Turquoise water, sold by the ticket. This full-day boat trip through the La Maddalena Archipelago is all about getting you up close to coves you usually can’t reach on foot, plus a real break from the road. I especially like the dock-access swim stops that make it easy to get in and out, and the simple onboard lunch cooked on the boat.

One thing to plan for: the landing fee is cash-only and you’ll pay it at check-in before boarding.

Key things to know before you go

• Dock-to-beach access: swim stops are on beaches reachable by walkways from the boat piers.
• Two main swim windows: each water stop runs about 1.5 hours.
• La Maddalena town time: you get roughly 1 hour in the historic center area.
• Pink Beach viewpoint info: you’ll get a close look at the famous Pink Beach, closed since 1992.
• Lunch is included: a first course is cooked onboard (seafood pasta or pasta in bianco).
• Cash landing fee required: credit cards aren’t accepted for the disembarkation fee.

Sailing From Santa Teresa Gallura: What This 8-Hour La Maddalena Boat Trip Really Gives You

This is a classic Northern Sardinia day: you trade hotel time for open water, and you spend the day where the archipelago looks best—on the sea, near the beaches, and around the islands.

The price is $65 per person for an 8-hour outing, with roundtrip transportation and lunch included. That combination matters here because boat days in protected areas can get expensive fast once you add food and boat extras.

Your day is built around three “anchors”: time for swimming, time for island scenery, and a short stroll in La Maddalena’s center. If that rhythm matches your travel style, this tour makes a lot of sense.

Route at a Glance: Santa Maria, Spargi, and La Maddalena Centro Storico

The boat uses three motorboats run by the Consorzio delle Bocche, and the plan is set up for comfortable beach access rather than rough “reach it by climbing” adventures. The big wins are the swim stops at Santa Maria and Spargi and the walkable break in La Maddalena town.

From what’s described, the day typically works like this:

• You depart from Santa Teresa Gallura in the morning.
• You dock for a swim stop at a beach accessible from the boat.
• Lunch is served onboard after the first water stop.
• You return for another swim stop at a different beach.
• You also visit the historic center of La Maddalena for about 1 hour.
• You head back to Santa Teresa Gallura around 5:00 PM.

A good thing to know: different boats can feel different in crowd levels. Some people report plenty of seats, while others note it can get tight at times.

The National Park Factor: Protected Water, Seven Islands, and the Pink Beach Legend

The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park covers about 20,000 hectares and includes seven main islands: La Maddalena, Caprera, Budelli, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Spargi, and Razzoli. This isn’t just scenery; it’s a protected area with active rules aimed at keeping the marine environment healthy.

A highlight on the itinerary is a close-up look at Pink Beach, famously photographed and culturally referenced. The catch: the beach has been closed since 1992, so you’re not there to walk on the sand. Instead, you get the viewpoint experience tied to the place’s legend and its connection to the film Red Desert by Michelangelo Antonioni.

If you want “see it, learn it, move on,” this tour fits. You’re getting context without turning the day into a long classroom session.

Dock-Accessible Swim Stops: How the 1.5-Hour Beach Time Works

The tour’s swim stops are built around a simple idea: you’re going to beaches that the boats can reach directly, with walkways down to the shore from the docks. That means less time dealing with stairs and more time in the water.

Each swimming stop is about 1.5 hours, which is enough time to:

• change position and find a comfortable spot,
• swim, float, and cool off,
• then sit back before the next move.

One important rule: diving from the boat is not permitted. Also, all stops are on beaches accessible from the walkways directly on the docks, so you’re not expected to kayak to secret spots.

What about crowds? This is a popular national park, and the swim beaches are reachable by many boats. Expect company. The upside is that the water is often reported as stunningly clear, and the tour format keeps you on the sea-based “front row.”

Lunch On Board: Pennette ai Frutti di Mare vs Pasta in Bianco

This is one of the best value parts of the day. Lunch is included as a first course cooked onboard, with two listed options:

• pennette ai frutti di mare, or
• pasta in bianco with oil and parmesan cheese.

I like that it’s included and practical. You’re not hunting for lunch in town or paying full restaurant prices while you’re on a schedule. The trade-off is that it’s straightforward and designed for speed on a boat, not a slow dining experience.

From the experience reports, the lunch often lands as surprisingly good—especially the seafood pasta when it’s served. Still, a couple of people note portions or quality can feel more basic, so I’d treat it as “included meal fuel,” not a gourmet food tour.

Drinks are not included, so if you plan to have beer, soda, or wine onboard, you’ll want to budget extra and bring cash since payments are handled through the boat’s setup.

La Maddalena Town Time: Getting a Feel for the Historic Center

Your visit to La Maddalena’s historic center is about 1 hour. That’s enough time to get your bearings, wander a bit, and grab a coffee or gelato if you want one.

The key is to go in with the right expectations. With limited time, you won’t do a deep museum crawl. You’ll do the classic thing: short walks, a few side streets, and back to the boat on schedule.

Heat matters here. People report tight timing and the effects of sun and crowds. If you’re the type who needs long, slow browsing time, you might wish you had more hours in town. If you want the town as a quick palate cleanser between swims, the timing can feel just about right.

Boat Comfort and Crew Service: Clean Ride, On-Time Effort

The boat experience is generally described as well organized with an emphasis on punctuality. Many notes highlight smooth navigation and a clean boat, plus crew members who keep things moving calmly.

The day is also set up with restrooms onboard, which you’ll genuinely appreciate if you’re out for the full day. Recorded audio service is available in Italian, English, or French, and there’s also a live tour guide in Italian, English, and French.

One small heads-up: the sound environment on a motorboat can make the audio harder to catch at times. If you care about every spoken detail, position yourself where you can hear more clearly, especially around the talking points for the islands and stops.

Price and Landing Fees: Is $65 a Good Deal?

At $65 per person, this is priced like a serious value day—especially because you get:

• roundtrip transportation,
• lunch cooked onboard,
• and the ticket coverage includes passenger liability insurance.

But the real cost check happens at check-in. There is a municipality landing fee that is not included, and it must be paid exclusively in CASH (no credit card).

Fee amounts by season are:

• €5 per person in June, July, and August
• €2.50 per person in May, September, and October

That means your total spend is roughly $65 plus the cash fee for the month you go. If you’re traveling in peak season, build in the extra €5 so you’re not stuck at the last minute.

Drinks, beach umbrella, and towels are not included. So if you want shade and you’re picky about where you sit, plan to bring your own umbrella and towel (or buy at the destination if that option is available when you’re there).

What to Pack and What to Know Before You Go (Cash, Pets, Audio, Timing)

This is a “bring the basics” outing, and the provided info is clear about what you should have ready:

• sunglasses
• swimwear
• towel
• cash

Timing is also strict. The meeting point at the port is 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM, and they ask you to arrive 60 minutes before the activity starts. The check-in desk is near the Coast Guard office and Cafe La Marina bar in Santa Teresa Gallura.

Two logistics rules that matter:

• If you booked online, you cannot skip the line during check-in. Everyone has a reservation.
• If you’re traveling as a group or multiple families, don’t book separate reservations unless you’re okay with the risk of not boarding the same boat.

On pets: small pets are allowed on board (except in August), but pets are not allowed on the beach under any circumstances. Plan accordingly if someone in your group travels with a companion animal.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Skip It

This tour is a strong fit if you want a one-day overview of the La Maddalena Archipelago without renting a boat or dealing with navigation. You get swimming time, island viewing, and a town stop, all in a schedule that keeps you off land for most of the day.

It’s also a good match if you like structure. The swim time is timed, the lunch is included, and you know you’ll return around 5:00 PM.

I’d think twice if:

• You hate crowds at popular beaches (this park draws many boats).
• You’re very sensitive about seating—there are reports of boats feeling oversold at times, with people not having seats for stretches of the day.
• You want a long town experience. La Maddalena time is short by design.

Should You Book This Tour From Santa Teresa Gallura?

If you’re going for water, views, and an easy day that doesn’t require planning a route, I’d book it. The blend of two swim stops, a town walk, and an included onboard meal makes it a practical way to experience the national park when time is limited.

Just go in prepared for the “real world” stuff that can affect comfort:

• bring cash for the landing fee,
• accept that beaches will be busy,
• and pack your towel and swimwear so you can enjoy the full swim windows.

If your top priority is quiet and solitude, you might choose a smaller option. If your goal is to see the key highlights efficiently and still have an enjoyable, relaxing day, this one does the job.

FAQ

What time do I need to meet for the Santa Teresa Gallura departure?

The meeting point at the port is listed as 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM. Arrive 60 minutes before the activity starts for check-in.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. The tour includes lunch with a first course cooked onboard, such as pennette ai frutti di mare or pasta in bianco with oil and parmesan cheese.

Do I need to pay an extra landing fee?

Yes. A municipality of La Maddalena landing fee is required and is cash-only at check-in (credit cards are not accepted). It’s €5 per person in June/July/August and €2.50 per person in May/September/October.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks are not included, and you’ll need cash for purchases onboard if you want beverages.

Can I dive from the boat?

No. Diving from the boat is not permitted. Swim stops are on beaches reachable from the boat’s walkways and docks.

Are small pets allowed?

Small pets are allowed on board except in August, but pets are not allowed on the beach under any circumstances.