Sardinia’s sea looks unreal from a sailboat. This day trip through the La Maddalena archipelago is built around clear, crystalline water and multiple swimming breaks on postcard-worthy coves. You’ll get a smooth rhythm of sail, stop, swim, snack, and sail again, with the focus firmly on Gallura’s famous coastal colors.

I especially like that this isn’t just a sit-and-look outing. You’re handed snorkeling equipment and time to use it, plus a paddle setup with oar and life jacket, so you can actually do something in the water. The pace also gives you space to take photos and just enjoy the sun without racing.

One thing to keep in mind: the itinerary depends on marine weather conditions, so which side of Caprera you reach and exactly where you swim can shift. If you’re the type who needs a perfectly scripted plan, you might find that slightly frustrating.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group up to 10 travelers for a more relaxed day on the water
• Caprera east side stops focused on beaches like Cala Coticcio (Thaity) and Cala Portese
• Multiple 1-hour swim windows rather than one long stretch offshore
• Snorkeling gear + paddle board with oar and life jacket included during stops
• Lunch and food/drinks are included, with spirits and alcohol generally excluded

A Small-Group Sail Day in La Maddalena’s Clear Waters

This is the kind of boat day that makes you understand why the archipelago is so famous. You’re not just touring islands—you’re spending most of your time in the water zone: sail a bit, stop, swim, snorkel, then move to the next spot. That matters, because the whole point here is the transparency and color of the sea in north Sardinia.

The boat is Scugnizza Smeralda, run by Scugnizza Sail Sardegna, and the trip keeps things intentionally tight with a maximum group size of 10. Smaller groups usually mean less crowd pressure at the water stops and more breathing room to enjoy the beaches when you arrive.

You’ll also like the simple structure of the day. Each stop is about an hour long, so you’re not stuck waiting forever. The rhythm helps you balance activity with downtime—especially if you want to alternate between snorkeling and just floating.

Price and What You Actually Get for $231.29

At $231.29 per person for an 8 to 9 hour outing, you’re paying for a few practical things at once. You’re covering boat time between islands, guided coordination of stops, and included gear and meals. The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for boat access, snorkeling rentals, and lunch.

Here’s what’s included:

• Food and drinks offered during the stops, plus bottled water
• Lunch
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle board with oar and life jacket

What’s not included:

• Spirits in general, plus wine, beer, prosecco, liqueurs

That last part is a big deal for planning. If you like to drink alcohol, budget for it separately. If you don’t, you’ll likely find the included menu feels fair and easy—especially on a full day where the boat is doing the moving and you’re doing the swimming.

Also, the price is easier to justify because the day is built around multiple beaches—Cala Coticcio, Cala Garibaldi, and Isola Giardinelli—rather than a single stop.

How the Boat Day Works From Cannigione (and Why It Helps)

You meet at Via Lungomare A. Doria, 13, 07021 Cannigione SS, Italy, and you return to the same meeting point. That round-trip simplicity matters. You’re not piecing together transfers from multiple spots; it’s one start and one end.

The tour also comes with a mobile ticket, which is the kind of detail that saves time and hassle. And confirmation is typically sent within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability, so it’s usually not a last-minute mystery.

Duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours, and the stops are designed around roughly hour-long windows. In real terms, that means you’ll get a day that feels full—without being so long that it burns everyone out. It’s a sweet spot for couples, friends, and solo travelers who want a real coastal experience but don’t want to commit to an all-day charter.

Caprera East Side: Cala Coticcio (Thaity) and Cala Portese

Your day centers on the La Maddalena archipelago, and Caprera is a key part of it. Depending on conditions at sea, you may visit the east side of Caprera and focus on beaches such as Cala Coticcio (also known as Thaity) and the sheltered area around Cala Portese, sometimes described as the beach of two seas.

This segment matters because it sets expectations. Instead of one big dramatic viewpoint, you’re moving among smaller, swim-friendly coves. That’s where the water quality becomes obvious. When the sea is calm enough, you’ll get the kind of entry where snorkeling gear actually pays off.

At Cala Coticcio itself, there’s a short stop to take pictures, admire the coast, and/or swim. The time here is about 1 hour, and you’ll use it for quick photos and a bath if conditions allow. Because this is a popular swimming beach, arriving during your scheduled window helps you avoid the feeling of standing around too long.

Then there’s the possibility of Cala Portese, known for being sheltered from the winds. Even if you don’t spend a full hour exactly there, the fact that the route aims for shelter is a smart planning move. It increases the chances you’ll get a comfortable swim rather than a churny, wind-driven scramble.

Cala Garibaldi Stop: Snorkel, Paddle, and Lunch On-Board

Cala Garibaldi is the stop where the activity ramps up. When marine conditions allow, you get about 1 hour to swim, take photos, and use the snorkel equipment. This is also where paddle time comes in—paddle board with oar and life jacket is included, which makes the stop feel like a true water playground rather than just a beach break.

This is also where lunch or refreshments come into the mix. That detail is practical: having food tied to the middle of the day keeps your energy up for the later stop on Isola Giardinelli. It also reduces the stress of figuring out what to eat in between swim sessions.

One advantage I really like about a lunch moment on the boat is that you don’t lose your rhythm. You’re not hunting for a café or waiting for buses. You’re staying in the same day flow: swim time, gear time, then food and a reset.

Small tip: use the first part of the stop for photos and entry, then save the snorkel/paddle time for when you can focus on your breathing and buoyancy. On a boat day, it’s easy to waste your best water time by rushing the first minute.

Isola Giardinelli: The Relax-Then-Snorkel Hour

Your final included island stop is Isola Giardinelli, again scheduled for about 1 hour when conditions allow. This is a classic “slow down” stop. Expect time for a pleasant swim, relaxing on the sun, and snorkeling if you want it.

Meals still come up here, with lunch earlier and cold drinks during this segment. That combination—cool drinks after time in the sun—feels like more than a perk. It’s what turns the last hour into a comfortable finish instead of a scramble to cool down.

If you’re the type who likes to photograph water but also likes to move around, this stop is ideal. You’ll have time to get a few good shots, then switch to a swim or snorkel without feeling like you’re “wasting” the stop. Because the segment is time-limited, you’ll also feel the gentle push to make the most of the hour.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and What You Should Bring

This trip is well stocked for a day at sea, but you still need to pack smart.

Included you can plan around:

• Bottled water
• Food and drinks offered during stops, plus lunch
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle board with oar and life jacket
• Admission tickets are listed as included for stops

Not included:

• Spirits and general alcohol like wine, beer, prosecco, and liqueurs

So I’d plan on either skipping alcohol or bringing funds to purchase it separately if you want it. The easiest approach is to treat this as a swim-and-sun day where the included water and meals cover you well.

Bring:

• Your swimsuit and a dry change of clothes for after
• Sun protection (you’re out for most of the day)
• A sense of humor about weather-dependent routing
• Any personal snorkel needs (even though equipment is provided)

Also, since this is a sailboat day, think about how you’ll handle boat-to-water transitions. Comfortable footwear for stepping around the dock area can help, even if you plan to go barefoot or in sandals once you’re settled.

Who This Sailboat Excursion Suits Best

This excursion is a strong fit if you want:

• A classic Sardinia sea day with multiple beach moments
• Real water time rather than long sightseeing gaps
• Snorkeling-friendly stops where you’re given the gear
• A smaller group day (10 max) that feels manageable

It’s especially good for couples and small friend groups who want a shared experience without feeling locked into a rigid tour script. Solo travelers can also enjoy it, because the stops are structured and the activity is easy to join at your own pace.

If you have a very tight schedule in Costa Smeralda / Gallura, this is also the kind of excursion that gives you big results in one day: Caprera, Cala Garibaldi, and Giardinelli, all aligned to swimming and sea enjoyment.

If you hate flexibility, though, be aware that the east-side route and which beaches you hit depend on marine conditions. You’ll still get a great day on the water, but it won’t be a single fixed checklist every time.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if your priority is time in the water and beaches that look—and feel—like the photos. The combination of included snorkeling gear, paddle board option, and a real lunch plan makes it a practical choice. Plus, the small group size up to 10 keeps the day comfortable.

You might skip it if you strongly prefer a strict, never-changing itinerary. Because the route adjusts to weather, the exact beach mix around Caprera can shift. If that kind of uncertainty bothers you, you’d need a backup mindset—or a different style of tour.

If you’re coming to Sardinia for the sea (not just the coastline), this is one of the better ways to spend a day: a focused sail around the La Maddalena archipelago with multiple swim stops and food that keeps you going.

FAQ

How long is the Daily Excursion by Sailboat Archipelago of La Maddalena?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You start at Via Lungomare A. Doria, 13, 07021 Cannigione SS, Italy, and you return to the same meeting point.

Which islands and stops are included?

The day can include Caprera east side beaches (such as Cala Coticcio and Cala Portese area), plus stops at Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio, Cala Garibaldi, and Isola Giardinelli, depending on marine weather conditions.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and food and drinks are offered during the stops.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.