Your swim stops start the moment you leave Palau. This La Maddalena day boat tour pairs a comfortable vintage motorship (Apollo II) with long, real water time at Cala Connari and other top coves around Caprera, Budelli and Spargi. One small catch to plan for: there’s a landing fee of €5 paid in cash on board.

I like that the crew isn’t just driving the boat. You get expert info while sailing, and you’re guided on where to swim, where the best views are, and how to use the dinghy transfers when you want to get off the boat. The boat itself feels set up for a relaxed day: covered seating on the main deck, an upper sun deck, and onboard services.

If you want a laid-back Sardinia day with lots of sea time (not just sightseeing from the rail), this fits well. You’ll depart from Palau at 10:15 a.m. and roll back in around 5:30 p.m., with multiple stops spaced so you don’t feel rushed.

Key Reasons This Trip Works So Well

• Apollo II feels roomy and easy to enjoy, with seating options plus two bathrooms.
• Cala Serena (Caprera) is a quick, satisfying swim stop that breaks up the sailing nicely.
• Budelli time includes an offshore pause near Spiaggia del Cavaliere plus the option to go by inflatable.
• Spargi and Cala Connari give you the longest beach-and-water window to snorkel, swim, or relax.
• Crew support can make snorkel time easier, including help with goggles if you need them.
• The day stays flexible when conditions change, so you’re not stuck with just one plan.

Getting To The Boat: Palau Meeting Point And Apollo II Details

You’ll start in Palau at the quay called medaglie d’oro. The motor vessel is Apollo II, and you’ll recognize the crew by their black trousers and a grey shirt or black jacket. It’s a straightforward meeting setup, which matters because the day moves.

A practical heads-up: Palau parking can be a headache and the port area can feel busy. I’d give yourself extra time just to park and get to the quay without stress.

Once you’re on board, the vibe is “day trip, not cramped bus on water.” Apollo II is an 18-meter motorship with a covered deck for seating and an upper sun deck for when you want to chase the light and photos. There’s also a bar area with refreshment and kitchen service. Two bathrooms are a real comfort on an eight-hour outing.

Also note this: food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, but the onboard menu includes things you can buy during the day. That makes it easier to keep the day flowing without feeling like you need to pack everything from home.

The Morning Cruise: Forts, Towers, And The Old NATO Presence

Before the first big swim stop, you get about 30 minutes of panoramic navigation between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. This is the “get your bearings” stretch of the day, where you start seeing how the islands sit against the water and why this archipelago is famous.

On the way, you pass several landmarks that help give context to the scenery. You’ll see the Fort of San Giorgio, the Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center.

Why this part matters: if you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re looking at, this navigation segment gives you names to attach to the views. And if you’re just there to relax, it’s still a nice way to settle into the day before hopping in the water.

Caprera And Cala Serena: A 30-Minute Swim Stop That Resets The Day

The first water time is a 30-minute swim stop at Cala Serena on Caprera. This is where the archipelago’s clarity becomes the main character. The water here is the kind that makes you want to keep re-checking your dive-free impulse to just sit on the edge and watch the bottom move.

You’ll have options based on what the crew offers at the moment—staying near the boat for snorkeling time, or just enjoying the simple joy of a quick jump-in and a float. This stop is short enough that you don’t feel worn out, but long enough that it doesn’t feel like a token splash.

One tip from real-world experience: the boat gets wet with all the hopping in and out. People end up leaving bags under the benches on the floor, so I recommend using a waterproof bag or at least a dry bag so you’re not dealing with soggy stuff later.

Budelli And Spiaggia Rosa: Offshore Time, Snorkel Near The Boat, Or Go Ashore

After Cala Serena, the schedule shifts into island-to-island sailing, with about 40 minutes to reach Budelli. This is when you start hearing how the archipelago is divided into different natural zones—and you’ll notice the colors change as you move.

You’ll then have an offshore stop near Cavaliere beach with about 1 hour 30 minutes. Here’s what makes this segment flexible: you can choose to stay on board and use services, snorkel near the boat, or reach the beach via inflatable boat transfers accompanied by the crew.

Even if you don’t get off, there’s still plenty to enjoy. You’ll admire from the boat the soft beach color associated with the famous Spiaggia Rosa. That pink sand look is one of those “only makes sense when you see it” effects, and the boat vantage helps you take it in without trying to rush across the shore.

Snorkeling note: snorkeling equipment is not included, so don’t assume you’ll have gear handed to you. That said, the crew is helpful, and I’d plan on asking on site if you need goggles. Several people reported the crew lending goggles so you can actually see what’s going on in the water.

Spargi And Cala Connari: Two Hours Where You Can Decide Your Own Pace

Next up is Spargi, reached by sailing from Budelli. The big payoff here is the stop at Cala Connari, with about 2 hours on the water.

This is your best “do what you feel like” block. You can stay on board and relax, use onboard services, snorkel near the boat, or reach the beach by swimming. The dinghy option is offered on the earlier offshore stop, and the Cala Connari segment gives you another chance to spend time right at the shoreline.

Why I’d put Cala Connari near the top of the day: two hours is enough time to go beyond the quick photo and actually settle in. You can swim a few times, drift, take a slow look around, and still be back for boarding without feeling like you’re bargaining with the clock.

Also, Spargi tends to be one of those places where the water looks unreal in photos—and it’s still unreal in person. Even when you’re not snorkeling, it’s the kind of place where you find yourself looking down a lot.

The Crew Makes Or Breaks It (And This One Gets Strong Marks)

In these archipelago boat days, the difference between good and great is often the crew’s rhythm. On this tour, the crew provides expert information about what you’re seeing while you sail and about where you’ll stop.

Language support is listed as Italian and English, and the crew approach comes through as welcoming rather than stiff. If you’re traveling solo, this is one of those set-ups where people tend to talk naturally once you’re moving between swim options.

There’s also a practical advantage to a smaller day-boat style: one review mentioned the boat felt like around 30 people, not packed. When you’re trying to change clothes, handle towels, and move around without fighting for space, that difference is huge.

And one more real-world point that affects your day: the boat can pass a bridge with limited height, which bigger boats can’t. That matters because it can influence how close you can get to certain areas. The result is more “useful access” and less time spent imagining what you might have been able to reach.

Food And Drinks: What’s Available Onboard (And What Isn’t)

Here’s the simple truth: food and drinks are not included. The ticket gets you the boat excursion plus dinghy service for transfers to the islands.

But you’re not stuck with an empty stomach. The onboard service can sell items like pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot-dogs, maxi-toasts and snacks. Reviews also mention coffee and a solid range of food options, so you can plan for lunch without bringing a cooler.

What I recommend you do is think of this as a “buy as needed” lunch plan. If you’re picky about meals, you can check what’s available once you’re on board. If you just want something easy between swim sessions, it’s there.

And again: bring a towel and sunscreen. That sounds obvious until you’re on a sun deck trying to dry off with nothing but sea air and a questionable towel situation.

Value: The Real Cost Breakdown Of An 8-Hour Archipelago Day

At $81 per person for about 8 hours, this is priced like a full-day sailing experience with meaningful swim time. The biggest value element isn’t just the price—it’s how the day is structured around water time at multiple stops rather than one long beach-and-done approach.

You also get dinghy service for transfers to the islands included, which can save you time and hassle when you want to get off the boat at select spots.

Two small cost add-ons to keep in your head:

• The €5 landing fee is paid in cash on board at embarkation.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you may need to borrow goggles or plan to use your own gear.

Even with those extras, I think the day earns its price if you want the classic La Maddalena mix: sailing + multiple swim opportunities + viewpoints like Spiaggia Rosa from the boat.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)

This tour makes sense for:

• People who want lots of swimming time at Caprera, Budelli and Spargi
• Families and groups who prefer a comfortable boat rather than a crowded day trip setup
• Solo travelers who like the social side of a crew-guided day (friend-making tends to happen naturally)

It’s also good if you’re flexible about how the day unfolds. Weather can shift routes, and there are reports of the captain adjusting to strong winds to still hit great waters and beaches. That’s the kind of experience that keeps a day from turning into a disappointment.

What might not work as well:

• If you absolutely need food included in the ticket, you’ll want to plan for purchases onboard.
• If you’re traveling with very young babies, it’s listed as not suitable for children under 1 year.
• Pets are not allowed.

Should You Book This La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour From Palau?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels like real island time: multiple swim stops, helpful crew info, and a comfortable boat with space to chill between jumps in. The mix of Caprera + Budelli + Spargi is the core reason you’re in this part of Sardinia, and the schedule gives you time to actually enjoy each zone.

I would hesitate if cash fees and on-the-spot purchases bother you. Between the €5 landing fee and the fact that snorkeling gear and food aren’t included, you’ll need to be a little “ready to handle small extras.”

If you’re trying to maximize time in the water, and you’re okay planning for a landing fee and bringing your essentials, this is a strong pick for a memorable La Maddalena day from Palau.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Palau boat tour?

The guide waits at the quay medaglie d’oro in Palau. The boat is named Apollo II, and you’ll recognize the crew by their black trousers and a grey shirt/black jacket.

How long is the boat tour?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The included items are the motorboat excursion and dinghy service for transfers to the islands.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, but you can buy items onboard such as pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.

Do I need to pay a landing fee?

Yes. There is a landing fee of €5, paid in cash on board at the time of embarkation.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so plan accordingly if you want gear.