Boat Tour to Caprera and La Maddalena Archipelago

Three beautiful islands, one easy day. This 7 to 8 hour cruise from Palau takes you around Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi aboard the refurbished 1956 Apollo II. I like the generous swim stops, especially the 90 minutes near Spiaggia del Cavaliere and the two hours at Cala Connari. I also like the boat itself: it has character, covered seating, an upper sun deck, two bathrooms, and enough room to avoid feeling packed in.

The main drawback is practical rather than scenic: parking in Palau can be difficult and expensive, especially in summer. You should arrive about an hour before departure if you are driving. Also, lunch is not included, and the €5 landing fee must be paid in cash on board.

This is a relaxed sea day, not a sightseeing cruise with long island walks. You will spend much of the time swimming, sitting in the sun, snorkeling near the boat, or taking a short dinghy ride to shore. At $84 per person, it is good value if you want several striking swimming spots without arranging your own boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Apollo II is a refurbished 1956 motorboat: The vintage hull gives the trip some character, while the covered deck, sun deck, bar, kitchen service, and bathrooms keep it comfortable.
• Three substantial water stops: You get about 30 minutes at Cala Serena, 90 minutes near Spiaggia del Cavaliere, and two hours at Cala Connari.
• The dinghy service is included: You can reach the beach at some stops without swimming all the way from the boat.
• Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from the water: You admire the famous pink beach, but the tour does not describe a landing there.
• Bring cash, food protection, and patience for parking: The €5 landing fee is paid in cash, lunch costs extra, and Palau parking can take time.
• Best for swimmers and families with older children: Babies under one year are not suitable, and pets are not allowed.

Leaving Palau aboard the Apollo II

The day begins in Palau or La Maddalena, depending on the option you book. The boat is the Apollo II, an 18-meter vessel that is 4.5 meters wide. It was built in 1956 and later refurbished, so you get an older boat with a fresh, functional interior rather than a shiny modern catamaran.

That distinction matters. The Apollo II has a pleasant sense of space, with covered seating for shade and an upper deck for sunbathing. The boat also has two bathrooms, a bar, and refreshment and kitchen service. The bathrooms are described as surprisingly spacious for a boat and kept clean during the day.

The group size has varied from roughly 30 to around 50 people. That is still a shared excursion, but it is not the huge ferry-style outing many people fear. You should expect other people around the swim stops, yet the boat has enough room for sitting, moving about, and enjoying the ride.

The crew speaks English and Italian. Their job is not only to handle the boat but also to explain the places you pass and the stops ahead. The crew has been praised for being friendly, attentive, and lively. One crew member named Vlad was singled out for his jokes and energy, though staffing can change from one departure to another.

Before you settle in, remember the separate landing fee: €5 per person, paid in cash on board at embarkation. Food and drinks are not part of the $84 price, but you can buy sandwiches, snacks, coffee, cold drinks, and other refreshments on the boat. You may also bring your own food.

The first 30 minutes: Santo Stefano to Caprera

The opening cruise is a sightseeing run of about 30 minutes. The Apollo II passes between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso, with views of the Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center.

This section gives you useful context before the swimming begins. The archipelago is not just a string of pretty coves. Its islands have military sites, sailing facilities, old towers, and narrow passages where the shape of the coast matters. The crew provides information as you pass, so keep your ears open even if your main goal is the water.

The boat’s size can also be useful here. A larger vessel may have trouble passing beneath some bridges in the area, while the Apollo II can cross a bridge with limited height. That helps explain why a medium-sized boat can reach certain viewpoints and routes that are not available to every operator.

Keep a hat and sunscreen handy from the start. You can move between the covered deck and upper sun deck, but a full day on the water brings strong exposure even when the air feels comfortable.

Cala Serena on Caprera: your first swim

The first stop is Cala Serena on Caprera, with about 30 minutes for swimming. It is a short introduction to the day’s rhythm: cruise, stop, swim, dry off, and cruise again.

You may enter the water from the boat, so bring swimwear under your clothes and have your towel ready. The water is described as exceptionally clear, and the main appeal is simply getting into it early in the trip. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain on board and use the boat’s facilities.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. I would treat this as a chance to cool off and get comfortable with the boat rather than your main beach visit. Save your longer snorkel and shore time for the later stops.

Budelli and Spiaggia del Cavaliere

The cruise to Budelli takes about 40 minutes. This is a good stretch for looking out over the islands, listening to the crew, and deciding how you want to use the next stop.

At Budelli, the boat stops offshore near Spiaggia del Cavaliere for about 90 minutes. You have three choices. You can stay on Apollo II, snorkel near the boat, or take the included inflatable dinghy to the beach with the crew.

That flexibility is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You do not have to scramble onto a beach if you would rather swim from the boat. At the same time, the dinghy means you do not need to be a strong swimmer to reach shore. The transfer service is especially useful if you are carrying a towel, camera, or small beach bag.

Spiaggia del Cavaliere is known for its pale sand and clear water. The stop is long enough for a proper swim, some time on the beach, and a little snorkeling. Still, this is a shared boat excursion, not a private beach day. Other boats may be nearby, and conditions can affect exactly where the crew anchors.

The boat also passes by Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli’s famous pink beach. The tour presents it from the water, so do not book this expecting to walk onto Spiaggia Rosa. The view is the point here. The soft color of the beach against the water makes for one of the day’s most memorable sights, even from offshore.

If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment because it is not included. Some past departures have had goggles available, but you should not rely on that. A compact mask and snorkel will give you more freedom, and a waterproof bag will protect your phone and clothes.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

After Budelli, the boat sails to Spargi and stops at Cala Connari for about two hours. This is the longest stop, and it is where the relaxed pace really pays off.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel nearby, remain on deck, or reach the beach by swimming. The long pause means you are not forced back aboard just as you begin to enjoy the water. You can alternate between the sea and the shade, have a snack, and take your time.

Cala Connari is praised for its striking water and sheltered coves. Weather matters here. One departure faced strong westerly winds, and the captain adjusted the route to find better conditions. That is worth remembering: the advertised places are the planned highlights, but the captain may alter the exact anchorage for safety and comfort.

The sea conditions also affect how easy it is to get back to the boat. If you are not a confident swimmer, use the dinghy where it is offered or stay close to the vessel. Never assume that a calm-looking bay has no current or boat traffic.

Two hours is enough to make this stop feel less rushed than a standard sightseeing pause. You can have a proper swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the scenery without watching the clock every five minutes. The only catch is that the boat may get wet from people climbing aboard after swimming, so keep valuables in a waterproof pouch and avoid leaving electronics loose beneath the benches.

Food, drinks, and the real cost of the day

The advertised price is $84 per person. For a full day on the water with three swim stops, the boat ride, crew service, island transfers by dinghy, and onboard facilities, I consider that a fair price for Sardinia’s La Maddalena area.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise rent equipment, arrange several transfers, or book separate boat trips. You get a complete route around the archipelago in one day, and the crew handles the navigation between the islands.

The price is not all-inclusive. Add the €5 landing fee, paid in cash. Lunch and drinks cost extra, although the bar and kitchen service sell sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and cold drinks. If you want to control your spending, bring your own lunch and water, then buy only what you need on board.

There is no formal meal included, so do not assume a restaurant-style lunch break. You are on a boat with swimming stops, not at a waterfront café. Pack food that is easy to eat outdoors and keep it in a small soft bag.

What to bring for a wet, sunny boat day

Wear swimwear from the beginning, or at least keep it easy to reach. You will likely want to enter the water more than once, and changing space on any boat is limited.

Bring:

• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Swimwear
• A waterproof bag for phones and valuables
• Cash for the €5 landing fee
• Snorkeling equipment if you want to explore below the surface
• Food or money for onboard refreshments

The boat has covered seating, but you should still plan for long periods of sun. A towel also helps with wet seats and the short dinghy transfers.

Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for babies under one year. For everyone else, the main question is comfort in the water. You do not need to swim at every stop, since you can remain on board, but the experience is built around swimming and beach time.

Parking in Palau can shape your morning

If you are driving to Palau, give yourself extra time. Parking can be hard to find, especially during the busy summer months. Some people have needed about an hour simply to locate a space, and the available multi-story parking can be expensive.

This is the sort of small detail that can turn a pleasant morning into a stressful one. Arrive early, walk to the meeting point before departure time, and do not count on finding a space just around the corner.

The exact meeting point can vary with the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. The tour may depart from Palau or La Maddalena, and that difference affects your morning plans.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this trip if you want a simple way to see several islands while spending much of the day in the water. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and friends who like a social boat atmosphere without being packed onto a huge vessel.

It is also a good choice if you value comfort. The Apollo II has shade, a sun deck, bathrooms, food service, and space to sit. The included dinghy service removes some of the awkwardness of getting ashore.

I would choose another type of outing if you want long walks, quiet solitude, or a private schedule. The boat follows a shared route, and the day’s focus is swimming rather than exploring inland. You also need to accept sun, wet floors, boat movement, and a full day outside.

The strongest praise for this experience centers on the crew, the clean and comfortable boat, and the length of the swimming stops. Those are exactly the qualities that make the $84 price work. The scenery is spectacular, but scenery alone does not make a seven-hour boat day good. Here, the practical setup helps carry the day.

Should you book the Caprera and La Maddalena cruise?

Book it if you want three well-spaced water stops, clear bays, beach access by dinghy, and a comfortable shared boat with a friendly English and Italian-speaking crew. The long pauses at Spiaggia del Cavaliere and Cala Connari give you real time to swim instead of collecting quick photographs from the rail.

Think twice if you dislike group excursions, cannot tolerate strong sun, or want lunch included in the ticket. Also plan carefully if you are driving to Palau, since parking is the one repeated logistical headache.

For most people seeking a full island day without renting a boat, I would book it. Bring cash, sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof bag. Arrive early, claim a comfortable place on deck, and let the archipelago supply the spectacle.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours and returns to Palau at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Where does the boat depart?

Departure is from Palau or La Maddalena, depending on the option booked. Check the meeting point for your selected option.

What islands and beaches are included?

The route includes Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi. Stops include Cala Serena, the offshore area near Spiaggia del Cavaliere, and Cala Connari. You also view Spiaggia Rosa from the boat.

Is food included?

No. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included, but food, coffee, and drinks can be purchased on board. You may also bring your own food.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel. You can snorkel near the boat at the designated stops.

What extra fee must I pay?

A €5 landing fee is paid in cash on board at the time of embarkation. The motorboat excursion and dinghy service for island transfers are included.