Boat Tour to Caprera and La Maddalena Archipelago

The best part of this day is simple: you spend hours moving between Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi, stopping at coves that are hard to reach by road or on foot. The water is remarkably clear, and the schedule gives you real time to swim rather than rushing ashore for a quick photo.

I like the refurbished Apollo II, which keeps the charm of an old boat but has covered seating, a sun deck, two bathrooms, and a small bar. I also like the generous swim stops, including up to two hours at Cala Connari. The main drawback is parking in Palau, which can be difficult and expensive in summer, so arrive early.

Key points

• Three substantial water stops: Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere, and Cala Connari give you time to swim, snorkel, or reach shore.
• Apollo II has character: This 18-meter vintage motorboat was built in 1956 and refurbished for comfort.
• Small dinghy transfers are included: You can reach beaches from the boat without arranging another service.
• Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from offshore: The famous pink beach is admired from the water rather than visited directly.
• Food is available onboard: Sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and coffee can be bought, but lunch is not included.
• Plan for the €5 landing fee: It is paid in cash onboard at embarkation, in addition to the tour price.

Why this boat day works so well

The La Maddalena Archipelago is best understood from the water. The islands sit close together, but their coves, beaches, and rock formations are scattered across a broad stretch of sea. A road-based day can show you only a small part of the area. This cruise lets you cover several islands while keeping the day pleasantly unhurried.

You pay about $84 per person for seven to eight hours. That is not the cheapest way to see the archipelago, but the price includes the motorboat, crew, commentary in English and Italian, and dinghy service to the islands. You also avoid arranging several separate boat transfers.

The strongest value comes from the time in the water. The schedule includes a 30-minute stop at Cala Serena, 90 minutes near Spiaggia del Cavaliere on Budelli, and two hours at Cala Connari on Spargi. Those are long enough for you to swim properly, dry off, eat, and enjoy the view without checking the clock every few minutes.

This is not a private yacht outing. The boat can carry around 50 people, though some departures have been closer to 30. It feels more spacious than the very large excursion boats, but you still share the deck, bar, bathrooms, and swim areas with other passengers.

Starting from Palau and crossing toward Caprera

The trip leaves from Palau or La Maddalena, depending on the option you book. Check your meeting point carefully, since it may change with the selected departure.

If you leave from Palau, give yourself plenty of time to park. Summer parking near the port can take an hour or more, and the multi-story car park can be costly. I would arrive at least an hour before the meeting time, especially in July and August. That small bit of planning can prevent a stressful start.

The opening cruise lasts about 30 minutes and is more than just a transfer. You pass between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso, with views of 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. Commentary is offered in English and Italian. You should expect a relaxed explanation rather than a formal guided lecture, which suits the easygoing nature of the day.

Apollo II is one of the unusual parts of the experience. The boat is 18 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with a covered deck, seating, an upper sun deck, two bathrooms, a bar, and kitchen service. It is an older vessel, but it has been updated. That gives you some character without giving up basic comfort.

Cala Serena: a first 30-minute swim

Your first stop is Cala Serena on Caprera, with about 30 minutes in the water. It is a useful opening stop because you can get comfortable with the boat, the sea, and the way boarding works before the longer breaks later.

You can swim from the boat and use the clear water around it. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat. A waterproof bag is also a smart choice because people getting in and out of the water can leave the deck damp, and bags are stored under the benches on the floor.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. I would treat this stop as a refreshing swim rather than a full beach visit. The main purpose is to get you into the water early and show you the quality of the sea around Caprera.

Budelli and Spiaggia del Cavaliere

After roughly 40 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Budelli. The stop near Spiaggia del Cavaliere lasts about an hour and a half, giving you more flexibility.

You can stay onboard, swim and snorkel near the boat, or take the included inflatable dinghy to the beach with the crew. That choice matters. If you prefer easy access and a change of scenery, go ashore. If you want to avoid wet transfers or simply enjoy the boat, remain onboard and use the deck.

This is also where you can admire Spiaggia Rosa, the famous pink beach of Budelli, from offshore. You should not expect a beach landing there. The appeal is the view from the water, where the pale sand and surrounding sea can be appreciated without turning the stop into a long shore excursion.

The beach access is practical, but it may not suit anyone who expects a completely private or untouched beach experience. You are sharing the area with other boats and people, and transfers are handled by dinghy. Still, 90 minutes is generous by excursion standards.

For snorkeling, bring your own equipment if you have it. Snorkeling gear is not included, although crew members may have goggles available at times. The tour is primarily a boat and swimming outing, not a dedicated guided snorkeling trip.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

The longest stop comes at Cala Connari on Spargi, where you have about two hours. This is the point in the day when you can settle into the rhythm of the archipelago.

You may swim from the boat, snorkel near it, remain onboard, or reach the beach by swimming. The long pause lets you choose your pace. You can make several swims, spend time on the beach, or simply sit on the deck and watch the water.

Cala Connari is especially valuable for people who dislike rushed tours. You do not need to leap from one activity to another. Take a swim, dry off, buy a drink, and return to the water when you feel like it.

The downside is that the beach option depends on your comfort with swimming and water access. The supplied information does not describe a separate beach shuttle here, so you should be prepared to reach shore by swimming if you want to land. Anyone who prefers to avoid that can stay on Apollo II.

The crew’s handling of the boat also matters at stops like this. The captain may adjust the exact position or timing for sea and wind conditions. On one departure with strong westerly winds, the crew adapted the route to find better swimming spots. That flexibility is useful in an island setting, where conditions can change across short distances.

Life aboard Apollo II

The boat is designed for a full day at sea, not just a short scenic ride. The covered deck gives you shelter from direct sun, while the upper deck provides a place to sit in the open air. There are two bathrooms, which is a real advantage on a seven to eight hour trip.

A bar and kitchen service sell food, snacks, drinks, and coffee. Lunch is not included, so budget for purchases onboard or bring your own food if permitted and practical. Sandwiches are available, and several people found the onboard prices fair.

You will want to keep your belongings compact. Bags go under the benches, and the deck can get wet when people jump or climb back aboard. Put phones, cameras, and spare clothes in a waterproof bag. Do not count on every item staying dry in an active swimming group.

The atmosphere is social but not necessarily party-focused. The crew can be warm and playful, and Vlad was singled out for his energy and jokes on one departure. English and Italian are used, so basic instructions should be accessible to visitors who speak either language.

Pets are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for babies under one year. For families with older children, the mix of boat time and swimming can work well, provided everyone is comfortable around open water.

What makes the stops better than a fast cruise

Many island boat tours give you beautiful views but only a few minutes to enjoy them. This one gives you three distinct water breaks, with the final two lasting 90 minutes and two hours.

That schedule changes the feel of the day. You are not merely looking at the archipelago from a seat. You can jump from the boat, swim over clear water, snorkel near the hull, visit a beach by dinghy, and return to the deck for lunch or a drink.

The tradeoff is that sailing time takes part of the day. The route includes about 30 minutes of panoramic navigation at the beginning and 40 minutes toward Budelli, followed by more movement between the islands. If you want to spend every minute on a beach, this is not the right format.

I think the balance is the point. You see more of the archipelago than you would from one beach, but you still have enough time at each main stop to enjoy the water rather than photograph it and move on.

Price, practical costs, and what to bring

At $84 per person, this is a fair buy for a full day if you plan to use the swim stops. The dinghy service is included, as is the boat ride and crew service. A comparable private boat would cost much more, while a large ferry would not give you the same access to coves or the same amount of swimming time.

Remember the extra €5 landing fee, paid in cash onboard at embarkation. Food and drinks are also extra, as is snorkeling equipment if you need it.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun hat and strong sunscreen
• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Cash for the landing fee
• Snorkeling equipment if you prefer to bring your own
• A light cover-up for the boat ride

Wear something comfortable for moving between the deck, water, and dinghy. The boat has seating, but space is shared, so avoid bringing bulky luggage.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time and meeting point for your chosen date.

Who should book this day on the water

I would choose this excursion if you want to see several islands without renting a boat or planning your own route. It suits couples, families with older children, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a friendly group setting.

It is also a good fit if your priority is swimming. The clear water and long breaks matter more here than formal sightseeing. You get some history and local information along the way, but the heart of the day is sea, sun, beaches, and time outdoors.

You may want another option if you dislike boats, cannot swim comfortably, need a fully private experience, or want a quiet beach with no other groups nearby. The boat is comfortable, but it is still a shared excursion. You should also think twice if parking stress in Palau will make the morning difficult.

Should you book the Caprera and La Maddalena tour?

Book it if you want a relaxed, full-day introduction to the archipelago with three meaningful swim stops, a comfortable boat, and access to beaches that are difficult to reach by land. The combination of Apollo II’s character, helpful crew, onboard food, and long stops makes the $84 price reasonable.

Plan carefully for parking, bring cash for the €5 fee, and protect your belongings from splashes. If you accept those small inconveniences, this is one of the stronger ways to spend a summer day around La Maddalena.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from the port of Palau or La Maddalena, depending on the option booked. Check your booking details for the exact meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts about seven to eight hours. The return to Palau is scheduled for approximately 5:30 p.m.

Which islands and places does the boat visit?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and coffee onboard. You may also bring your own food.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own if you want to snorkel, though goggles may sometimes be available from the crew.

How much is the landing fee?

The landing fee is €5 per person. It must be paid in cash onboard at the time of embarkation.

Is the tour suitable for babies and pets?

The tour is not suitable for babies under one year, and pets are not allowed.