.

Next, the boat moves towards the Piscine di Budelli—a natural swimming pool near the famous Cavaliere beach and Stramanari rocks. Here, an aperitif with local products is served, giving everyone a taste of Sardinian flavors. The cruise also offers dolphin watching, which adds a magical element, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot pods frolicking nearby.

Island-Hopping and Iconic Sights

After the initial stops, the group heads south towards Santo Stefano or Caprera, with a visit to Spargi Island where you can explore Cala Conneri, Cala dell’Amore, and Cala Corsara. Reviewer comments highlight how beautiful Cala Corsara is, with its sculptures created by wind and rain giving it a surreal, almost otherworldly feel. The stops here are usually around 45 minutes, giving plenty of time for swimming, photography, or simply soaking up the scenery.

A highlight of the trip is passing through the Spiaggia Rosa and the Coccodrillo rock—two spots that truly look like they belong to a postcard. The boat also visits Porto Madonna, known for its natural pools, and the Bull Dog and Witch’s Head formations, which add a touch of whimsy and wonder.

Lunch and Final Stops

As the boat drifts back towards the dock, the crew prepares a delicious Sardinian-style lunch—typically a first course prepared by the chef, featuring fresh seafood or regional dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available on request. Reviewers often rave about the quality and freshness of the food, with one mentioning a homemade pasta with seabass and tomato sauce.

Once refueled, you’ll enjoy a sweet snack including seasonal fruit, coffee, biscuits, and a local digestif—perfect for relaxing after a busy morning of sightseeing and swimming.

In the afternoon, the boat heads past Punta Sardegna, Porto Raphael, and Nelson’s Bay, offering scenic views of the coastline and some of the most photographed spots in the archipelago. The return journey is smooth and leisurely, with many reviews emphasizing how relaxed and well-organized the experience is.

The Value of the Tour

At $117 per person for a full 7-hour day, this tour offers a compelling balance of scenic exploration, authentic dining, and expert guidance. The price includes fuel, entrance tickets, water all day, and a hearty lunch, which collectively provide excellent value compared to organizing a DIY trip.

While the tour doesn’t include an open bar, drinks are available during meals and aperitifs, with many reviewers praising the selection of local wines and beverages. The crew’s attention to detail—such as offering vegetarian or vegan options—adds to the overall value and inclusiveness.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy small-group adventures, love sailing, and want a comprehensive day that combines sightseeing, swimming, and regional cuisine. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate professional guides and authentic regional flavors. If you’re seeking a relaxed, well-organized day without the hassle of planning each stop, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: 7 hours, with flexible starting times depending on the season.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Transportation: Pickup is available from Palau, so check your accommodation location.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear.
• What Not to Bring: Pets, bikes, baby carriages, smoking indoors.
• Weather: The captain will adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions for safety.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, non-swimmers, or travelers over 75.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is limited to small groups of 8-10 people and is generally suitable for older children who can swim and enjoy boat trips. Very young children or infants might find the boat ride less comfortable, and some stops could be crowded or less suitable.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain has discretion to modify the itinerary to ensure safety, which might mean visiting different islands or adjusting the stops. The tour is weather-dependent, but the crew aims to keep the experience enjoyable regardless.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan lunch options can be requested in advance, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

How many stops are included?
There are typically several stops, including Cala Santa Maria, Piscine di Budelli, and Spargi, each lasting around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on conditions.

Is there enough time for swimming and snorkeling?
Yes, the stops are designed to allow plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beaches.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the boat trip, captain, fuel, tender, park entrance, water, aperitifs, lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, coffee, biscuits, and a local digestif.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes, beachwear, and sun protection like sunglasses, hats, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Can I bring my own drinks?
The tour does not include an open bar, and outside drinks are not specified as permitted, but drinks are served with meals and during the aperitif.

How do I book and cancel?
Reservations can be made with flexibility; you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Wrapping It Up

This La Maddalena Archipelago tour offers a beautiful blend of sailing, sightseeing, and regional cuisine. Small groups mean you’ll receive personalized attention, and the flexible itinerary ensures you visit the most stunning spots under the captain’s discretion. The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and park entrance makes it a value-packed way to explore Sardinia’s most iconic islands without the stress of planning each detail yourself.

Travelers who enjoy authentic experiences, beautiful scenery, and delicious local food will find this tour hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those seeking a relaxed, intimate adventure with plenty of opportunities for swimming, photography, and simply soaking in the beauty of the archipelago.

If you’re after a day of effortless exploration that balances comfort with authenticity, this trip could be just what you need. Just prepare for a day full of sunshine, scenic vistas, and Sardinian flavors—an experience to remember for years to come.