Three islands, one long swim-and-sail day.

This La Maddalena Archipelago sailing trip from Palau is built for people who want real time in the bays, with stops that often include Spargi and Santa Maria, plus a crew that keeps the day running smoothly in English.

I love the small group size (max 12). It makes the whole day feel calmer, and you’re not fighting for space to move around. I also like the onboard lunch, with pasta-style cooking, fruit, and refreshments after a morning of beach-hopping.

The one consideration is weather. The route can shift due to conditions and crowding, and if the wind is stubborn, you might get less sail time on the way back.

Quick highlights from the day

• Max 12 travelers keeps the boat from feeling crowded
• Three-stop rhythm: two dinghy beach landings, one swim-from-the-boat stop
• Spargi and Santa Maria show up often, with other famous bays added when conditions allow
• Lunch on board after time near places like Isola Budelli
• Friendly skippers such as Dimitri, Fabio, Eduardo, Anzo, Enzo, and Edi/Eddie
• Snorkel masks available on board, plus calmer water time for exploring

Where You Meet in Palau (and Why the Timing Matters)

You start at Piazza del Molo, 4, 07020 Palau SS, Italy. The departure time is 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That “back where you started” part sounds small, but it matters. It makes the day easy to plug into your Sardinia plans, especially if you’re staying in Palau.

Also note the day is long enough to feel like a full outing: about 7 hours. So I’d plan your morning like you’re heading out for a mini-vacation, not a quick boat ride. Wear something you don’t mind getting sun-boosted and salt-kissed.

If you’re coming in by public transport, you’re in luck: the meeting point is listed as being near public transportation.

The Boat Day Setup: Small Group, Mobile Ticket, English Service

This sailing trip caps at 12 travelers. That limit is a big deal in practice. With fewer people, the crew can keep an eye on who’s comfortable on dinghies, who wants more swim time, and who just wants to sit in the sun without shoulder-to-shoulder stress.

You’ll also get an English-offered experience, and your booking includes a mobile ticket. That’s handy if you don’t want to print anything.

Onboard, the vibe is casual but organized. From the way the skippers are described by guests—names like Ramona (helpful with pre-trip info), and skippers such as Edi/Eddie and Enzo—you can expect staff to be friendly, practical, and ready to answer questions about the places you’re seeing.

How the Stops Work: Two Dinghy Landings and One Swim-From-Boat Moment

The route is usually built around three stops. Two of them include a descent to the beach via a service dinghy. The third stop tends to be a swim time directly from the boat.

That format is smart. Beach time is different than boat time. Walking a shoreline gives you better access to smaller coves, and it’s also where you’re most likely to find that quiet feeling people come to the Maddalenas for. Meanwhile, the “swim from the boat” stop often gives you a break from land logistics. You can just jump in when you’re ready, then climb back aboard when you’re done.

Stop 1: Maddalena Islands (often the Spargi zone)

Your first stop is designed for exploration. Depending on weather conditions and crowding, your skippers bring you to the beaches and corners of the archipelago that are working that day. Some of the commonly mentioned favorites are:

• Isola Spargi
• Cala Corsara
• Cala Soraia

The main advantage here is variety. These bays aren’t just scenic from a distance. They’re the kind of places where you’ll want to walk a bit, find a calmer pocket, and settle in for a while.

A possible drawback: since conditions and crowding can change, the exact order and which specific bay wins may shift. That’s normal in this area. I treat it like “choose-your-best-day” sailing, not a museum tour with a fixed script.

Stop 2: More Maddalenas time, often near Budelli

Your second stop keeps the pace moving, usually still with dinghy access to a beach. Isola Budelli and nearby areas like Cavaliere beach are part of the mix in many itineraries.

In real terms, this stop is often where you get the best “momentum.” After the first island and swim opportunities, you’re warmed up and ready to explore again without feeling rushed.

Stop 3: Swim stop from the boat (Santa Maria often appears here)

The final stop is typically the one built around swimming from the boat. Isola Santa Maria is a frequently mentioned highlight.

This is the part I’d look forward to if you want an easy entry into the water without worrying about stepping onto shore. It’s also a good time to take advantage of any snorkeling gear the crew makes available. One guest specifically noted that masks are on board, which is a simple way to see what’s under the surface without turning the day into a gear-management project.

Lunch and Refreshments: Eating Well While You’re Still on Island Time

A big part of the value here is that the day isn’t just “sit on a boat and look.” You’re fed. Guests describe a freshly cooked lunch, with pasta called out more than once, plus fruit and drinks to finish the day.

The lunch timing is often linked to the route, with many days including a lunch stop on the water near Isola Budelli. That matters because it changes lunch from a forced pause into a reward. You’re not eating on the run or rushing to a restaurant. You’re eating while the scenery is still in front of you.

If you’re the type who worries about boat food, take heart. Guests are very clear: the cooking is genuinely part of the appeal.

Dinghies, Getting Ashore, and How to Not Sweat the Small Stuff

Two stops include a descent to the beach by service dinghy. One review notes that a zodiac boat is used to reach the beaches. Translation: you’re not just viewing the coast—you’re actually getting into it.

So here’s the practical advice I’d give you:

• Wear swim shoes or sandals you trust on uneven steps if you have them.
• Be ready for a short transfer time where water might splash a bit.
• Bring a dry bag or at least keep your phone in a safe pocket.

Most people can participate. Service animals are allowed too, which helps if your travel party has specific needs.

If you’re traveling with people who get motion sickness, consider whether you’ll be more comfortable staying near the center of the boat and focusing on the horizon when you’re moving.

Sailing Expectations: Enjoy the Day Even If the Wind Changes Its Mind

This is a sailing trip, but it’s also a real ocean day. The wind doesn’t always cooperate the way you want.

One guest shared that headwind only allowed sails to be put up on the way back. That’s a useful expectation-set: you might not get full sail glory the entire time. But even without dramatic sail time, the day still works because your “must-haves” are anchored to islands, swim time, and beaches.

So I’d think of it this way: you’re booking access to the archipelago. Sailing performance is a bonus, not the foundation.

Value Check: What $120.94 Gets You (and Why It Can Be Worth It)

At about $120.94 per person for roughly 7 hours, the price can look steep if you compare it to a quick harbor cruise. But this isn’t just cruising.

You’re paying for:

• A full day on the water
• Small group touring (max 12)
• Dinghy transfers for beach access
• A multi-stop route that can include major island areas like Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria
• Lunch plus drinks/fruit cooked onboard
• Onboard extras like snorkel masks

And there’s another value angle: because this is a daily-style sailing outing (and often booked in advance), it’s a popular way to see the Maddalenas without building a complicated logistics chain on your own.

If you’re weighing options, I’d compare total time on the water and included food. If you’d otherwise need a rental boat or multiple transport pieces plus meals, the math tends to shift in favor of an organized sailing day.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This tour suits you best if you want:

• A relaxed, organized day with a crew that helps with the flow
• Beach time and swim time without switching plans every hour
• A lunch break that feels like part of the experience

It also works well for people who want a more personal feel thanks to the small group size. Names like Dimitri and Fabio show up as skippers, and people describe the crew as thoughtful and friendly, with a focus on making sure you’re comfortable.

Who might prefer something else? If you’re chasing nonstop snorkeling or a guaranteed sail-dominant experience every day, keep your expectations flexible. Weather and wind steer the day, and stops can be adjusted by conditions and crowding.

Booking Smart: When to Reserve and How Weather Plays In

On average, this sailing day is booked about 15 days in advance. If you’re traveling in a busy season window or on a weekend, I’d aim to book sooner rather than later.

You’re also dealing with a reality of sea travel: good weather is required. If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That gives you some safety, even if plans get moved.

And one more small planning tip: since the route can vary based on crowding, arriving with a flexible mindset helps. Your day is about the best available bays that match the conditions, not a rigid checklist.

Should You Book Petag Sailing in Sardinia?

Yes, you should book this if your ideal Sardinia day looks like a mix of beaches, swimming, and not having to coordinate anything beyond showing up. The small group size, the dinghy-supported beach access, and the fact that lunch is cooked onboard are the three strongest reasons.

I’d skip it (or at least keep your plans flexible) if you’re the kind of traveler who needs everything to be perfectly predictable, including sailing wind conditions, or if you dislike any day that might shift depending on weather and crowds.

FAQ

How long is the daily sailing trip in the La Maddalena Archipelago?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet in Palau?

The start time is 10:00 am. You meet at Piazza del Molo, 4, 07020 Palau SS, Italy, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

How many stops are included, and how do you reach the beaches?

The day generally includes three stops. Two stops include getting down to the beach via a service dinghy, and a third stop includes swimming from the boat.

Is lunch included on board?

Yes. Lunch and refreshments are provided onboard, and you’ll also have fruit.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Does the trip depend on weather, and what happens if it’s canceled?

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