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

La Maddalena’s best scenery is out on the water, and this full-day cruise gives you plenty of time to enjoy it. You’ll swim at Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere, and Cala Connari, with the crew helping you reach shore when conditions allow. I like the comfortable boat and the generous swim stops. I also like that the group is often small enough to avoid the packed feeling of larger excursion boats.

The main thing to consider is that food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the €5 landing fee are extra. You’ll also need to allow time for parking in Palau, and the boat can get wet when people return from the water.

Key points to know before you book

• Apollo II is a refurbished 1956 motorboat with covered seating, an upper sun deck, two bathrooms, a bar, and kitchen service.
• The three main water stops last about four hours in total, giving you real swim time rather than quick photo pauses.
• You can reach some beaches by dinghy or swimming, so you are not required to stay on the main boat.
• Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from the water, not visited on foot.
• The crew speaks Italian and English and gives information during the cruise.
• Bring a waterproof bag, since wet swimmers and splashing can leave bags and the lower deck damp.

Why this Palau boat trip is worth considering

The La Maddalena Archipelago is made for a boat day. Sardinia’s northeastern coast breaks into small islands, pale beaches, rocky coves, and clear water that changes color as the depth shifts. From Palau, you can reach several of the archipelago’s best-known spots without arranging separate transport for each island.

This tour costs $81 per person and lasts about eight hours. That is a fair price if you want a full day on the water, several substantial swimming stops, and transport between Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi. The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay for a shorter cruise and still need to organize beach transfers or meals.

The boat is a major part of the appeal. Apollo II is an 18-meter refurbished motorboat dating from 1956. It has a covered deck with seating, an upper deck with a sun deck, two bathrooms, and a bar and kitchen area. You can sit in the shade between stops, find sun upstairs, or stay near the water when it is time to swim.

I would not choose this trip if your main goal is a quiet, private sailing experience. It is a social day boat with a set route and shared facilities. Still, the boat is described as having room to move around, and the group may be smaller than the large excursion vessels that operate in the same waters.

Starting in Palau and crossing toward Caprera

The meeting point is quay Medaglie d’Oro in Palau. Look for Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket. The scheduled departure is 10:15 a.m., with a return to Palau at about 5:30 p.m.

Give yourself extra time to park. Palau can be very busy, and finding a space near the harbor may take longer than expected. This is one of those small details that can change the mood of your morning, so arriving early is wise.

The first part is a roughly 30-minute scenic cruise between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. Along the way, the boat passes the Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center. The crew provides information about the places you pass and the stops ahead.

This opening cruise helps you settle into the day. You are not rushed straight from the harbor to a beach. Instead, you get a broad view of the islands and nearby coast before the swimming begins.

Cala Serena gives you the first swim

The first stop is Cala Serena on Caprera, for about 30 minutes. It is a short introduction to the water and a useful chance to test your mask, adjust your towel setup, and get comfortable boarding and leaving the boat.

Half an hour goes quickly. I would treat this as a refreshing first swim rather than the main beach stop. If you want the longest possible time in the water, have your swimwear on before departure and keep sunscreen, towel, and any personal items close at hand.

The boat’s arrangement helps here. You can use the covered seating if the sun is strong, then move to the upper deck for a brighter view. There is no need to carry a full beach setup for the first stop, since you return to Apollo II after the swim.

Budelli and Spiaggia del Cavaliere

After about 40 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Budelli. The key stop is offshore at Spiaggia del Cavaliere, lasting about one hour and 30 minutes. This is the longest water stop of the day and one of the main reasons to book the trip.

You have three choices. Stay on Apollo II and use the boat’s facilities, snorkel near the boat, or reach the beach by inflatable dinghy with the crew. The dinghy option is useful if you want the feel of getting ashore without swimming the whole way. It also gives you a closer look at the beach than you get from the main deck.

The water around Budelli is the star here. Pack a mask if you have one, since snorkeling equipment is not included. The crew may have goggles available at times, but you should not depend on that. A personal mask is more comfortable and gives you control over fit and visibility.

The famous Spiaggia Rosa is also part of the Budelli scenery, but you admire it from the boat. This matters because the stop is not a free-for-all beach visit. You should expect an offshore experience, with views from the water and a chance to swim, rather than a long walk across the pink beach.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

From Budelli, the boat continues to Spargi for the day’s longest stop, two hours at Cala Connari. This is where the pace becomes especially relaxed. You have enough time for a long swim, time on the beach, or a slower lunch break back aboard.

As at Budelli, you can remain on the boat, use its services, snorkel near Apollo II, or reach the shore by swimming. The information provided specifically mentions swimming to the beach here rather than a guaranteed dinghy transfer, so be ready for an active arrival if you want to go ashore.

Cala Connari works well as the final major stop because you are not forced to hurry through the water. You can swim first, dry off, eat something, then take another look before departure. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate having options, since some people can stay aboard while others head toward the beach.

The tradeoff is that beach access depends on your comfort in the water and the day’s conditions. Strong wind can affect the route and how easy it is to reach particular coves. The captain may change the exact plan to find safer or calmer water, which means the advertised stops should be understood as the planned route, not an absolute promise in every weather condition.

What life is like aboard Apollo II

Apollo II offers more comfort than a small open boat. The covered deck gives you a place to sit out of direct sun, while the upper deck provides a sun deck and better views during the cruise. Two bathrooms are a welcome feature on an eight-hour outing.

The boat also has a bar and kitchen service. You can buy pasta dishes, salads, prepackaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, coffee, and snacks. That makes packing lunch optional, though I would still bring water if you have a preferred drink and plan for the possibility that popular items sell out.

Food prices are not included, so factor that into the total cost. The convenience is useful, especially when you do not want to carry a cooler onto a boat. A proper meal also lets you use the longer Cala Connari stop as a break instead of spending the whole time in the water.

The boat can get wet. People return from swimming, climb aboard in damp swimwear, and create plenty of spray around the lower seating area. Store phones, passports, cameras, and spare clothes in a waterproof bag. A dry bag is more useful here than a regular beach tote.

The practical details that affect your day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen. The sun deck is appealing, but you will spend many hours exposed to glare from the water. Reapply sunscreen after every swim, even if the breeze makes the day feel mild.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about seeing fish clearly. If you do not have equipment, you can still swim and enjoy the clear water, but your options will be more limited.

The €5 landing fee is paid in cash on board at embarkation. Keep small euro notes or coins handy so this does not become a last-minute scramble. Food and drinks are also extra.

Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for babies under one year. The tour operates in Italian and English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sardinia plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this cruise to anyone who wants a full day of swimming without renting a boat or planning an island route. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a friendly shared outing. The crew’s warm approach can make it easier to feel comfortable if you arrive alone.

It is also a good match if you want choices during the stops. You can swim, snorkel, sit under cover, use the sun deck, or buy food on board. That flexibility matters when not everyone in your group has the same energy or interest in getting ashore.

You may want another option if you dislike fixed schedules, shared bathrooms, or getting wet around your bags. The itinerary covers several places in one day, but you will not have unlimited time at any single beach. You also do not walk through Spiaggia Rosa, and some shore access is by dinghy or swimming.

Is $81 a good value?

At $81, the price is reasonable for eight hours of boat transport, a comfortable vessel, crew assistance, and several long stops. The cost covers the boat excursion and dinghy service for transfers to the islands, but not the landing fee, meals, drinks, or snorkeling gear.

The strongest value comes from the time on the water. You are not paying for a short harbor cruise. You receive a scenic crossing, a swim at Caprera, a long stop at Budelli, and two hours at Spargi. If you want to visit several parts of the archipelago in one day, organizing an equivalent plan alone could be more work and may not save money.

Plan on paying a little more than the advertised fare once you add the €5 fee and any food or drinks. Even so, the included facilities and long swim periods make it a solid choice for a classic La Maddalena day.

Should you book the Apollo II cruise?

Book it if your ideal Sardinian day means clear water, several coves, a relaxed boat, and enough time to swim properly. The comfortable 1956 vessel, helpful English and Italian speaking crew, covered seating, and choice of beach access give the outing a practical edge.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a silent sailing trip, or a guaranteed visit ashore at every beach. For most people staying near Palau, though, this is an efficient way to see Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi in one day. Arrive early for parking, carry cash and a waterproof bag, and bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The tour leaves from quay Medaglie d’Oro in Palau. Look for Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

What time does the boat leave and return?

Departure is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. The boat returns to Palau at approximately 5:30 p.m., for a total duration of about eight hours.

Which islands and beaches are included?

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

Can I go ashore during the stops?

At Spiaggia del Cavaliere, you can stay on board, snorkel near the boat, or reach the beach by inflatable dinghy with the crew. At Cala Connari, you can stay aboard, snorkel, or swim to the beach.

Is food available on the boat?

Yes. You can buy pasta dishes, salads, prepackaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, coffee, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, and snacks. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it. You can also swim without snorkeling gear.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for valuables and clothing. The boat may get wet when people return from swimming.

Is there a landing fee?

Yes. The landing fee is €5, paid in cash on board at the time of embarkation.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The host or greeter speaks Italian and English.