A day on the water in Sardinia can feel too short. This one gives you real time in the sea, plus expert commentary as you cruise the La Maddalena Archipelago, with stops near Caprera, Budelli, Spargi, and the famous pink sand look of Spiaggia Rosa from the boat. The tour is built around easygoing fun, and I especially like that the itinerary mixes cruising with multiple swim options rather than just sightseeing from one spot. One thing to think about up front: you are on a boat all day, so you’ll want to plan around sun, getting wet, and wearing the right swim gear.

What I like most is the pacing. You get a short swim stop at Cala Serena (Caprera), then more open-water time toward Budelli, and then longer stretches where you can choose how you want to spend your time. I also like the way the smaller Apollo II setup keeps things relaxed. It has a covered deck with seating, an upper sun deck, and enough space that you do not feel packed in like you do on bigger boats.

The main drawback is logistics for your day, not the experience. You pay a small landing fee in cash on board, food and drinks are not included, and parking at Palau can be tricky when the area is busy. If you show up underprepared, the day can turn into a scramble instead of a chill boat day.

Key highlights to look for

• Apollo II day-boat setup: covered deck, sun deck, bar and kitchen service, plus two bathrooms
• Swim-focused stops: Cala Serena (Caprera), Cavaliere beach area, and Cala Connari (Spargi)
• Choice at the water: stay on board, snorkel near the boat, or go in an inflatable dinghy transfer with the crew
• Crew help in plain English and Italian: guidance on where you’re going and what to expect at each stop
• Good value for an island day: multiple water experiences in one 8-hour outing for about $81 per person

From Palau to Apollo II: your day starts in the right place

This boat tour leaves from Palau on Sardinia’s northeastern coast. The meeting point is the quay called medaglie d’oro, and the vessel is Apollo II. You will recognize the crew by their black trousers and a grey shirt with a black jacket.

The boat itself matters for comfort. Apollo II is a refurbished 1956 vintage motorship, about 18 meters long with 4.5 meters of width, and it has two bathrooms. There’s a covered deck with seating if the sun gets intense, and an upper deck sun area if you want to ride high and soak in the views.

One practical tip: if you are driving, leave extra time. A review note that parking can be hard to find and the area can be busy. That sounds small until you’re standing in the sun five minutes before departure.

Caprera and Cala Serena: the first swim stop hits early

You depart Palau at 10:15 a.m. and spend about 30 minutes on panoramic navigation between Santo Stefano and Capo d’Orso. On that stretch, you pass landmarks like the Fort of San Giorgio, the Villa Marina Tower, the former American NATO Military Base, and the Caprera Sailing Center. It is a good warm-up. You start seeing the archipelago character without rushing straight into water time.

Then comes the first real break. You’ll have about a 30-minute swim stop at Cala Serena on Caprera. This stop works well for two reasons. First, it is early enough that you still feel fresh for the day. Second, it helps you get comfortable with how the day moves, since later stops give you more choice on where you go and whether you stay on board.

If you like snorkeling, this is also a good window to set your rhythm. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but the crew is known to help with gear like goggles. That means you might not have to bring everything, though packing your own is still smart if you have it.

Cruising toward Budelli, then Cavaliere beach time for real beach energy

After the Cala Serena stop, the route continues with about 40 minutes sailing to the island of Budelli. This is when you feel the day open up. You move away from the first cove, and you get that longer “we are really in the islands” feeling.

Budelli is tied to some of the archipelago’s most famous scenery, including the famous pink-sand look of Spiaggia Rosa. In this tour, you admire it from the boat rather than landing.

Then you hit a longer stretch at the Cavaliere beach area. The itinerary includes an offshore stop lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here you get options, which is a big part of why this tour feels good in practice:

• You can stay on board while time is happening off the beach.
• You can snorkel near the boat.
• If you want to go ashore, you can reach the beach by inflatable dinghy transfer with the crew.

That choice is not just convenient, it is how you control your energy. You can do an easy, minimal-effort swim day or turn it into a full beach moment with wet feet and sand time. Either way, you’re still in the “in the water” portion of the day, not just watching from above.

One more detail that can affect where you go: a review mentioned that this boat can cross a bridge with limited height, meaning bigger boats might not be able to reach certain areas. That gives you a small advantage on an island day, because not every boat can access the same approach points.

Spargi and Cala Connari: the longer stop that usually wins

After sailing toward Spargi, you stop at Cala Connari for 2 hours. This is one of the best time blocks because two hours is enough to do a proper swim, snorkel, and still have time to relax.

You again have choices:

• Stay on board and enjoy the amenities.
• Snorkel near the boat.
• Reach the beach by swimming.

That last option sounds simple, but it changes the whole feel. Swimming in from a boat can feel more adventurous and more “you are actually there,” especially in a place where the water looks as clean as this area is known for. If you want a more relaxed day, you can always keep it easy and stay near the boat while the crew manages the flow.

This stop is also where you can shift from “activity mode” to “cool down.” After earlier swim time and island hopping, Cala Connari gives you enough room to breathe. Two hours can feel like a lot in a good way.

And then the day winds down. The return to Palau is at approximately 5:30 p.m.

What the crew does well, and why it changes the day

The crew is a standout part of this outing. You get expert information while sailing, with guidance on places you’ll see and what to expect at each stop. That kind of commentary is more than fun facts. It helps you understand what you’re looking at, so the day turns into more than just pretty water.

Language coverage is Italian and English. That means you’re not stuck guessing what to do at each stop. It also makes the whole day easier if you are traveling solo. Reviews note that the crew is welcoming, friendly, and helpful, and some solo visitors described making quick connections on board because the vibe is easy.

Also, because the boat has a bar and kitchen service, you have an easy route to keep your energy up. Food and drinks are not included in the price, but you can buy on board items like pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, hot-dogs, maxi-toasts, and snacks. Some reviews also mention coffee, which is the kind of practical detail that matters when you’re in full sun and you want something warm or at least familiar.

Price and value: how $81 really plays out

At about $81 per person, you’re buying an 8-hour boat day that mixes navigation, island scenery, and multiple water stops with optional dinghy transfers. Compared to options that focus on one swim location, this itinerary gives you more chances to find your perfect spot.

The value math looks like this:

• You are paying for a full day out on the water, not just an hour on a boat.
• The stops include both time on land and time off the boat depending on the beach and conditions.
• The dinghy transfer for island access is included.

Two costs to keep in mind. First, there is a landing fee of €5 paid in cash on board at embarkation. Second, food and drinks are not included. However, you can purchase meals and snacks on board, which means you can travel light. One review note says you do not need to pack everything because the boat offers food and drinks and coffee, though you should still expect some extra spending if you want meals.

If you hate paying for extras, you might feel the add-ons. If you like having control over what you eat and when, the setup is actually pretty practical.

What to bring so you do not spend the day annoyed

Bring the basics listed for the tour:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Then add a few smart extras based on real-world experience. One review mentioned that bags are left under the benches on the floor, and the boat can get wet from everyone jumping in. A waterproof bag or a dry bag makes a big difference. You do not want your phone or camera getting saltwater treatment.

Also, plan for transitions. You’ll be moving between boat and water, so keep your towel handy and try not to store everything in one hard-to-reach place. Simple stuff, but it prevents the end-of-day frustration that happens when you can’t find what you need right when you need it.

Logistics that matter in Palau: where people lose time

Even when a tour is smooth, the start can be stressful in busy ports. The meeting point is quay medaglie d’oro, and the boat is Apollo II. The crew wears black trousers and a grey shirt with a black jacket. If you show up without checking that, you can waste time walking around.

Parking can be difficult and the area can be busy. Give yourself extra time to avoid that last-minute rush where you’re late, hot, and already tired.

Finally, note the small rules that affect your day. Pets are not allowed. And it is not suitable for babies under 1 year. If you are traveling with very young kids, check what you need for a full 8-hour boat day.

Who this tour suits best, and who may want another option

This is a strong match if you want a classic Sardinia boat day:

• You want swim time as a core feature, not just a photo stop.
• You like flexibility at beaches, especially the option to stay on board or go ashore by inflatable dinghy or swimming.
• You enjoy going at a comfortable pace with a helpful crew.

It also suits solo travelers well, mainly because the boat vibe tends to be social without being chaotic, and the crew is described as welcoming.

If you dislike sun and salt water, or if you are not comfortable getting wet and moving between boat and sea, this might be less fun. You can still enjoy the navigation and views, but the center of gravity is clearly the water.

Should you book the La Maddalena Archipelago boat tour from Palau?

I’d book it if your ideal day includes multiple swim stops, a comfortable boat, and a crew that actually helps you enjoy the water. The biggest reason is how the time is structured. Instead of one short splash, you get a swim start at Cala Serena (Caprera), then Cavaliere beach area with choices, and then a generous 2-hour stop at Cala Connari (Spargi). That mix fits both “I want to swim a lot” and “I want to relax between swims.”

Book it with a couple expectations in place. You will likely spend a bit on food and drinks since they are not included, you will pay a €5 landing fee in cash, and you’ll want a waterproof solution for your bag. If you can handle those, you are set for a memorable day in one of Sardinia’s most scenic island settings, with plenty of time to enjoy the sea rather than just admire it from above.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour from Palau?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

Where do I meet the crew for the Apollo II boat?

Meet at the quay medaglie d’oro. The motor vessel is Apollo II, and you can recognize the crew by wearing black trousers and a grey shirt with a black jacket.

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll have a panoramic cruise, a swim stop at Cala Serena (Caprera), a stop at the Cavaliere beach area, and a swim stop at Cala Connari. You also sail through the area and can admire Spiaggia Rosa from the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Do I need to pay an extra landing fee?

Yes. There is a landing fee of €5 that you pay in cash on board at the time of embarkation.

Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy items on board, including pasta dishes, salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, snacks, and more.

Is the dinghy service included for transfers to the islands?

Yes. Dinghy service for transfers to the islands is included.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No, pets are not allowed. The tour is also not suitable for babies under 1 year.