Six coves, one private boat day. This tour is built for a slower pace in the La Maddalena archipelago, with multiple swimming stops and a captain who adjusts the route to conditions. What I like most is the way the day flows from cove to cove with time to relax, and the onboard comfort plus an included meal that makes it feel like a real excursion, not a quick sightseeing lap.

Carlo runs the show in English and keeps the mood easy, even when the sea has opinions. One drawback to plan for: this is a long open-water day, so it really depends on good weather and can shift with wind.

Key highlights before you go

• Private group up to 6: you’re not sharing anchors with a big crowd.
• Spargi coves picked by the wind: flexibility between Cala Corsara, Cala Soraya, Cala Granara, Cala Connari, and Cala Degli Innamorati.
• Budelli area plus the protected Pink Beach rules: you’ll see why access is restricted and where the turquoise water shines.
• Santa Maria’s white-sand cove and the island’s tiny settlement (19 houses) plus a hotel.
• Onboard comfort: a bimini cover for sun and a restroom, plus time to swim and snorkel.
• Carlo’s hosting style: clear English, calm handling of choppy moments, and a day that stays unhurried.

Private Boat Day in Palau: What This Route Does Better

The archipelago of La Maddalena is the kind of place where crowds can show up fast, especially on the most famous beaches. This west-side private boat tour helps you avoid that whole problem by letting you choose your tempo: anchor, swim, linger, move on.

Starting from Palau makes sense too. You’re close to the action, and you return to the same meeting point at the end of the day, so you don’t waste energy figuring out logistics. The route is focused on three standout areas: Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria—each with a different personality.

Price and Value: $1,693.12 for a Group of Up to 6

At $1,693.12 per group (up to 6), you’re not paying per person. That matters, because private boat time in this area is expensive by nature, and the math works best when you actually fill the group.

If you go with the full six people, the effective cost is about $282 per person for a 7-hour day at sea. You’re also getting several items that add value: the experience includes admission for the first two stops, and the day is designed around multiple swim windows rather than one rushed photo stop.

The big value isn’t only what’s included. It’s how the day is paced. Instead of clambering off a crowded boat, you spend your time in the water—swimming, snorkeling, and using the paddleboard—so you come away feeling like you were on vacation, not on a schedule.

Isola di Spargi and Its Five Wind-Dependent Coves

Spargi is famous for coves that look postcard-perfect from the boat, with water that invites you in right away. What makes this stop practical is that the exact coves you visit depend on the wind. If the sea is pushing from one direction, the captain chooses a safer-feeling set of spots.

On this tour, that means you could end up with any of these named coves: Cala Corsara, Cala Soraya, Cala Granara, Cala Connari, and Cala Degli Innamorati. You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and the admission ticket is included.

Why this stop is worth your time

Spargi is the place where you get that “how is the water this color” moment without feeling like you’re trapped in a single viewpoint. The coves also give you natural options for relaxing: sit, float, swim, then move when you’re ready.

A small thing to consider

Because the captain is matching the stops to wind, you may not see every single famous cove in one day. That’s normal here. The trade-off is that you get better conditions in the water you’re in, instead of forcing it.

Budelli and the Rules of Pink Beach

Budelli is where many people start dreaming, because it’s linked to the legendary Pink Beach story. Here’s the key reality: the beach is part of a protected area (since 1994), so you can’t walk on the sand and bathing is prohibited there.

That rule changes what you do with this stop. You’re not treating Pink Beach like a beach day where you park your towel and stay for hours. Instead, you use the time for a different kind of experience: seeing the protected area from the water and enjoying swimming and snorkeling around the surrounding spots.

A highlight area is the water in front of Spiaggia del Cavaliere, known for its bright turquoise color—often described as Le Piscine Naturali. On this part of the tour, you’ll spend about 2 hours 30 minutes, with admission included.

The payoff

This stop still feels dramatic, just in a different way. Protected zones keep the area from turning into a free-for-all, and the result is that the water stays gorgeous and clear. The captain can also steer you toward the best-feeling anchor points for getting in the water.

The one consideration

If your dream is to step onto the famous Pink Beach itself, you’ll want to adjust expectations. This tour is built around experiencing the area from the sea and enjoying swimming where it’s allowed.

Santa Maria: A Tiny Settlement Meets a Big White-Sand Cove

Santa Maria is the final featured stop, and it’s a different vibe than Spargi and Budelli. This is the only island in the group with a small settlement—19 houses—plus a hotel. The island’s cove is also one of the largest in the archipelago, and the white sand is a big part of why the water looks so unique.

You get about 1 hour here, and admission is free.

Why Santa Maria feels special

Short stops work well on islands like this, because you get the visual payoff without spending your whole day waiting. The combination of settlement and wide cove gives you variety: you’re not only looking at scenery, you’re seeing how people interact with this place.

A small planning thought

With only an hour, you’ll want to decide early what matters most: quick photos, a swim, or a relaxed scan of the shoreline. The tour rhythm is built for movement, not long wandering.

Carlo’s Captain Style: Calm, Clear, and Easy to Trust

A private boat day lives or dies by the captain. On this tour, Carlo’s approach shows up again and again: calm confidence, good communication in English, and an easy, friendly tone.

You’ll also appreciate the practical hosting touches. Guests describe a boat that’s kept clean and comfortable, with a bimini cover for sun protection and a restroom onboard. On windy days, the captain is attentive about navigation so the ride stays manageable.

And then there’s the “day feels complete” factor. Multiple guests note that the captain plays good music and serves a delicious lunch with local wine. When that’s built into the pacing, you don’t spend the afternoon hungry and irritated—you just settle in.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Paddleboarding Time That Doesn’t Feel Rushed

One reason this tour lands as a top pick is the way your free time is used. This isn’t a sightseeing-and-go routine. The day is structured around anchoring at spots where you can actually get in the water.

Guests mention swimming, snorkeling, and using the paddleboard. You also get moments to lounge on the boat, not just jump in for a 30-second swim. That matters. It’s the difference between visiting beautiful places and actually enjoying them.

How to get the most out of your swim windows

• Wear or bring something you can quickly rinse and change out of.
• Use sunscreen even if it’s windy. Sea air doesn’t magically protect you.
• If you snorkel, consider timing your swims for when the sea is calmest after anchoring.

The captain’s style helps here: the day stays unhurried, so you’re not getting pulled away from the water just as you’re settling in.

What to Expect From the Schedule and Boat Ride

The tour runs about 7 hours and starts at 9:00 am, returning to the same meeting point in Palau. That length is a sweet spot for the west side of the archipelago: long enough to reach three distinct areas, not so long that everyone turns into a salty snack machine.

Between stops, you’ll be on the water in open sea conditions depending on the day. That’s why the wind-dependent decision at Spargi and the captain’s route choices matter. You’ll feel the difference between a tour that fights the conditions and one that works with them.

The tour is private, so it’s just your group. That helps keep the pace comfortable, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you simply prefer not to share every moment with strangers.

Getting Ready: Small Details That Make a Big Difference

This is a boat day, so your comfort on the water will shape the whole experience.

Bring:

• Swimsuit + a spare layer in case you get splashed
• Sunscreen and a hat (bimini helps, but you’ll still spend time outside)
• Towels (if they aren’t provided, it’s easier to bring your own)
• Water shoes if you like more grip while boarding or near rocky areas

Plan for:

• The possibility that wind affects which Spargi coves you visit
• Sun exposure over several hours, especially if you’re in and out of the water

The good news: with a bimini and restroom onboard, you’re not stuck improvising comfort for a full day at sea.

Should You Book This Private Boat Tour on La Maddalena’s West Side?

If your top priority is time in the water—swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding—and you want the freedom of a private schedule, I think this is a very strong choice. It’s also a good fit if you care about comfort: the boat setup (sun cover and restroom) makes the day easier to enjoy.

Book it when:

• You’re traveling as a group of up to 6 and can fill the private format
• You want a day that feels like a real excursion, with lunch and drinks onboard
• You’re happy treating Pink Beach as a protected view from the water, not a beach you walk onto

Skip it or choose another option if:

• Pink Beach access itself is the whole point for you, since walking on the sand and bathing there are not allowed.

If you want a practical, relaxing way to see Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria from the sea, this tour is built for exactly that.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts about 7 hours.

How many people are in the private group?

It’s a private tour with your group only, up to 6 people.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Boating Sardinia, Via Riva dei Lestrigoni, 07020 Palau SS, Italy. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included during the day?

The tour includes stops at Isola di Spargi, Budelli (Maddalena archipelago area), and the Island of Santa Maria.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission is included for Isola di Spargi and the Budelli area. Santa Maria has admission free for the cove stop.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What 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.