From Palau: Rubber dinghy tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago

Exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago by rubber dinghy might just be one of the most authentic ways to experience this stunning part of Sardinia. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on detailed reviews and the tour itinerary, this adventure offers a uniquely close-up view of the archipelago’s natural beauty and exclusive beaches that larger boats can’t access.

What we love about this tour is the intimacy and flexibility it promises—small groups mean more personalized attention, and the guide will tailor the route to the day’s wind and weather. Plus, the inclusion of a SUP board offers a fun, easy way to reach secluded beaches. One possible drawback? If you’re used to more traditional large-boat tours with lunch included, you might find this outing a bit more basic in terms of amenities.

This experience suits travelers who value authentic, hands-on exploration of Sardinia’s coast, especially those keen on swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s perfect for adventure-minded visitors who want a day on the water that’s both active and scenic, without the fuss of crowded tourist spots.

Key Points

• Small group size (limited to 6) ensures a personalized experience.
• Includes snorkeling gear and SUP board for active exploration of hidden beaches.
• Visits multiple islands and beaches inaccessible to larger vessels.
• Flexible route guided by the skipper depending on the weather conditions.
• Tour duration of approximately 7 hours offers ample time to explore and relax.
• Departure from Palau’s Cala Casotto pier makes it easy to access for travelers based in northern Sardinia.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the La Maddalena Dinghy Tour

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This guided dinghy tour is designed for travelers who want to see the La Maddalena Archipelago from a different perspective—up close and personal. Instead of a crowded boat packed with strangers, you join a small group (up to six participants) on a brand-new, fully equipped dinghy.

From the moment you set off from Palau’s Cala Casotto, you’re in for a day of stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and a series of stops designed to showcase some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches and islands. With snorkel gear and a SUP included, the tour is as much about active fun as it is about sightseeing.

The Route and What’s Included

The itinerary is flexible, but you can expect to visit iconic spots like Cala Corsara on Spargi, Pink Beach on Budelli, and Cala Coticcio on Caprera. The skippers are keen to find the best spots based on the day’s conditions, which means you’ll often be stopping at the most picturesque and accessible beaches.

You’ll love the way the tour balances guided navigation with free time for swimming, snorkeling, or paddling. The included snorkeling equipment makes it easy to explore the underwater world, while the SUP allows you to reach quiet beaches that are otherwise tricky to access.

Detailed Stops and Highlights

Cala Corsara on Spargi Island offers a classic white-sand beach with calm, inviting waters. The review mentions it as a photo-worthy stop where swimmers and snorkelers can enjoy the pristine environment.

Soraya Beach is another highlight, with reviews praising the “beautiful beaches” where you can relax and take in the views. The stops typically last around 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to take pictures, swim, or paddle.

Pink Beach on Budelli is a passing marvel—not stopping, but passing by to admire the famed pink sands from the boat. It’s worth noting that no actual stops are permitted on Pink Beach, but just passing by is still a highlight.

Cala Napoletana and Cala Coticcio on Caprera are also on the list, with visitors mentioning these as especially scenic spots for swimming and snorkeling.

Testa del Polpo and La Maddalena town provide a mix of natural beauty and a chance to see the lively local port, adding a touch of Sardinian culture to the day.

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The Experience of the Stops

Each stop is carefully curated to maximize exposure to the archipelago’s natural beauty. The transfers between stops are quick—around 5 to 20 minutes—keeping the momentum lively and avoiding long, tedious boat rides.

At each location, the emphasis is on enjoying the water: swimming in clear, turquoise seas, snorkeling to see underwater life, or paddling around on the SUP to discover more secluded corners. As one reviewer said, “We were able to enjoy some beautiful beaches,” thanks to the flexibility of the stops and the small group setting.

Comfort, Safety, and Practicalities

The boat itself is described as “fully equipped,” providing both comfort and safety. Given the full-day duration (about 7 hours), the tour includes plenty of drinking water, an aperitif with Prosecco, and a Bluetooth stereo for a bit of fun onboard.

The tour departs from Cala Casotto pier in Palau, a convenient starting point for visitors staying in northern Sardinia. The tour ends back at the same spot, making logistics simple.

What’s Not Included

While the tour offers a lot, it does not include lunch—so you might want to bring a packed meal or plan to eat at the tourist port of La Maddalena later in the day. Sunscreen, towels, and swimwear are essentials you’ll want to bring along to fully enjoy each stop.

Pricing and Value

The cost covers the boat, all equipment (snorkels and SUP), fuel, the guide, and the small group setting. Given the length of the tour and the personalized experience, it offers good value for travelers looking to explore Sardinia’s waters without large crowds or generic boat trips.

Real Traveler Perspectives

Multiple reviews highlight the friendly and attentive nature of the skipper. One reviewer called it “a wonderful day,” praising Michele for his attentiveness. Others appreciated the opportunity to see “beautiful beaches” and enjoyed the flexibility of the route.

The Bottom Line: Who Will Love This Tour?

This dinghy adventure is best suited for travelers who crave an active, off-the-beaten-path experience in Sardinia. If you love swimming, snorkeling, and paddling in crystal-clear waters, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Small groups and the personalized approach mean you won’t be lost among crowds, and the flexibility of the route ensures a scenic, relaxed day.

It’s ideal for those who appreciate authentic natural beauty over commercialized attractions, and for anyone wanting to combine adventure with stunning photo opportunities. If you want to see Sardinia’s best beaches and islands from close up, this tour hits the sweet spot.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely, sit-down experience with lunch included, this might feel a bit limited. But for active explorers eager to get in the water and experience Sardinia’s seascapes firsthand, it’s a wonderful choice.

FAQs

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting from Palau’s Cala Casotto pier.

What should I bring with me? Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Since swimming and paddling are part of the experience, these are must-haves.

Is food included? No, lunch is not included; you can bring a packed lunch or plan to eat at La Maddalena’s tourist port.

Can I bring my own equipment? The tour provides snorkeling gear and a SUP board, so you won’t need to bring your own unless you prefer specific equipment.

Is the tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 2 years or for wheelchair users, mainly due to the nature of the boat and activities.

What if the weather isn’t good? The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so it’s flexible in case of bad weather.

How many people are in each group? The experience is limited to small groups of up to 6 participants, ensuring more personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

This La Maddalena dinghy tour stands out as a lively, scenic way to discover Sardinia’s famous archipelago. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and authentic exploration—just what many travelers seek when venturing to this gorgeous corner of Italy.

You can check availability for your dates here: