Boat trips Archipelago La Maddalena
Boat trips in La Maddalena are an incredible experience for anyone wanting to discover the beauty of Sardinia. La Maddalena is an archipelago of islands and islets located in the north-eastern part of Sardinia, in the heart of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. This park was established in 1994 and its protected area extends over about 180 km², of which 150 km² is sea.
The boat trips in La Maddalena offer a wide range of options, from day excursions to multi-day cruises. There are many types of boat trips to choose from, such as sailing trips, motorboat trips, trips with or without a skipper, trips with lunch on board, snorkeling trips, and many more. The boat trips in La Maddalena cater to all tastes and budgets, and there are many companies that offer these services.
Why take a boat trip in the Archipelago of La Maddalena
- La Maddalena is an archipelago of islands and islets located in the north-eastern part of Sardinia, in the heart of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
- There are many types of boat trips to choose from, such as sailing trips, motorboat trips, trips with or without a skipper, trips with lunch on board, snorkeling trips, and many others.
- Boat trips in La Maddalena are suitable for all tastes and budgets, and there are many companies that offer these services.
Boat trips La Maddalena: types
There are different types of boat trips in La Maddalena, each with different features and destinations. Here is an overview of the main options available
Full day trips: full day trips are the most popular choice and perfect for those who want to explore La Maddalena and the surrounding islands. They last about 7-8 hours and include stops for swimming and lunch on board.
Generally, these day trips are done with motorboats and sailing boats.
Boat trips La Maddalena: prices
The cost varies based on the duration of the excursion and the type of boat chosen.
Ferry
For a full day trip, the price ranges from 50 to 70 euros
Sailing boat
The price can vary from 100 to 150 euros
Inflatable boat rental
It is also possible to rent an inflatable boat in La Maddalena for a whole day with or without a skipper. The price for a full day starts from 180 euros.
Please note that ticket prices usually increase during the high season – July and August – and return to lower prices in September.
Ferries can host many passengers on board, thus keeping prices down and being more competitive.
There is no standard pricing for all boats; therefore, prices can vary based on certain services: for example, the price of the excursion with lunch on board is higher.
Boat trips La Maddalena: departures, times
Boat trips to the La Maddalena Archipelago primarily depart from:
Palau
Santa Teresa Gallura
Cannigione
Baja Sardinia
La Maddalena
What are the best boats
Consorzio delle Bocche
Petagus
Luxury Virginia
Lady Luna
Delfino Tours
are among the main boats that operate trips in the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Boat trips La Maddalena: other information
Boat trips to La Maddalena are one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting northern Sardinia. However, choosing the best time to go boating is crucial for fully enjoying the experience.
The time when boat trips are available runs from May to October. During these months, the summer weather makes sailing pleasant, allowing you to discover the territory and enjoy the beauty of the beaches.
However, it is important to keep in mind that during high season (July and August) the area can become very crowded and prices can increase significantly. Therefore, if you want to avoid the crowd and save money, it is advisable to visit the area during May, June, and September.
North Sardinia, in particular, is buffeted by the Maestrale, a cold wind blowing from the north. During these days, for the safety of passengers and the boats themselves, vessels do not leave the port. So book a boat trip online with free cancellation.
What is a ferry?
A ferry is a large boat capable of accommodating 150 to 300 people.
They are often also called small “ferries” because their capacity is indeed more similar to passenger transport than to a small pleasure boat.
Usually, the ferry is structured with a deck equipped with tables for dining and large windows to view the landscape, and an open upper deck to enjoy the crossing and the sun.
To protect passengers during the hot hours, they are often equipped with large awnings and covers.
The La Maddalena Islands
During a holiday in Sardinia, a boat trip to the islands is a must: the tour in the La Maddalena Park is one of the excursions not to be missed.
The Archipelago is rich in attractions, culture, history, nature, and outdoor sports activities.
The boat tour to the islands allows you to visit the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena with its 7 sisters:
- La Maddalena, the little Paris
- Caprera and Garibaldi
- Santo Stefano and the military base
- Spargi (and Spargiotto) and its coves
- Budelli and the Pink Beach
- Santa Maria with the Porto della Madonna
- Razzoli and the lighthouse
Where is the La Maddalena Archipelago located?
The La Maddalena Archipelago is located in the northeastern area of Sardinia near the Strait of Bonifacio. It consists of a multitude of islands, islets, and rocks, and is dotted with bays and white sand beaches. These granite formations are surrounded by a stunning sea, known worldwide as the wonderful sea of Sardinia.
What are the most beautiful beaches in La Maddalena?
It is difficult to say which is the most beautiful beach of the La Maddalena Archipelago: each island is renowned for the incredible beauty of its sea and its bays. Among the most famous beaches, one cannot fail to mention La Spiaggia Rosa in Budelli, Cala Granara, and Cala Corsara in Spargi, Cala Santa Maria on the island of the same name, and Manto della Madonna, Cala Coticcio, and the Shipwreck Beach in Caprera, Cala Lunga in Razzoli. Every glimpse is truly picturesque and unique in its own right. Every trip is designed and structured to allow you to fully appreciate all the places to visit throughout the day.
Is it possible to see the pink beach?
Access to the pink beach has been prohibited since 1998. Learn more about the pink beach
La Maddalena and the Islands of the Archipelago
The island of La Maddalena, from which the park takes its name, is the largest of the over 60 islands and islets that make up the Archipelago.
On the island is the town of La Maddalena, known as "Little Paris", a fishing village considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque in Sardinia thanks to its architectural elements of absolute value and significance.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, it began to become more densely populated around the end of the 1700s. Historically, the island has always had significant importance due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1973, it was the scene of an attempted invasion by the French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Domenico Millelire, commanding the Sardinian fleet, repelled the French, convincing them to desist from their endeavor.
On the island is Cala Francese, an important granite quarry that remained active until 1930. It seems that the granite extracted from these quarries was used for numerous works, including the Ismailia monument placed for the defense of the Suez Canal in Egypt and the tomb of Clelia, the firstborn of Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of the two worlds.
History of La Maddalena
La Maddalena is an island located in the north of Sardinia, opposite the Costa Smeralda. The island is named after the Maddalena, a Spanish ship that sank off the coast in 1583. Over the centuries, the island has been contested by various European powers, including Spain, France, and the Kingdom of Sardinia.
In the 19th century, La Maddalena became a naval base for the Italian Navy. During World War I, the island was used as a base for naval operations against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During World War II, La Maddalena was occupied by German forces and used as a base for their submarines.
After the war, the island remained a naval base for the Italian Navy until 2008, when the base was closed and the island was returned to the local community. Today, La Maddalena is a popular tourist destination, with numerous white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island is also famous for its cuisine, which includes fresh fish dishes and local specialties such as carasau bread and Sardinian pecorino cheese.
National Park of the La Maddalena Archipelago
It was established in 1994 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is a geomarine park created with the aim of implementing significant interventions in the field of protection, safeguarding, and enhancement of the coastal and maritime territory.
Its area consists of land and sea and extends for about 19,000 hectares with over 180 km of coastline. It includes the La Maddalena Archipelago and the northeastern coast of Sardinia.
It is divided into zones with different levels of protection, the zoning of the Park.
The National Park and its islands are characterized by the vegetation typical of the coastal Mediterranean region, significantly influenced by the presence of wind, scarcity of water, aridity of substrates, and strong solar radiation: the maquis.
The main representatives found in the park are juniper, strawberry tree, mastic, myrtle, cistus, and euphorbia.
The land fauna is characterized by the presence of numerous amphibians, reptiles, and small to medium-sized mammals.
The avifauna includes numerous bird species typical of the islands of the central-western Mediterranean, both nesting and migratory. Notable are the corsican gull, the royal gull, the storm petrel, the crested cormorant, the cormorant, the tern, the great shearwater, and the small shearwater.
Among the marine fauna, one should certainly remember the Pinna nobilis (a bivalve shell that can reach a meter in height), the brown grouper, the corvina, and the sea bream. Together with the large cartilaginous fish, the large marine mammals, such as dolphins and baleen whales, often peek through the waters of the park.
The park is characterized by a great variety of landscapes, ranging from white sandy beaches to cliffs plunging into the sea, from oak forests to seagrass meadows. Among the animal species present in the park, you can find the corsican gull, the sea turtle, the dolphin, and the cormorant.
The park offers numerous activities for visitors, including boat trips, hiking or cycling, snorkeling, scuba diving, and guided tours to the sites within the area.
In summary, the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena is a unique place in the world, where nature and culture blend to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
The 10 best boat trips La Maddalena
The northern Sardinia is an area rich in things to do, and due to the variety of the landscape, it is possible to have fun and try new and different experiences. Among the most sought-after and appreciated activities are certainly the boat trips to the Archipelago of La Maddalena.
The Archipelago of La Maddalena is a National Park, meaning that these vast stretches of sea, the fish swimming in them, and the native vegetation are considered a beautiful place to visit and at the same time a natural heritage to protect.
Among the most sought-after and appreciated activities, boat trips are certainly at the top of the list because it is true that Sardinia is not just sea, but the sea of Sardinia remains fantastic nonetheless!
Boat trips in the Archipelago of La Maddalena? One of the things to absolutely do! In this article, we have identified and described the most important companies that offer these excursions.
Boat trips La Maddalena from Palau
1. Petagus
The motor vessel Petagus is the ideal boat to admire the beauties of the Archipelago of La Maddalena. The comfort and stability of the boat, along with onboard services such as a bar and refreshment, will make your trip to the Palau – La Maddalena islands truly unforgettable!
Comfortable and stable, Petagus allows you to enjoy the natural beauties of the Archipelago from 360 degrees.
>The boat is distinguished by a small beach at the stern, a practical and convenient area for diving into the water.
Onboard, you can also purchase appetizers with typical Sardinian products and a fish-based lunch. All dishes are plastic-free.
2. Elena Tour Navigations
Elena Tour is a company that started in the 60s and knows the Archipelago very well! They operate boat tours departing from La Maddalena and Palau. Their motor vessels, Elena D. and Delfino Verde, were specifically designed for passenger transport and daily excursions.
They are indeed comfortable and equipped with all services such as LED TV, charging sockets for smartphones, and comfortable seating both inside and outside. On the outdoor deck, there is also a shading cloth to protect from the hottest hours.
3. Maggior Leggero
Maggior Leggero is another experienced company that organizes tours of the Archipelago with motor vessels, motor yachts, and sailing boats.
The wooden sailing boat Colorado offers a more intimate and romantic experience, accommodating no more than 12 people. It is also distinguished by its spacious sunbathing areas and maximum comfort.
The motor vessel Maggior Leggero II is a 26-meter vessel equipped with a upper deck furnished with tables, seating, and covered.
The new flybridge yacht Edelweiss measures 14 meters in length and 5 meters in width, and can accommodate a maximum of 12 people.
Fast and extremely comfortable, it can be enjoyed in all its very generous spaces, from the flybridge with sofa to the bow equipped with sunbeds at the stern, also arranged with comfortable cushions. It can also be rented exclusively for special events.
Maggior Leggero also organizes bus transfers to reach Palau with departures from La Caletta, Budoni, Agrustos, Ottiolu, San Teodoro.
4. Delfino Tour
Delfino Tours organizes boat trips in the Archipelago of La Maddalena departing from Palau and La Maddalena. The motor vessel is a bit smaller than the others but is no less comfortable or safe. It features a panoramic deck, a lounge, a bar area, and a very convenient climbing ladder for diving into the water. There are also two restrooms onboard. Maximum capacity is 80 people.
The tour makes 4 stops on the islands of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, passing by the island of Caprera.
Departures also from La Maddalena.
Boat trips La Maddalena from Cannigione
5. Luxury Virginia
Luxury Virginia: boat excursion La Maddalena departing from Cannigione
Considered one of the most beautiful vessels in Sardinia, the Virginia Luxury Motor Yacht will allow you to visit places of extraordinary beauty within the most famous archipelago in the Mediterranean, such as the famous pink beach of Budelli or the much “Instagrammed” Cala Coticcio, providing you with unparalleled accessible luxury in Sardinia, exclusive and extremely comfortable.
Luxury Virginia offers a unique experience thanks to its 3-deck motor yacht with personalized services.
6. Consorzio del Golfo
The Consorzio del Golfo was established in 2002 thanks to the partnership of three shipping companies. Over the years, services have been refined and expanded based on the needs, requests, and valuable suggestions from passengers.
Currently, the Consortium boasts three motor vessels for passenger transport, Amada, Pegaso, and Golfo di Arzachena, which operate daily throughout the summer in the wonderful sea of the Archipelago of La Maddalena.
Departures also from Sardinia, La Conia.
Boat trips La Maddalena from Santa Teresa Gallura
7. Consorzio delle Bocche
The Consorzio delle Bocche Cooperative was founded in 1994 in Santa Teresa Gallura. The fleet consists of three modern fast motor vessels designed for passenger transport, well-equipped and designed to navigate routes between Santa Teresa Gallura, the northernmost tip of Sardinia, the Archipelago of La Maddalena, and the Strait of Bonifacio. This service operates mainly in the summer and from April to October.
During the low season, the motor vessels mainly transport organized groups from tour operators and travel agencies, while during the medium and high season, passengers mainly consist of couples, families, and groups.
Since 2022, Consorzio Bocche has expanded its offerings with the inclusion of Memo Escursioni. In fact, in addition to the boat trip in the Archipelago of La Maddalena, it is possible to also take a rubber boat excursion and speedboat excursions in Corsica.
Frequently Asked Questions
quick responses ⚡
How much does a boat trip to La Maddalena cost?
Prices for a boat trip to La Maddalena can vary depending on the type of vessel and the duration. Generally, prices for a typical half-day excursion start at around €50 per person, while for a full-day excursion, you can expect a cost of around €80-€100 per person.
Motorboat trips cost around €40-60 per person.
Where do excursions to La Maddalena depart from?
Boat trips to La Maddalena depart from various locations on the northern coast of Sardinia. The main ones are Palau, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Cannigione, Baja Sardinia.
What can you see during the excursion?
Among the main points of interest to visit by boat in La Maddalena are the island of Budelli, famous for its pink beach, the island of Spargi, with its coves and inlets, and the island of Santa Maria, where the famous Rabbit Beach is located.
During the excursion, is the territory described?
Yes, the captain or an audio guide will describe the itinerary and points of interest encountered during the excursion.
On some motor vessels, it is possible to listen to the descriptions via a geolocated app and headphones.
This service is usually multilingual.
Where can I find parking in Palau?
The parking location varies depending on the port you choose for departure. We recommend arriving at the departure port with ample time to park your car in a suitable spot and avoid unpleasant fines.
Palau
Near the boarding point, you will find paid parking equipped with meters, bring some coins for the parking meter.
Cannigione
Right in front of the port, you can find a parking lot with paid spots.
Santa Teresa Gallura
Parking spots are limited, so we recommend arriving a bit early to easily find parking and proceed to check-in without rush.
Baja Sardinia
You can find both free and paid parking a few hundred meters from the port, in the pine forest.
Always check the sheet for each activity where you will find the location information that is always updated.
Is there shade on the boat?
The motorboats are much more than boats, they are almost miniature ferries.
The upper deck is open to enjoy the scenery and beautiful days, but there are large awnings that the crew opens to protect passengers from the sun during the hottest hours.
What should I bring?
Bring with you:
- swimsuit
- beach towel
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
Some motorboats provide for free:
- snorkeling mask
- beach umbrella
Make sure to check if these services are included in the ticket you are purchasing.
We also recommend bringing a long-sleeve shirt because after a day in the sun, during the return trip, you might feel the temperature change. Generally, bring what you think is appropriate for a day at the beach.
Can I bring food from home?
Of course, there’s no problem.
You can comfortably bring any food you prefer from home for lunch, or a snack or a treat.
On most motorboats, it is also possible to purchase lunch on board with appetizers, a first course, and coffee.
Is there a bar on board?
Yes, there is a bar on board with sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and drinks.
Usually, these products are not included in the ticket price. Some motorboats are very environmentally conscious and have stopped using plastic, using only compostable and recyclable products.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes, there is a bathroom on board.
Usually, there is a ladies' room and a men's room.
Is the trip suitable for everyone?
This excursion is suitable for everyone. It’s perfect for all ages, great for families with children, groups of friends, couples, and solo travelers.
You can choose your type of excursion and decide whether to book a boat exclusively or book a ticket and share this experience with other travelers.
We suggest checking the “important information” section of each activity to choose the trip and provider that best fits your needs.
Can I swim during the trip?
Absolutely! It would be a real shame not to swim in this corner of paradise! Every type of excursion includes several swimming stops – usually 3 or 4 – allowing you to relax and fully enjoy a day on the boat in the Maddalena Park.
Some motorboats are equipped with a “stern beach,” so you can swim by jumping directly from the boat.
What is the recommended clothing for the excursion?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit and a towel to swim during the stops in the most beautiful bays of the Archipelago. If you think it’s necessary, bring a sweater, as it could be useful for the return trip. Don’t forget sunglasses or a hat! In short, bring what you would take for a day at the beach.
Is it possible to go ashore?
Yes, the itineraries always include stops at the beach.
Usually, the stops are 3-4, depending on the departure location and the specific motorboat carrying out the excursion.
In addition, there will always be a stop dedicated to lunch.
How do we get to the beach?
You reach the beaches via a dedicated walkway or a tender (a small inflatable boat).
The motorboats are always organized and equipped to provide maximum comfort for passengers of all ages.
Can I bring my dog on board?
Generally yes.
For many operators, pets are welcome on board, provided they are well-behaved and small in size.
However, it may happen that in August bringing your pet is not allowed due to the heat and many people on board could make them anxious.
We recommend checking the description of each activity or using the filters selecting the “pets allowed” option.