Turquoise water, no timetable stress. This private all-inclusive trip circles La Maddalena National Park on a comfortable Apreamare10 motorboat with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and take photos without feeling packed in.

Two things I really like: the Sardinian-style aperitif and lunch served right on board, and the scheduled water time at Spargi and the natural swimming pools near Budelli.

One heads-up before you book: your exact route can shift with weather and marine traffic, and there’s no hotel pickup included—so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting options.

Key highlights for your day on the water

• Up to 10 people, fully private: great if you want control over questions, pacing, and requests
• Apreamare10 comfort: cushions on the sundeck, awning shade, toilet + shower room, fridge, ladder, stereo
• Spargi swim stop at Cala Soraya, timed for real water time and snorkeling
• Budelli’s Pink Beach photo moment, plus a longer stop at the natural swimming pools for swimming and snorkeling
• Lunch at sea: spring pasta, wine, water, sweets, fruit, plus Sardinian liquors such as mirto
• SUP on board, included, for an extra way to enjoy calm stretches

Private all-inclusive in La Maddalena: what you’re really buying

A private boat day in La Maddalena National Park is mostly about one thing: trading your “plan all day” stress for pure water time. You’re not fighting for a seat, watching the schedule like a hawk, or trying to squeeze swims between other groups. You’re with your own group, on a 10-meter motorboat, moving from cove to cove at a relaxed pace.

This is also a smart way to see more than one island without turning the day into a hop-on/hop-off workout. The route is built around classic sights—Spargi’s swimming coves, Budelli’s Pink Beach views, and the Porto della Madonna area—then it finishes with a chance to see La Maddalena and either Caprera or Santo Stefano depending on conditions.

Why this tour feels different than the usual boat trip

The boat itself matters here. Apreamare10 is set up for comfortable time on deck: sundeck cushions, an awning for shade, a proper toilet and shower room, and a ladder that makes getting in the water easier. You’ll also have a refrigerator and a stereo system, which sounds small until you’re sitting there for hours and want the day to feel like a day.

And because it’s private for up to 10 people, you’re not constantly coordinating with strangers. You’ll have time to ask the local skipper questions, request pacing, and adjust plans within reason—especially since the itinerary may vary based on weather, marine traffic, and passenger requests.

The main consideration

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates changes, keep this in mind: your final island choice can shift. The plan includes Caprera or Santo Stefano, and the exact sailing rhythm can also depend on marine traffic and weather.

Your boat on Apreamare10: built for comfort, not just transport

On a day like this, I care about two things: (1) can I relax between water stops, and (2) is it easy to get in and out without drama? Apreamare10 is designed for that.

Here’s what stands out:

• Sundeck cushions so you’re not just sitting on something hard while the boat crosses
• Awning shade if the sun is strong and you want a break
• Toilet and shower room so you can freshen up before you head back
• Ladder for easier entry to the water (helpful for calm swimming and snorkeling)
• Refrigerator for cold drinks and a more pleasant day
• Stereo system for music while you cruise
• SUP on board (included), assuming conditions are calm enough for a paddle

The engines are strong on paper—two 300 horsepower engines—but the key is that the boat is described as fast and silent. In plain terms: you’re not spending the day listening to mechanical noise, and the transfers between stops don’t feel like they take forever.

Size also plays a role. The boat accommodates up to 10 passengers comfortably, which means you’re not constantly bumping shoulders. This is the kind of setup where a family, a group of friends, or even a small mixed group can actually chat and enjoy the day.

Timing and meeting points: the 9:30 to 17:00 rhythm

This tour runs one full day: depart around 9:30 and return scheduled for 17:00. It starts from the port of Palau (pier n°5).

You also get pickup options. Depending on which option you choose, you’ll meet at one of these locations:

• Piazza del Molo
• Poltu Quatu
• Port Cala Mangiavolpe (The Magdalene)

A small detail with real impact: fuel is included for departures from Palau, but fuel for departures from Poltu Quatu has a supplement of €150, paid before boarding. If you’re aiming for the simplest math, choose Palau as your starting point.

Real-life pacing: where delays could happen

One practical thing I’d plan for is that if the boat arrival is late, it can make the first part feel rushed. In at least one experience, once the skipper (Nicola) arrived, the vibe snapped into place quickly—attentive service, quick adjustment, and a clear focus on getting everyone into the best coves for swimming and snorkeling.

So, if you’re building the rest of your day around this tour, keep some buffer before and after. You want your day to start easy, not already stressed.

Stop 1: Spargi and Cala Soraya, where the day turns into a swim day

Your first big stop is on Spargi, at Cala Soraya. This is where you get your first meaningful chance to get in the water and feel why La Maddalena is famous for its color.

Expect:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• A photo stop mixed into the arrival
• About 1.5 hours total at this point

This timing is important. A lot of boat tours treat the first stop like a quick photo break. Here, you get enough time to actually enjoy the water. With the included snorkeling equipment, you can go from “looking” to “in the water” without trying to source gear.

What to watch for

If you’re not a confident swimmer, you’ll still want to use the ladder and follow the skipper’s guidance. The included gear and the skipper’s local knowledge help, but you’ll still want to be honest about your comfort level before you commit to snorkeling for long stretches.

Budelli’s Pink Beach: the photo moment (and why that still works)

Next up, you’ll move toward Budelli. This part of the plan includes a pass in front of Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), timed as a photo stop with scenic views along the way (about 15 minutes).

Now, let’s be realistic. You’re not docking at Pink Beach in this itinerary. You’re viewing it from the water as you pass. For some people, that feels less exciting than stepping onto sand.

But I actually think this approach makes sense for two reasons:

1. You get the iconic sight without turning the whole day into “wait for the boat ramp” logistics.
2. You’ll save the longer, more hands-on water time for the snorkeling and swimming area later.

So if your top priority is time in the water, this works. If your top priority is standing on the beach itself, you might feel you’re seeing it “from the boat.” In that case, consider whether you want to combine this with time on land later in your trip.

Porto della Madonna natural swimming pools: lunch, snorkeling, and real water time

Then comes the part most people remember: the so-called Natural Swimming Pools (Porto della Madonna). This is where the itinerary gives you a longer block with the day’s built-in break.

What to expect here:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Lunch on board
• About 1.5 hours for this stop

This is also where the boat’s all-inclusive setup really pays off. You’re not leaving the water just to hunt down food. Lunch is part of the rhythm, which means you can go in, come back, eat, and go in again without losing the flow of the day.

Lunch onboard: why it matters more than you’d think

Lunch isn’t an afterthought. It’s served as part of the tour, and it includes:

• A first course (spring pasta)
• Wine and water
• Typical Sardinian liquors such as mirto
• Sweets and fruit

In one experience, a guest specifically called out limonchello as part of the liqueur mix, which fits the broader idea of a Sardinian “slow down” moment during the day.

If you’ve ever done boat tours where the food is basically bread and disappointment, you’ll appreciate that this one is built to feel like a meal, not a snack.

La Maddalena city center visit: a land break that prevents boat fatigue

After the main water stops, you’ll head to La Maddalena for a visit (about 1 hour). This gives you a chance to get your feet on land, look around, and reset after a few hours mostly focused on water and sun.

This is the kind of timing I like: not too early (so you’re still hungry to explore by then), and not so late that you’ve lost all energy.

What you’ll do in that hour isn’t micromanaged in the information you provided, but the point is simple: you get a structured break from the boat without losing the sense of a complete day.

Caprera or Santo Stefano: the weather-shaped finish

The last water part depends on conditions:

• Caprera: for swimming and snorkeling in Porto Palma (about 1 hour)
• Otherwise, Santo Stefano may be chosen depending on weather, marine traffic, and passenger requests

This flexibility is useful. The Mediterranean can change fast—wind, chop, and visibility all matter for a comfortable swim and for snorkeling enjoyment. If conditions aren’t ideal in one area, switching the final stop can make the difference between a pleasant end to the day and a frustrating one.

Practical tip

If you care about snorkeling conditions, bring sunscreen and treat visibility like it matters. Even if snorkeling equipment is included, you’ll still enjoy it more if the water is calm enough to move comfortably.

Aperitif onboard: Sardinia in a plate

Before lunch, there’s an aperitif designed to keep you in that relaxed “this is vacation” mood.

It includes a cutting board with:

• Sardinian typical sausage
• Pecorino cheese
• Crackers

So you get a proper salty start, not just something sugary. Pair that with wine/water and you’ve got the social, easy part of the day before the longer meal.

Snorkeling gear and SUP: how to use the inclusions well

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, which is a big deal for value and simplicity. You don’t need to pack your own or negotiate rental shops.

To get the most out of it:

• Use the time at Spargi and Porto della Madonna as your main snorkeling windows.
• Plan on short, steady sessions instead of trying to “see everything” in one go.
• Take breaks to cool down. Heat on a boat can sneak up on you fast.

The SUP is also included. In practice, you’ll want to be realistic about conditions. If the water looks calm and the skipper says it’s a good time, it can be a fun, slow way to enjoy the coastline without moving as fast as the boat.

Price and value: what $1,242 per group really covers

This experience is priced at $1,242.16 per group for up to 10 people. That sounds like a lot until you break down what’s included.

Included items you’d otherwise pay for or scramble to plan:

• Aperitif and lunch (with local products)
• Soft drinks, snacks, fruit, water
• Wine
• Fuel (with the one note about Poltu Quatu)
• La Maddalena National Park entrance fee
• Local skipper
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP
• Boat comforts like toilet, shower room, shower ladder, fridge, awning, and sundeck setup

So the value isn’t only “a boat ride.” You’re paying for an all-day, all-in service model: food, gear, and the National Park access are baked into the price. That reduces decision fatigue and keeps your budget more predictable.

When it’s especially good value

It’s at its best when:

• You travel as a small group and can fill the boat’s capacity
• You want real water time instead of rushed stops
• You care about comfort (toilet/shower/awning) rather than just “getting out on the water”

When you might rethink it

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you’re mainly after the cheapest way onto the sea, private can cost more than shared tours. Also, if you’re very flexible about food, you might find cheaper boat options with less inclusion.

Who this private tour fits best

This is ideal for:

• Small groups up to 10 who want privacy and a relaxed day
• People who want classic La Maddalena stops but don’t want the hassle of bringing food and snorkeling gear
• Travelers who appreciate a comfortable boat setup (shade, toilet, shower)

It’s not a great fit if:

• You’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• You need wheelchair accessibility (it’s listed as not suitable)

If you know you’re sensitive to boat movement, consider planning a different type of day focused on shore activities.

What to bring so the day stays easy

Pack like you’re expecting a warm sun-and-water day. At minimum:

• Sunglasses, sun hat
• Swimwear, beachwear, towel
• Sunscreen
• Flip-flops
• Camera
• Anything else you use for comfort on boats

If you’re bringing your own snorkeling mask, that’s optional. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, so you may not need extra gear.

Also, follow the onboard rules (no littering, no fireworks or fire-related behavior). It keeps the park and the boat clean and safe.

Should you book this private all-inclusive La Maddalena boat tour?

I’d book it if you want the best kind of boat day: private group energy, real swim time, and food that feels like a meal rather than a concession stand.

Pick this tour if:

• You care about comfort on the boat
• You want Sardinian aperitif + lunch included
• You’d rather spend time in the water at Spargi and Porto della Madonna than rush through beach checklists

Skip it or think twice if:

• You hate any schedule flexibility (weather can affect the last stop)
• You’re very prone to motion sickness
• You don’t want to handle getting yourself to one of the pickup meeting options

If you’re planning a Sardinia trip where you want one day that feels like a true “vacation day” instead of a tight itinerary, this is a strong choice. You’ll come back sun-warmed, fed, and with a camera roll full of classic La Maddalena views.

FAQ

How many people is this private boat tour for?

It’s a private group experience for groups of up to 10 people.

Where does the tour depart from and what time does it return?

The tour starts at 9:30 from the port of Palau (pier n°5) and returns at 17:00.

How many stops are included during the day?

The day includes multiple stops: Spargi, a photo/pass by Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), Porto della Madonna for swimming and lunch, a visit to La Maddalena, and then either Caprera or Santo Stefano depending on conditions.

What food and drinks are included?

Aperitif and lunch are included, along with soft drinks, snacks, fruit, water, and white wine. The lunch includes a first course (spring pasta), wine, water, Sardinian liquors (mirto), sweets, and fruit.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the boat equipped for comfort during the day?

Yes. The boat has sundeck cushions, an awning for shade, a toilet, a shower room, a ladder to get in the water, a refrigerator, and a stereo system.

Where can I meet the boat for pickup?

There are three pickup options: Piazza del Molo, Poltu Quatu, and Port Cala Mangiavolpe (The Magdalene).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is it suitable for wheelchair users or people with motion sickness?

No. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s also not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.