Seven hours of Sardinia sea time. This private Palau speedboat day is all about hopping between coves in the La Maddalena Archipelago, guided by a local skipper who adjusts the plan based on wind. You get to move fast, stop often, and spend your time where the water looks best.

I especially like the pace. The boat is a comfortable 6.5-meter craft, and the transfers between islands are short, so you’re not stuck cruising for hours just to reach one place. I also love that you’re set up for real water time with snorkeling gear included, plus access to SUP. Prosecco shows up too, because, yes, this is a holiday.

One consideration: fuel is not included (about 60–70 €), and lunch is on you. So plan for food and budget a little extra if you want the day to feel easy.

Key points you’ll care about

• Private 6.5-meter boat with an expert local skipper and a flexible route based on wind
• Snorkeling gear included, with multiple stops where you can swim right from the boat
• Prosecco on board, plus wine at Cala Santa Maria (when that stop fits the day)
• SUP access included, so you can paddle if conditions allow
• A tight itinerary: several coves plus signature photo stops like Pink Beach and Piscine di Budelli

7 Hours On a 6.5-Meter Speedboat in Palau

This is a classic “see the islands, not just the photos” day. You start in Palau, then head out into the Maddalena area where the water color is the whole point. The boat is small enough to feel personal, but it’s also described as brand new and comfortable, so it’s not a rough ride experience.

What makes this day different from a basic group tour is control. With a private group up to 5, your skipper can shape the day around the group’s energy and what the sea is doing. Wind matters here, and the plan reflects that.

The timing is also smart. You’re looking at a 7-hour total experience, with short boat legs between stops (often just a few minutes). That gives you lots of actual time at the coves, not just transit time.

Meeting at Via degli Oleandri 31 and Finding the Dock

You meet at the end of Via degli Oleandri in Palau, and there’s free parking. The dock is about 100 meters away, so you’re not lugging bags across a long walk.

Here’s a practical detail that can save you stress: on Google Maps, search for blueislandsardinia. Then go to the gate even if it looks closed, because it’s open. It’s one of those places where the signs can be a little confusing from the road.

If you’re coming by car, arrive early enough to settle in. In a small meeting area, being on time means you get fitted with gear and you’re ready when the boat is.

How the Skipper Chooses Stops Across the Maddalena Archipelago

The itinerary gives you a strong framework, but you’re not locked into one rigid list. The skipper chooses the best route based on wind, and that’s the right call for this coastline. One day can be calm and glassy; another can be choppier at certain coves. Your skipper aims for the best conditions for the group.

You’ll visit a mix of well-known and swim-friendly spots. Some are built for stopping and getting in the water. Others are short photo or pass-by moments that still matter because they’re part of the Maddalena story—like Pink Beach and the pool-like formations at Piscine di Budelli.

You’ll also see that the day isn’t only about one island. The plan lists possible stops both in the La Maddalena side and on Caprera, depending on conditions and group needs. There’s even an optional add-on: the historical center of La Maddalena, if your group wants it.

Cala Corsara: the 1-Hour Cove Stop That Sets the Tone

Cala Corsara is your first real taste of the day. You spend about 1 hour here with a mix of photo time, sightseeing, and then the water time that makes the tour worth it.

This stop is a good benchmark for the whole experience. If the sea is cooperating, this is where the day feels effortless: gear on, you swim and snorkel, and you’re back on the boat without a complicated transfer.

Practical note: bring a towel if you don’t want to scramble for one after your first swim. Also, sunscreen matters here because you’ll likely be outside for stretches between stops and during photo moments.

If your group wants the day to feel balanced, start-of-tour cove time is the right choice. It helps you get comfortable with the rhythm early.

Soraya Beach and Cala Granara: More Snorkel Time, Less Waiting

After Cala Corsara, the schedule keeps moving. There’s a short transfer, then you land at Soraya Beach for about 40 minutes. This is another swimming and snorkeling stop with photo time and sightseeing built in.

Then you do the same pattern again for Cala Granara, another ~1-hour stop. The repeated structure matters. It means you’re not rushing between far-away places all day. You’re hopping at intervals that keep the day lively but not frantic.

Why I like this type of itinerary for you: it gives you multiple chances to experience different coves. Each one has its own feel and shoreline shape, so your photos look varied and your water time doesn’t get repetitive.

If you’re the type who always wants more time in the sea, this format also helps you. You’re doing several substantial swim stops rather than only one big one.

Pink Beach and Piscine di Budelli: Signature Views Worth the Short Stops

Not every stop is long. Some are brief on purpose, because the goal is to maximize the number of “must-see” scenes you can fit into a single day.

At Pink Beach, you get about 15 minutes for a photo stop and a pass-by look. This isn’t a long swim stop in the schedule you provided, so treat it like a scenic moment. If you care about photos, this is where you’ll want your camera ready and your timing tight.

Then the day shifts to Piscine di Budelli, with about 1 hour of time. This is listed as photo stop, visit, and then swimming and snorkeling. It’s the kind of place where you’ll likely understand why people talk about the Maddalena Archipelago as a whole.

Why this stop matters beyond the look: it gives you a “formation” experience. You’re not only seeing coves and beaches—you’re seeing how the water interacts with the rock and shallow areas.

Quick tip: snorkel gear is included, but you’ll still want to stay organized during the stop transitions. The day moves, so being able to grab gear fast helps you keep your momentum.

Cala Santa Maria: Break Time, Photos, and a Wine Moment

This is your later-day classic water stop: Cala Santa Maria for about 40 minutes. The schedule includes photo stop, visit, and the standout detail here is wine. Then there’s swimming and snorkeling as well.

This is a good placement in the day. After several coves, you’ve built up a nice flow, and you’re not spending your peak-energy time just on a pass-by scene. Wine plus a scenic cove break also makes the afternoon feel like a proper holiday rather than a checklist.

If you’re thinking ahead, this is when you’ll feel the day’s sun exposure most. Even if you didn’t get sunburn early, you can during the second half. Bring sunscreen and reapply if needed.

SUP Access and Prosecco on Board: Small Inclusions That Change the Feel

The tour includes a glass of prosecco plus water. It also includes access to SUP, which is a big deal if your group wants variety beyond snorkeling.

SUP access can turn a stop into something playful. Even if only one or two people use it, it adds a different angle to the day—less focused on breathing through snorkel gear and more on exploring the water surface.

Included items you should plan around:

• Snorkeling gear (so you don’t need to pack it)
• SUP access (so you don’t have to rent)
• Water
• Skipper and insurance
• Entry tax and fees
• Prosecco on board

Excluded items you should plan for:

• Fuel (around 60/70 €)
• Lunch
• Beach towel
• Sun cream

The prosecco is small, but it matters. It’s a morale boost at sea, and it signals the tone of the day: relaxed, scenic, and guided.

Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 5

The price is listed as 508.15 USD per group, up to 5 people, for a 7-hour private tour. Fuel is not included, about 60–70 €, and lunch is not included.

Here’s the value math that helps you decide:

• If you book with 5 people, you’re at roughly 508.15 ÷ 5 ≈ 102 USD per person for the core experience.
• If you book as 2 people, it’s closer to 254 USD per person, plus fuel.

So the best value is when you actually fill the group. That’s true for almost any private boat tour. The “included” parts are what protect the value even when fewer people book: skipper, insurance, entry fees, snorkeling gear, SUP access, and a drink.

What you’re really paying for is time on the water with a skipper who knows where to stop when wind shifts. You’re not getting just transport; you’re getting a planned sequence of coves and signature photo points.

If you’re the only one in your group who wants to do this, consider whether you’d rather pay privately for flexibility or share a group tour for lower per-person cost. This one works best when everyone agrees the sea day is the main event.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• Multiple swim and snorkeling moments in one day
• A private setup with a local skipper
• Included gear and small welcome touches like prosecco
• A day focused on sea views, not museum time

It’s also practical for couples or friend groups who can coordinate plans because the group size is up to 5.

It’s not a good fit if:

• You need wheelchair access. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• You’re traveling with pets. Pets are not allowed.

If you’re prone to motion discomfort, a speedboat day might feel intense, even if the boat is described as comfortable. You’ll want to plan for sun and hydration, too, since meals aren’t included.

Should You Book This Palau Maddalena Private Tour?

I’d book it if you’re coming to Sardinia for the water and you want a day that feels efficient and fun. The combination of multiple coves, snorkeling gear included, and signature stops like Pink Beach and Piscine di Budelli hits the sweet spot for a one-day experience.

I’d hesitate if your group expects long shore time at just one place or you need lunch handled for you. You’ll be out on the water for hours, and you’ll want to bring towel and sunscreen and plan your food.

If you do book, pick a group size that helps the value. With up to 5, this tour is at its best when you can share the boat cost and fully enjoy the private pacing.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour from Palau?

The tour duration is 7 hours.

What is the price and group size?

The price is 508.15 USD per group for up to 5 people.

Where do we meet in Palau?

Meet at the end of Via degli Oleandri (Palau). The dock is about 100 meters away, and you can search blueislandsardinia on Google Maps. There’s free parking nearby.

Are snorkeling gear and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with water. A glass of prosecco is also included.

Is SUP included?

Yes. Access to SUP is included.

Where will the tour stop for swimming and snorkeling?

Stops can include Cala Corsara, Soraya Beach, Cala Granara, Piscine di Budelli, and Cala Santa Maria, plus other possible stops depending on wind and conditions.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is not included and is approximately 60–70 €.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sun cream/sunscreen.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are pets and wheelchairs allowed?

Pets are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.