Private tour, archipelago of La Maddalena

The best part of this private boat day is the sheer number of places you see without changing hotels or hauling beach gear between islands. In about seven and a half hours, you visit wild Caprera, the natural pools of Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi, and the famous Bear Rock near Palau. The route is packed with swimming stops, and the captain provides a simple Sardinian aperitif on board.

I especially like two things here: the private format for up to 12 people, which makes the long day easier to shape around your own group, and the mix of boat-only sights with real beach time. Cala Brigantina and Cala Coticcio offer swims from the boat, while Santa Maria and Cala Corsara let you get ashore. The main caution is boat condition. Most feedback praises the skippers, but some accounts describe an older boat, a poor anchor, and serious concerns about safety equipment, so inspect the boat before leaving the dock.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven islands and coastal stops in one day: The route covers Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi, La Maddalena views, Santo Stefano, and Palau’s Bear Rock.
• Three proper beach or swim periods: You get about 45 minutes at Cala Brigantina, an hour around Cala Coticcio, and 45 minutes near Spargi, plus longer beach stops at Santa Maria and Cala Corsara.
• A private boat for your own group: The listed price is $1,323.22 for up to 12 people, making the per-person cost much more reasonable when the boat is full.
• Sardinian snacks are included: The captain serves an aperitif with local products, sweets, and drinks such as Vermentino or soft drinks, but lunch is not included.
• The best guide experience depends on the skipper: Andrea, Antonio, and Nico have each been praised for kindness, local information, and good handling of the day.
• Weather and equipment matter: The tour can be canceled for bad weather, and the boat’s condition deserves a careful check before departure.

Why this route works so well

The La Maddalena archipelago is best seen from the water. Islands sit close together, but their beaches have very different personalities. One stop may be a quiet cove with no buildings in sight. The next may be a long, pale beach where you can stretch out for lunch and a swim.

This route uses that variety well. You are not spending the whole day simply cruising past islands. The schedule includes several swims, two beach visits, an aperitif, and short scenic passages between stops. The boat itself becomes your moving base, with snorkeling equipment supplied so you can make the most of the clear water.

The private setup is important. At a price of $1,323.22 per group, the value changes sharply depending on group size. Twelve people would pay about $110 each before any extras. A couple or a small family would pay much more per person, but would also have the boat to themselves rather than joining a larger party.

The day runs from a 10:00 am departure at Noleggio Le Isole in Cannigione to about 5:30 pm. That late-morning start is useful if you are staying nearby, though it means you will be reaching the first beach after the day is already under way. Bring food or arrange your own lunch, since the included aperitif is a snack rather than a full meal.

Caprera: a quiet first swim at Cala Brigantina

The boat reaches Caprera at about 10:20 am, with Cala Brigantina as the first stop. This is a swim from anchor beside a wild, unspoiled beach. The scheduled time is 45 minutes, enough for a refreshing start but not enough for a long walk or extended time ashore.

Cala Brigantina is appealing because it sets the tone for the day. You begin in a natural cove rather than at a busy port or developed resort. If your group wants to get in the water right away, this is a good first chance.

The tradeoff is that you remain on the boat. The stop is designed for swimming, not beach access, so pack your swimsuit under your clothes and keep a towel handy. Snorkeling equipment is included, but you should confirm that it is available in suitable sizes before setting off.

Cala Coticcio and Caprera’s northern coves

The second stop is Cala Coticcio, also on Caprera, at about 10:45 am. The boat uses the marked bathing area, where a buoy field limits landings and helps keep boats away from swimmers. That gives you a calmer place to enter the water without worrying about vessels moving close to your swimming area.

You then skirt the northern side of Caprera, passing its coves and rocky inlets. This part of the trip matters because the scenery is not just a backdrop between beaches. The captain can point out the shape of the coast and explain the places you are passing, something several named skippers, including Andrea and Antonio, have been praised for doing well.

Cala Coticcio is one of the more distinctive stops, but keep the timing in mind. The full visit lasts about an hour, including the coastal cruise, so actual water time may be shorter. This is a good place for a mask and snorkel, while anyone who prefers dry sightseeing can enjoy the coastline from the deck.

Budelli’s natural pools and the Sardinian aperitif

After leaving Caprera, the boat heads north to Budelli. The stop is at anchor near the natural pools in front of Spiaggia del Cavaliere. The water here is the star, with a sheltered setting suited to a swim and a relaxed break.

The captain serves an aperitif based on typical Sardinian products. The included food is described as snacks rather than lunch, and past outings have featured sweets and Vermentino as well as soft drinks. This is one of the more personal touches of the tour, especially when the skipper explains what you are tasting.

Do not mistake the aperitif for a meal. With a full day on the water, you should bring lunch or buy something before departure unless your own plans cover it. The formal lunch stop comes later at Santa Maria, but lunch itself is not part of the price.

Santa Maria: your longest beach stop

At about 1:00 pm, the boat reaches Cala Santa Maria on Isola di Santa Maria. You get an hour and a half here, the longest single stop of the day. This is the point when you can slow down, go ashore, swim from the beach, and eat the lunch you brought.

That extra time gives Santa Maria a different feel from the quick swim coves. You are not racing to dry off and board again. Families and groups with mixed interests will appreciate the chance to spread out, while strong swimmers can still make the most of the water.

The schedule is tightly organized, so watch the time. A private boat does not mean the route has no timetable. The skipper still has several islands to reach, and missing the return departure could affect the rest of the day.

A photo stop at Spiaggia Rosa

After Santa Maria, the boat turns southwest toward Spiaggia Rosa, the famous Pink Beach. You cannot land there, and swimming to it is not permitted, but the boat provides a good angle for photographs. The stop lasts about 15 minutes.

This is a quick scenic pause, not a beach visit. That distinction is worth understanding before you book. If your main goal is to walk on Spiaggia Rosa, this tour will not provide that access. If you want to see the beach as part of a wider archipelago route, the short stop fits neatly into the day.

The brief visit also protects the pace of the itinerary. You get the photograph without giving up the longer swim and beach periods later at Spargi.

Spargi’s coves and Cala Corsara

At about 3:00 pm, the boat continues to Spargi, passing or viewing Cala Granara, Cala Soraya, and Cala dell’Amore. The planned swim is from anchor, a few meters from shore, with about 45 minutes in the water.

Spargi supplies some of the day’s most classic beach scenery. The coves are close enough to admire from the boat, but the schedule does not allow you to visit every beach on foot. You will need to choose the water, the view, and the relaxed boat ride rather than trying to cover every corner.

At 4:00 pm, you go ashore again at Cala Corsara for an hour. This is another useful contrast with the anchor swims. You can feel the sand under your feet, take photos from the beach, or simply sit in the setting before the return journey.

Because Cala Corsara is late in the day, it can be the most satisfying stop for anyone who prefers a slower finish. It also means you should keep some energy in reserve. The day begins with an early swim and includes several boat transfers, so comfortable clothes and sensible sun protection will make the final beach visit more enjoyable.

The return route through La Maddalena and Santo Stefano

The boat leaves Cala Corsara at about 5:00 pm and heads back toward Cannigione. The sightseeing continues along the western side of La Maddalena and past Santo Stefano. These views fill the gaps between the main stops and give you one last chance to photograph the islands from the water.

The final scheduled sight is Roccia dell’Orso, or Bear Rock, near Palau. The stop lasts only five minutes, so think of it as a photo opportunity rather than an excursion. The rock is a recognizable symbol of the area, and it is a nice closing detail before returning to the starting point.

You should be back at the Cannigione meeting point after roughly seven and a half hours. Since the tour ends where it starts, you will need to arrange your own way to and from Via Isola le Bisce. The location is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Skippers, service, and what to check

The strongest part of the experience is the skipper service. Andrea is praised for explaining local history and serving Sardinian treats. Antonio is described as friendly and helpful, with good attention to the beaches and swimming spots. Nico is also praised for professionalism and a pleasant manner.

You cannot assume which skipper will operate your departure, but these names give you a clear sense of the service style to expect: a captain who does more than steer, points out places along the way, and helps shape the day around the water and weather.

There is one important qualification. Some feedback describes the boat as clean but old, with broken or outdated parts. One especially serious account reports that a small anchor could not hold the boat and that life jackets were not available. That account conflicts with the otherwise positive service reports, but it is too important to ignore.

Before leaving Cannigione, I would check that life jackets are present and accessible, ask how the anchor is handled, and look over the general condition of the boat. If anything feels unsafe, raise it immediately. A beautiful route is not worth accepting poor safety standards.

Is $1,323.22 a fair price?

The price makes the most sense for a full group. At the maximum of 12 people, the cost works out to roughly $110 per person for a private boat, skipper, several islands, snorkeling equipment, and a full day of transport on the water.

For four or five people, the per-person cost is much higher. You are paying for privacy and control rather than simply buying a seat on a shared excursion. That can be worthwhile if your group values its own space, wants to avoid strangers, or has children and prefers a private setting.

The included aperitif improves the value, but lunch is extra. You should also allow for any food and drinks you want beyond the captain’s snacks. The tour’s strongest value comes from the route, not from the meal package.

Who should book this boat day?

I would recommend it most strongly to a group of friends or a larger family that wants one boat for the day. It suits people who care more about swimming, coves, and island views than museums or long walks.

It is also a good fit if you want a broad introduction to the archipelago. In one day, you get Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi, views of La Maddalena and Santo Stefano, and Bear Rock. You will not explore each island in depth, but you will understand how varied the area is.

I would hesitate if you want guaranteed access to Spiaggia Rosa, long walks on every beach, or a fully catered lunch. I would also ask careful questions about the boat before paying, given the conflicting reports about its condition.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your group can share the cost and your ideal Sardinian day includes repeated swims, quiet coves, beach time, and a skipper who adds local detail. The route is ambitious and well balanced, with enough time ashore to break up the hours on the boat.

Before confirming, ask which boat and skipper are assigned and confirm that required safety equipment is on board. If those answers are satisfactory, this private outing offers an efficient way to see much of La Maddalena in one memorable day. If not, choose a provider with clearer assurances about equipment and vessel condition.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Noleggio Le Isole Cannigione, Via Isola le Bisce, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the Cannigione meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers one private group of up to 12 people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although an aperitif with snacks and drinks is provided on board.

What food and drinks are provided?

The captain provides an aperitif with typical Sardinian products, snacks, and soda or other listed drinks. Past outings have also included Sardinian sweets and Vermentino.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Can you visit Spiaggia Rosa?

You can stop to photograph Spiaggia Rosa, but you cannot access it by land or swim to it.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.