Sardinia’s islands feel within reach on a boat day. I really like the 80-passenger limit on a modern vessel that can hold far more, which keeps the trip relaxed and easy to move around. I also like the mix of stops: long enough beach time to actually swim and snorkel, plus a real afternoon in La Maddalena. The one thing to consider is that beach crowds and rough water can change the vibe, especially in wind or high season.

You start from Palau and spend about 7 hours on the water (with return expected around 5:30 pm). Delfino Tours runs a day itinerary built around La Maddalena National Park, with multiple swimming/snorkeling chances and panoramic cruising between islands like Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano, and Caprera.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Smaller than the typical big-boat feel: limited to about 80 guests, even though the boat’s maximum capacity is much higher.
• Real beach stops, not just photos: Spargi and Santa Maria include time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Budelli’s natural pool stop: you get a chance to jump in and see the water color up close.
• Pink Beach viewing: you’ll get scenic photo moments around the area, but access rules can limit what you can do from land.
• Time in La Maddalena town: you can walk, grab ice cream, and browse the streets.
• Two-deck comfort: shade downstairs, sun upstairs, so you can pick your mood as the day changes.

Entering the La Maddalena experience from Palau: timing and meeting point

This is a classic day trip out of Palau, and it’s set up so you’re on the water early enough to still enjoy the islands at a full-day pace. The schedule varies by day: on Monday and Wednesday the departure is 10:00 am, while Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday depart at 10:30 am.

Plan to arrive with extra time. Check-in is 8:45–9:45 am for the 10:00 am departures, and 9:00–10:00 am for the 10:30 am departures. The meeting point is in front of the ferry terminal area, at the Palau port where the maritime station-commercial port sits next to the ferries.

Parking can be annoying, so I suggest you aim for an early arrival and choose one of the listed car parks around Palau (Via Fonte Vecchia, Via Omero, Largo Palau Vecchio, or Via Riva dei Lestrigoni). If something goes sideways, there’s help available to get you to the local partner—just call ahead when you can.

On board Delfino Tours: comfort, space, and how the day actually runs

Delfino Tours uses a large, modern vessel, but the important detail is that they don’t cram it. The boat capacity is listed as much more, yet this particular experience carries about 80 passengers, which is why the trip tends to feel calmer than the bigger-capacity tours you may see elsewhere.

You’ll have both shade and sun: a lower deck designed to stay in shade, and an upper deck that’s open to the sun. That matters because the day is built around several swimming/snorkeling moments, then stretches of cruising where you’ll want a place to cool down or warm up.

You also get a live multilingual guide on board (Italian, English, Spanish, French). Communication quality can vary—one concern that pops up is that audio can be hard to follow on some days—but overall the guide role is part of what helps you understand what you’re seeing across the islands.

And yes, there’s a real onboard food and drink option. There’s a small restaurant bar where you can buy meals and snacks for a fee (more on that later). Toilets are available, and keeping the boat clean is clearly a priority based on passenger feedback.

The itinerary in order: what each stop feels like (and where it might fall short)

This day trip is built for variety. You’re not just “cruising by.” You get multiple moments where the plan changes from scenic viewing to getting in the water, then back to cruising for the next island.

One more reality check: the itinerary may shift depending on directives from the La Maddalena National Park authority or the coast guard. Weather can also be a factor, and the day is long enough that the sea conditions can influence how comfortable everything feels.

Stop 1: Spargi and Cala Corsara (swim and snorkel time)

After the sightseeing cruise, your first major island time is Spargi. The highlight here is Cala Corsara, plus views of the well-known rock formations linked to the area—described as the Head of the Witch, the Bulldog Dog, and even Italy in miniature.

You’ll get about 75 minutes for visit, free time, swimming, and snorkeling. This is the kind of stop where timing matters: go early in your window so you can settle in, swim without feeling rushed, and still have time to take photos and look around the coastline.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, note that beaches in the national park can get busy in peak season. Even when you’re on a boat and not stuck on one shore for hours, it’s still an island-day in summer.

Stop 2: cruising toward Budelli (panoramic navigation)

Between stops you’ll do panoramic navigation—this is part of why the tour can feel special. You see the other smaller islands from the water, and on clear days you can look toward the horizon (and even see Corsica).

Cruising segments are shorter here, mostly because the plan includes several water-focused moments. Use the time to grab shade if you need it, charge your phone, and keep your swim kit ready.

Stop 3: Budelli natural pools and a swim-from-the-boat moment

Next up is Budelli, with a stop at the natural pools near the Port of the Madonna. This is one of the most photogenic areas because of the water color and clarity—exactly what you want from a boat tour here.

The schedule lists about 25 minutes, including a photo stop, swimming, and snorkeling. One practical note: when a stop is short, you’ll want to be ready to move. Bring goggles or a mask if you have them, since clear water can make snorkeling much more rewarding.

Also, don’t stress if you can’t see everything at once. Budelli’s appeal is often the overall effect—color, shallows, and that natural pool shape—more than one single “must-see” spot.

Stop 4: Pink Beach area (photo stop)

You’ll also have a quick stop tied to Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa). The itinerary lists a photo stop plus scenic cruising.

This part is important for expectation management. Pink Beach is famous, but access and viewing rules can limit what you can do from land. On this tour, the value is the scenic perspective and photo moments from the water and surrounding area.

Stop 5: Santa Maria and Cala Santa Maria (longer beach break)

Now you get a more flexible island break at Santa Maria, including break time, visit, free time, walk, swimming, and snorkeling for about 75 minutes.

This is often the stop where the day shifts from “water activity” to “actually living on island time.” You’ll be able to look out over the bay and take a slower pace—especially if you want more beach hang time than the earlier quick swim.

Important note from the planning details: beaches can be crowded during high season. That doesn’t ruin the stop, but it can affect comfort and how enjoyable it is to relax.

Stop 6: La Maddalena historical center (town time and shopping)

The last big “on land” time is La Maddalena town (historic center). Your boat is large, but the group size is still capped, so this tends to feel more manageable than the surge you get when larger tour groups collide.

You’ll have about 1 hour here, with photo stop, visit, free time, shopping, and sightseeing/walk. There’s even mention of ice cream as part of the downtime, which is a small thing—but in practice, it helps you reset after a day of sun and salt water.

One possible drawback: 1 hour in town can feel just-right or just-short depending on your pace. If you love wandering for souvenirs and a longer sit-down snack, consider that this time is designed to balance the rest of the park stops.

Stop 7: Santo Stefano and Caprera panoramic views

After town, you’ll do short cruising segments with scenic drive and views on the way at Santo Stefano and Caprera.

These are brief stops, and the main value is perspective: you’re seeing how the archipelago pieces connect by sea, and you’re keeping the day’s rhythm without turning it into a “full stop, full hike” type of itinerary. If you want more time on your feet, La Maddalena town is where you’ll feel that relief.

Time on the water: what to expect with waves, wind, and long daylight

A boat tour in the La Maddalena area can be amazing even when the weather isn’t perfect. One strong pattern from passenger feedback is that the trip can still be worth it on days that are windy or overcast.

That said, rougher water can make the boat rock more. The good news is that distances between islands are relatively short, which helps limit time in open chop. Still, if you’re easily motion-sick, plan accordingly and keep your seat choice in mind.

If you can, bring layers. The day includes both sun and shade, and you may want a comfortable layer when the breeze shows up.

Food and drinks onboard: plan for extra costs, not just the ticket

The base ticket includes the boat tour, full-risk insurance, and a live guide. Food and drinks are not included.

On board, you can buy meals and snacks at the restaurant bar. The menu is described broadly and includes items like pasta with shrimp or tomato sauce, white pasta, caprese salad, a Sardinian appetizer, and mixed fried seafood or meat, plus sandwiches and typical desserts.

In practice, several passengers note the pasta is reasonably priced (often cited around €10 or €10–€12). If you want a simple midday plan that doesn’t require leaving the boat schedule, ordering something on board is a convenient way to keep your day smooth.

My take: don’t treat the onboard food as a surprise. If you want lunch, decide before you get tired and hungry. If you prefer packing your own, you can—just remember there’s no guarantee every guest will have time for a sit-down meal at each stop.

Value check: is $66.05 a fair deal for this day?

At around $66 per person for a full day on the water, the value largely comes from two factors: time and space. You’re seeing multiple islands in one go—Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and La Maddalena—without needing to arrange separate transport.

Then there’s the space issue. The 80-passenger cap makes a real difference, especially when you compare it to the crowded feel you often get on larger-guest tours. Less crowding means more room to choose a shaded seat, more comfortable movement on decks, and fewer bottlenecks when you’re boarding back on after swimming.

Two extras to remember:

• The municipal landing tax is €5 per adult, paid in cash during boarding.
• Meals and drinks are extra, so think of the ticket as getting you the route, the guide, and the swim stops—not a free lunch.

If your goal is a straightforward day that hits the main points of La Maddalena National Park, this price point can feel fair, especially if you’re prioritizing comfort and beach time.

What to pack (so you actually enjoy the water stops)

The tour is clearly built around swimming and snorkeling. Bring what makes those stops effortless:

• Hat and biodegradable sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sandals and comfortable clothes for the deck
• Outdoor clothing / shorts
• A charged smartphone for photos
• Cash for the landing tax and for any food/drinks purchases

Big practical note: there’s no allowed luggage or large bags, so travel light. Also, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

If you have goggles or a mask, bring them. Several passengers say this makes the snorkeling time better—especially when the water is clear and you want to see more than just surface movement.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A single-day hit of the top islands in La Maddalena National Park
• Comfort (shade, sun, room to move, limited group size)
• Multiple chances to swim and snorkel
• A balanced day: water time plus real town time in La Maddalena

It’s also good for families and couples. The stops are timed for day-trip pacing, and the boat schedule keeps you from having to navigate islands independently.

If you’re the type who wants long, unhurried beach time at only one or two spots, you might feel the stop durations vary—some periods are shorter than others. The tour’s strength is variety, not lingering all day at one beach.

Should you book this Palau to La Maddalena boat tour?

I’d book it if you want an efficient, comfortable way to see Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and La Maddalena in one day without dealing with transfers. The limited 80-passenger setup is the big selling point, because it changes how enjoyable the day feels once you’re on board.

I’d think twice if you’re very sensitive to wind and waves, or if you’re hoping for a slow travel pace with one long beach hangout and tons of time in town. This itinerary is structured, and some days can feel more about quick hit stops and cruising than about settling into one place.

If your travel dates are in peak season, go in with the expectation that beaches can be crowded, but the boat’s comfort and multiple swim/snorkel moments can still make the day feel worth it.

FAQ

What locations does this boat tour visit?

The tour runs from Palau and visits the islands of Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and La Maddalena, with additional panoramic stops including Santo Stefano and Caprera.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours (the day trip time is listed as taking over 7 hours, with return expected around 5:30 pm).

Where do I meet the boat in Palau?

You meet at the port of Palau, in front of the maritime station-commercial port next to the ferry terminal.

What time does the tour depart?

Departure times vary by day: 10:00 am on Monday and Wednesday, and 10:30 am on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check availability for exact timing.

What is included in the ticket price?

Included: the boat tour, a live tour guide, and full-risk insurance for passengers.

What extra fees should I expect?

There is a municipal landing tax of €5 per adult (over 6 years old), paid in cash during boarding.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy on board at the boat’s restaurant bar.

Do I need cash during the tour?

Yes. The landing tax must be paid in cash, and electronic payments may be difficult at island stops, so bringing cash is advised.

What should I bring for the swim stops?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and cash. A charged smartphone is also useful for photos.

Is luggage allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.