This is a private boat tour where your captain can shape the day around wind and sea—so you’re not stuck in one rigid route. I especially like the mix of secluded coves for swimming plus a few iconic stops for photos, like the Pink Beach. One thing to keep in mind: the itinerary can shift with marine weather, so don’t assume every stop will happen exactly as written.

You’ll start in Palau at 10:00 am and spend about 7 to 8 hours cruising between islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago. If you want value, the math gets better fast because it’s priced per group (up to 6), not per person. The main drawback is simple: you’re on the water for most of the day, so if you dislike boats or choppy conditions, this may be less comfortable.

Key highlights worth penciling in

• Private for up to 6: a real group day, not a shared scramble
• Swim-ready coves like Cala Conneri, plus an extra stop option depending on the crew
• Pink Beach viewing time for classic photos without a long detour
• Porto Madonna natural pools between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria
• North Caprera cliffs with a possible north-coast stop if conditions allow
• Cala Coticcio (Tahiti) as the day’s big dramatic finale

Why this boat route feels different than a basic cruise

A lot of island boat days show you a map, not the feeling. This one is built around short cruising legs and multiple anchoring moments, which is exactly what you want in the archipelago. When your captain can choose where to stop, you’re more likely to land where the water is calm enough to swim and the views are worth the effort.

Also, the timing matters. A 10:00 am start gives you enough daylight to do the good stuff without turning the day into a sunset-only hit-and-run. By mid-day you’re in the thick of the action, and you still have time to return at a sane hour.

Price-wise, it’s listed at $783.11 per group (up to 6). If you fill the boat with 6 people, you’re roughly around $130 per person. If you’re a smaller group, it’s still a solid single-day splash option, especially compared to stacking multiple tours or paying for a larger group experience.

Meeting point in Palau: get there early, then slow down

You meet at Via Riva dei Lestrigoni, 18, 07020 Palau SS. The good news is it’s described as near public transportation, so you’re not locked into a private transfer just to get to the dock.

My practical advice: aim to arrive a bit early and take a moment to check in, because private tours still run on a schedule. Once you’re onboard, the day moves quickly—this isn’t a leisurely “see everything at 5 miles an hour” kind of itinerary.

The day’s backbone: Palau to Spargi and the “front row” coast

From the tourist port of Palau, the route heads toward Spargi, skirting past Porto Rafael and Punta Sardegna. This is a classic start for a reason: the archipelago’s outer islands tend to give you those sharp, photogenic coastlines early before the day warms up and you get to the real swim stops.

What you’ll get here

• Cruise time with changing shoreline views
• A transition toward the most famous cove country
• Early chances to spot sea color that’s hard to appreciate from land

The only real consideration

If conditions are rough, the open water stretches can feel longer. That’s the tradeoff for going beyond the nearest beach. The good news is this tour flags that weather and marine conditions can affect the plan.

Cala Conneri and the trio of coves (Cala Soraya, Cala Granara, and friends)

Next you continue toward Cala Conneri, passing Cala Soraya and Cala Granara. The itinerary notes that in one of these three coves, you can take another swim, depending on the crew’s dynamism.

That wording is important. It’s basically telling you that this isn’t a strict checklist. If the sea is cooperative and your captain feels the timing works, you get the extra water time. If the sea isn’t, you won’t force it—because the goal is a great day, not a risky one.

Why this stop is a big deal

This is where the archipelago’s “every direction looks good” feeling really kicks in. Coves tend to offer:

• quieter water compared to exposed coasts
• short swims that don’t require a whole expedition
• that easy, on-the-boat-to-the-water rhythm that makes a private tour worth it

A tip that helps

When you’re offered another swim option, go for it if you’re comfortable doing multiple water moments. The best days on this route are often the ones where you say yes to a second swim rather than pacing yourself like it’s a museum visit.

Budelli and the Pink Beach: iconic, brief, and photo-friendly

After leaving Spargi, you head toward Budelli for a few moments to admire the Pink Beach. This is one of those places people talk about, and it’s famous for a reason. But on a boat tour, it’s also practical to treat it as a quick hit: you want time to see it properly without turning the day into a single-stop detour.

What to expect

• A short pause built around photos and sightseeing
• Great opportunities to get different angles as the boat positions for viewing

The drawback to know

A brief stop is still a brief stop. If you’re hoping for long time on land or a long hang at the shoreline, this format won’t match that expectation. It’s built for viewing from the water and moving on to better swim anchors.

Porto Madonna natural pools: the lunch-and-swim pocket

Once the photos are done, the boat anchors for a stop at Porto Madonna, described as a natural port between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. This is where you’ll find the famous natural pools.

This part of the day is valuable because it shifts from “see the landmark” to “enjoy the water.” Natural pools often mean calmer conditions and clear visibility, so it’s a strong choice for swimming and taking in the seascape at a slower tempo.

What makes Porto Madonna work

• You’re not chasing a single sight; you’re enjoying a whole pocket of water
• It’s a logical place to pair with the day’s break
• The surrounding islands help create that enclosed, protected feel

The one thing to be ready for

After lunch, your body may feel like it wants to coast. The route keeps moving, and that’s where your comfort with boat time matters. If you get seasick easily, this is the segment where you’ll want to decide early what your threshold is.

After lunch north of Caprera: cliffs, options, and timing games

After lunch, you head north of Caprera for an itinerary between cliffs. There’s a stop noted on the north coast of Caprera if the crew agrees, based on conditions.

I like this approach because cliff coasts are dramatic, but they’re also exposed. Having a “if the crew agrees” option gives your captain the flexibility to pick the best water and the safest timing.

Why this section feels special

• You get the archipelago’s geology vibe: rock walls, dramatic edges, and sudden changes in view
• It helps break up the day so it doesn’t feel like a straight line of swims and photos

Tradeoff

If you’re the type who loves a totally predictable schedule, this is the part where you may see adjustments. But if you’re here for the water and the scenery, flexibility is often a feature, not a bug.

Cala Coticcio (Tahiti): the finale stop you’ll remember

The final major anchor is Cala Coticcio (Tahiti). This is one of the archipelago’s standout coves in terms of scenery and that postcard mix of cliffside shape plus clear water.

As a “bookend” stop, it works well. By late afternoon you’ve already built up the day’s rhythm, so you’re ready to linger rather than rush. If the sea is cooperative, this is exactly the kind of cove where you can spend time just watching light move across the water.

What to do to make the most of it

• Plan to be in the right mindset for lingering. This is when you’ll want your camera, but also your attention off the screen.
• If you’re prone to skipping the last swim, don’t. This is often the one people talk about later because it’s the end of the best part of the day.

Logistics that actually matter: private group size and time on the water

This is private, so only your group participates. The cap is up to 6, which changes the feel of the day. You don’t have to wait for other people to find sunscreen. Your captain isn’t constantly juggling drop-offs and re-grouping. It’s a small change that has a big effect on how smooth the day feels.

Duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours. That’s long enough to get multiple swimming moments and at least a couple of iconic sights. It also means you should plan for a full-day commitment: bring what you need to stay comfortable in sun and wind, and accept that you’ll be on the boat for a big chunk of the day.

Value check: is this price fair?

For $783.11 per group up to 6, you’re basically paying for:

• a private captain and boat time
• multiple stops designed around sightseeing plus swimming
• flexibility for weather-based adjustments

If you split it with a full group, the per-person cost is usually much more reasonable than people expect for a private day. Even at smaller headcounts, it can still be good value if you care more about quality of water stops than checking off a long list of places.

Where it’s not a good fit is if you hate boat days or you only want land-based time. This experience is about being out there on the sea, in the coves, and seeing the islands from the water.

Should you book this private boat tour?

If you want a swim-heavy day with a captain who can react to sea conditions, I think this is a strong choice. It’s also a good pick for small friend groups and couples who want the archipelago experience without the circus of a large shared tour.

Book it if:

• you’re aiming for several anchored swims, not just one quick stop
• you care about iconic views like Pink Beach but still want more than postcards
• you like flexibility, since the route can change with marine weather

Skip it if:

• you strongly dislike being on boats for hours
• you need a fully fixed schedule with zero weather-based changes

In short: if your idea of a great day is clear water, coves, and a private captain working the sea like it’s part of the plan, this tour fits.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point in Palau?

You’ll meet at Via Riva dei Lestrigoni, 18, 07020 Palau SS, Italy.

How long is the private boat tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

How many people can be in the group?

It’s priced per group and listed as up to 6.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

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.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.