Turquoise water, zero rush. This daily La Maddalena sailing catamaran trip brings you to 2–4 secluded bays with aperitif-and-pasta lunch and long time to swim; the one catch is that wind can limit how much you sail in the morning.

I also like how the route stays flexible day to day, so the captain can pick the most comfortable bays based on weather and traffic rather than forcing you through a fixed checklist. If you’re hoping for a nonstop schedule, this style is calmer.

A typical day runs about 7 to 8 hours. Check-in is around 10:00–10:30, you start moving toward the first stop soon after, and you get a final, slower stretch to relax on board and in the water. The day is offered in English, and the group is kept small (up to 12 people).

Key highlights

• 2–4 island stops chosen for the day’s conditions, not a rigid route
• Sardinian aperitif platters and spaghetti lunch with wine included, plus water all day
• Check-in 10:00–10:30 and a first arrival around 11:30, so you’re on the water early
• Multiple swim opportunities, with time adapted to how long people want to stay in the water
• A small group (max 12) for a more relaxed catamaran feel
• Dolphin-spotting moments, because the archipelago sometimes delivers

Price and value: what $108.02 really buys you

At $108.02 per person for roughly a 7–8 hour outing, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Sardinia. But it is the kind of day that tries to cover the big costs that usually add up fast: food, drinks, and your boat time.

You get lunch on board—classic Sardinian aperitif platters plus a spaghetti dinner served for lunch—with wine included. You also get water all day, and the price lists all fees and taxes as included. For me, that combo is where the value lives: fewer add-ons, more time spent on the water.

One practical note: snorkeling equipment is not included. If you want to use snorkels/fins, plan to bring your own, or you might find it easier to just swim and enjoy the bays.

Meeting in Santa Teresa Gallura and getting your bearings fast

The cruise meets in Santa Teresa Gallura, near public transportation, starting at 10:00 am. You check in around 10:00–10:30, then you’re ready to leave once the last details are handled.

That early start matters because the archipelago looks best when you can get to quieter bays and clear water before the day gets crowded. End point is back at the same meeting place, so you’re not solving transportation puzzles at the end.

The catamaran is run by Soraya Charter, and the experience is offered in English. In the background, it’s also a fairly intimate operation—maximum 12 travelers—which changes the pace from a big-boat tour.

Stop 1 in the Maddalena Islands: aperitif, swim time, and first-contact calm

You land at the first area around 11:30 (after check-in and sailing time). Then the day opens up: you have time to stop, swim, and enjoy the boat. There’s also a small aperitif served during this first break.

This is a great stage of the day to start your “island day” habits: find your swim spot, settle in with a drink, and take a few minutes to get comfortable with the water and the boat layout. One review noted how the catamaran net is fun for playful splashes, which is exactly the kind of on-board detail that makes a day feel lighter.

A possible drawback here is simple: the sailing part depends on wind. If conditions are light, the morning might feel more motor-and-anchors than full-on sail. If that matters to you, keep expectations flexible.

Stop 2: spaghetti and coffee in between the best bays

After the first island time, you head toward the second stop. This is when the day gives you a proper break from swimming: spaghetti and coffee are served, again with time for you to enjoy the location.

I like this mid-day structure because it prevents the classic “we ate too early, then we’re hungry for hours” problem. You get a meal while you’re already out among the islands, so you’re not losing your best light.

What you should keep in mind is timing. The itinerary isn’t a fixed route, and stops are adjusted based on weather and traffic. Translation: you may spend a bit more or less time at each bay depending on what the captain finds workable that day.

Final stop in the Maddalena archipelago: relax, explore, and keep watch for dolphins

For the last stop, the plan is straightforward: time is all at your disposal. You can relax, swim, explore, or sunbathe—and you’re encouraged to keep your eyes peeled when you return, because dolphins may greet the boat.

This final leg is where the day often turns into the “I could have stayed longer” moment. It’s also the best chance to slow down, because you’re no longer juggling meal service or the rhythm of moving between early stops.

Two small but helpful details show up in the reviews. People mention that the crew adapts to how long you want to swim at each location, so you’re not forced to rush the water. They also describe shifting into a shaded area later in the day, which can make the last stretch more comfortable.

Snorkeling-ready reefs can be part of these bays, but since snorkeling equipment isn’t included, you’ll get the most out of this stop if you pack your own gear.

The flexible route that avoids the cookie-cutter feeling

One of the biggest strengths of this cruise is that it doesn’t follow a pre-set island itinerary. The crew chooses among the wildest islands of the archipelago near small bays, panoramic points, or snorkeling-suitable reefs, and they pick the best options based on the day’s weather conditions and traffic.

That approach is great for two reasons. First, the archipelago’s conditions can change quickly—wind, waves, and crowded coves all affect comfort. Second, a flexible plan helps you spend more time where you’ll enjoy the water most, rather than where the schedule says you should be.

The day typically includes 2 to 4 stops, so you’re not hopping constantly. You get enough movement to see different spots, but you still have time to feel settled and actually enjoy each bay.

Lunch on board: Sardinian aperitifs, spaghetti, and wine included

Food is one of the easiest ways to judge whether a boat trip has been thought through. Here, lunch is not an afterthought. You get platters of classic Sardinian aperitifs plus a spaghetti dinner served for lunch, along with wine included and water all day.

In the reviews, names like Alberto and George come up with the idea that lunch was cooked and served on board, and that the crew added local aperitif moments beyond just a bland meal. Another review also highlights how snacks and drinks were handled during the day, which fits the overall rhythm: you’re out on the water, so food is part of the experience, not a chore.

What I recommend for your own comfort: treat lunch as a full pause, not something to grab and go. If you eat while you’re already in a good swim mood, the afternoon tends to feel smoother.

Your day on a catamaran with a max of 12 people

A maximum of 12 travelers is a meaningful detail. It usually means quicker help when you need it, less waiting, and a calmer atmosphere when you’re deciding where to swim.

You’ll also see how the crew adjusts to the group. One review specifically calls out that the captain planned a great itinerary and adapted to how long kids (ages 4 and 6) wanted to swim. Even if you’re traveling without children, that kind of flexibility usually translates to a more relaxed pace for everyone.

On-board comfort is also helped by practical features. People mention the fun catamaran net for splashes, plus afternoon shade when the sun gets higher. Those may sound like small things, but they affect how much you enjoy the middle and late parts of the day.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This cruise is a strong fit if you want a classic Sardinia day that centers on water time, not museum time. The schedule is paced around two main swim breaks plus a final long stretch, so you can spend your day doing what the islands are best at: enjoying sea coves and clear water.

It’s also a good pick for families, based on how the crew handled young kids during one of the reviews. If you like having a small group and a captain who adapts to conditions, this type of tour usually feels more personal and less rushed.

If you’re the type who wants nonstop sailing from the start, consider that wind can affect the plan. One review notes disappointment about not having enough wind to sail earlier in the day. If you care a lot about pure sailing, check day-of conditions in your mind and keep expectations balanced.

Should you book Soraya Charter’s La Maddalena sailing catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if your ideal day includes 2–4 island stops, proper food and wine on board, and plenty of time to swim without worrying about your own lunch plans. The small group size and flexible routing are the two big “why” factors for me—they help the day feel responsive instead of forced.

I’d hesitate only if you’re bringing snorkel gear expectations that don’t match what’s provided. Since snorkeling equipment isn’t included, you’ll want to pack your own or plan to enjoy the bays by swimming and relaxing.

If you like the sound of a captain-led, small-group island day in Sardinia—especially with crews mentioned like Giorgio and Christian, or Alberto with George and Dorian—this is the kind of cruise that can become the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the sailing catamaran cruise?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

Check-in is around 10:00–10:30, and you’re scheduled to start the day’s sailing from 10:00 am. The first stop is reached around 11:30.

How many stops are included during the cruise?

The itinerary includes 2 to 4 stops among islands in the La Maddalena archipelago.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

What’s included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch includes Sardinian aperitif platters and a spaghetti dinner, with wine included. Water is included all day.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What’s the meeting point location?

The meeting point is listed as 8FHF57XC+45657XC+456 in Santa Teresa Gallura, Province of Sassari, Italy, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.