Boat tour Porto Cervo – Maddalena archipelago

If you’re dreaming of a day sailing through Sardinia’s most enchanting islands, this private boat tour of the Maddalena Archipelago might just be your perfect escape. With a dedicated skipper, flexible itinerary, and exclusive access to some of Italy’s most Instagram-worthy beaches, it offers a personalized way to experience the archipelago’s natural beauty.

One standout feature that travelers love is the private atmosphere—you and your group won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, making the experience more relaxed and tailored to your preferences. The boat itself is equipped with ample sunbathing areas and modern comforts, ensuring you soak up the Sardinian sun in style. That said, the tour does come at a premium price, around $1,600 for up to nine people, which makes it more suitable for those seeking a luxurious, intimate adventure rather than a budget-friendly day out.

While the experience is generally praised for its stunning scenery and knowledgeable guide, a few travelers have noted that costs like fuel and the skipper’s fee are additional, which adds to the overall expense. It’s worth considering if your group values privacy, comfort, and a flexible schedule—perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends wanting an unforgettable day on the water.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Tour: Designed for groups of up to 9, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Flexible Itinerary: No strict schedules or crowded spots, allowing you to enjoy each stop at your own pace.
• Scenic Stops: Includes beautiful beaches, pink sands, and turquoise waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
• Expert Skipper: Guides you safely while sharing insights about the islands and hidden gems.
• Comfort & Facilities: Spacious sunbathing areas, WiFi, restroom, and air conditioning onboard.
• Additional Costs: Fuel, skipper, and food are extra, so budget accordingly.

Discovering the Maddalena Archipelago in Style

This boat tour offers a luxurious yet authentic way to explore Sardinia’s jaw-dropping landscapes. We loved how this experience prioritizes your group’s privacy—there’s no packed schedule or crowded boat rides, which makes for a much more relaxed day. The entire journey is customized, so if you want to spend extra time swimming or just soaking up the sun, it’s entirely up to you.

The boat itself is described as very comfortable, with large sunbathing areas at the bow, stern, and upper deck. Expect to lounge in style while enjoying panoramic views that are way better than a typical tour bus. Thanks to the WiFi and restroom onboard, you’re covered for convenience, adding to the high-end feel of the day.

The cost of around $1,603.80 per group might seem steep, but it covers a significant chunk of an all-day adventure—plus, you’re getting a bespoke experience that’s hard to match. Remember, this does not include fuel, which is usually about €300-€350, and the skipper fee of €200 on top of that. Food and drinks are additional but well worth it, with a generous onboard lunch featuring local specialties, wine, beer, water, and coffee.

The Itinerary Deep Dive

Stop 1: Cala Granara

Starting from Porto Palau, the first stop is on the island of Spargi at Cala Granara. Here, travelers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in a calm, picturesque bay. Reviewers are unanimous in noting that this is a highlight: “The boat ride was the highlight of our trip,” says Steven, who appreciated the expert guidance from Enrico, the captain.

This spot is perfect for those wanting a quick taste of Sardinian waters—crystal-clear, inviting, and away from the crowds. The three-hour window here allows plenty of time to relax, swim, and take photos of the dramatic coastline.

Stop 2: Spiaggia Rosa and Spiaggia dei Cavalieri

Next, the boat heads toward the island of Budelli, home to the famous Spiaggia Rosa—a beach with white and pink sands that are straight out of a picture postcard. As Flavia points out, Captain Enrico went above and beyond, ensuring her group had ample time to enjoy the pink hues and turquoise waters.

The anchor at Spiaggia dei Cavalieri (the “Pools of Budelli”) allows for swimming and snorkeling, giving you an intimate look at the marine life and the unique sands. Here, you’ll get about three hours for this stop, which is enough to savor the scenery and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board. The food is typically local, with a focus on regional flavors that enhance the experience.

Stop 3: Cala Santa Maria

The last scheduled stop is on Santa Maria island, where a tranquil white sandy bay invites a final swim. From reviews, it’s clear this is a favorite spot for many: “You’ll love the views of the islands of La Maddalena and Santo Stefano passing by,” one reviewer mentions, along with the sight of the famous Capo d’Orso rock formation.

This part of the day is perfect for taking in the changing shades of blue in the water and lounging comfortably before heading back to Palau.

What to Expect Onboard

The boat is described as spacious and modern, with air conditioning and WiFi—a rare luxury on a boat tour. The restrooms onboard offer convenience, and the large sunbathing areas make relaxing a priority. With a capacity of up to 9 guests, the experience feels intimate and exclusive, ideal for small groups looking for privacy.

The skipper is not just a driver but also a knowledgeable guide, sharing insights about the islands and hidden spots. Many reviews praise Enrico’s attentiveness and friendliness—his local knowledge adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the day.

Food and Drinks

The onboard lunch, costing €30 per person, features local specialty foods and is complemented by soft drinks, wine, beer, and Nespresso coffee. The inclusion of alcohol makes it a leisurely, indulgent experience, but keep in mind that alcoholic beverages are not included unless you opt for the €30 option.

Schedule Flexibility

Unlike many group tours, this experience offers complete flexibility—you’re not tied to pre-set times or routes. This means you can spend more or less time at each stop depending on your preferences, making it particularly appealing for travelers who value spontaneity.

Is It Worth the Price?

While $1,603.80 might seem high for a day trip, the value lies in the exclusivity and comfort. You’re paying for a private experience, with a dedicated skipper, a custom itinerary, and access to some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches without the hassle of crowds.

When comparing this to group tours that often have rigid schedules and larger crowds, the personal touch here is what elevates the experience. Plus, with reviews highlighting the excellent guide, the stunning scenery, and the delicious onboard food and drinks, most agree it’s worth it if you’re after a memorable, intimate day on the water.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for small groups, couples, or families wanting to indulge in a private, relaxing day in the Maddalena Archipelago. It’s ideal if luxury, flexibility, and privacy are priorities, and you’re comfortable paying a premium for personalized service.

Those interested in snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying great food and wine amid spectacular scenery will find this tour a perfect fit. It’s also a good choice for travelers who appreciate expert guides with local insights and don’t mind additional costs for added comfort and amenities.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, it’s best suited for families or groups comfortable with a full-day boat ride. The boat is spacious and has onboard facilities, but considering the duration, families with young children should prepare for a full day at sea.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 27 days ahead, so it’s wise to plan well in advance—especially during peak summer months.

Are meals included?
Lunch is available on board for €30 per person, featuring local dishes and drinks. Alcoholic beverages are also available for €30, including wine and beer.

What’s included in the price?
The total price covers the private boat, guide/skipper, WiFi, restroom, and sunbathing areas. However, fuel costs (approx. €300-€350), the skipper’s fee (€200), and food/drinks are additional.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes. The tour does not follow a strict schedule, so you can spend more or less time at each stop based on your interests.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the tour is weather-dependent, a poor weather day would lead to a reschedule or full refund, as per the provider’s policy.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour of the Maddalena Archipelago offers a luxurious, flexible, and scenic way to explore Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches. The combination of expert guidance, stunning vistas, and personalized service makes it stand out from more generic group excursions.

It’s ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a bespoke experience with friends or family, especially if they value comfort and privacy. The high price tag reflects the exclusivity and premium amenities, but many travelers find it well worth the investment for a truly memorable day.

If you’re after stunning beaches, good food, and a relaxed vibe—and don’t mind paying a bit extra for it—this tour could be the highlight of your Sardinian adventure. Just remember to book early, prepare for a full day of sunshine, and enjoy the journey through some of Italy’s most breathtaking islands.