White-sand coves, no crowd herding. This private archipelago of La Maddalena day pairs a smooth boat route around Caprera with multiple anchor stops for swimming, snorkel time, and beach breaks at places like Cala Coticcio, Santa Maria, and Spargi. The day also includes an onboard aperitif and a final sightseeing stop for Roccia dell’Orso near Palau.

I especially like two things: the pacing and the people. You get real time in the water at Cala Brigantina (a wild, deserted beach) and Cala Coticcio (protected by a buoy field), then you break for a longer lunch-hour beach stop at Cala Santa Maria. And the skippers are a major part of the value—guides such as Andrea, Antonio, and Nico are repeatedly praised for friendly explanations and an onboard aperitif with typical Sardinian treats.

One thing to consider: while most days sound smoothly run, there’s at least one unhappy account tied to boat condition and an anchoring problem that spoiled stops and created a safety concern. With any private boat in windier months, I’d treat weather and equipment as part of your decision—ask what’s included for safety and confirm the boat is in good shape before you set off.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Anchor-and-swim stops at multiple coves, so your day is about water time, not constant sightseeing
• Cala Coticcio’s buoy field helps keep boat traffic clearer while you’re swimming
• Onboard aperitif with typical Sardinian products, plus snacks and soda/pop
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you can gear up without hunting for rentals
• Longest beach break at Cala Santa Maria (about 1.5 hours) for a real reset
• Rosa beach is photo-only, which you’ll want to time for your camera and sun schedule

A Private La Maddalena Boat Day: The Real Point of It

This tour is built around the idea that the best parts of La Maddalena aren’t something you just look at from shore. You spend the day moving between bays, then stopping at anchor so you can swim and snorkel when conditions are best.

You’ll also get a mix of scenery: rugged Caprera ravines on the way north, Budelli’s natural pool areas, and then a string of classic beach coves like Santa Maria, Spargi, and Corsara. The route is practical—less time stuck in transit, more time where the water is the main event.

Getting There at Cannigione: Timing That Keeps the Day Moving

The meeting point is Noleggio Le Isole Cannigione, Via Isola le Bisce, in Arzachena (Cannigione area). The tour starts around 10:00 am, and the day wraps back at the same place.

The day’s structure is tight but not frantic. The first swim stop starts shortly after departure (around 10:20 am), and you’ll have a steady rhythm of short anchor swims, then longer beach time at mid-day, then more swimming before returning around 17:00.

Because this is a private group experience (up to 12 people), you don’t share the boat with strangers. That matters on a day like this when you might want quieter moments, easier photo stops, or just fewer “excuse me” moments near ladders and towels.

Cala Brigantina First: A Wild Beach Swim to Start the Day

Your first stop is Spiaggia di Cala Brigantina (arriving in Caprera around 10:20 am). The highlight is exactly that it’s described as wild and unspoiled, with the goal of arriving when you’ll have the beach more or less to yourselves.

This is your “wake up in saltwater” moment. You get about 45 minutes, and it’s scheduled as a swim at anchor rather than a long beach hike. Practical takeaway: if you want your first swim to feel calm and quiet, this early stop helps you get it.

Cala Coticcio and Its Buoy Field: Clear Water With Less Boat Traffic

Next comes Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio around 10:45 am. The standout here is the protection: the area is delimited by a buoy field, which is designed to reduce how much boat activity encroaches while you’re in the water.

You also get a boat segment that skirts Caprera on a northerly route and passes spectacular island ravines. That means you’re not just jumping between swims—you’re traveling through views, then getting a second swim in crystal-clear water with less hassle.

Time is about 1 hour here. It’s long enough to float, snorkel, and actually enjoy the water instead of treating it like a quick splash-and-go.

From Caprera to Budelli: Natural Pools and an Aperitif Moment

After Cala Coticcio, the boat continues north toward Budelli. Stop three is anchored at natural pools of Budelli, described as being in front of Cavaliere beach.

This stop is about 1 hour, and it adds a social layer: there’s an aperitif based on typical Sardinian products offered by the captain while you’re at anchor. This is one of those details that turns “we stopped to swim” into “we stopped to enjoy”—because you’re not just waiting for the next swim. You’re taking a breather in a place with serious scenery.

It’s also a nice energy reset before the longer beach time later in the day.

Cala Santa Maria (Longest Beach Time) and Spiaggia Rosa Photos

Around 13:00, you reach Isola di Santa Maria and land at Cala Santa Maria for the longest beach break: about 1.5 hours.

This is the stop that turns the tour into a real day rather than a series of swim clocks. It’s when you can stretch out on sand, dry off properly, and plan your next swim without feeling rushed. If you get seasick easily, this longer pause on land can also feel like a blessing.

After that comes Spiaggia Rosa for about 15 minutes. The key point: it’s not accessible even by swimming, so you’re there for what you can see and photograph, not for a beach visit. Bring your camera-ready mindset here—this is a visual stop.

Spargi’s Coves: Short Hops Between Beaches That Feel Big

At 15:00, you head to Isola di Spargi. You’ll anchor near or by a cluster of beaches such as Cala Granara, Cala Soraya, and Cala dell’amore.

Time is around 45 minutes, and the plan is a magical bath at anchor a few meters from shore. This is a good stop if you want variety without losing the whole afternoon. The water access is straightforward, and the scenery is the main payoff.

Cala Corsara: The “One of Our Favourites” Stop

Then you move to Cala Corsara at about 16:00. This is described as one of the favourites, and the schedule backs it up: about 1 hour at the beach.

Expect a setting that feels special because of where it sits and how you arrive. This is the kind of stop where you stop thinking in itinerary blocks and just start noticing details—light on water, how the shoreline curves, and how quiet it feels compared to busier spots.

The Return Route: Santo Stefano Views and Roccia dell’Orso

Around 17:00, you head back toward Cannigione, with “surprises” along the way. You’ll get views from the western side of La Maddalena and the island of Santo Stefano, so the return isn’t just boring travel time.

There’s also a short stop to admire the symbol of Palau: Roccia dell’Orso (Bear Rock). It’s brief—about 5 minutes—but it’s a classic photo moment if the timing and lighting cooperate.

What You Actually Get: Included Extras That Matter on the Water

This tour includes a lot of the small stuff that can make beach days either smooth or annoying.

Included highlights:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you’re not paying on the fly)
• Soda/pop and snacks aperitif on board, offered by the captain
• Aperitif based on typical Sardinian products during the day
• Entry/admission tickets are listed as included for the stops where time is scheduled

Not included:

• Lunch

Practical planning tip: eat something before you go, then treat Cala Santa Maria as your chance to eat or snack on shore. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to decide whether you’ll buy food at the beach area or bring your own snacks.

Price Check: Is $1,323 for Up to 12 Good Value?

At $1,323.22 per group (up to 12), the value depends heavily on your group size.

• If you fill it with 12 people, that’s about $110 per person for a full 7.5-hour private boat day with multiple swim stops and snorkeling gear.
• If you’re a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, so the question becomes: do you care enough about private routing and anchor stops to pay for the boat rather than hopping on a public tour?

Where this pricing feels most fair is when you want the freedom that a private group provides: your timing, your pace within the schedule, and fewer constraints from other passengers. Add in that the captain provides the onboard aperitif and snacks, and you’re not just paying for transportation.

Safety and Boat Comfort: Ask the Right Questions

Most of the feedback you’ll see is about wonderful guidance and a smooth, friendly day. Still, one low-rated account complained about a boat in poor condition, plus an issue anchoring that prevented stops, and it mentioned a safety concern around life jackets.

Because of that, I think it’s smart to do two quick things:

• Ask what safety equipment is onboard (and confirm it’s available for your group before departure).
• Make sure you understand what happens if conditions change (wind, waves, or any inability to anchor safely).

This isn’t to scare you off. It’s to protect your day. On an island route where the whole plan depends on anchoring and swimming, the boat’s condition matters as much as the itinerary.

Who This Private Archipelago Tour Fits Best

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want multiple swims and snorkel time rather than just scenic cruising
• Prefer a private group up to 12 instead of a crowded public boat
• Like having a skipper who explains what you’re seeing, including historical or local details (guides like Andrea, Antonio, and Nico are repeatedly noted for their friendliness)
• Want a mix of wild coves and classic “postcard” beaches, with Cala Santa Maria giving you actual downtime

It’s less ideal if you’re hoping for a beach-focused day with long walks, because this is primarily an anchor-and-water experience. And if you need a guaranteed lunch plan, you’ll have to handle that yourself.

Should You Book This Tour?

If your idea of a great Sardinia day is time in the water, you want a private boat for up to 12, and you’re okay handling lunch on your own, this is a book-worthy route. The big pluses are the variety of bays (Brigantina, Coticcio, Budelli pools, Santa Maria, Spargi, Corsara) and the fact that snorkeling gear plus an onboard aperitif are baked into the experience.

Before you pay, do one “adult” check: confirm the boat’s safety setup and ask the operator how they handle anchoring changes in wind or rougher water. If they answer clearly, you’re likely heading toward a day that feels like Sardinia is saving its best for you.

FAQ

How long is the private tour?

It lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at 10:00 am at Noleggio Le Isole Cannigione (Via Isola le Bisce, Arzachena SS, Italy) and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are included in a group?

The private booking is for up to 12 people per group.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What’s included for swimming and food onboard?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus an onboard aperitif with soda/pop and snacks offered by the captain.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.