Wild beaches, calm water, and great pacing. This full-day cruise through Sardinia’s La Maddalena National Park is built around short, scenic swims in places bigger boats can’t reach, with a small group and an English-speaking guide keeping the day easy to follow. You’ll hop between Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi, and more, usually with time to swim right from the boat.

What I like most is the way the itinerary gives you multiple different kinds of coves, not just one long beach stop. I also love the practical extras: snorkeling equipment plus an aperitif/snacks served on board, which turns the day into more than a ferry ride. The main drawback to plan for is that there’s no lunch included, so you’ll want to time your snacks and be ready to grab food only on your own schedule.

One more thing to consider: the whole experience depends on weather, and if conditions aren’t good, your trip may be moved or refunded.

Key highlights that make this day tour worth your time

• Small-group feel (max 12 people): more time at stops, less crowd pressure.
• Anchor swims in protected coves like Cala Coticcio’s buoyed bathing area.
• Budelli natural pools stop with an on-board aperitif featuring typical Sardinian products.
• Santa Maria is the long break (1.5 hours) for beach time during lunchtime.
• Spiaggia Rosa is for photos only, even by swimming, so expectations should match.
• Spargi + Cala Corsara deliver multiple swim options before the return to Cannigione.

A day in the La Maddalena archipelago that feels tailored

This is the kind of boat day that works because it’s paced like a route, not like a checklist. You’re not stuck watching the coastline from one seat for hours. Instead, you get several targeted stops where the water is the point, and the captain positions the boat so you can swim directly from the anchor.

The group size matters. With a maximum of 12 people, the boat experience stays relaxed, and it’s easier for the crew to get you into the right swim spots at the right moments. In practice, that often means more flexibility and fewer long waits.

You’ll also appreciate the straightforward format. You start at 10:00 am in Cannigione, and then the itinerary runs on a steady rhythm: arrive, swim, move, repeat—roughly 7.5 hours total.

How the timing works (and why it feels efficient)

You begin at Noleggio Le Isole in Cannigione (Via Isola le Bisce, 07021 Arzachena, SS). The tour starts at 10:00 am, and the first island segment kicks in shortly after, with Caprera arriving around 10:20 am.

From there, it’s seven main stops, plus a return that includes a couple of scenic viewing opportunities. You should expect the day to feel active: you’ll be in and out of swim gear, and you’ll want at least a little energy for multiple water breaks.

If you’re the type who likes a plan but hates rushing, this one lands in the middle. Each stop is timed, but not so short that you only touch the water for a minute.

Start line at Cannigione: what to bring for a smooth day

Even though the boat portion is organized, you’ll have a better time if you show up ready to move. Bring swimwear and a towel that dries fast. Since the trip includes snorkeling equipment, you won’t need to pack your own gear, but you may still want to bring your own snorkel mask if you’re picky about fit.

Also bring sun protection. There’s plenty of open water and bright sky time across the day. A hat and sunscreen go a long way, especially on the longer beach break at Cala Santa Maria.

Finally, have a simple snack plan. Lunch is not included, but you do get soda/pop and an aperitif/snacks on board, so you’re not totally on your own for food—just don’t assume a full meal is coming.

Caprera first swim at Cala Brigantina (10:20 am)

The morning opens with arrival in Caprera and a first swim at Cala Brigantina (also written as Cala Brigantino). The big appeal here is the setting: a wild, unspoilt, deserted beach where the plan is to have the place feel like it’s yours.

This stop is about 45 minutes including swim time. It’s the kind of start that sets the tone for the whole day—cool water, minimal hassle, and that instant relief of being in a place you can’t easily access without a boat.

Consideration: because the beach is described as deserted and natural, expect it to be more rugged and basic than a developed shoreline. Good news: you’re there for the water and the scenery, not amenities.

Cala Coticcio (10:45 am): protected waters and Caprera’s ravines

Next comes Cala Coticcio, reached around 10:45 am. This stop is special because it’s protected from landings by a buoy field that delimits the bathing area. Translation for you: you get clear water time without boats crowding your swim space.

You also travel along Caprera with a northerly route that passes the island’s spectacular ravines. That means you’re not just going from beach to beach—you get scenic coastline time too.

This segment is about 1 hour. It’s a nice middle stop: long enough to swim and snorkel, short enough to keep momentum for the day ahead.

Practical tip: if you want to photograph and still swim, use your first minutes at the stop for quick pictures, then settle in for the water time.

Budelli: natural pools, anchor time, and an aperitif (1 hour)

After leaving Caprera, the boat heads north toward Budelli. The plan here is to stop at anchor at the natural pools of Budelli, in front of the Cavaliere beach area. Then you get a swim window plus an on-board aperitif.

This is one of the more “tour experience” moments in the day. The aperitif is based on typical Sardinian products, served by the captain. For me, that’s a smart touch because it breaks up the water time with something social and local—without turning the day into a restaurant meal.

The stop is about 1 hour total. It’s long enough to enjoy the scenery and get in the water, but short enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re waiting around.

Consideration: this part of the itinerary sits after two earlier swims. If you’re prone to getting tired, pace yourself—sip the aperitif, but don’t overdo it before your next swim.

Santa Maria (13:00): the longest beach stop

At 13:00, you get the longest beach moment of the day: Cala Santa Maria for about 1.5 hours. This is your proper lunchtime break, built for relaxing rather than quick dipping.

You’ll go down to the beach and have time to unwind. If you want a slower pace after the morning rhythm, this is your window.

Since lunch isn’t included, this stop becomes the time to handle your own food plan. You might bring something from your own supply or buy nearby options on your own schedule, depending on what’s available there.

Practical tip: use this stop to do basics—reapply sunscreen, rinse off if you can, and take a proper break from the saltwater.

Spiaggia Rosa: the photo stop (and why you shouldn’t try to swim there)

After Santa Maria, you head south-west toward Spiaggia Rosa. This is a very short stop—around 15 minutes.

Here’s the key detail: it’s not accessible even by swimming. That means the value of this stop is visual—standing, looking, and taking photos—rather than water time.

This is one of those moments where setting expectations correctly helps. If you show up assuming you’ll swim, you’ll be disappointed. If you show up ready to enjoy the view, it’s a quick and worthwhile pause.

Spargi at 15:00: multiple coves and a magical anchor swim

Around 15:00, the tour continues to the island of Spargi. The itinerary points you to a run of beautiful beaches: cala Granara, cala Soraya, and cala dell’amore. Then it’s back to anchor time with a bath at anchor just a few meters from shore.

This stop is about 45 minutes. It’s a great length for a “big” swim segment: enough time to get comfortable in the water and enjoy snorkeling, with the boat repositioning so you’re not fighting for your own access.

Consideration: the day already includes a few swim stops. If you’re not a confident swimmer, stick close to where the boat anchors and keep things calm. The water here is part of the appeal, but it’s still open sea and island conditions.

Cala Corsara (16:00): a favorite beach with real downtime

At 16:00, you reach Cala Corsara, described as one of the favourites. This is another beach-focused stop with about 1 hour on the shoreline.

The location is what makes it feel special: a unique setting and a comfortable stretch of time to just be there. This is a good place to slow down again before the return to Cannigione.

If you’re planning your energy, this is a smart stop to enjoy a slower rhythm—swim if you want, but also take time on shore.

The return route at 17:00: western views and Palau’s bear rock

Around 17:00, you leave to return to Cannigione. The surprise here is that the route includes scenic viewing time, not just straight travel.

You’ll admire the western side of the island of La Maddalena and see Santo Stefano. You’ll also stop to admire the symbol of Palau, the famous bear rock.

This part is less about swimming and more about enjoying the coastline from the water. It’s a nice way to wrap the day so it doesn’t feel like the best moments end at 4 pm.

Price and value: what $132.75 gets you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $132.75 per person, you’re paying for a full-day boat route inside a national park area, with multiple anchor-and-beach stops. That price also includes the entrance ticket to the La Maddalena archipelago national park, plus snorkeling equipment and the on-board drinks and snacks.

What’s not included is lunch. That matters because you’ll want to plan your food for the Cala Santa Maria break. The upside is that the tour still supplies soda/pop and the captain’s aperitif/snacks, so you won’t arrive hungry if you manage it smartly.

In value terms, this price works best when you want variety and you want the smaller-boat access that makes it possible to stop at the best swimming coves.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want to choose differently)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want several swim stops across multiple islands in one day
• like snorkeling but don’t want to hunt for gear rental
• prefer a small-group day with a local skipper guiding you

It’s not ideal if you:

• need a guaranteed full lunch meal included in the price
• dislike boat days where you’ll be on and off the water multiple times
• want every stop to be a swim stop (some are photos-only, like Spiaggia Rosa)

Booking call: should you go on this boat tour?

I’d book this if your goal is a one-day sampler of what makes the La Maddalena archipelago special—anchor swims, protected water areas, and a mix of beach relaxation and scenery. The small group size and the mix of activities (snorkeling equipment, drinks, and multiple timed stops) make it feel like good planning rather than a random cruise.

I’d think twice if you’re traveling with strict food expectations or you’re hoping for a fully accessible beach at every stop. The itinerary includes places where swimming isn’t the point, and lunch is on you.

If you’re flexible with weather and ready to bring your own lunchtime plan, this is a very easy day to recommend.

FAQ

How long is the full day La Maddalena boat tour?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet it?

It starts at 10:00 am at Noleggio Le Isole Cannigione, Via Isola le Bisce, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What’s included for swimming or snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with use of the snorkeling gear.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English, and you can use a mobile ticket.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.