La Maddalena boat tours: every archipelago trip worth booking, compared
The best La Maddalena boat tour
If you only do one trip, make it the classic 4-island day from Palau. A large, stable motor boat loops the national park with four swim stops — the turquoise lagoon between Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria, Spargi’s Cala Corsara, and a pause off the famous Pink Beach — for the lowest price on the water. It’s the most-booked option, rated 4.6 from nearly 1,900 reviews. Prefer a calmer day with lunch laid on? The catamaran just below is the one to book.
Every La Maddalena boat tour
From the $57 large-boat day trip to the lunch-and-aperitif catamaran — here’s the full line-up with prices, ratings and what each is best for. All depart Palau unless noted and most also pick up from La Maddalena.
Most bookedFrom Palau: La Maddalena Boat Tour, 4 Islands in One Day
Best valueSardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat
Comfort boatPalau: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour with 4 Stops
Budget pickFrom Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat
Catamaran · lunchFrom Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour w/ Lunch
Sailing · lunchFrom Palau: Maddalena Archipelago Sailing Tour with Lunch
Sailboat · lunchMaddalena Archipelago: Full-Day Sailboat Tour with Lunch
Small groupPoltu Quatu: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Cruise
Pasta lunchFrom Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour with Pasta
Which La Maddalena tour is right for you?
Three very different ways to see the same islands — the budget big-boat day, the all-round most-booked tour, or the small-group catamaran with lunch. Here’s how they compare.
| From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat | Top pickFrom Palau: La Maddalena Boat Tour, 4 Islands in One Day | From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour w/ Lunch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $57 | $66 | $185 |
| Boat | Large motor | Large motor | Catamaran |
| Group size | Large | Large | Small (~12) |
| Lunch | Optional | Optional | Included |
| Stops | 4 islands | 4 islands | 3–4 islands |
| Best for | Value | Most people | Comfort & lunch |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.9 |
| View → | Book this → | View → |
Whatever you book, the national-park landing/access fee is usually not in the price — about €5 per person in peak summer (less in spring and autumn). Bring a little cash. More on this on the price page.
Big motor boat, catamaran or sailing yacht?
The big motor boats are cheapest and reach the islands fastest; catamarans and sailing yachts trade a little speed for shade, space, a swim platform and a proper lunch. We break down the difference on sailing vs catamaran, and exactly which islands each visits on the 4 stops.
Leaving from Palau or La Maddalena?
Most tours sail from Palau on the Sardinian mainland, but several also board in La Maddalena town itself — handy if you’re staying on the island. Here’s how the two departure points compare, and a map of the route so you can picture the day.
Can’t make these dates?
Browse more available La Maddalena boat tours and find one that fits your schedule — all with instant confirmation and free cancellation.
Still deciding? See how much a La Maddalena boat tour costs or browse the islands you’ll visit.
Frequently asked questions
How many La Maddalena boat tours are there?
We feature nine top-rated trips, from the $57 large-boat day from Palau to the $185 catamaran with lunch — each rated 4.0 or higher and bookable with free cancellation. See them all above.
Which La Maddalena boat tour should I book?
For most visitors the classic 4-island tour from Palau is the best balance of price, stops and reliability. For a calmer day with shade and lunch, book a catamaran or sailing tour; on the tightest budget, the large-boat island trips start at $57.
Are lunch and drinks included?
On the big motor-boat day trips, lunch is usually optional or bought on board; on the catamaran and sailing tours a Sardinian lunch, aperitif and water are normally included. Always check the specific tour’s inclusions before booking.
Can I book a La Maddalena tour for the same day?
Sometimes, but the best tours sell out in July and August. Booking a day or two ahead through GetYourGuide locks in your spot with free cancellation on most tours.