This is a small-group boat day built around swimming stops, not just sightseeing. I love the mix of wild coves and famous-island scenery, and I like that you’re not stuck staring out a window all day—you get real time in the water at multiple anchor points. The icing on the cake for me is the captain’s on-board aperitif and typical Sardinian snacks between swims.

One thing to plan for: lunch isn’t included. If you’re the type who gets hungry fast on a long day on the water, you’ll want to strategize before you go.

What you need to know before you go

The tour runs about 7 hours 30 minutes, starts at 10:00 am in Cannigione (Noleggio Le Isole), and ends back at the same meeting point. It’s capped at up to 12 people, offered in English, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. Good weather matters, since the day depends on sea conditions.

Key things that make this trip worth it

• Small group size (max 12) means more calm, easier movement on board, and less crowding at the swim spots.
• Anchor swimming at wild beaches gives you access to places bigger boats can’t handle.
• Buoy-protected swimming areas help you enjoy Cala Coticcio without worrying about boats in your space.
• Aperitif at anchor near Budelli adds a local touch beyond the usual tourist routine.
• Spiaggia Rosa is photo time, not swim time, which is perfect if you like pictures and views.

A smart way to see La Maddalena without wasting time

If you’re trying to fit the La Maddalena archipelago into one day, this kind of tour is one of the most practical options. Instead of bouncing between ports and fighting schedules, you get a single boat route that hits multiple islands and coves in a logical order—north, then further north, then back south and home.

The best part is how the day is built around short, repeatable experiences: swim, sail a bit, swim again, then beach time, then another swim. That rhythm matters. On a long island day, you don’t want long stretches where you’re stuck doing nothing. Here, you’re almost always moving toward your next swim or shore break.

From Cannigione: smooth start, easy end

The meeting point is Noleggio Le Isole Cannigione, at Via Isola le Bisce, 07021 Arzachena SS. Start time is 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same place, so you’re not juggling transport later.

It’s described as being near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re not driving. Also, the tour is offered in English, so you can follow what’s happening without needing to guess.

A small-group cap of 12 is more than just a number. On boats, it affects everything: how quickly people can take their spots for snorkeling gear, how easy it is to hear the captain’s instructions, and how relaxed it feels when everyone is getting ready for the next stop. One review also pointed out that the boat felt even more intimate, around 10 people, which tracks with the overall “small group” format.

Price and value: where the $132.75 goes

At $132.75 per person, you’re paying for a full day on the water with access to the La Maddalena National Park (admission included), plus snorkeling equipment and on-board food/drinks.

Here’s how I think about the value:

• You’re getting multiple swim stops and several beach stops across several islands. That’s a lot of “local access” packed into one trip.
• Park access is included, so you’re not dealing with separate ticket costs.
• You get the gear for snorkeling plus an aperitif with soda/pop and snacks during the day.

The one clear tradeoff is simple: lunch isn’t included. So the price is fair if you’re happy to snack and use the long beach break for your own meal plan (bring something, or plan to pick something up once you’re on shore).

Stop-by-stop: Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Rosa and beyond

The itinerary runs like a greatest-hits reel, but with enough spacing that you don’t feel rushed. Swim times are typically short and centered on excellent water access, while beach time is reserved for the spots where a longer break makes sense.

Caprera at 10:20: Cala Brigantina (wild, deserted feel)

Your first stop is Spiaggia di Cala Brigantina. Arrival is around 10:20 am, and the plan is a swim at anchor on a wild, unspoilt, deserted beach—the kind of place you’d probably struggle to reach the same way on your own.

You get about 45 minutes, and that timing is perfect for a first-water moment. Early in the day, when the water and air feel crisp, a first swim can set the tone for everything else. One practical note: because the stop is at anchor, you’ll be relying on the crew’s routine for entering and leaving the water. If you know you’re sensitive to cold water, you might want to keep your first swim shorter.

Caprera at 10:45: Cala Coticcio (crystal water with a buoy zone)

Next up is Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio around 10:45 am. This stop is designed for easy snorkeling comfort: the bathing area is protected by a buoy field that helps keep the boats from entering the swim zone.

The tour then skirts Caprera on a northern route, visiting dramatic ravines along the way. You’re not just waiting for the next swim; you’re also getting the “why this coastline looks the way it does” experience from the boat.

Cala Coticcio is a spot where you’ll likely spend more time just floating and watching. The water is described as crystal clear, and the buoy field adds confidence so you can focus on what’s in front of you.

Budelli at anchor: natural pools and a captain’s aperitif

After leaving Caprera heading north, you reach Budelli. The plan includes a stop at the natural pools of Budelli, positioned in front of Cavaliere beach, with an aperitif based on typical Sardinian products offered by the captain.

This is one of those stops that changes the pace. You’re not sprinting to the next photo or trying to cram everything into one moment. Instead, the day gives you time to do the water part, then enjoy the on-board break.

Expect about 1 hour here. If you want the most out of Budelli, time your swim so you’re not still changing gear when the aperitif starts. The aperitif is included, so treat it like part of the experience, not a random snack moment.

Santa Maria at 13:00: the longest beach break

At 1:00 pm, you shift to Isola di Santa Maria and the longest scheduled shore time: Cala Santa Maria with about 1 hour 30 minutes on the beach.

This is your “take a breath” slot. By lunchtime, you’ll probably appreciate the extra time on land. It’s also your best window to think about food since lunch isn’t included in the tour price. If you bring something, this is where you’ll want to eat. If you don’t, you’ll need to plan your own on-shore options during that break.

One drawback to consider here: beach time is great, but it’s still part of a timed schedule. You’ll want to take sunscreen seriously because you’ll be on shore long enough to get toasted if you’re not careful.

Spiaggia Rosa: 15 minutes of colors, not swims

Next is Spiaggia Rosa, after leaving Santa Maria in a south-westerly direction. The stop is short—about 15 minutes—and it comes with an important detail: it’s not accessible even by swimming.

That doesn’t mean it’s a disappointment. It means it’s a viewpoint stop. Think of it as photo time: you get to admire the famous pink sand look from the right angle without needing to actually get into the water.

If your heart is set on snorkeling, this is the least water-focused segment. But if you like the visual payoff, it’s still worth it—especially when the boat is positioned so you can capture the shoreline and color contrast.

Spargi at 15:00: multiple beaches, one anchor swim

At 3:00 pm, you head toward Isola di Spargi. The itinerary mentions beaches like cala Granara, cala Soraya, and cala dell’amore.

This stop includes a magical bath at anchor, a few meters from the shore—a setup that usually makes snorkeling and swimming feel easier than far-from-shore anchor points. You also get about 45 minutes here.

If you’re choosing between keeping it chill and going hard, Spargi is the point in the day where another good swim tends to feel best. You’re far enough into the itinerary that you’ve worked up an appetite for the water again, but not so late that you feel exhausted.

Cala Corsara at 16:00: one of the favorite settings

At 4:00 pm, you reach Cala Corsara, described as one of the favorites. You get about 1 hour at the beach in its unique setting.

This is a key stop because it’s the “walk, relax, reset” moment before the return. If you want to balance out the earlier water time, Corsara is where you do it. It’s also a good place to get your photos done without the stress of a short 15-minute viewing stop.

The return route: La Maddalena’s west side, Santo Stefano, and Palau’s bear rock

Around 5:00 pm, you start back to Cannigione, but you’re not rushed out the door. On the way, you admire the western side of La Maddalena and the island of Santo Stefano.

There’s also a stop to admire the symbol of the city of Palau, the famous bear rock. This kind of look-back stop is great on a full-day tour because it gives closure. It also means you still get something scenic during the return, not just a straight line home.

Snorkeling gear and how the day is really paced

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and the stops are timed so you’re not hauling gear constantly. The structure matters:

• Short swim windows make it easier to go in, get your bearings, and enjoy what’s in front of you.
• Beach stops are longer where it makes sense: Santa Maria and Corsara.
• The boat stays moving through scenic stretches between key coves.

One small detail that helps: the sailing route includes ravines and viewpoints. That means even when you’re not in the water, the ride itself contributes.

The crew vibe: why the guide matters on a boat day

This is the kind of day where a good captain makes a real difference. The experience runs safely and smoothly in open water, and the captain is also described as finding the best swim spots and guiding where to look in the water.

You’ll likely hear from the crew in English, with tips on where to go next. One review highlighted Antonio as the local skipper, sometimes referred to as Captain Tony, and that personal feel is exactly what you want on a small boat. With a cap of 12, you’re not lost in a sea of headsets.

Tips to get the most from this full-day route

You’ll have a better day if you treat it like a water-and-sun schedule, not a land tour:

• Bring your own basics for comfort (sunscreen, hat, and a dry layer).
• Plan your food since lunch isn’t included. Use Cala Santa Maria (1.5 hours) as your main meal moment.
• If you’re a light swimmer, you can still enjoy everything. There are beach stops and photo-focused segments like Spiaggia Rosa.
• If you’re booking in summer, aim earlier. The tour is often booked about 28 days in advance.

Who this tour is for (and who should consider another plan)

This is a strong match if you:

• Want maximum coast access in one day.
• Care about swim-at-anchor coves more than walking around villages.
• Prefer a small group and a captain-guided route.

It may be less ideal if you want a long, leisurely beach day without boat hopping. Also, if lunch is non-negotiable for you, you’ll need to plan ahead since lunch isn’t part of the package.

Should you book this boat tour?

I think this one is a good booking when you want a structured day that hits the best water moments around Caprera, Budelli, Santa Maria, Rosa, Spargi and Corsara. The combination of park ticket included, snorkeling equipment provided, and an on-board aperitif with Sardinian snacks makes the price feel justified—especially compared with piecing everything together yourself.

Book it if you like variety: wild coves, protected swim areas, a photo stop with Spiaggia Rosa, and a real beach break at Santa Maria and Corsara. Skip it only if you can’t handle a long day on the water or you require lunch to be included.

FAQ

How long is the full-day boat tour?

It runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Noleggio Le Isole Cannigione (Via Isola le Bisce, 07021 Arzachena SS) at 10:00 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, an on-board aperitif with soda/pop and snacks, and the entrance ticket to the La Maddalena archipelago national park.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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