La Maddalena Archipelago: Private Trip by Zodiac (RIB)

Clear water, wild coves, one fast boat.

This private La Maddalena Archipelago trip gives you a pleasant mix of speed, swimming, and free space. I like the small private group, capped at seven guests, and the four long stops that leave time for an actual swim instead of a quick photo and goodbye. The main catch is that fuel is not included, and a departure from Poltu Quatu brings an extra fuel charge.

The 7-meter Polaris Zodiac has a sunshade, cushioned seating, a freshwater shower, stereo, and a swim ladder. I also like that your skipper can shape the day around conditions and your interests. Christian, also named Cristian in the guest comments, earns particular praise for being friendly, helpful, and good at keeping the day light. You should still skip this trip if you are prone to seasickness or need wheelchair access.

Key points to know before you book

• Seven paying guests maximum: The boat holds up to eight people including the skipper, so this is a private outing for a small party.
• Four main stops: Plan for Cala Soraya, Piscine di Budelli, Cala Coticcio or Baia di Nelson, and the historic center of La Maddalena.
• Long swim time: The stop at Spargi lasts about 1.5 hours, while Piscine di Budelli gets about two hours.
• Three possible departure points: You can leave from La Maddalena, Palau, or Poltu Quatu, though Poltu Quatu adds a fuel surcharge.
• Boat comforts matter: A sunshade, cushions, ladder, freshwater shower, and stereo make a full day on the water easier.
• Weather can change the route: Caprera may be replaced by Baia di Nelson on Santo Stefano.

Why this private Zodiac trip works so well

The La Maddalena Archipelago is best understood from the water. Its islands sit off the northeast coast of Sardinia, with small coves, pale beaches, and water that shifts from clear green to bright blue. A fast RIB lets you cover more ground than a slow boat, while a private group means you are not tied to strangers or a fixed mood.

That private setup is the biggest reason to consider this outing. If your group wants to swim, you can use the longer stops for swimming and snorkeling. If someone wants photographs, you can enjoy the views without feeling rushed. The tour still follows a clear plan, but it has room for the skipper to respond to wind and sea conditions.

The boat is built for a long day outside. The sunshade gives you a break from Sardinia’s strong sun, and the cushions are more useful than they may sound after several hours on the water. A ladder makes getting back aboard easier, while the freshwater shower helps remove salt after swimming. Snorkeling equipment is available on request, so ask for it before departure rather than assuming it will be waiting on board.

The listed price is $649.31 for a private group of up to seven people. That is not a cheap individual ticket, but it can be fair for a full-day private boat. Split among seven people, the base price works out to roughly $93 per person, before any fuel charge. For a couple or a small family, the per-person cost rises quickly. The value is strongest when you want privacy and control, not simply the least expensive way to see the islands.

Starting from Palau, La Maddalena, or Poltu Quatu

Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with return around 5 p.m. The boat can leave from La Maddalena, Palau at Piazza del Molo, or Poltu Quatu. Confirm the exact meeting point when you book, especially if you are staying in the wider Costa Smeralda area.

Palau is a practical starting point for many visitors. La Maddalena is useful if you are already staying on the island or want your boat day to begin and end there. Poltu Quatu gives you another option, but it comes with a fuel surcharge paid before boarding. That extra cost is important to factor into your total.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the selected port yourself. The early start and fixed return time make it easy to plan a full day, but you should allow enough time to find the pier and arrive ready to board.

A private group of seven guests is the sweet spot. The boat holds eight people with the skipper included, so seven is the maximum number of guests. A larger group should not expect to squeeze aboard, and a smaller group should weigh the privacy against the higher individual cost.

Spargi and Cala Soraya, your first proper swim

The first main stop is Cala Soraya Beach on Spargi Island, with about 1.5 hours for photographs, swimming, and snorkeling. This is where the day begins to feel less like a boat transfer and more like a beach outing.

Spargi is one of the archipelago’s classic stops, and the long pause gives you time to enjoy the water instead of standing on deck with a camera. You can settle into a swim, use snorkeling gear, or simply stay near the beach and take in the view.

I would bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up for the ride. The boat has shade, but you will still spend much of the day exposed to sun and reflected glare from the water. Flip-flops or other beach footwear are also listed as useful items.

The main limitation is that this is a sea-and-beach day, not a land tour. You should not expect a guided walk around Spargi or a long explanation of the island. The skipper’s role is to get you to the best stops, keep the ride safe, and help you make the most of the water.

Pink Beach and Budelli’s protected waters

The route includes a short scenic stop by Pink Beach on Budelli, lasting about 20 minutes. This is mainly a photo stop, with views along the way rather than a chance to walk across the beach.

Pink Beach is famous for its delicate color, but it is also a protected area. The short pause is therefore a useful reminder that some of the archipelago’s most prized places are viewed from the water, not treated as ordinary swimming beaches. Follow the skipper’s instructions and do not expect to step ashore here.

After the photo stop, the boat continues to the Piscine di Budelli, also called the Natural Swimming Pool at Porto Madonna. This is one of the day’s longest breaks, with about two hours for photos and snorkeling.

That timing is a real advantage. Two hours gives you space to swim without watching the clock every few minutes. It also makes the tour more comfortable for a mixed group. One person can snorkel, another can enjoy the scenery, and someone else can remain on the boat under the sunshade.

The water is the main event here. Bring your own snorkeling gear or request equipment in advance. A camera is worth packing, but protect it carefully around the boat and water. The supplied information does not promise waterproof storage, so use a secure case if you plan to photograph while swimming.

Caprera or Santo Stefano, depending on the weather

The planned stop at Cala Coticcio on Caprera lasts about one hour and includes time for photographs and snorkeling. Caprera adds a different setting to the day, and the shorter stop gives you another chance to get into the water after Budelli.

Cala Coticcio is sometimes described as a small cove with a beach-like feel, but the key point here is how conditions affect access. The route is not rigid. If weather makes Caprera unsuitable, the skipper replaces it with Baia di Nelson on Santo Stefano.

That change is practical, not a disappointment. Boat trips depend on wind, waves, and safe access. A skipper with local experience should put a comfortable route ahead of ticking off one exact cove. You may want to ask about the day’s planned route before leaving, but be prepared for the final choice to follow the weather.

The boat’s speed helps here. A fast RIB can move between islands efficiently, leaving more of the day for stops. The tradeoff is that a RIB can feel lively on choppy water. This outing is not a good choice for anyone prone to motion sickness or seasickness. If that sounds like you, a slower and more sheltered boat may be a better fit.

La Maddalena town adds a change of pace

The last stop is the historic center of La Maddalena, with about one hour for a visit, walk, photographs, and shopping. This is a welcome change after several hours of swimming and open water.

You can use the hour to stretch your legs, look around the town, or pick up a small item before returning to the boat. The stop is not presented as a full historical tour, so keep expectations modest. It is a short town visit within a boat day, not a dedicated city walk.

Still, this final hour improves the rhythm of the excursion. A full day of coves can begin to feel repetitive, even when the water is beautiful. La Maddalena gives you a little street life and a chance to dry off before the ride back.

The return drop-off points are the same general choices as departure: Piazza del Molo, La Maddalena, or Poltu Quatu. Check your selected port carefully, since the island and mainland locations are not interchangeable.

What the skipper adds to the day

The local skipper is central to the experience. The company cites more than 30 years in the maritime sector, and the two guest comments place special emphasis on Christian or Cristian. He is praised for being friendly, helpful, and able to keep the day relaxed and fun.

That matters on a private tour. A skipper who only drives the boat can make the outing feel mechanical. A warm, attentive skipper can help you understand where you are, point out good places to swim, and make route changes feel easy rather than confusing.

The guiding language is Italian and English. If you have a particular interest in snorkeling, swimming, photographs, or spending extra time in town, say so early. The tour is described as customizable, but the listed schedule still includes set stops and a fixed return. Customizable does not mean every stop can be removed or extended without limits.

What to pack for a full day on the sea

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Swimsuit and beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Flip-flops
• Camera
• Snorkeling gear, unless you request equipment
• Any personal item you need for a full day outdoors

The boat has a freshwater shower, but that does not replace a towel or dry clothing. A small bag is easier to manage on a compact RIB than a large suitcase.

Fishing is not allowed, and neither are fires, fireworks, explosive substances, or littering. Unaccompanied minors are not accepted. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and non-folding or electric wheelchairs cannot be brought aboard.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sardinia plans are still shifting.

Who should book this boat day

I would recommend this trip to a group that wants the archipelago’s best water stops without sharing a crowded boat. It works especially well for friends, couples traveling together, and families with older children who enjoy swimming and can handle a full day in the sun.

It is also a good choice if you value a friendly skipper and a flexible response to weather. The praised guide, Christian or Cristian, seems to be one of the experience’s strongest human elements.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a detailed historical tour, long walks ashore, or a low-cost boat ride. The focus is coves, water, scenery, and time outside. I would also avoid it if you get seasick, dislike fast boat rides, or need accessible boarding.

Should you book the La Maddalena Zodiac trip?

Book it if you can fill most of the seven guest places and want a private day built around swimming, snorkeling, and clear-water coves. The long stops at Spargi and Budelli give you genuine time in the places you came to see, while the town visit adds a useful break from the sea.

Before paying, confirm your departure port and the fuel cost, especially if you choose Poltu Quatu. Request snorkeling equipment in advance, bring strong sun protection, and accept that weather may replace Caprera with Santo Stefano.

For a full group, the price can make good sense. For one or two people, compare it with shared boat options. If privacy, a fast RIB, and a skipper who keeps the day easy are worth paying for, this is a strong way to see the La Maddalena Archipelago.

FAQ

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The 7-meter Polaris Zodiac accommodates up to eight people including the skipper. The maximum guest group is seven people.

Where can the tour depart from?

The tour can depart from La Maddalena, Palau at Piazza del Molo, or Poltu Quatu. A fuel surcharge applies when departing from Poltu Quatu.

What time does the trip leave and return?

Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., and return is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Cala Soraya Beach on Spargi, Pink Beach on Budelli for a photo stop, Piscine di Budelli, Cala Coticcio on Caprera or Baia di Nelson on Santo Stefano depending on weather, and the historic center of La Maddalena.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available on request. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, or people with motion sickness.