Boat Tour to Caprera and La Maddalena Archipelago

The best part of this day is simple: you spend hours on clear water, stopping at three beautiful places instead of rushing through a string of photo stops. The refurbished Apollo II, a charming 1956 motorboat, has room to sit, a covered deck, an upper sun deck, toilets, and a small bar.

I like the generous swim time and the small dinghy transfers, which let you reach beaches that are not accessible by car. I also like the friendly, lively crew, including Vlad, whose jokes and energy have made a strong impression on past groups. The main drawback is parking in Palau, which can take an hour or more in busy summer weeks.

Key points at a glance

• A vintage boat with modern comforts: The 18-meter Apollo II has two bathrooms, covered seating, a sun deck, and a bar.
• Three proper water stops: You get about 30 minutes at Cala Serena, 90 minutes at Budelli’s Cavaliere beach, and two hours at Cala Connari.
• Beach access by small boat: A dinghy carries you to Budelli, while you can swim ashore at Cala Connari.
• Spiaggia Rosa from the water: You see the famous pink beach without landing on it.
• Food is available onboard: Sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and drinks can be bought, but lunch is not included.
• Allow extra time in Palau: Arrive early for parking, and bring cash for the €5 landing fee.

Why this boat day works so well

La Maddalena is an archipelago of islands scattered off Sardinia’s northeastern coast. The water is the star here, shifting between pale green, clear turquoise, and deep blue as the boat moves between sheltered bays and open channels.

This excursion gives you enough time to enjoy the setting rather than merely photograph it. You can sit on deck, listen to the crew’s explanations, swim near the boat, snorkel, or take a small boat to shore. That mix makes the day feel relaxed, not like a race from one landmark to the next.

I especially like the balance between boat time and beach time. Some island cruises keep you aboard almost all day, while others drop you at a beach and leave you there. This one gives you both: views from the water, time on land, and long swims in places where roads do not reach.

The tour costs about $84 per person, before the €5 landing fee. That is a fair price for a seven to eight-hour outing if you plan to use the swim stops and onboard facilities. You are paying for the boat, crew, transfers, and a full day around several islands, not for a guided walking tour or included meal.

Starting from Palau and crossing toward Caprera

The day begins in Palau or La Maddalena, depending on the option you book. Check the exact meeting point carefully, since it can vary.

If you leave from Palau, allow plenty of time to park. Summer parking can be difficult, and arriving an hour before the meeting time is a sensible plan. A multistory car park may be your backup, but it can be expensive. The practical lesson is clear: do not cut this one close.

Before boarding, you pay the €5 landing fee in cash. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. The boat may have goggles available at times, but you should not count on a full set of equipment.

The opening cruise lasts about 30 minutes and provides a useful introduction to the area. You pass between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso, with views of the Fort of San Giorgio, Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center.

The crew provides information in English and Italian. This is not a formal lecture-heavy cruise. You get background as you sail, then plenty of time to enjoy the water on your own.

Cala Serena, Caprera’s first swim

The first stop is Cala Serena on Caprera, for about 30 minutes. This is a short opening swim, but it gets you into the rhythm of the day quickly.

You can swim from the boat and enjoy the clear water around the cove. If you prefer not to get wet right away, remain on deck and take in the view. The boat has covered seating as well as an upper sun deck, so you can choose shade or sun.

Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially if several people are using the ladder or jumping from the boat. Think of this as a refreshing introduction rather than a full beach visit. The longer stops come later.

Caprera is one of the main islands in the archipelago and is linked to La Maddalena by bridge. From the water, you get a different view of its coves and shores than you would on a land visit. This cruise does not replace a full Caprera tour, but it does show you the island from the best possible angle for swimming.

Budelli and the pale sands of Cavaliere beach

After Cala Serena, the Apollo II sails for about 40 minutes toward Budelli. This is a good stretch for sitting back, taking photos, and watching the islands change around you.

The stop at Cavaliere beach lasts about an hour and a half. You do not simply pull the large boat onto the sand. Instead, the crew uses the dinghy to carry you ashore. That small transfer is useful because it gives you access to a beach while keeping the main vessel safely offshore.

You can also stay aboard, swim near the Apollo II, or use the boat’s facilities. If you want the beach experience, listen for the crew’s instructions and take the dinghy. If you dislike wet transfers or prefer more space, remaining on the main boat may be more comfortable.

Cavaliere beach is a highlight for its pale sand and clear water. The long stop gives you time to swim without constantly watching the clock. You can also snorkel near the boat, although you need to bring your own equipment if you want a proper session.

The route also passes by Spiaggia Rosa, the famous pink beach of Budelli. You admire it from the boat rather than going ashore. Access to the beach is restricted, so this is a viewing stop, not a normal beach landing. The color can be subtle from the water, but the sight is still an important part of the archipelago cruise.

This section of the day shows why a boat is the right way to see these islands. Some beaches are protected or difficult to reach, and the best view of certain shores is from offshore.

Cala Connari on Spargi, the longest stop

From Budelli, the boat continues to Spargi and anchors at Cala Connari for about two hours. This is the longest stop and the one that gives you the most freedom.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel around it, or reach the beach by swimming. You may also stay onboard and use the bar, covered deck, toilets, or sun deck. If you want to spend time on the sand, wear footwear that can handle a wet approach, since the final stretch may be in the water.

Two hours is enough for a proper swim, a break on deck, and some time at the beach. It also makes the day less tiring than a schedule built around constant movement.

Cala Connari is a good place to choose your own pace. I would swim early while the water feels inviting, then return to the boat for a drink and shade. If you are with children or a mixed-age group, this flexibility matters. Not everyone has to do the same thing at the same time.

The boat may carry around 30 to 50 people, depending on the departure. That is larger than a private charter but smaller than the biggest island cruise vessels. The Apollo II has enough room for people to spread out, though popular summer departures will naturally feel busier around the ladder, bar, and dinghy.

Life aboard the Apollo II

The Apollo II is not a sleek new yacht, and that is part of its appeal. It is a refurbished 1956 motorboat, combining old-fashioned character with practical updates.

You will find:

• Covered deck seating
• An upper deck with a sun area
• Two bathrooms
• A bar and kitchen service
• Food, snacks, coffee, and drinks for purchase
• A dinghy for transfers to shore

The boat is kept clean, and the bathrooms are described as surprisingly roomy for a vessel of this size. Still, this is a boat day, not a hotel day. Floors can get wet when people return from swimming, so keep phones, wallets, and spare clothes in a waterproof bag.

Lunch is not included. You can buy sandwiches, snacks, and drinks onboard, or bring your own food. Bringing water is sensible even if you plan to buy drinks, especially in strong sun.

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag. Sunscreen matters more than you may expect because the boat reflects light from the water, and the day lasts until around 5:30 p.m.

Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for babies under one year old.

The crew and the feel of the day

The crew speaks English and Italian and gives information about the islands, landmarks, and stopping points. Their role is practical as well as social: they handle the dinghy, keep an eye on swimmers, and help people move safely between the Apollo II and the beaches.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. Vlad has been singled out for his humor and energy, but the wider crew also gets credit for being polite and attentive. The right crew can make a long day on the water feel easy, especially when people need help with transfers or are unsure where to swim.

The boat’s moderate size helps. You are not packed onto a giant ferry, but you are also not paying private-charter prices. On quieter departures, you may find plenty of room. In August, expect a social outing with other families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends.

This is a good choice for solo visitors because the communal boat setup makes it easy to chat with people. It also suits families with older children, provided they are comfortable swimming and getting on and off a small dinghy.

What could frustrate you

The biggest practical issue is Palau parking. This is not a minor footnote in July and August. Give yourself at least an hour before the scheduled meeting time if you are driving, and do not assume you will find a space near the port.

The landing fee is another small cost that can catch you off guard. Bring €5 in cash per person for payment at boarding.

You also need to accept that the exact feel of the day depends on wind and sea conditions. The captain may adjust the route or choose more sheltered water. That is a sensible safety choice, but it can mean a stop changes from your expected plan.

The first swim stop is only 30 minutes, and some people may find the beach visits too short if they want a full day on land. Others will appreciate returning to the boat, where they can sit, eat, and enjoy the views.

Finally, snorkeling gear is not included. The water is clear and swimming is a major part of the experience, but serious snorkelers should pack their own equipment.

Is $84 a fair price?

For seven to eight hours, the price is reasonable. You get a full boat excursion, crew service, three swimming opportunities, access to Budelli and Spargi by boat, and transfers by dinghy.

The value is strongest if you use the whole day. Spend time in the water, visit Cavaliere beach, and enjoy the boat itself. If you plan to remain seated and skip the swims, a shorter sightseeing cruise might suit you better.

Remember to add the €5 landing fee and your food budget. Onboard purchases are convenient, but bringing snacks and water can keep the final cost under control. Snorkeling equipment is also an extra consideration.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky if your Sardinia plans are still moving around.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this tour if you want a full day on the water without paying for a private boat. It is especially good for people who care about swimming, clear water, beach access, and relaxed time between stops.

It suits families with older children, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors. The onboard bar and seating help non-swimmers enjoy the day too.

I would think twice if you dislike boat transfers, need a quiet private setting, or want a detailed walking visit on each island. You should also skip it if you are traveling with a baby under one year old or if you do not want to arrange parking early.

For most summer visitors to northeastern Sardinia, I think the strongest reason to book is the pacing. You get three substantial stops, not just a quick photo pause, while the Apollo II gives you shade, toilets, food, and room to relax. Add the warm crew and the chance to see Spiaggia Rosa from offshore, and this becomes a very solid way to experience the archipelago.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from the port of Palau or La Maddalena, depending on the option booked. Confirm the exact meeting point before departure.

How long does the excursion last?

The experience lasts about seven to eight hours and returns to Palau at approximately 5:30 p.m.

What swimming stops are included?

The planned stops are Cala Serena on Caprera, Cavaliere beach near Budelli, and Cala Connari on Spargi. You can also view Spiaggia Rosa from the boat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and drinks onboard. You can also bring your own food and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to explore the water with a mask and snorkel.

What extra fee must I pay?

A €5 landing fee is paid in cash onboard at the time of embarkation. This is separate from the tour price.