You’re minutes from beach-color magic in Sardinia. This La Maddalena Archipelago boat tour from Palau is interesting because you’re sailing through the heart of the islands while the crew times stops for swimming and snorkeling, with commentary on what you’re seeing. I especially love the mix of scenery and water time—Caprera, Budelli, Spargi, and Cala Connari all get their moment. One heads-up: there’s a €5 cash landing fee and the boat gets wet when everyone jumps in, so pack smart.

The day runs long enough to feel like a real escape (about 8 hours), but it’s still relaxed. You’ll board Apollo II in the morning, cruise past Punta and fortress views along the coast, then spend multiple hours in the coves—choosing to stay aboard, snorkel near the boat, or get to the beach by inflatable when it’s offered. If you hate logistics on vacation, this tour is mostly straightforward—just don’t forget sunscreen, a towel, and a plan for your stuff getting damp.

Key highlights before you go

• Apollo II comfort: covered seating, a sun deck, two bathrooms, and a bar/kitchen service area
• Big-water views with real swim stops: Cala Serena (Caprera), Cavaliere beach, and Cala Connari (Spargi area)
• Budelli’s pink-sand sight: you get to admire the color of the famous Spiaggia Rosa from the boat
• Beach access options: inflatable transfers with crew on one stop; swimming ashore possible on another
• Crew help with the experience: friendly, sometimes lending goggles, plus onboard info as you sail

Finding Apollo II at Palau (and getting parked)

Your day starts in Palau at the quay named “medaglie d’oro.” Look for the motor vessel Apollo II—the crew is easy to spot in black trousers with a grey shirt or black jacket. It’s the kind of meeting point where arriving just a few minutes late can feel stressful, mostly because parking can be a headache.

Do yourself a favor: give yourself extra time to park. Palau can be busy, and it’s not always simple to find a spot near the port. Once you’re aboard, you’ll quickly see why this tour feels easier than the huge-boat version—Apollo II is sized for comfort, with covered seating plus an upper sun deck for that classic Sardinia “watch the islands drift by” feeling.

Also, note the practical rules: no pets, and it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year. If you’re traveling with a small kid, plan around that limit early.

The morning cruise: Santo Stefano to Capo d’Orso plus Caprera backdrops

After departure from Palau at 10:15 a.m., you get about 30 minutes of panoramic navigation between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. This isn’t just “moving from A to B.” It’s timed so you can settle in and start picking out landmarks while the crew explains what you’re passing.

On this stretch, you’ll see key points along the coast, including the Fort of San Giorgio, the Villa Marina Tower, and the former American NATO Military Base. You also pass the Caprera Sailing Center. For me, this part matters because it turns the day from a string of swim stops into a fuller sense of place—you’re not only looking at water, you’re learning why these islands matter.

Then the pace shifts into the water portion. The first swim is next, and you’ll want your towel and sunscreen ready.

Caprera and Budelli: Cala Serena swim, then the pink-sand scenery from the boat

Your first real break is a 30-minute swim stop at Cala Serena (Caprera). Caprera is known for those sheltered bays that make swimming feel easy—less open-water drama, more “step in and enjoy.” You can stay loose and relaxed here: swim, float, and reset before the day opens up.

After that, you sail about 40 minutes toward Budelli. This is where you’ll start noticing the “Sardinia postcard” details. You won’t just stare at the horizon—you’ll be in it. Budelli is the island tied to the famous Spiaggia Rosa, and on this tour you get to admire the soft pink color from the boat.

That detail is useful for planning your expectations. You’re seeing the famous shade without turning your day into a long land trek. It’s also a good reminder that the best part of the archipelago isn’t only photos—it’s how the light changes over the coves while you’re still moving.

From Budelli, the itinerary sets up the longest beach-and-water options of the day.

Cavaliere beach stop: 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, or go ashore by inflatable

Next comes a serious chunk of time: an offshore stop at the Cavaliere beach area for 1 hour 30 minutes. Here you get choices, which I love. You can:

• Stay on board if you want max comfort
• Snorkel near the boat (no gear is included, so plan accordingly)
• Reach the beach by inflatable boat, with the crew accompanying you

This flexibility keeps the day from feeling like a forced parade. If you want shore time, you’ll get it. If you want to keep it simple and just float in clear water, you can do that too.

One small planning tip from real-world sailing conditions: sometimes the captain has to adjust because of wind. On at least one departure, strong winds from the west led to smart rerouting toward the best beaches and waters for everyone. Translation for you: if conditions change, expect the crew to work the plan, not just cancel the vibe.

Also, if you’re wondering about boat size: Apollo II is compact enough that it can handle areas bigger boats can’t. One traveler noted there’s even a bridge with limited height on the route—Apollo II fits where larger vessels don’t.

Spargi and Cala Connari: the best long hangout for swimming and beach time

After sailing onward toward Spargi, you’ll reach the stop at Cala Connari, with 2 hours on the schedule. This is the “take your time” part of the tour.

Again, you choose how you spend it. You can stay aboard and use on-board services, or you can get into the water and swim toward the shore. If you like snorkeling, you’ll have the chance to snorkel near the boat. And if you want a more beach-style moment—setting your feet on sand, drying off, then doing another swim—this stop gives you the time to do it without rushing.

In my view, Cala Connari is where the day turns from scenic into memorable. The combination of swim windows and just enough time to breathe makes this one of the best island days in the region, especially if you’ve already done a “views only” tour elsewhere.

You’ll head back to Palau at about 5:30 p.m.—just enough daylight left to feel like you didn’t waste the evening, even after an active day.

What’s included on this Apollo II tour (and what you should bring)

Let’s talk about what you actually need to bring, and what you can rely on.

Included:

• Motorboat excursion
• Dinghy service for transfers to the islands (so you’re not left trying to swim every time)

Not included:

• Food and drinks (though you can buy food onboard)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Landing fee: €5 cash, paid on board at embarkation

On the boat, Apollo II has two bathrooms, a covered deck with seating, and an upper deck sun deck. There’s also a bar and refreshment/kitchen service. If you don’t want to pack lunch, this helps. You can buy things like pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot-dogs, maxi-toasts, and snacks—plus coffee is available. It’s not a meal plan included in your ticket, but it can save you from the “we forgot food” scramble.

So, what should you bring? The basics are:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

And here’s a smart extra tip: bring a waterproof bag for valuables. On a boat day like this, you’ll likely leave your bags under benches and the deck can get wet from everyone reboarding after swims.

Price and value: $81 plus the €5 landing fee, with long water time

At $81 per person for an 8-hour outing, you’re paying for a lot of time on the water plus access to multiple island coves. That’s the real value lever here. Most trips that feel “worth it” in this area aren’t the short ones—they’re the ones that give you repeated chances to get in and cool off without feeling rushed.

Your other costs are manageable but real:

• Add €5 cash for the landing fee at embarkation
• Bring your own snorkeling equipment (or plan to borrow/find gear, since it isn’t included)

Even with that, I think this is good value if you want a classic day of Sardinia in one go: coastal landmarks in the morning, then swimming and snorkeling opportunities through the mid-afternoon.

Who should book this La Maddalena day trip

This tour fits best if you want:

• Multiple swim stops in one day (not just one quick dip)
• A comfortable boat with seating plus a sun deck
• A crew-led experience where you’ll learn what you’re seeing as you sail
• Flexibility during stops (stay aboard, snorkel near the boat, or go ashore when offered)

It’s not ideal if you hate getting your gear damp or you’re counting on snorkeling equipment being provided. It also isn’t for very young babies (under 1 year).

If you’re traveling with family and friends and you want one shared day that feels like a holiday from start to finish, this is a strong match. If you prefer big group chaos, you might even appreciate that Apollo II isn’t trying to cram everyone into a floating sardine can. The more personal vibe tends to make the swimming and reboarding smoother.

Should you book this tour or not?

Book it if you want a full-day La Maddalena Archipelago experience that mixes scenery, clear-water swimming, and smart stop timing—without requiring you to manage a complicated itinerary yourself. It’s also a good pick if you like flexibility: you can treat each stop as a quick swim break or as beach time, depending on your mood that day.

Skip it only if you’re not a water person, you need snorkeling gear included, or you’re allergic to the idea that you might end up with wet deck spray on your belongings. Also, if your priority is land walking, this tour is mostly about the sea and short access windows, not long hikes.

If your plan is to see Sardinia’s islands from the water and actually spend time in the bays, this Apollo II day trip is the kind of outing that usually ends up being the one you remember.

FAQ

What time does the tour leave Palau?

The tour departs the port of Palau at 10:15 a.m. and returns at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the quay called “medaglie d’oro.” The motor vessel is Apollo II.

How will I recognize the crew?

The crew is described as wearing black trousers and a grey shirt/black jacket.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What swim/snorkel stops are included?

You’ll have swim time at Cala Serena (Caprera), an offshore stop at the Cavaliere beach area, and a stop at Cala Connari (Spargi). You can choose to snorkel near the boat at stops where you’re staying onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food and drinks onboard.

Is there an extra fee for landing?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A waterproof bag is helpful because the boat gets wet when people swim and reboard.