Sailing Trips in Sardinia — 10 That Justify the Detour

1.1-Catamaran tour to the Maddalena Archipelago from Cannigione

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,248 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $119Our pick

Spend about eight hours aboard a catamaran from Cannigione, visiting Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria, and the Porto della Madonna. The boat carries no more than 12 people, with lunch, wine, beer, myrtle liqueur, snorkeling gear, and attentive crew members such as Luca, Barbara, Francesco, and Alberto.

“Had a fantastic day out on the water. The snorkeling was great and Pietro’s lunch was delicious. Definitely recommend. A great day in Sardinia.”

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2.Sailboat tour from PALAU to the Maddalena Archipelago.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 952 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $107

Set out from Palau at 9:30 a.m. for a seven to eight-hour sailing day around La Maddalena. Your skipper may be Giuseppe, Simone, Claudia, or another SST crew member. Expect pink beach views, Spargi coves, swimming, snorkeling, Sardinian food, Vermentino, and a maximum of 12 people.

“A beautiful day exploring La Maddalena with great hosts, enjoying beautiful views and good food! Simone and Claudia, thank you!”

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3.From Palau or La Maddalena: Archipelago Sailing Ship Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 903 reviews · 7 hours · from $77

You’ll spend a full day on a vintage motorsailer from Palau or La Maddalena, visiting Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi. Guides such as Letizia provide commentary in Italian, English, and French. Expect three swim or beach stops, limited shade, paid onboard food and drinks, and a cash landing tax.

“It was a little bit chaotic at first because it was very windy but we had so much fun. The crew was amazing, so sweet and reassuring. The beaches were also beautiful. Je recommande chaudement !”

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4.Luxury catamaran from Porto Rafael-Palau to the Maddalena Archipelago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 751 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $131

Spend about eight hours aboard a small luxury catamaran from Punta Sardegna near Palau. Alex, Alberto, Roberto, and other crew members have hosted these trips, serving Sardinian food, Vermentino wine, coffee, and liqueur. You’ll swim at Spargi, see Pink Beach from the water, and explore the clear lagoons around Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria.

“It was a great day spent on the water. We made a few stops to swim and enjoy the water. Roberto, (Captain) was very informative and his skipper (Katia) was very attentive. The only advice I would give is to call the office a day or two before to confirm the exact pick up location and time. Our confirmation email had 2 totally different pick up locations.”

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5.Sunset Sailing Aperitif Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 367 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Set sail from Alghero with skipper Andrea for a two-hour sunset aperitif. You’ll cruise toward Maddalenetta, stop for a sea swim with masks and snorkels, then enjoy Sardinian snacks, wine, beer, soft drinks, music, and views of Capo Caccia.

“Amazing experience! The trip had everything! A beautiful boat, lovely company, tasty food, free-flowing drinks and even a wedding proposal. Andreas was a wonderful and very funny guide. My mom and I really enjoyed it. We debated at length if the sunset was “too much” but I think it was just enough. Well worth every penny.”

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6.Sailing day trip on Tall Ship Andrea Jensen with Lunch and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 360 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $169

Join Colin and Rachel aboard the 86-year-old Andrea Jensen for a seven-hour sail from Alghero. You’ll pass Capo Caccia’s cliffs, swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, enjoy a fresh two-course lunch with wine and beer, and help raise the red sails if conditions allow. The group is limited to 12 people.

“Great trip. Lots of room. Antipasti food course excellent. Best bit is the scenery and sailing back to port. Will come again.”

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7.Sailing Tour with 4 Stops, Snorkeling and Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 341 reviews · from $61Best value

Sail from Cagliari with Alma Sailing Charter toward the Devil’s Saddle, stopping at Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and Sella del Diavolo. Alma, Patrick, Paolo, Laura, and other crew members may guide the trip in English, Italian, or French. Expect swimming, snorkeling gear, a sea-view history lesson, onboard WC, and prosecco or soft drinks for purchase.

“Laura and Paolo were wonderful hosts/sailors. They were very friendly and relaxed. They gave us information about the city and places we sailed past which was really cool. We anchored in two spots and had float devices and goggles for us to use. But if you want a snorkel you need to bring your own. The ladder to get back on the boat is quite narrow and not a lot of stuff to hold on to - myself and my friend both fell off the ladder trying to get back on the boat! The sea was a bit choppy, so accidentally swallowed a fair amount of sea water. Unfortunately myself…”

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8.La Maddalena: Full-Day Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 256 reviews · 7 hours · from $117

Spend seven hours sailing La Maddalena with a professional crew, often including Dimitri, Fabio, Eddie, or Enzo. Swim and snorkel near Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi, enjoy a fresh Sardinian lunch with drinks, and travel mainly under sail in a group limited to 12. The route changes with weather and your preferences.

“We had an amazing time onboard La Maddalena. Dmitri and Lorenzo were wonderful. We went to some incredible beaches, and I would absolutely recommend this trip!”

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9.Porto Conte: Half-day catamaran tour with aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 228 reviews · 3 hours · from $91

Join skipper Toni, also listed as Tony, for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Marina di Porto Conte to Capo Caccia and Cala Dragunara. You get time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and relax aboard a 2021 catamaran, with Sardinian sausage, pecorino, white wine, and water included.

“It was a great trip with an excellent guide. Tony went above and beyond to give us a beautiful tour. I recommend him highly. Will book it again”

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10.From Palau/La Maddalena: All inclusive Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 191 reviews

Spend seven hours aboard a small yacht from Palau, with room for up to 10 participants. Captain Fabio and crew guide you to Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and Capo d’Orso, stopping for swims, photos, and a generous onboard meal with seafood pasta, local wine, beer, and soft drinks.

“Excellent… Fabio was great and so informative. Cheese and salami platter was delicious and seafood pasta was super. Nice boat with only 8 people and 2 kids. Highly recommended.”

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