From Palau/La Maddal: Boat Tour of La Maddalena Archipelago

The best part of this day is the mix of clear-water swimming and scenic sailing without packing up and changing beaches all afternoon. From Palau, the Apollo II carries you past Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi, with long stops where you can swim from the boat or reach shore by dinghy.

I like the comfortable 1956 motorboat, especially its covered seating, upper sun deck, bar, kitchen service, and two bathrooms. I also like the generous swim time: 30 minutes at Cala Serena, 90 minutes off Budelli, and two hours at Cala Connari. The main consideration is that food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the €5 landing fee cost extra, and you need to bring cash for that fee.

Key points to know before booking

• Apollo II is a refurbished 1956 motorboat: The 18-meter vessel has covered seating, an upper sun deck, two bathrooms, and room to move around.
• Three proper swim stops: You get time at Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere near Budelli, and Cala Connari near Spargi.
• Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from the water: You can admire the famous pink beach, but this itinerary does not promise a landing there.
• Dinghy transfers are included: At Cavaliere beach, you can use the crew’s inflatable boat instead of swimming ashore.
• Onboard food is available: Pasta, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks, wine, beer, coffee, and snacks can be bought during the day.
• Plan for Palau parking: Arrive with extra time because finding a space near the port can be difficult during busy periods.

Why this Palau boat trip works so well

La Maddalena is best understood from the water. The islands are close together, but the shoreline keeps changing: pale sand, low rocky points, sheltered coves, and water that shifts from light turquoise near shore to a darker blue farther out.

A land-based day can take more effort. You would need to choose one beach, find parking, and then spend time driving or waiting for another connection. This boat tour gives you a broad look at the archipelago in one day, with the added bonus of swimming at several different sites.

The $81 price is reasonable for an eight-hour outing, especially because the boat covers a full circuit and includes dinghy service. You are not paying only for transport. You get a full day on the water, crew assistance, several swim stops, onboard facilities, and a vessel with more space than the small open boats often used for quick coastal trips.

Still, this is not an all-inclusive cruise. Food and drinks are extra, as is the €5 landing fee. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about seeing fish below the surface.

Finding Apollo II at Palau harbor

The departure point is quay Medaglie d’Oro in Palau. Look for the Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

The scheduled departure is 10:15 a.m., with a return to Palau at about 5:30 p.m. That makes this a full-day activity rather than a short morning outing. Give yourself extra time to reach the harbor and park. Parking near the port can be especially hard to find when the area is busy.

The boat is 18 meters long and 4.5 meters wide. That is large enough to provide covered seating and an upper sun deck, but it is still compact enough to pass beneath a bridge with limited height where some larger boats cannot. This can open up routes that are not available to the biggest excursion vessels.

Exact passenger numbers can vary. Some departures have had around 30 people, which gives the trip a more relaxed feel than a packed ferry. You should not assume every sailing will have the same number, but the boat’s layout gives you both shaded seats and space outdoors.

The opening sail past Palau and Caprera

After leaving Palau, the Apollo II spends about 30 minutes sailing between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. This first stretch is more than a transfer. It gives you time to settle in and look at several notable points along the coast.

The route passes the Fort of San Giorgio, the Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO military base, and the Caprera Sailing Center. The crew provides information about the places you see and the stops ahead.

Caprera is closely linked to the Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi, though this tour focuses on the coast and coves rather than a museum visit or historical walk. You will see the island from the boat and later stop for swimming at Cala Serena.

This part of the trip is a good reminder to bring a hat and sunscreen early. The upper deck can be the most appealing place to sit, but shade is useful during a full day in strong Sardinian sun.

Cala Serena gives you the first swim

The first stop is Cala Serena on Caprera, where you get about 30 minutes in the water. This is a short introduction to the day, useful for cooling off and getting comfortable with boarding and leaving the boat.

Because the stop is only half an hour, you should be ready to swim soon after the anchor goes down. You can also use the time to test your mask and snorkel if you bring them. The water around these islands is known for good visibility, and swimming near the boat lets you see below the surface without needing to reach the beach.

Thirty minutes passes quickly, particularly if many people want to use the ladder. If your main goal is a long swim, save some energy for the longer stops later.

Budelli and the pale sand of Spiaggia del Cavaliere

The sail from Caprera to Budelli takes about 40 minutes. This is a good stretch for photos, a snack, or simply sitting under cover while the crew explains what you are seeing.

At Budelli, the boat stops offshore near Spiaggia del Cavaliere for about 90 minutes. You have three choices: remain aboard and use the facilities, swim near the boat, or take the included dinghy to the beach with the crew.

That flexibility matters. The dinghy is helpful if you want the feel of reaching shore without attempting a long swim. It also keeps the day accessible to people who are happy in the water but not keen to swim all the way to land with a towel or bag.

Spiaggia del Cavaliere is known for its pale sand and clear water. Keep your belongings protected when moving between boat and beach. The boat can get wet as people jump in and climb back aboard, so a waterproof bag is a smart item for phones, wallets, and spare clothing.

You will also see Spiaggia Rosa, the famous pink beach of Budelli, from the water. This is a viewing stop rather than a guaranteed beach landing. That distinction is important. If you expect to walk across the pink sand, this tour may disappoint, but seeing the beach from offshore still gives you a useful look at one of the archipelago’s best-known sights.

Spargi and two hours at Cala Connari

After Budelli, the Apollo II sails toward Spargi. The main stop is Cala Connari, where you have about two hours.

This is the day’s longest swim stop, and it gives you the most freedom. You can stay on the boat, use the onboard services, snorkel around the vessel, or swim toward the cove. There is no need to rush through a quick photo stop.

Cala Connari is a strong fit for anyone who wants a slower afternoon. You can swim, dry off on deck, and swim again rather than trying to see everything in one burst. Families and groups of friends may appreciate this format because not everyone has to choose the same activity at the same time.

The tradeoff is that this is still a boat excursion, not a private beach day. The cove may feel busy during the high season, and you will be sharing the water and boat facilities with the rest of the group. The Apollo II’s size helps, but no island stop can guarantee solitude.

The return sail to Palau takes you back to the meeting point at about 5:30 p.m. After a day of swimming, that timing leaves little room for another major activity in the evening, so keep your dinner plans flexible.

Life aboard the Apollo II

The Apollo II is one of the more distinctive parts of this trip. It is a refurbished 1956 motorboat rather than a modern speedboat, so the mood is relaxed and traditional.

You get covered deck seating, an upper deck with a sun area, two bathrooms, a bar, and kitchen service. Those details matter over eight hours. A fast open boat may look exciting for a short ride, but the ability to sit under cover, use a bathroom, and buy a proper snack makes a long day easier.

The onboard menu can include pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, sandwiches, hot dogs, maxi-toasts, coffee, and snacks. You can buy lunch during the trip, which means you do not have to carry a full picnic.

I would still bring water and a few personal snacks if you have specific dietary needs, since the available selection can vary. Food service is convenient, but it is not part of the tour price.

The crew helps with transfers to the islands and provides information in Italian and English. Their practical role is important at the swim stops, especially when people are moving between the boat, dinghy, and shore.

What to pack for a wet, sunny day

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. You should also pack a waterproof pouch or bag for valuables. Bags stored beneath the benches can get wet from swimmers returning to the boat, splashing around the ladder, or carrying damp towels through the seating area.

I would wear sandals or other footwear that handles wet surfaces, though the provided information does not specify a footwear requirement. Pack your snorkeling equipment if you have it, because gear is not included.

The €5 landing fee must be paid in cash aboard the boat at embarkation. Keep that amount separate so you are not searching through a wet day bag at the last moment.

Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for babies under one year. The schedule and swimming format are best for people comfortable spending much of the day on a boat.

The main strengths, and the limits

The strongest feature is the amount of time in the water. Many island boat trips offer a series of brief photo stops. This one gives you a 30-minute swim, a 90-minute stop at Budelli, and two hours at Spargi.

The crew also earns praise for being friendly and helpful. That matters when you need a dinghy transfer, want directions to the beach, or need help getting back aboard. Solo visitors can find the social setting welcoming, while families and friends have room to settle into their own pace.

The boat’s size is another advantage. You get more room than on a tiny rigid inflatable boat, plus bathrooms and covered seating. It can also pass beneath a low bridge that limits some larger vessels.

The drawbacks are practical. You cannot count on landing at Spiaggia Rosa, and snorkeling gear is extra. The €5 cash fee is small but easy to overlook. Food is available, but it adds to the final cost. Parking in Palau can also take longer than expected.

Weather may affect the route or exact stops. Strong west winds have required the captain to adjust plans and choose more protected places. That is sensible seamanship, but it means the day may not follow every detail exactly.

Who should book this excursion?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several parts of La Maddalena in one day without arranging your own boat. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a friendly shared outing.

It is especially good for swimmers who want repeated access to clear water and people who prefer a boat with shade, bathrooms, and food service. The long stop at Cala Connari makes it less rushed than many sightseeing cruises.

You may want a different option if you want a private experience, a serious snorkeling expedition with equipment included, or a guaranteed walk on Spiaggia Rosa. This is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes wet decks, boat movement, or spending eight hours outdoors.

Should you book the Apollo II tour?

Yes, if your priority is a full day of swimming, island scenery, and easy access to several coves for $81. The combination of three swim opportunities, an included dinghy service, and a comfortable historic boat gives the price solid value.

Book it with realistic expectations: Spiaggia Rosa is viewed from the water, extras cost more, and the captain may adjust stops for wind. Arrive early for parking, bring cash, protect your valuables from spray, and pack your own snorkeling gear. With those details handled, this is a strong way to experience the La Maddalena Archipelago from Palau.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour leave from?

The tour starts at quay Medaglie d’Oro in Palau. Look for the Apollo II and crew members wearing black trousers with a gray shirt or black jacket.

What time does the tour depart and return?

Departure is scheduled for 10:15 a.m., and the boat returns to Palau at approximately 5:30 p.m. The total duration is about eight hours.

Which islands and swim stops are included?

The route includes Caprera, Budelli, and Spargi. Swim stops are scheduled at Cala Serena, Spiaggia del Cavaliere near Budelli, and Cala Connari near Spargi.

Can I go ashore during the tour?

Yes. At Spiaggia del Cavaliere, you can reach the beach by included dinghy transfer with the crew. At Cala Connari, you can reach shore by swimming. You can also remain aboard at either stop.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase aboard, including pasta, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks, coffee, wine, beer, and snacks.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and ideally a waterproof bag for valuables. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel. A €5 landing fee must be paid in cash aboard at embarkation.