A day on Sardinia’s water is hard to top. This private boat tour strings together standout coves in the Maddalena archipelago, with long swim stops and classic photo spots like Spiaggia Rosa.

I love the way the schedule gives you real time in the sea at each anchorage, not just a quick drop-and-go. And I also like the human touch from Captain Enrico, who shares stories about the coast and even helped plan dinner reservations during one day I saw him run for a group.

One consideration: the headline price is per group (up to 9), and extra costs can stack up—especially fuel contribution, optional lunch/brunch, and optional drinks—so it’s smart to budget before you go.

5 key things that make this boat day worth your time

• Private for up to 9: you and your group, not a cattle-car setup.
• Spargi’s Cala Granara: a full block of water time plus SUP board time.
• Budelli color show at Spiaggia Rosa: you get the iconic pink-and-white sand from a boat anchorage.
• Piscine di Budelli area: a second swim stop with that famous “pool” feel in shallow water.
• Capo d’Orso on the way back: you cruise past Maddalena and Santo Stefano while the bear-shaped rock comes into view.

From Cala Bitta to Palau: you start with comfort, then go full beach mode

The day starts with a meeting point at Via Tartaruga, 8, 07021 Cala Bitta SS, and you’re set up with an air-conditioned vehicle to get you where you need to be. From there, the boat day kicks off from the Port of Palau, which makes this feel smooth and organized rather than chaotic.

You’re on the water for about 8 hours total. That matters because it’s long enough to hit three serious bays and still come back without feeling rushed. Also, the tour operates in a summer window (mid-June through late August), so you’re likely going when the sea is at its best and the beaches are most inviting.

On board, you get practical comforts that help on a hot day: a restroom and WiFi. WiFi won’t replace good memories, but it does help for quick check-ins, maps, and sending a location pin to friends who are landlocked.

Small pro tip

Bring simple water-day gear: sunscreen, a hat, and something easy for stepping in and out of the water. Sardinia beaches are gorgeous—but they can be a little uncooperative with bare feet.

Cala Granara (Spargi): the first long swim stop that sets the tone

The first stop is Cala Granara on the island of Spargi. This is the start of the day’s “get in the water” rhythm, and you get a generous 3 hours here. That’s a big deal because it gives you time to find your comfort level—swim first, then snorkel, then maybe try a SUP board if you want a slower, steadier way to explore.

If you love beaches for the water more than for the sand, this stop is made for you. The anchorage area lets you enjoy clear conditions in a way that’s hard to recreate from shore. You’re not stuck watching from the dock.

What to expect

• Time to swim and snorkel at your own pace
• SUP board time as part of the activity vibe
• A full stretch where you’re not constantly moving, which is rare on busy island tours

Possible drawback

If you’re the type who gets bored unless you’re “doing something” every 15 minutes, a 3-hour beach-and-water block can feel too long. But honestly, that’s the point: this itinerary is built for enjoying the sea, not chasing it.

Spiaggia Rosa and the Piscine di Budelli: the most iconic color stop

Next comes the big visual payoff: Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli. You don’t just get a distant sight—you sail toward it and enjoy the classic look of that white and pink sand against bright water. It’s one of those places where you understand why people line up for a photo, because the colors are actually part of the experience.

You then spend more time near Spiaggia dei Cavalieri, often described as the Piscine di Budelli. This is where you can take another 3-hour break to swim in shallower, calmer-feeling water. Think of it as your chance to swap “look at the beach” for “float and relax on it.”

Lunch and drinks: plan for options, not freebies

The itinerary includes a lunch break during this part of the day, but the food and drink package is not included in the base price. You can expect a €30 per person brunch/lunch package with typical local items, water, soft drinks, and wine/beer. There’s also an alcohol option listed as €30 per person for wine and beer all day, with the standard note that under 18 won’t be served alcohol in Italy.

If you want the cleanest budgeting, treat lunch and drinks as a decide-before-you-board cost. If you’re picky about what you eat, it’s also smart to bring water and snacks you know you like—just in case you’re not in the mood for the included-style meal.

Possible drawback

This is the most photogenic stop, so it can feel busy in the general sense of everyone wanting the same view angles. The good news is you still get time to swim away from the photo moments.

Cala Santa Maria and the bear-rock return cruise (Capo d’Orso)

The final swim stop is Cala Santa Maria on the island of Santa Maria, with 2 hours at the bay. This is your “last chapter” beach: white sand, and water that changes tone as the light shifts. You get enough time to do the essentials—swim, relax, and reset before the boat heads back.

Then the ride turns scenic in a different way. On the way back to Palau, you pass by the islands of Maddalena and Santo Stefano and cruise under the famous Capo d’Orso—the bear-shaped rock formation that gives the area its nickname.

That last leg is where I’d pay attention, even if you’re tired. The return route gives you time to look around without the pressure of another swimming session. And since this is a private tour, the pace can feel calmer than bigger-group trips.

One timing note

Two hours at the last beach is shorter than the first two stops. If you know you’ll want longer in the water at the end of the day, you’ll want to use your first swim time wisely (and not burn all your energy at Stop 1).

Captain Enrico and a private setup that feels personal

One standout from days run with Captain Enrico is the hosting style. The biggest difference is not just navigation—it’s how the day feels. You get stories about the area and local context as you move between bays. That makes the time go faster and gives your photos more meaning than just postcard views.

And then there’s the practical side: Captain Enrico has handled group needs like arranging reservations at a good restaurant. That kind of gesture matters because it turns the boat day from a standalone activity into a smoother part of your overall vacation.

Why private matters here

This isn’t just a comfort upgrade. Private (for up to 9) changes the whole vibe:

• You can settle into a swim rhythm without waiting on a crowd.
• The captain can steer your day with your group’s pace in mind.
• You’re less likely to feel like you’re always sprinting to the next stop.

You also get WiFi on board, which pairs nicely with a private day—you can actually share what you’re seeing without everyone needing the same moment.

Possible drawback

A private tour is only as flexible as the weather. This experience is weather-dependent, and you’ll need good conditions for smooth sailing between anchorages.

Price, fuel, and the smart way to budget for a day like this

The price is listed as $1,681.02 per group (up to 9) for about 8 hours. That’s a big range in value depending on whether you fill the group.

Here’s how I think about the math in real life:

• If you split it among 6–9 people, the per-person cost can feel reasonable for a private boat day with multiple major stops.
• If it’s just 2 people, the total cost won’t feel small, because you’re effectively paying for the whole boat/crew setup.

Then comes the extras that can affect your final spend.

Fuel contribution: there’s a max €300–350 fuel contribution. Your final fuel amount could depend on conditions and how the day runs, but plan for it.

Skipper service: €200 per day is not included as listed.

Lunch/brunch: €30 per person if you want the package with typical food and drinks included (as described).

Wine/beer all day: also €30 per person as an option, with age rules in Italy (18+ for alcohol service).

My practical budgeting rule

Before booking, decide three things:

1. How many people are splitting the group price?
2. Do you want the €30 lunch package?
3. Do you want an alcohol package, or just keep it to water/soft drinks?

That’s enough to stop the “surprise math” feeling.

What you actually get on board (and what to bring yourself)

You get:

• WiFi on board
• Restroom on board
• Air-conditioned vehicle (before you board)

Those are comfort wins, especially in summer heat. WiFi is handy for navigation and sharing, but the restroom is the real quality-of-life item when you’re out for hours.

What’s not specifically listed:

• Swim gear details
• Towel service
• Equipment rental specifics

So I’d bring your own basics. If you use a snorkel mask you like, bring it. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the water with whatever you find at your comfort level. For most people, the biggest “don’t forget” is footwear for stepping around the boat and back into the sand.

Service and rules

• Service animals allowed
• Offered in English
• Most travelers can participate (no strict limitations listed)
• If you’re under the legal drinking age (18 in Italy), you won’t be served alcoholic beverages

Who this Porto Cervo–Maddalena boat tour fits best

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A private Sardinia boat day (up to 9)
• Three major stops with enough time to swim and relax
• Iconic scenery that’s easy to see and photograph, especially Spiaggia Rosa and Capo d’Orso
• A captain experience that mixes navigation with local stories and practical hospitality (Captain Enrico is the name to remember)

You might want to look elsewhere if

You want a tightly packed “activity every ten minutes” itinerary. This is a stay-and-enjoy style of tour, with long water blocks.

Should you book this boat tour?

If you’re going to Sardinia and you like the idea of turning your day into a sequence of beaches—Spargi first, Budelli’s color show second, then Santa Maria—this is a booking you’ll likely feel good about. The value improves fast if you can fill the group up to 9, and the private format makes the day feel calmer than big-group alternatives.

Book it if:

• You want a private up-to-9 experience
• You’re excited about real swim time and snorkeling/SUP-style water play
• You care about the route being guided by a host like Captain Enrico with local context

Think twice if:

• You’re not ready for add-on costs like fuel (€300–350 max) and optional €30 lunch/drinks
• Weather is a big question mark in your travel week (this experience needs good conditions)

If your plan is flexible and your group can share the cost, this is one of those Sardinia days that feels like it belongs on your camera roll and in your memory—not just in a schedule.

FAQ

How many people are on this private boat tour?

It’s private, with only your group participating, and the group size is up to 9 people.

How long is the boat tour?

The total duration is about 8 hours.

Where do you stop during the tour?

You visit Cala Granara (Spargi), Spiaggia Rosa and the Spiaggia dei Cavalieri / Piscine di Budelli area (Budelli), and Cala Santa Maria (Santa Maria). The boat then returns to Palau.

Is WiFi on board included?

Yes. WiFi on board is included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch/brunch is not included. A brunch/lunch with typical food is listed at €30 per person.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Alcohol (wine and beer all inclusive all day) is listed at €30 per person and is not included by default. Alcohol is not served to people under 18 in Italy.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather?

If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do you handle the money for fuel and skipper service?

Fuel contribution is not fully included and is listed as a max €300–350. Skipper service is listed at €200.00 per day and is not included.