Half-Day RIB Boat Tour of La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia4.7(590 Reviews)4 hours
From€47.50per person
Listing ID : 57197
4.7(590 Reviews)
Half-Day RIB Boat Tour of La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia
4hDuration
English, ItalianSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration4 Hours
Group SizeMax 12
Starts AtPalau
LanguagesEnglish, Italian
Sardinia Boat Tour
La Maddalena Archipelago 4-Hour RIB Tour from Palau or La Maddalena
Discover granite islands, pink beaches, and turquoise coves aboard a private dinghy in one unforgettable morning or afternoon.
This La Maddalena Archipelago RIB tour offers a focused, four-hour exploration of some of the most celebrated marine scenery along the north-east coast of Sardinia, with swimming stops at multiple protected coves and the chance to view the legendary Pink Beach of Budelli from the sea.
Departing from either the port of Palau or La Maddalena, the itinerary visits a carefully chosen sequence of locations within the national park, balancing scenic navigation with genuine time in the water. Groups are capped at twelve passengers, keeping the experience intimate and the skipper's attention accessible throughout.
Two vessel options allow travellers to calibrate comfort to expectation. The Silver boat provides a solid, well-equipped dinghy with bow cushions and a freshwater shower. The Gold boat adds a second engine, refrigerator, hob, Bluetooth audio, and a dedicated stern comfort zone for those who prefer a more refined on-water setting.
The itinerary is designed for flexibility. Sea and weather conditions determine the precise sequence of stops, and the skipper adjusts the route accordingly to ensure safety and the best possible experience at each location.
Tour Highlights
Swim at the Natural Pools of Porto Madonna on Budelli, one of the most sheltered and photogenic anchorages in the archipelago.
Pass directly in front of Budelli's Pink Beach, visible only from the sea and protected from foot traffic by national park regulations.
Reach Cala Coticcio on Caprera, known locally as the Tahiti of the Mediterranean for its granite cliffs and intensely coloured water.
Enjoy a swim stop at Cala Lunga di Razzoli, a secluded bay framed by low Mediterranean scrub and remarkably clear shallows.
Board either the Silver or Gold dinghy, each carrying full safety equipment, climbing ladders, and an outdoor freshwater shower.
Explore the island of Spargi, with a beach stop option that lets you step ashore or swim directly from the dinghy.
Choose departure from either Palau or La Maddalena, making this tour accessible whether you are staying on the mainland coast or the island.
Itinerary
1
Departure and Approach to the Archipelago
The tour departs from the port of Palau or La Maddalena and navigates toward the protected waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The crossing offers open-sea scenery and the first views of the granite island outlines.
2
Budelli Pink Beach Viewing and Natural Pools Swim Stop
The skipper positions the vessel for a clear view of Budelli's Pink Beach, accessible only from the water. The group then anchors at Porto Madonna's Natural Pools for approximately thirty minutes of swimming in sheltered conditions.
3
Cala Lunga di Razzoli Swim Stop
The boat moves to Razzoli island and anchors at Cala Lunga for a further swim stop of roughly thirty minutes. The bay is quiet and well-protected, with shallow water suitable for all swimming abilities.
4
Spargi Island Beach or Dinghy Stop
At Spargi, passengers can choose to swim from the dinghy or step ashore onto the beach, depending on conditions. This stop lasts approximately thirty minutes and is one of the most scenic points of the route.
5
Cala Coticcio Swim Stop on Caprera
The final swimming stop is at Cala Coticcio, a narrow inlet enclosed by sculpted granite and celebrated for its vivid turquoise colour. Passengers swim from the dinghy for around thirty minutes before the return journey begins.
6
Return to Port
The skipper navigates back to the departure port, completing the four-hour circuit. Exact return timing depends on sea conditions and the pace of each stop along the route.
What Is Included
Included
4-hour guided RIB dinghy tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago
Skipper and crew throughout the tour
Multiple swim stops at Budelli, Razzoli, Spargi, and Caprera
Scenic pass in front of Budelli's Pink Beach
Outdoor freshwater shower on board
Climbing ladder for re-boarding after swimming
Awning for shade on board
Full safety equipment
Choice of Silver or Gold vessel (selected at booking)
Not Included
Food and beverages (Gold boat includes refrigerator and hob)
Snorkelling equipment (recommended to bring your own)
Towels
Sunscreen
Transfer to the departure port
National park entrance fees if applicable
Important Information
The itinerary and stops may be modified by the skipper based on sea and weather conditions on the day of the tour. This is standard practice for all maritime excursions operating within the national park.
Duration
4 hours total, including navigation and approximately four swim stops of around 30 minutes each.
Meeting Point
Port of Palau or port of La Maddalena, Sardinia. Exact berth details are confirmed at booking.
What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, footwear suitable for boarding a boat, and any personal snorkelling equipment. Water and snacks are recommended for the Gold boat option.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are outlined at the time of booking. Tours may be cancelled by the operator in cases of adverse weather or sea conditions, with rebooking or refund options provided.
Accessibility
The tour involves boarding a RIB dinghy from a dock and re-boarding after swimming using a ladder. Passengers with limited mobility should contact the operator prior to booking to confirm suitability.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times, particularly during swim stops. Life jackets are available on board.
Reserve Your Spot on the Archipelago
Places on each departure are limited to twelve passengers. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during the summer season to secure your preferred vessel and date.
Can I choose my departure point, Palau or La Maddalena?▼
Yes. The tour is available departing from either the port of Palau or the port of La Maddalena. Your preferred departure point should be indicated at the time of booking.
What is the difference between the Silver and Gold boat options?▼
The Silver boat is an 8-metre dinghy with bow cushions, an awning, a freshwater shower, and a 200hp engine, with a maximum of 12 passengers. The Gold boat is a 10-metre vessel with twin 350hp engines, bow and stern comfort areas, a refrigerator, hob, Bluetooth radio, and a diving platform, also for up to 12 passengers.
Is it possible to walk on the Pink Beach of Budelli?▼
No. The Pink Beach is protected under national park regulations and cannot be accessed on foot. The tour passes in front of it by sea, which is the only permitted way to view it closely.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?▼
The skipper makes all final decisions regarding the itinerary based on sea and weather conditions. If the tour cannot safely proceed, the operator will offer an alternative date or a refund in line with their cancellation policy.
Is snorkelling equipment provided on board?▼
Snorkelling equipment is not listed as included. Passengers wishing to snorkel at the swim stops are advised to bring their own mask and fins.
How physically demanding is this tour?▼
The tour is rated Easy. Swimming is optional at each stop, and passengers can remain on board if preferred. Re-boarding the dinghy after swimming requires use of a climbing ladder.
La Maddalena ArchipelagoSardinia Boat TourRIB TourBudelli Pink BeachCala CoticcioSpargi IslandRazzoliSnorkelling SardiniaPalau ExcursionNational Park Boat TripHalf Day SailingFamily Boat Tour
This tour operates within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, located off the north-east tip of Sardinia, Italy, in the Strait of Bonifacio between Sardinia and Corsica. Departures are available from Palau, a coastal town on the Sardinian mainland, and from La Maddalena, the main island of the archipelago. Key destinations visited include Budelli (famous for its protected Pink Beach and Natural Pools at Porto Madonna), Razzoli (Cala Lunga), Spargi, and the Caprera island cove of Cala Coticcio. The area falls within the boundaries of the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena and is recognised as one of the most ecologically significant marine protected areas in the western Mediterranean.
Type: Boat Tour | Format: Small Group (max 12) | Duration: Half Day (4 hours) | Difficulty: Easy | Region: La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia, Italy | Departure: Palau or La Maddalena | Activity: Island Hopping, Swimming, Scenic Navigation | Season: Spring to Autumn | Vessel Options: Silver RIB (8m, 200hp) / Gold RIB (10m, twin 350hp)
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