The Palau-La Maddalena archipelago is a picturesque haven off the northern coast of Sardinia, Italy. A seven-hour boat tour offers visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this island chain. From stunning beaches to charming seaside towns, this guided excursion promises an unforgettable day exploring the hidden gems of this captivating destination. With a focus on personalized service and attention to detail, the tour provides a well-rounded experience that caters to a range of interests and preferences.
Key Points
- The daily boat tour from Palau to La Maddalena islands offers a 7-hour excursion with stops for beach visits, seafood lunch, and swimming in natural pools.
- The tour operates in English and Italian, is wheelchair accessible, and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights include a photo opportunity at the restricted Spiaggia Roes beach and a final stop at Cala Granara on Spargi island for beaches and snorkeling.
- The family-run vessel features two floors, sun and shade areas, a bar, and opportunities to swim from the boat during the cruise.
- Lunch options include a specialty seafood pasta dish, as well as light snacks and beverages available for purchase or guests can bring their own.
Overview of the Tour
The Palau-La Maddalena: Daily Boat Tour to the Islands is a comprehensive seven-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the stunning natural landscapes and pristine beaches of the La Maddalena archipelago.
Priced from $53.96 per person, the tour operates in English and Italian and is accessible for wheelchair users. Customers can conveniently reserve their spot with flexible booking options and enjoy the peace of mind of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Throughout the journey, you will discover picturesque destinations, including the long beach of Santa Maria, natural pools at Porto della Madonna, and the remote Spiaggia Roes.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cala Granara
Itinerary and Highlights
Embarking on the Palau-La Maddalena boat tour, passengers are treated to a comprehensive itinerary that showcases the stunning natural beauty of the La Maddalena archipelago.
The tour includes:
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A stop at Santa Maria for a relaxing beach visit and seafood pasta lunch
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Swimming in the natural pools of Porto della Madonna with their shallow emerald seabeds
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A photo opportunity at the scenic Spiaggia Roes beach, which is closed to the public
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A final land stop at Cala Granara on the island of Spargi, offering three stunning beaches and snorkeling
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Scenic cruising views of Budelli and the Bocche di Bonifacio, as well as unique rock formations at Cala Corsara.
Boat Details and Onboard Experience
This boat tour is operated by a family-run business, featuring a vessel with two floors, ample sun and shade areas, a bar, and two bathrooms.
Passengers can purchase food and drinks on board or bring their own. The tour also includes a guided city tour of La Maddalena, as well as opportunities to swim from the boat.
The onboard experience offers scenic views of the surrounding islands, unique rock formations, and three stunning beaches at the final stop of Cala Granara, where snorkeling can be enjoyed.
Lunch and Refreshment Options
Passengers aboard the Palau-La Maddalena boat tour have the option to purchase food and refreshments onboard.
The boat features a bar that offers:
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A selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and cocktails
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Non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, juices, and water
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Light snacks like chips, cookies, and candy
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A specialty seafood pasta dish for lunch
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Coffee and tea
Alternatively, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the trip.
The boat has ample seating and areas to accommodate both on-board purchases and personal meals.
More Great Tours NearbySwimming and Snorkeling Opportunities
The tour offers several opportunities for swimming and snorkeling at various points along the itinerary.
At Porto della Madonna, passengers can swim in natural pools with shallow, emerald seabeds. The final land stop at Cala Granara on the island of Spargi provides snorkeling chances to explore the tranquil waters and marine life.
Throughout the cruise, guests can enjoy scenic views of the unique rock formations at Cala Corsara.
The boat’s layout with ample sun and shade areas, as well as the availability of swimming from the vessel, allow for a comfortable and immersive experience in the stunning Sardinian waters.
Guided City Tour of La Maddalena
As part of the Palau-La Maddalena boat tour, a guided city tour of La Maddalena is included, allowing visitors to explore the charming seaside town.
The tour highlights include:
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Wandering the picturesque harbor, lined with colorful fishing boats and yachts
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Discovering the historic city center with its quaint piazzas and pedestrian-only streets
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Visiting the Church of St. Anthony, a striking 19th-century structure
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Browsing the local markets and shops, offering crafts, clothing, and delicacies
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Taking in panoramic views from the hilltop lookout point, offering sweeping vistas of the Maddalena archipelago.
Disembarkation and Departure Instructions
Disembarkation at the tour’s conclusion requires precise timing.
Passengers leaving from Palau must pay a disembarkation fee of 2.5€-5€ upon arrival. To ensure a smooth departure, travelers should arrive 40 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
At Palau, guests must proceed to box no.2 in the maritime station. For those departing from La Maddalena, the sales point on the waterfront serves as the departure point.
Adhering to these instructions guarantees a seamless conclusion to the Palau-La Maddalena boat tour experience.
Important Considerations and Recommendations

Individuals prone to seasickness may find the boat tour unsuitable, as the journey covers open waters between the islands.
The boat tour may not be suitable for those prone to seasickness, as it traverses open waters between the islands.
Some important considerations and recommendations for a smooth trip include:
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Check the weather forecast and choose a calm day if prone to motion sickness
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Bring appropriate sun protection, including sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
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Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for both land and water activities
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Bring a towel, swimsuit, and a change of clothes if planning to swim
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Ensure any dietary needs or restrictions are accommodated, as meal options are limited on board.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, customers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The itinerary specifies that lunch options are available for purchase on board or can be brought from home.
Is There Any Discount for Children or Seniors?
Discounts may be available for children and seniors, but the details are not provided in the tour information. Customers are encouraged to inquire about any applicable discounts when making their booking.
What Is the Policy for Pets on the Tour?
The tour’s policy regarding pets is not explicitly mentioned. As a general guideline, pets are typically not allowed on boat tours due to safety and sanitation concerns. Guests should contact the tour operator for specific pet policies prior to booking.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
The tour duration is fixed at 7 hours and cannot be extended. Passengers are expected to adhere to the scheduled itinerary and departure times. Any requests for additional time or changes to the tour plan would need to be discussed with the tour operator in advance.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
Photography is generally permitted during the tour, though some areas may have restrictions. Visitors should respect any rules or guidelines provided by the tour operator regarding photography, particularly at locations that are closed to the public.
Palau-La Maddalena: Daily Boat Tour to the Islands
Final Words
The Palau-La Maddalena boat tour offers a comprehensive and picturesque experience for visitors to the archipelago. From stunning vistas and swimming stops to a seafood pasta lunch, the well-appointed family-run vessel provides a comfortable and convenient way to explore the region’s hidden gems. With free cancellation and a variety of inclusions, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a delightful day out in the Palau-La Maddalena area.
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