From La Maddalena and Palau: Tour of Budelli & Santa Maria

Exploring Sardinia’s breathtaking archipelago on a boat tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, relaxing swims, and delicious local flavors. This 7-hour journey takes you through some of the most iconic islands—Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi—each with its own unique charm. With opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters and capture stunning photos, it’s a day for both adventure and genuine relaxation.

One aspect we really appreciate about this tour is the thoughtful itinerary, which balances sightseeing, leisure, and a tasty lunch. The highlight for many is the Pink Beach of Budelli—truly a photogenic spot that makes for unforgettable memories. That said, a potential consideration is the need to be comfortable on a boat for several hours, as the tour involves a fair amount of sailing and swimming. This experience is perfect for travelers who love scenic journeys, natural beauty, and a leisurely pace, especially if you want a comprehensive taste of the archipelago in one day.

Key Points

• Stunning vistas and iconic Pink Beach of Budelli make for perfect photo opportunities.
• Swimming in natural pools and clear waters offers refreshing breaks throughout the day.
• Well-organized itinerary with enough time at each stop to relax or explore.
• Delicious included lunch of pasta with shrimp sauce enhances the experience.
• Guided commentary in English and Italian enriches your understanding of the scenery.
• Comfortable boat with enough space and a schedule that avoids the crowding of other tours.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Departure and Initial Scenic Passage

The tour begins at 10:00 a.m. from La Maddalena or at 10:15 a.m. from Palau, giving you a gentle start that lets you settle in before the day’s adventures. The boat departs with a friendly crew, setting a relaxed tone for the day. Many reviews mention how helpful and communicative the staff are, with Peter praising the team for their courtesy, prompt responses, and the engaging audio guides in both Italian and English.

Travelers love how the captain skillfully maneuvers the boat to ensure everyone gets a good shot of the Pink Beach, with several reviews noting that the boat turns multiple times to give all guests a chance to take photos. You’ll get a close-up view of the famous Pink Beach of Budelli—a feature that’s as surreal as it sounds, thanks to the pink-hued sand caused by crushed shells.

Stop 1: Budelli and the Pink Beach

The first stop is a quick, scenic approach to Budelli, allowing for some incredible photo opportunities. From the boat, you’ll see the vibrant pink shoreline—an Instagram favorite for a reason. Since the first stop is brief, bringing a camera or phone with a good zoom lens is advised if you want that perfect shot. Some reviews mention the delayed departure and how this gives everyone more time at each stop, avoiding the rush that other tours might have.

Stop 2: Porto Madonna – Natural Pools

The next highlight is Porto Madonna, often called the “Piscine Naturali.” Here, the calm waters form natural pools, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The boat stops here briefly, and guests can jump off into the water or climb the boat’s ladder to reboard. Many guests, including Kathi, mention how this stop offers ample time to unwind, swim, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Stop 3: Santa Maria Island

After reboarding, the boat heads to Santa Maria Island, where you’ll have about an hour and a half to get off and enjoy Cala Santa Maria beach. The stop allows for a bit of walking, swimming, and snorkeling. Reviewers like Georgia appreciated the generous amount of time, though she noted it would be even better if the lunch break could be organized in a way that doesn’t interrupt swimming activities.

Here, you’ll love the scenic views and the chance to soak up the island’s natural beauty. The water at Santa Maria is often described as incredibly clear—perfect for a quick dip or some snorkel gear if you have it.

Lunch: Authentic Sardinian Flavors

Lunchtime is a highlight, with the crew serving pasta with shrimp sauce. Multiple reviews, like Peter’s, praise the quality of the meal—freshly cooked, flavorful, and generous. The option to request a second portion for free adds extra value, especially in a setting where most tours charge extra for food. The lunch is simple but satisfying, providing energy for the afternoon activities.

Stop 4: Spargi Island

The afternoon takes you south to Spargi Island, where you’ll stop at Cala Corsara for about two hours. This beach is renowned for its striking rocks and natural beauty, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike. The staff’s careful navigation and the boat’s multiple turns ensure everyone gets good views and photo opportunities, as noted by reviewers.

Guests typically spend their time swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along the sandy shores. The longer stop allows for a relaxed pace, giving you enough time to really enjoy the environment without feeling rushed.

Return Journey and Disembarkation

The sailing back to Palau or La Maddalena is scheduled for around 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., depending on your pick-up point. The crew ensures a smooth, safe return, with many guests commenting on how organized the whole day was. The later departure compared to other cruises means less crowded stops and a more laid-back atmosphere.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

• Timing: The tour lasts about 7 hours, with departures at 10:00 or 10:15. Confirm your start time when booking.
• Inclusions: The trip includes a guided tour, scenic boat rides, and a hearty Sardinian lunch.
• Not Included: Drinks and additional food are available for purchase onboard, offering a chance to sample local beverages or snacks.
• Comfort: The boat is spacious enough for relaxing, with some reviewer feedback noting that choosing the right seat isn’t an issue due to the captain’s multiple turns for views.
• Suitability: It’s best for those comfortable on a boat and not prone to seasickness. The tour isn’t suitable for people over 95 or those with mobility issues.
• Language: Guides speak both English and Italian, making the commentary accessible for most travelers.
• Cancellation: Flexible policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

Many travelers appreciated the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, describing them as “very friendly and courteous.” Vitor Campos praised how the staff made sure everyone had a memorable experience, with some mentioning how they felt safe, well cared for, and entertained throughout the day.

The value for money is also highlighted, especially considering the included lunch and multiple swim stops. Kathi’s review notes that with fewer people on board in late September, the experience felt even more relaxed and organized, with plenty of space and time to enjoy the scenery.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This tour offers an excellent balance of sightseeing, swimming, and local flavor, making it ideal for travelers seeking an immersive day in Sardinia’s archipelago. It’s perfect for those who enjoy natural beauty, photography, and casual exploration without the hustle of a crowded cruise. If you’re interested in iconic spots like Pink Beach and natural pools, and you appreciate good organization coupled with tasty Sardinian cuisine, this trip will suit you well.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a very quick, high-energy tour, you might find it a bit slow-paced. Also, those with mobility issues should consider the steps involved in swimming and getting on and off the boat.

This tour delivers a highly satisfying experience, especially for travelers who value genuine natural scenery and comfortable pacing at a fair price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, with departure times typically around 10:00 or 10:15.

What islands will we visit?
You’ll visit Budelli with its Pink Beach, Santa Maria for beach and snorkeling, and Spargi with its scenic Cala Corsara.

Is lunch included?
Lunch isn’t included in the ticket price but is served onboard—pasta with shrimp sauce—and is praised for its freshness and flavor.

Can I swim in the natural pools?
Yes, Porto Madonna’s natural pools are a calm, inviting place to swim, and you’re free to jump off the boat or climb back on at your leisure.

Is the boat comfortable?
The boat is spacious enough to avoid crowding, with multiple turns for optimal photo opportunities. Choosing your seat isn’t an issue, as the captain makes sure everyone gets a good view.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, camera, and some cash if you want to buy drinks or extra snacks onboard.

Does the tour operate in English?
Yes, guides speak both English and Italian, making the commentary accessible to most travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most children comfortable on boats will enjoy the trip, but keep in mind the boat’s movement and swimming stops, which may not suit very young kids or those with mobility issues.

This boat tour from La Maddalena and Palau offers a well-rounded day immersed in Sardinia’s natural beauty, topped with good organization and tasty regional food. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a relaxed yet visually stunning experience with plenty of opportunities to swim and explore.