Sailing Cruise in Maddalena Archipelago from Maddalena

Explore the stunning La Maddalena Archipelago on a full-day sailing cruise that combines scenic stops, engaging guides, and excellent amenities. Priced at $118.49 per person, this 7-hour experience departs from Maddalena and is capped at 14 participants, ensuring a personalized atmosphere. The tour offers multiple stops at highlights like Santa Maria Island, Spiaggia Rosa, and Cala Granara, each providing opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

The tour is especially praised for its friendly, multilingual crew, who support a safe and enjoyable journey through the archipelago’s most beautiful spots. Included in the price are lunch, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and a SUP board, making it a full-package experience. While the small group size enhances comfort and interaction, the tour’s focus on sailing under sails rather than engines appeals to those seeking an authentic maritime adventure.

This tour is ideal for adventurers who appreciate scenic stops, good food, and a laid-back pace. It’s important to note that private transportation to the meeting point is not included, and the activity is best suited for participants aged 12 to 60, with some considerations for those over 90 kg. This cruise offers a balance of exploration, relaxation, and friendly service that captures the essence of the archipelago.

Key Points

• 7-hour boat tour around La Maddalena Archipelago with multiple island stops
• Small-group experience with a maximum of 14 guests for personalized service
• Includes lunch, snacks, and drinks, with a SUP board and snorkeling gear provided
• Visits Santa Maria Island, Spiaggia Rosa, and Cala Granara, with time for swimming and sunbathing
• Multilingual crew support a safe, friendly, and informative journey
• Capped at 14 participants, emphasizing comfort and a more intimate atmosphere

Start at Maddalena with a Scenic Departure

The tour begins at Via Padule, 56, La Maddalena, with a 10:00 am departure time. The crew welcomes travelers and provides an overview of the day’s plans. As the boat sets sail, you immediately appreciate the well-equipped, comfortable vessel, designed for both relaxing and active pursuits.

The small group setting means you’ll enjoy personalized attention, with support from a multilingual crew that shares insightful details about each stop. The meeting point’s proximity to public transportation makes it accessible, but travelers should plan to arrive a bit early to settle in comfortably.

First Stop: Santa Maria Island’s Cala Santa Maria

The first destination is Santa Maria Island, reached in just over an hour sailing from Maddalena. The anchoring at Cala Santa Maria allows guests to swim and snorkel directly from the boat, thanks to the transparent waters and white sandy beach. This spot is known for its turquoise waters and peaceful scenery, making it an excellent introduction to the archipelago’s beauty.

The stop lasts about an hour, giving ample time to explore the shallow waters, relax on the deck, or stroll along the shoreline. The crew provides snacks, beer, and cold drinks during this time, perfect for unwinding before moving to the next highlight.

Visiting Spiaggia Rosa at Isola Budelli

After the first swim, the boat moves to Cala Coccodrillo in Isola Budelli, home to the iconic Spiaggia Rosa. This famous pink beach is accessible via a short dinghy ride, allowing guests to walk along the remarkable sandy shoreline. The stop here lasts about 2 hours, providing plenty of time for photos, relaxing, and exploring.

Guests enjoy a delicious lunch onboard, featuring regional wines, beer, and refreshing drinks. The scenery, combined with the unique pink sands and clear waters, makes this a highlight for many. The crew’s meticulous planning ensures that this stop feels special and well-paced.

Cala Granara and Snorkelling at Isola Spargi

Following lunch, the cruise sails for approximately an hour to Cala Granara on Isola Spargi. This location offers free time for swimming and snorkelling from the deck. The calm waters and diverse marine life make this a favorite activity, allowing guests to see fish swimming around the boat.

The duration here is about 2 hours, emphasizing relaxation and aquatic fun. The provided snorkelling gear means guests can get close to the underwater world without needing to bring their own equipment.

Return Journey and Optional Activities

As the day winds down, the boat returns towards Maddalena, sailing along the scenic coastline. The crew remains available for questions and offers a chance to capture photos of the islands as you wind back to the meeting point. The onboard amenities, from snacks to beverages, continue to support a comfortable experience until disembarkation.

The Sailing and Sails-Only Experience

A distinctive feature of this tour is the crew’s effort to maximize sailing under sails rather than motor, adding to the authenticity and ambiance of the trip. Some reviews note that the captain actively uses the sails, even in varying weather conditions, which enhances the romantic, traditional sailing feel.

This approach means the cruise can sometimes spend more time sailing between stops, which may increase travel time but also heighten the sense of adventure. The crew’s skill ensures that this sailing aspect remains safe and enjoyable, even on windier days.

Food and Drinks Included in the Price

The tour’s included meal is a regional lunch served onboard, complemented by wines, beers, and soft drinks. During the stops, guests can enjoy snacks, coffee, and bottled water. The alcoholic beverages are carefully selected to enhance the experience without overwhelming the relaxing vibe.

Guests report the quality of the food and drinks as a positive aspect, with many appreciating the generous supply and variety.

Logistics and Group Size

With a maximum of 14 travelers, the trip guarantees a more intimate environment than larger tours. This smaller group facilitates easy interaction with the crew and allows the guides to tailor the experience. The meeting point is near public transport, and the mobile ticket option simplifies the booking process.

While private transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, the convenient location helps streamline the start of the day. The tour is suitable for most adults aged 12 to 60, with some restrictions for those over 90 kg.

Reviews Highlighting the Experience

Reviews consistently praise the professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of the crew, notably the captain and hosts. Many mention stunning scenery and the well-planned stops as key highlights. The quality of the food, snacks, and drinks receives particular mention, with guests appreciating the generous and delicious onboard offerings.

Some reviews note that sailing under sails adds a romantic and authentic touch, though a few mention that more snorkel gear could enhance the aquatic experience. The positive feedback underscores the tour’s balance of scenic beauty, comfort, and friendly service.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a great value, some guests express concerns about the size of the boat relative to the number of booked participants, especially if more than expected are onboard. Plus, the no private transportation means travelers need to plan how to reach the meeting point in advance.

The weather-dependent nature of sailing can lead to cancellations, but the operator offers a full refund or rescheduling if weather conditions are poor.

Final Thoughts on the La Maddalena Sailing Cruise

This full-day sailing tour stands out for its personalized small-group setting, well-chosen stops, and inclusive lunch and drinks. The supportive crew and authentic sailing experience appeal to those who enjoy scenic, leisurely exploration of the archipelago’s most famous spots.

While some may wish for more snorkel gear or a larger vessel, the overall experience offers a beautiful blend of relaxation, adventure, and good service. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value quality interaction with guides, authentic sailing, and stunning island scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $118.49 per person fee covers snacks, lunch, alcoholic beverages, soda, coffee, bottled water, the SUP board, and snorkeling gear.

How long is the sailing cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the meeting point in Maddalena.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Guests visit Santa Maria Island (Cala Santa Maria), Spiaggia Rosa on Isola Budelli, and Cala Granara on Isola Spargi.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkelling gear is included, allowing guests to explore the underwater life during stops.

What is the group size?
The tour caps at 14 travelers to ensure a more personalized experience.

Are drinks and food available onboard?
Yes, the tour offers lunch, snacks, and drinks, including alcoholic beverages and regional wines.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by SailingTours, an operator with a strong reputation for professional service.