From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

The best of Sardinia is offshore. This seven-hour cruise from Palau brings you to the La Maddalena National Park, with beach time at Spargi and Santa Maria, photo stops at Budelli, and clear-water swimming near Caprera. I especially like the variety of stops and the chance to order pasta, mussels, sandwiches, and Nutella pancakes on board. The multilingual crew is another plus, with explanations in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

The trade-off is space. The Sea Star can feel crowded, and the famous beaches fill quickly with boats in summer. Still, at $59 per person, this is a strong-value way to see several islands in one day, provided you are comfortable sharing the water and giving up some time to the boat ride itself.

Why this La Maddalena cruise earns a place on your Sardinia plans

• Cala Corsara on Spargi: Spend about 90 minutes near white sand, clear water, and the rocky coves of one of the archipelago’s most beautiful islands.
• Budelli from the water: Photograph Spiaggia Rosa and the emerald pools of Porto della Madonna without landing on the protected beach.
• Santa Maria beach time: You get roughly 75 minutes to swim, relax, or walk about one kilometer to the old lighthouse.
• Cala Coticcio, known as Tahiti: On selected days, swim from the boat in a sheltered bay on Caprera, often the day’s most praised water stop.
• A real choice of final stop: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday usually finish with swimming near Cala Coticcio. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday usually include La Maddalena’s old town instead.
• Good onboard value: Food and drinks cost extra, but the pasta, mussels, sandwiches, drinks, and crepes are reasonably priced according to the available feedback.

Leaving Palau at 10:30 am

Your meeting point is inside Palau’s Maritime Station on Via Piazza del Molo. Check-in takes place at boxes 4 and 5 between 9:00 and 10:00 am, with departure at 10:30.

Give yourself extra time. Getting to Palau can take longer than expected in heavy traffic, and walking from a parking area to the boat may take up to half an hour. It is easy to arrive early and still feel rushed if you do not allow for parking, the walk, and check-in.

The boat has public restrooms, passenger insurance, and a multilingual guide. You should still expect a busy shared excursion rather than a small private sailing trip. Several people report that everyone had a seat, but the boat felt packed during the high season.

Once under way, the first stop comes quickly. Spargi is less than 15 minutes from the departure area, so you do not spend the morning simply watching the shoreline pass.

Spargi and Cala Corsara: the first major reward

Spargi is one of the strongest parts of the day. The boat reaches the island’s Cala Corsara area, where you have about an hour and a half of free time.

This is your chance to get off the boat, walk across white sand, and swim in clear water. The bay also has rocky forms and old historical features, giving you a little more to look at than a simple beach stop. Bring your camera, but protect it carefully from sand and spray.

The stop is long enough to feel useful, yet not so long that you run out of things to do. If you want a quiet hour with a book, choose a patch of sand and settle in. If you prefer to swim and explore the edges of the bay, the clear water gives you a fine setting.

There is one important practical point: listen closely for the return time. The boat cannot wait for late passengers. A few minutes spent searching for the correct path back can become a real problem on an island stop, so I would return to the dock early.

After Spargi, the boat continues around the island’s eastern coast. This is a good time to sit back and look at the small coves and pale rock formations. You may also want to order lunch before the busiest part of the service.

Budelli’s Spiaggia Rosa is a photo stop only

Budelli is famous for Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach, and for the Natural Pools of Porto della Madonna. The color of the water here can look almost unreal, especially from the boat.

Do not expect to step onto the famous beach. The stop is for photographs from the water, which protects this delicate area but may disappoint anyone hoping for another swim. The boat’s position and other vessels can affect your view, so have your camera ready before the captain reaches the best angle.

This part of the route is valuable because you see a protected feature that is not available as a normal beach stop. It also breaks up the day nicely: after time on the sand at Spargi, you get a slow scenic passage and a chance to photograph the archipelago.

The downside is that a photo stop can feel brief, especially if you are more interested in swimming than sightseeing. Think of Budelli as a view from the water, not a full island visit.

Santa Maria gives you a second beach

Cala Santa Maria is the second proper beach stop, with about 75 minutes of free time. You can get off using the dock and walk directly toward the broad beach.

I like the rhythm of the day here. You have already seen Spargi, so Santa Maria feels like a second chance to swim, sunbathe, and decide which setting suits you best. Some people prefer to stay near the shore. Others use the time for a walk toward the old lighthouse, about one kilometer away.

That lighthouse walk is possible, but watch your timing. Seventy-five minutes is enough for a quick look if you move promptly, but not enough for a leisurely hike with long beach time as well. If swimming matters most, stay close to the beach. If you want a short walk and photographs, leave the shore soon after arrival.

The main weakness is crowding. In July and August, several boats may arrive around the same time, and a beautiful cove can become busy very fast. You will get the scenery, but not always the peaceful island mood you may imagine from photographs.

Monday, Tuesday, and Friday may bring a change here. National Park rules can mean that the Santa Maria beach stop is replaced by Cala Garibaldi on Caprera. This is not a small detail, so check the day of your booking if Santa Maria is a priority.

Cala Coticcio, Sardinia’s Tahiti, depends on your date

On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, the final major stop is usually Cala Coticcio on Caprera. The boat does not normally take you onto the beach. Instead, you swim from the boat in the bay for about an hour.

Cala Coticcio is also called Tahiti because of its exotic appearance. The water is known as a natural aquarium, making this the best place on the route to use a snorkel mask. Bring your own equipment if you have it, since snorkeling gear is listed among the recommended items but is not included.

This stop has received especially strong praise because it offers something different from the two beach visits. You are not just lying on sand. You are jumping or climbing into open water, looking for fish, and seeing the cove from sea level.

Conditions matter. Rough weather can force the captain to alter the route or replace a stop, and boats in front of you may partly block the view. The water stop may also feel shorter than expected if loading and positioning take time. Still, if swimming in clear water is your main goal, booking one of these three days makes sense.

On Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, the final stop is normally not Cala Coticcio. Instead, the boat visits La Maddalena’s old town. That version of the tour suits you better if you want streets, a church, and shops along with the islands.

La Maddalena town adds a change of pace

The town of La Maddalena is the alternative final stop on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. After hours of beaches and boat scenery, walking through the old center gives your day a useful change of pace.

You can explore the characteristic streets, visit the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, or browse the shops. The old port at Cala Gavetta is part of the approach, along with sights such as the old granite quarries at Cala Francese, the Guardia Vecchia weather station, Villa Webber, and the former NATO base and Napoleon’s fort on Santo Stefano during the return route.

Some people would gladly trade the town stop for more beach time. Others find that the town makes the excursion feel more connected to Sardinian life rather than being only a beach shuttle. I would choose your departure day based on this difference:

• Choose Monday, Tuesday, or Friday for the best chance of a final swim at Cala Coticcio.
• Choose Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday if you want a town visit and a little shopping.
• Remember that weather and National Park rules can still change the route.

Lunch on the Sea Star

Food is not included, but you can buy it on board. The available choices have included pasta with tomato sauce, mussels, sandwiches, drinks, and crepes with Nutella. Several people found the food tasty and fairly priced, with the pasta and pancakes getting particular approval.

This is useful because the tour lasts seven hours and there is no need to carry a full picnic if you are happy with simple boat food. I would order early, especially if you want a hot main course. One person arrived too late to get the crepes, which suggests that popular items may not remain available all day.

Bring your own snacks if you prefer more choice. Earlier experiences described a simple selection, while more recent feedback praised the onboard meals. The safest plan is to carry a small backup snack and buy lunch if the menu appeals to you.

Bring cash as well as a card. The landing fee is paid in cash on arrival, €5 per person from June through August and €2.50 in September. Electronic payments may also fail because of network problems at sea or on the islands. Food may be handled as a cash-only purchase, so do not assume your card will work.

The boat ride is part of the deal

The route includes several hours of cruising between stops. That is not wasted time if you enjoy views of the archipelago, but it does mean you spend a large part of the day on board.

The Sea Star provides a seat for each passenger, but high-season departures can feel tight. If you want plenty of personal space, a small-boat trip may suit you better, though it will likely cost more. This excursion works best when you accept the social atmosphere and focus on the scenery between stops.

Audio announcements are another point to consider. The guide gives information in four languages, but some people found it difficult to hear the explanations, especially near the beaches. If history is important to you, stay close to the guide or crew when information is being given, and do not expect a detailed lecture at every stop.

The crew generally receives warm praise for being friendly, helpful, and organized. Staff have also worked to adjust routes in poor weather, though no alternative can be promised when sea conditions turn difficult. Smoking on deck has bothered some passengers, so anyone sensitive to smoke should consider where to sit.

What to bring for a more comfortable day

Pack for sun, salt water, and a long day outside:

• Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes for docks, beach paths, and the possible lighthouse walk
• Snorkeling gear for Cala Coticcio
• A camera or phone in a waterproof pouch
• Cash for the landing fee and possible food purchases
• A light rain layer if you sit at the front of the boat

Oversize luggage is not allowed. Leave large bags at your accommodation or in your vehicle, and take only what you need for swimming and sun protection.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Pregnant women should also check suitability before booking, particularly because the excursion involves boat movement, beach access, and swimming stops. One pregnant passenger received helpful weather guidance before departure, but the activity information still lists pregnancy as unsuitable.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. If you miss the boarding time or arrive late, you lose the right to a refund.

Is $59 good value?

At $59, this is one of the easier ways to reach several famous corners of the archipelago in one day. The price covers the cruise, swimming stops, a multilingual guide, passenger insurance, and restrooms. It does not cover lunch, drinks, or the seasonal landing fee, but the added costs are clear and manageable.

The value comes from the variety. A private boat would give you more room and perhaps more flexible stops, but you would pay much more. Here, one ticket gives you Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, a final swim or town visit, and views of Caprera, Santo Stefano, and La Maddalena.

The price is less appealing if you dislike crowds or want long, quiet stretches on one beach. During July and August, the most famous bays attract many boats. You are paying for access and variety, not solitude.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it if you have one day for the archipelago and want to see as much as possible without arranging several separate boat transfers. It suits couples, families with mobile older children, and anyone who wants a mix of swimming, photographs, beach time, and island scenery.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy a sociable boat atmosphere and do not mind buying lunch on board. The friendly crew, four-language announcements, and clear schedule help keep a busy day organized.

I would think twice if you need quiet, extra space, detailed guiding, or easy access for reduced mobility. Strong swimmers should also check the date carefully if Cala Coticcio is the main reason for booking.

Should you book the Sea Star?

Book it if you want excellent scenery for a moderate price, two substantial beach stops, and the chance to swim in the clear waters near Caprera. Pick Monday, Tuesday, or Friday for the best chance of Cala Coticcio, and choose the other days if La Maddalena town sounds more appealing.

Arrive early, allow plenty of time to reach the maritime station, bring cash, and return promptly from every stop. With those details handled, this is a practical and enjoyable introduction to Sardinia’s island chain, even if the popular beaches and shared boat are rarely quiet.

FAQ

Where does the La Maddalena boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Maritime Station in Palau, at Via Piazza del Molo. Check-in is at boxes 4 and 5 between 9:00 and 10:00 am, with departure at 10:30 am.

How long does the boat trip last?

The listed duration is seven hours. Some departures may return earlier, depending on the route and conditions.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the boat cruise, swimming stops, a multilingual guide, passenger insurance, and public restrooms.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase on board. Options can include pasta, mussels, sandwiches, drinks, and Nutella crepes.

How much is the landing fee?

The fee is €5 per person from June through August and €2.50 per person in September. It must be paid in cash on arrival.

Does the boat visit Cala Coticcio?

On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, the final stop is normally a swim from the boat in Cala Coticcio on Caprera. Weather, National Park rules, and the day’s conditions can change the route.

Does the tour visit La Maddalena town?

On Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, the final stop is normally in the historic center of La Maddalena. You can walk through the streets, visit the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, or shop.

Can I bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is recommended, especially for the swim at Cala Coticcio, but it is not included in the ticket.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or pregnant women according to the stated restrictions.