Seven hours of Sardinia on your terms.

This private catamaran tour runs out of Porto Rafael in Palau and targets the most gorgeous stops in the Maddalena archipelago, with time built in for swimming and photos. I like the flexible routing, because the skipper can shift the plan when wind or sea conditions change.

Two other big wins are the on-water swimming and snorkeling and the all-in meal. You get snorkeling equipment, plus a boat schedule that gives you real time at coves (not just a quick stop for photos). And you don’t have to hunt down lunch—there’s a typical Sardinian aperitif and fish-based meal with drinks served on board.

One consideration: food preferences can be tricky. If you have food intolerances or special requests, the operator says onboard options can’t be fully accommodated, with only no-fish or vegetarian possibilities; in that case, you may need a packet lunch instead. If that’s you, plan ahead before you commit.

Key Reasons This Catamaran Day Feels Worth It

Private group time (up to 12) instead of sharing the boat with strangers.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you can jump in without extra rentals or last-minute shop stops.

The meal is handled for you: Sardinian aperitif, fish lunch, wine/beer, desserts, and myrtle liqueur.

Stops are spread out for water time, including long stretches at Santa Maria and the Pools area.

The skipper adjusts the route for safety, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Setting Sail From Palau: Easy Start, Real Island Time

The day begins at Yacht Club Punta Sardegna in Palau, with a 9:30 am start and a total duration of about 7 hours. That’s a sweet length for this part of Sardinia: long enough to feel like you escaped, but not so long that you lose daylight to transit and waiting.

You’ll be on a private catamaran with only your group (up to 12 people). That matters more than it sounds. On open water, the vibe can go either way—quiet and relaxed, or crowded and hectic. Private means you can focus on the water, the pauses to swim, and the conversation at the table.

I also like that this tour uses a mobile ticket, and service animals are allowed. It’s the kind of practical setup that reduces stress, especially when you’re already juggling sunscreen, hats, and the usual beach-day gear.

Why La Maddalena Looks Different From a Boat

La Maddalena is famous for its water, but the experience is shaped by how you see it. From the schedule, you’re not doing a “drive-by postcard” day. The route is designed around coves and sheltered bays where the water stays calm enough for real swims—and where you can snorkel without fighting a crowd.

That’s a core theme here: quiet, clear-water spots over busy beach hopping. Even the timing shows it. You get a short photo stop at Spiaggia Rosa, then longer stretches at Santa Maria and the Pools area—where you’ll actually be in the water.

Another smart detail is the itinerary’s built-in flexibility. The skipper may vary the plan for safety and navigation based on weather. On a day trip like this, that’s not just a technical note. It changes the whole feel of the day: more time where conditions are right, less time forced into places that don’t behave like they do in photos.

Stop 1: Spiaggia Rosa for Exterior Photos (Not a Long Beach Layover)

Your first stop is Spiaggia Rosa. You’ll have about 15 minutes. The beach is described as protected to preserve it from vandalism, and that affects what you can do: you can visit and photograph it externally, rather than plan for a long beach hangout.

So here’s the practical read: treat Spiaggia Rosa as a quick, beautiful checkpoint. If you’re hoping to spend an hour walking the shoreline, this isn’t that stop. If you want the iconic look on your camera and then move on to better swim time, the short timing actually makes sense.

Also, admission is free for this stop. That’s one less thing to think about during the day—good when you’re trying to keep everything simple.

Stop 2: Isola di Spargi With Time for Water and Photos

Next is Isola di Spargi, with about 45 minutes. This one leans into scenery: the waters are described as turquoise and crystal clear, with white beaches and wild nature on an uninhabited island.

This is a stop that usually works best if you split your time. Do a quick loop for photos first, then settle into the water if conditions are good. Since snorkeling gear is included, you’re not limited to just looking from the edge.

Admission here is included, which helps the day feel smoother. You don’t end up tracking small extra costs while you’re trying to enjoy the sea.

Stop 3: Cala Santa Maria and the Pools View From the Boat

Then you shift to Cala Santa Maria for about 2 hours. This is one of the longer blocks, and that’s where you’ll start feeling the pacing of the whole day.

The highlight is the view of coves and the color transitions in the water—between turquoise and emerald, with the area referred to as the Pools and Manto della Madonna. That wordplay matters less than the reality: water color changes with light, depth, and shelter, and the boat gives you angles you can’t easily get from land.

Since you’ll have a chunk of time here, it’s a better place to plan your water routine:

• Swim first, if you’re an early-morning swimmer type (the first water stop sets the tone).
• Or snorkel first if you like shallow exploration.

Either way, you’re more likely to find a moment where the water behaves exactly how you want—calm enough for comfort, clear enough for visibility.

Admission is free at this stop, too.

Stop 4: Maddalena Pools Between Budelli, Santa Maria, and Razzoli

Your final major swim-focused block is the Maddalena Islands area, also about 2 hours. This is where the description leans hard into what most people come for: the “Pools” zone, between Budelli, Santa Maria, and Razzoli, known for calm, transparent waters and dramatic color.

If you want one stop to define the day, this is the one. The schedule gives you enough time that you can enjoy it without rushing. You can do a longer swim, float and rest, and still have time to snorkel or switch spots.

Admission is free, and that’s nice because the best parts of this day are the ones where you’re not nickel-and-diming on top of the base price.

The Food and Drinks: Sardinian Aperitif to Fish Lunch (Done Properly)

A big part of the value here is the way the meal is structured. You’re not just getting a sandwich in a cooler. You get an aperitif based on typical Sardinian products, then lunch that’s fish-based in Sardinian style.

Drinks are included during the meal: wine, beer, fruit, Sardinian sweets, plus myrtle liqueur. The wine is listed as Vermentino white wine from Gallura, which is a very fitting choice for a sea day in Sardinia—light, easy-drinking, and made for sunshine.

There’s also coffee and/or tea after lunch, plus bottled water. At the end, the boat serves more snacks and sweets, along with more of the typical liqueur vibe.

If you care about authenticity, you’ll like the phrasing here: “typical Sardinian products” aren’t just marketing words. On this kind of private tour, the meal can be a divider between feeling cared for and feeling like you paid extra for food you didn’t ask for. The structure is designed so food feels like part of the experience—not an afterthought.

One note on restrictions: if you have intolerances or special requests, the operator can’t manage everything onboard. They say packet lunch is recommended if that applies. Only no-fish or vegetarian options are possible. If dietary needs are a big issue for you, message before booking and plan around that limit.

The Crew Factor: Names Matter, and You’ll Feel It

The tour’s experience quality seems to hinge on the crew. In the feedback I’ve seen reflected through details here, captains and crew members—like Danilo and Nathan, plus crew such as Simone and Samantha—are praised for hospitality and for keeping the day fun and smooth.

More than once, the tour is described as excellent for families, too, with the crew being patient and interactive, including when kids are along. That tells me they’re used to changing energy levels on a boat day, not just steering and calling it a tour.

Other captain names tied to strong experiences include Roberto, with first mates Alberto and Federico. The consistent theme is that the sailing isn’t just technical. It’s social. You’re there to see coves, swim, and eat well—and the crew helps that happen without turning the day into chaos.

Value and Price: What $1,674.65 Actually Buys You

The price is $1,674.65 per group, up to 12 people. If you’re thinking per person, do the math for your own group size—because this tour’s value depends on how many of you split the cost.

What you’re getting for that group price:

• A private catamaran (so you’re not sharing with random day-trippers)
• Snorkeling equipment
• A full aperitif and fish lunch with wine, beer, coffee/tea, fruit, sweets, and myrtle liqueur
• Multiple planned stops, including two longer 2-hour water blocks

If you were to replicate this on your own—private boat rental, fuel, a skipper, snorkeling gear, and a catered meal plus drinks—you’d likely end up paying much more, and the logistics would be messier. Here, the value is that food and water time are built into the price, not added later.

If your group is small (say 2 people), it can still be a treat—just know the cost per person rises fast. For families, friend groups, or couples traveling with another couple, it’s where this type of private day starts making real sense.

Weather, Comfort, and What to Bring

This tour requires good weather. When conditions aren’t right, you’ll either get an alternate date or a full refund (as stated in the policy notes). That’s common for sailing days in Sardinia, but it’s worth keeping in mind because your calendar should have a little flexibility.

You also want moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean “athlete only,” but you should be comfortable moving on a boat and handling swim/step-ins with normal caution.

The tour notes don’t list beach towels as included. So bring your own towel or plan around what you’ll have. Also consider standard sea-day gear: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and quick-dry swim clothes. The day is built around being on the water.

Finally, since stop times include a short photo visit at Spiaggia Rosa, you’ll want your phone/camera ready early, then settle into slower water time for the rest of the day.

Should You Book This Private Maddalena Catamaran Day?

Book it if you want a private group sea day where the schedule focuses on real swim time and coves you can’t easily access the same way from land. I’d especially recommend it if food matters to your trip—this one is set up so the meal is part of the experience, with Sardinian fish lunch and drinks included.

Skip or rethink if:

• Your dietary needs require more than no-fish or vegetarian (packet lunch may be needed).
• You’re hoping for a long beach stroll at Spiaggia Rosa (this stop is short and external-photo focused).
• Your travel days are locked with zero flexibility—weather can affect sailing plans.

If you’re planning ahead, timing is smart. On average it’s booked about 76 days in advance, so if your dates are specific, earlier is better.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran tour?

It’s about 7 hours on the water.

What’s the starting point and start time?

The tour meets at Yacht Club Punta Sardegna in Palau and starts at 9:30 am. The activity returns to the meeting point.

What is the price and group size?

It costs $1,674.65 per group, for groups of up to 12 people.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What stops are included?

The tour includes stops at Spiaggia Rosa, Isola di Spargi, Cala Santa Maria, and the Maddalena Islands area (including the Pools area).

Can I access Spiaggia Rosa on foot for a long beach time?

You can visit and photograph externally. The stop is short (about 15 minutes) and the beach is described as protected.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll get snacks/aperitif, a fish-based Sardinian lunch with wine and beer, fruit, desserts, myrtle liqueur, plus coffee and/or tea. Bottled water is also included.

What if I have food intolerances or special requests?

The operator states that onboard boats cannot manage all special requests. They note that no-fish or vegetarian options are possible; otherwise, they recommend a packet lunch.

Are beach towels included?

No, beach towels are not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

If you want, tell me your group size and travel month, and I’ll help you sanity-check whether this is a great fit for your plans and budget.