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

Crystal water, quiet coves, and a classic boat. From Palau, this eight-hour La Maddalena boat tour gives you a full day among Sardinia’s most striking islands, with swimming stops at Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi. I like the relaxed pace and the smaller vintage vessel, which feels more personal than a large ferry.

I also like the choice built into each stop: you can swim near the boat, take the crew’s inflatable dinghy to shore, or stay aboard and use the facilities. The main consideration is that the $81 price does not include food, drinks, or the €5 landing fee, payable in cash on board.

Quick reasons to consider this boat trip

• A 1956 vintage motorship: Apollo II is a refurbished 18-meter boat with covered seating, an upper sun deck, two bathrooms, and a bar.
• Three strong swim locations: You stop at Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere near Budelli, and Cala Connari near Spargi.
• A good alternative to crowded large boats: The smaller vessel has been described as carrying about 30 people, leaving more room to move around.
• Shore access without a long walk: The included dinghy helps you reach beaches where the boat anchors offshore.
• A full day for $81: The price covers the boat and transfers, while meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the landing charge cost extra.
• A flexible plan in changing weather: The captain may adjust the route when wind affects the exposed western side of the archipelago.

Why this La Maddalena tour works so well

The La Maddalena Archipelago is best understood from the water. These islands are close together, but their coves, beaches, rocky points, and channels feel different from one stop to the next. A boat lets you see much more than you could on foot in a single day.

This trip also avoids the rushed feeling of a tour that makes ten brief photo stops. You get one short swim at Caprera, then longer periods at Budelli and Spargi. That gives you time to actually enjoy the water instead of spending the day climbing on and off a boat.

I especially like that you are not forced to go ashore at every stop. If you prefer a quiet seat in the shade, the covered deck is available. If swimming is your priority, you can use the ladder or reach shore by dinghy, depending on the stop.

The rating of 4.7 from 271 reviews fits the strongest features of the experience: friendly crew, comfortable space, beautiful swimming places, and a boat that does not feel like one of the biggest vessels in the harbor.

Meeting Apollo II in Palau

Departure is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. at the Medaglie d’Oro quay in Palau. Look for Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

Give yourself extra time to find parking. Palau can be very busy, and parking spaces may be hard to locate near the port. This is one of those small planning details that can affect the whole morning, so arriving early is sensible.

Apollo II is an unusual part of the experience. The boat was built in 1956 and has since been refurbished. It measures 18 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with two bathrooms, a covered deck with seating, an upper deck with sun loungers, a bar, and kitchen service.

The layout matters. You have somewhere to escape the direct sun, but you can also climb upstairs when you want a clearer view or a warmer place to dry off. The boat is not a luxury yacht, and you should not expect private seating, but it offers enough space for a long day on the water.

One helpful detail is that Apollo II can pass beneath a bridge with limited clearance. Larger boats cannot use that route, which may give this smaller vessel access to channels that are unavailable to bigger operators.

The opening cruise past Palau and Caprera

The first 30 minutes are spent cruising between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. This is a scenic introduction rather than a swimming period, so keep your camera ready and listen to the crew’s explanations.

You pass Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center. These landmarks give the trip some context before the day settles into its beach-and-water rhythm.

The crew provides information in Italian and English. The commentary is useful for putting the islands and military sites into place, though this is primarily a sea-and-swimming outing rather than a formal history tour.

I recommend starting on the covered deck if you want to hear the information and get comfortable. You can move to the upper deck later for sun and views. A hat and sunscreen are essential because the reflection from the water can be strong even when the air feels pleasant.

Cala Serena: a short first swim at Caprera

The first swimming stop is Cala Serena on Caprera, lasting about 30 minutes. This is a brief chance to get into the water and test your swimming gear before the longer stops arrive.

Caprera is closely linked with Giuseppe Garibaldi, but this tour focuses on the island’s coast rather than a land visit to historic sites. The value of this stop is simple: it breaks up the opening cruise and gets you into the clear water early in the day.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. If you want to swim, have your towel and swimwear ready before the boat anchors. Do not wait until the last moment to search through a bag under the benches.

The sea can splash onto the lower areas when people are climbing back aboard. A waterproof bag is a smart addition, especially for phones, wallets, and spare clothes. This is not listed among the required items, but it is a practical response to the way the boat is used during swim stops.

Budelli and Spiaggia del Cavaliere

After roughly 40 minutes of sailing, Apollo II reaches Budelli. The main stop is offshore at Spiaggia del Cavaliere, for about one hour and 30 minutes.

This is the longest stop of the day and the most flexible. You can stay aboard, snorkel near the boat, or take the included dinghy with the crew to reach the beach. The dinghy service is important because the boat does not simply pull up beside the sand.

Spiaggia del Cavaliere is known for pale sand and clear water. The beach may be the obvious choice if you want to stand on shore and take photographs, while the area around the boat can suit you better if you prefer to swim without carrying your belongings onto land.

The well-known Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach, is admired from the boat rather than visited as a normal beach stop. That distinction matters. You should not expect to walk onto Spiaggia Rosa, and the tour does not present it as a long shore visit.

The pink coloring is subtle from a distance, but seeing the beach from the sea gives you a good sense of its protected setting. Keep your expectations realistic: this part is a scenic viewing opportunity, not a guided walk across the sand.

Budelli is also a good place to use a mask and snorkel. Equipment is not included, so bring your own if you have it. You may be able to borrow goggles from the crew, but you should not rely on that as a guaranteed service. A basic mask, towel, and waterproof pouch will make this stop easier.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

The boat then sails toward Spargi and stops at Cala Connari for about two hours. For many people, this will be the most satisfying part of the trip because the long pause gives you enough time to swim, dry off, eat, and settle into the day.

Again, you have three choices. Stay on board and use the bar or covered seating, snorkel close to the boat, or reach the coast by swimming. The description specifically notes swimming access here rather than promising a dinghy landing, so be prepared to enter the water directly if you want to reach shore.

Cala Connari is the kind of stop where you should resist trying to do everything. You can take a short swim first, then spend time on deck with a drink or snack. Or you can treat the full two hours as water time, provided you are comfortable with the conditions.

The boat’s size is a real advantage here. A smaller group makes it easier to find space on deck and reduces the cramped feeling that can spoil a day at sea. Still, seating is shared, and the vessel can get wet when people return from swimming. Keep valuable items inside a sealed bag and avoid leaving clothing where it can be soaked.

Food, drinks, and what the $81 covers

At $81 per person, this is a fair value if you want a full day on the water with several high-quality swim stops. The price includes the motorboat excursion and the dinghy service for transfers to the islands.

It does not include the €5 landing fee, which must be paid in cash on board at embarkation. Budget for this separately and keep a small amount of cash handy.

Food and drinks are also extra, but you can buy them on Apollo II. Available items include pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, and snacks. Coffee is also available.

This onboard service means you do not have to carry a full picnic. I like that convenience on a boat day, though buying several meals and drinks will raise the total cost. If you prefer to control spending, bring water and a few snacks, then buy only what you need.

Do not assume that snorkeling equipment is supplied. It is specifically excluded from the price. Bring your own mask and snorkel if seeing fish is important to you.

How the crew affects the day

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. The available feedback repeatedly points to a welcoming, helpful team, with a friendly tone that works for solo passengers, couples, and families.

That matters on a boat. The crew handles the dinghy transfers, helps people get in and out of the water, explains the stops, and manages the route. Several comments also praise the crew’s ability to adjust the plan when wind makes one side of the archipelago less comfortable.

The western wind can affect conditions around the islands. A skilled captain may choose a more sheltered cove rather than follow the planned route exactly. That can mean a slightly different view or stop, but it is a sensible trade for calmer water and a more pleasant day.

The crew speaks Italian and English. If you need help with a transfer or are unsure where you can swim, ask before leaving the boat. Clear instructions are especially useful when the sea is choppy or when several people are entering the water at once.

Comfort, swimming, and family suitability

This tour suits confident swimmers and anyone who wants a relaxed day with repeated access to the sea. You should be comfortable with boat ladders, swimming near an anchored vessel, or riding an inflatable dinghy to shore.

The tour is not suitable for babies under one year old, and pets are not allowed. Families with older children may find the schedule easy to enjoy because the stops are long enough to avoid constant movement.

For a solo visitor, the social setup can work well. The crew is described as warm and approachable, and the smaller boat makes it easier to meet other people than on a huge vessel. You can also choose a quiet place on deck when you want time alone.

This is less suitable if you want a full land tour of the islands, a formal visit to monuments, or a private boat. The emphasis is on swimming, coastal views, and simple relaxation.

What to bring for a dry and easy day

Pack lightly, but prepare for sun and water. You need a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Add a waterproof bag for your phone, money, and camera.

I would also bring a change of clothes, a reusable water bottle, and your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Keep all of it in a small soft bag that can fit beneath the bench seating.

Wear something easy to remove over your swimwear. You may move between the covered deck, the upper sun deck, the dinghy, and the water several times.

Arrive early enough to find parking and locate Medaglie d’Oro quay without rushing. The boat returns to the same meeting point at about 5:30 p.m., so the day runs close to eight hours from departure to return.

Should you book the Apollo II boat tour?

Book it if you want a full, unhurried day around La Maddalena with three worthwhile swim areas, a friendly crew, and more room than you usually get on a large excursion boat. The combination of Caprera, Budelli, Spargi, Cala Connari, and the view of Spiaggia Rosa gives you a strong sample of the archipelago for $81.

Think twice if you dislike shared seating, wet decks, extra onboard costs, or getting into the sea from a boat. Also remember the €5 cash landing fee and the need to arrange your own snorkeling equipment.

For most people who want clear water, scenic cruising, and an easy day away from Palau, this is a strong choice. Arrive early, protect your valuables, bring a towel and sunscreen, and leave enough room in your schedule to enjoy the stops rather than rushing from one to the next.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart?

The tour departs from the Medaglie d’Oro quay in Palau, Sardinia. Look for the motor vessel Apollo II and crew wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

What time does the tour leave?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about eight hours.

Which islands and areas does the tour visit?

The route includes Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi, with stops at Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere, and Cala Connari. Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from the boat.

Is the €5 landing fee included?

No. The €5 landing fee must be paid in cash on board at the time of embarkation.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks cost extra, but Apollo II sells pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, and coffee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I reach the beaches from the boat?

At Spiaggia del Cavaliere, you can use the included dinghy service to reach the beach. At Cala Connari, you can reach shore by swimming. You can also remain on board at both stops.

What facilities are available on Apollo II?

The boat has two bathrooms, a covered deck with seating, an upper deck with a sun deck, a bar, and kitchen service.

Are children and pets allowed?

The tour is not suitable for babies under one year old, and pets are not allowed.