A day on the water here feels like the real Sardinia. You’ll move fast enough to hit multiple coves, but you’re still in a small group, so the skipper can steer the day based on wind and what people want to do. Think La Maddalena National Park beaches, clear water, and lots of time off the boat.

I especially like the combination of a comfortable boat and snorkeling gear that’s ready when you are. And yes, the prosecco glass is a nice touch that keeps the mood light between swims. One consideration: lunch is not included, so plan for the one-hour town stop in La Maddalena or pack something if you prefer to stay on schedule.

Key Highlights That Matter on This Boat Day

• Small group (up to 10): less chaos, more attention, easier movement in tight coves
• Skipper-driven route: wind and group needs decide which bays you get that day
• Snorkeling + direct water access: swim and snorkel right from the boat during the stops
• SUP included: you can try stand-up paddleboarding when conditions allow
• Real time in La Maddalena town: enough for lunch and a walk without ending your day early
• Prosecco on board: a simple, included “cheer” between the best-water moments

Palau’s Easy Start: From Cala Casotto to the Water

This trip begins around Palau, with the action starting at a small dock area near Cala Casotto. Your meeting point is at the end of Via degli Oleandri (number 31), and there’s free parking there. The dock is about 100 meters away, so you’re not hauling gear through a long walk.

Practical tip: enter the gate even if it looks closed—you’ll open it once you’re there. On Google Maps, searching blueislandsardinia should help you line it up correctly. If you like arriving a bit early, do it. Getting settled before departure makes the whole day smoother.

A 7-Hour Speedboat Day That Doesn’t Feel Rushed

You’re on a boat sized for getting close to shore: the day runs on a 6.5m or 8m boat, which matters more than you’d think. Small vessels can slip into places bigger tour boats can’t reach as easily, and that translates into better time at the water.

Navigation between stops is quick—think short hops of roughly 5 to 35 minutes depending on the leg—so your schedule is built around frequent swims and photo moments rather than long stretches of “watch the waves and wait.” The skipper also adjusts the route based on wind and the needs of everyone in the group, which is a smart way to keep the day comfortable.

One more thing I like: the trip is offered with a local guide/skipper and English, Italian, and Spanish support. If you want to understand what you’re looking at—coves, landmarks, and when to jump in—that language coverage helps.

What You’ll Do Once You’re at the Coves

The day is designed around “off the boat” time. At each stop, you’re not just doing a quick look—you’re given a real block for swimming and snorkeling. The boat approach is part of the fun: you’ll often be able to get in from the water right where the boat stops, then snorkel along the shoreline during the time you have on that beach or in that bay.

You’ll have snorkeling gear included (masks), and you’ll also want a towel and beachwear since you’re changing in and out at your own pace.

What this means for you: if you’ve ever felt stuck on tours where everyone’s watching but nobody’s in the water, this format is the opposite. The stops are long enough that you can actually enjoy the water, not just dip your toe.

Cala Corsara: A Beach Stop That Sets the Tone

Cala Corsara is usually one of the first “real” swims of the day, with about an hour for photo stops, sightseeing, and time in the water. Expect it to feel classic Sardinia—crystal-clear water and a shoreline that’s easy to enjoy without a complicated plan.

Why this stop works: when you start with a strong cove, you don’t spend the whole day waiting to feel like you’re finally there. You get a warm-up swim, then the rest of the itinerary keeps building.

Possible drawback: if you’re the kind of person who wants to spend every second floating, an hour can feel just-right rather than long. But it’s a trade-off that buys you more total coves today.

Soraya Beach and Cala Granara: Two More Chances to Swim Calm Water

After Cala Corsara, you’ll head to Soraya Beach for roughly 40 minutes. Like the other stops, you get photo moments and the chance to swim and snorkel. This is the kind of pace that’s great if you like variety—different shades of water, different stretches of shoreline, and quick repositioning without losing the day to transit.

Then you go to Cala Granara for about an hour. The time here is similar to Cala Corsara, giving you room to enjoy the water at a slower tempo, especially if you want to float and snorkel rather than just “do it and move on.”

My advice: if you snorkel, don’t rush your first swim at each stop. Take a minute to get used to visibility and adjust your breathing. When you’re not thinking about it, the water looks better and you cover more during the time you’re there.

La Maddalena Town Stop: Lunch and a Real Walk

One of the best parts of the schedule is that you’re not only doing beaches. You get about one hour in La Maddalena for sightseeing, a walk, and lunch options.

Here’s the practical bit: lunch is not included in the price, but you can eat in town during that hour. If you prefer to keep things flexible, you can also bring lunch and eat on board—especially if you’d rather not worry about finding a spot under the day’s timing.

Why this town stop is valuable: it breaks up the day so you don’t feel like you’re only in “beach mode.” You get a chance to reset, grab a meal, and see a bit of the harbor atmosphere before heading back out.

Pink Beach and Piscine di Budelli: The Spots That Earn Their Fame

Some places on this route are short photo stops. Pink Beach is one of them—around 10 minutes for photo and a brief visit. It’s not long, so treat it like a quick “yes, I’m really here” moment rather than a full beach session.

You’ll likely get more actual time at Piscine di Budelli, with about an hour. This is where the water stops feeling like a postcard and starts feeling like a playground. You’ll have time for photo and sightseeing, plus swimming and snorkeling, and the day includes access to SUP.

If you’ve never tried stand-up paddleboarding in open water, this is a good chance to experiment because the stop time is long enough to find your balance. Just remember that on a boat tour, conditions can change. Keep the “easy and safe” mindset first.

Cala Santa Maria and the Caprera Option: Ending With Another Great Water Moment

The itinerary includes Cala Santa Maria as another stop of about 40 minutes, with the usual mix of photo moments and time to swim and snorkel. It’s a solid way to finish the day with more clear-water time, without ending immediately after a town break.

You may also get additional Caprera possibilities depending on wind and how the skipper shapes the day. Options can include places like Cala Napoletana, Cala Serena, and Testa del Polpo, and there are additional listed stops such as Santo Stefano, Cala Connari, Passo del Topo, and Spiaggia del Cavaliere.

That’s the key point for you: you’re not locked into only one fixed set of beaches. This tour works like a menu the skipper can adjust, so you still get variety even if the day’s weather reshuffles things.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $124.61 per person for a 7-hour small-group boat day, the price can look steep until you list what’s included.

You get:

• Fuel and entry taxes/fees
• Snorkeling gear
• SUP access
• Water
• Skipper
• Insurance
• A glass of prosecco

Then the big “not included” items:

• Lunch
• Beach towel
• Sun cream

For value, the practical win is that so much is handled for you. The day isn’t “pay for the boat, then rent the fun.” You’re getting gear access and activity time inside the price, plus the entry fees that smaller tours often include to keep things simple.

The only “value trade” is lunch. But with a town stop built in (about one hour), you can usually handle it without derailing the day.

The Small-Group Factor: Why It Feels Different

This is limited to 10 participants, and it shows. When you’re in a big group, time at each cove can feel like a conveyor belt. Here, the shorter navigation legs and the ability to stop near shore makes the day feel more personal and relaxed.

The human touch also matters. In the field, the skipper names that come up repeatedly include Roberto, who’s described as friendly, attentive, and good at keeping the day fun. Some days also feature a team approach, with a second person helping make the day feel easy.

Even if you’re not a “talking person,” small-group size helps because you’re not stuck waiting for everyone else just to move your spot at the water.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Pay for Day-of Stuff)

To keep it simple, bring:

• Towel
• Beachwear

And plan for:

• No luggage or large bags
• No shoes indoors (if you’re changing near the meeting area)

A quick packing strategy I like: pack towel and swimwear where you can reach them fast. If you’re bringing lunch, keep it ready for that town stop or on-board option.

Also think about sun. You’re not just in the water—you’re on a boat moving around. If you forget sun cream, you’ll be hunting for it on the spot.

Who This Boat Tour Is Best For

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a high-quality day on the water with multiple swim stops
• Like snorkeling and want real time (not just a quick dip)
• Prefer small-group energy over crowded tour boats
• Want a mix of coves plus a short look at La Maddalena town

It may not be ideal if:

• You have back problems (the tour is listed as not suitable)
• You’re traveling with very young kids (not suitable for children under 2 years)
• You expect lunch to be handled for you (it’s not)

Should You Book This Boat Day?

Yes, if you’re after a structured day that still feels flexible. The big draw is the combination of small-group size, quick island-to-island movement, and built-in water time with snorkeling gear and SUP access. The prosecco glass is a small thing, but it matches the vibe: relaxed, celebratory, and not overly formal.

Skip it only if you need lunch included, you hate the idea of adjusting to wind-based routing, or you’re uncomfortable with activities that involve getting on and off the boat during stops.

If you’re visiting Sardinia and you want La Maddalena’s coves in a single day without spending your trip stuck on a crowded boat, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours, and starting times can vary based on availability.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

What snorkeling and water activities are included?

Snorkeling gear is included, and there is access to SUP. You also have time to swim and snorkel during the stops.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You can eat in the La Maddalena historical center during the one-hour town stop, or bring your lunch and eat on board.

Where do we meet, and is there parking?

Meet at the end of Via degli Oleandri (31) in Palau, with free parking nearby. The dock is about 100 meters away.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are fuel, entry tax and fees, snorkeling gear, SUP access, water, skipper, insurance, and a glass of prosecco.

What languages is the guide available in, and is cancellation flexible?

The tour includes a live guide in English, Italian, and Spanish. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve and pay later.