Turquoise water is the main event. I love the dockside swim stops with walkways straight onto the beaches, and the onboard lunch that keeps the day easy. Add the protected La Maddalena National Park scenery and you get an all-in-one way to see the islands without renting anything.

One thing to plan around: this is a popular route, so the boat can feel crowded, and your time in La Maddalena town is tight once everyone goes ashore.

Key highlights you should care about

• 1.5-hour beach swim slots with access via walkways from the docks
• Lunch cooked onboard with either pennette ai frutti di mare or pasta in bianco with oil and parmesan
• Pink Beach viewing from the water, plus history tied to the park and the Red Desert film
• A historic-center stop in La Maddalena (about 1 hour), enough for a quick stroll and coffee
• Cash landing fee at check-in that you must pay before boarding

What this La Maddalena boat tour is really good for

This full-day boat trip from Santa Teresa Gallura is built for one simple goal: see the La Maddalena Archipelago fast, relax hard, and get multiple swims without thinking about logistics. You’re not driving, parking, or mapping tiny roads. You show up at the port, board a motorboat, and let the route do the work.

The setting is the payoff. The islands and coves are part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, covering about 20,000 hectares, and the whole area is protected for a reason: the water quality and the shorelines are fragile. Even if you do not know the park details, you feel it when you’re surrounded by clear water and protected bays that look the same way in person as they do in photos.

I also like that the tour is structured around practical beach access. The stops are on beaches reached from the boat via front walkways, so you’re not stuck with a long zodiac transfer or a steep scramble. That matters because it keeps the “swim time” feeling like real swim time, not constant getting on and off boats.

One more point for value: lunch is cooked onboard as part of the ticket. You do not have to gamble on finding a café at the right moment, especially since the day is timed around beach access and boarding.

The 8 hours, at the pace you’ll actually feel

This tour runs for about 8 hours. You meet at the port in Santa Teresa Gallura, with check-in at 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM, and the return is around 5:00 PM. Plan to arrive 60 minutes early so you’re not stressing at the busiest moment.

Here’s the rhythm: you start with a beach swim stop, then lunch onboard, then another swim stop, and in between you get around an hour in the historic center of La Maddalena. The schedule is tight by design, because the islands are spread out and the boat needs enough time to reach each docked beach stop.

A useful way to think about it: if you want a slow day with long wandering time, this is not that kind of tour. If you want a high-return day where you trade shopping for multiple swims and viewpoints, it fits.

Also, the onboard audio service is multilingual (Italian, English, French). The tour includes a live guide, but recorded audio is used as well, so you should expect audio clarity to depend on boat noise and where you’re sitting. The views tend to do most of the talking anyway.

Santa Maria swim stop: why it feels easy from the dock

One of the beach stops is at Santa Maria, and the boat can dock using walkways connected to the pier. The swim stop is about 1.5 hours. For you, that’s long enough to swim, rinse off, and decide whether you want shade under your towel or just ride the sun.

The big advantage here is convenience. Because the beaches are reachable directly from the docking area, the stop is less chaotic than tours that rely on everyone changing locations or climbing down to the water. You can go from boat to beach quickly, which means your first swim feels like a true start to the day.

There are limits, too. Umbrellas and towels are not included, so if you want shade, bring your own or plan on using a towel for sitting. Also, jumping into the water from the boat is not permitted, so follow staff instructions about entry and safety. The tour is set up for you to use the walkways and designated access.

Expect water that looks unreal. That crystal clarity is exactly why this park is protected, and why it attracts crowds. Which brings us to the real-world side of enjoying Santa Maria.

Crowds are part of the deal

This archipelago route is popular, and even with good organization, the beaches can look busy. The boat experience is smooth, but your beach neighbors are part of the scenery. The best strategy is mental: treat each swim stop as a reset, not your private beach fantasy. If you arrive ready to share space and enjoy the water itself, you’ll have a better day.

Spargi swim stop: the highlight for many people

The afternoon swim stop is Spargi, and it’s also about 1.5 hours. Spargi is often a favorite because the water tends to look especially bright, and the bay setting feels like a postcard. If you’re shopping for one stop to savor longer, this is usually where you feel the strongest “Sardinia in photos” effect.

Same practical setup: you’ll dock, access the beach via walkways, and have time to swim and relax. Same restrictions: no jumping from the boat, no diving. And again, no umbrella or towel provided.

What I’d do with your time here:

• Swim early, before you feel sticky from sunscreen.
• Take a slow walk along the shoreline if there’s space to do it. Even at crowded beaches, you’ll find quieter pockets.
• Use the 1.5 hours as two mini-sessions: swim, then lounge.

The tour also includes a lunch break onboard between beach stops. That keeps your energy steady for the second swim slot, which is key, because Sardinian sun adds up quickly.

La Maddalena town stop: make it count with an hour

After the first beach and lunch, you’ll get about 1 hour in the historic center of La Maddalena. This is a nice contrast to the water stops. You trade sand for stone streets, small squares, and that easy island feeling.

But here’s the consideration: it is not enough time for a deep explore. You can do a short stroll, pop into a café, and maybe glance at a few streets for photos. Plan to keep your expectations realistic, especially in summer heat.

A good approach is to decide in advance what you want from town time:

• If you want espresso and a quick look around, you’re set.
• If you want shopping time or museum time, you’ll feel rushed.

Also, note the crowds. Because Spargi and Santa Maria are boat-accessible highlights, lots of passengers are doing the same rhythm. When you arrive in town, you’ll join that wave. Still, an hour is long enough to breathe the air, have a coffee, and then head back to your boat time.

Pink Beach views and the park story you can actually use

The tour includes a close-up look at Pink Beach. The beach is closed since 1992, so you are not going to land there and walk on it. Instead, you’ll see it from the water, which is still valuable, because it helps you understand why the place became a symbol.

Pink Beach is tied to the broader identity of the archipelago and to culture, too. It’s mentioned as one of the park’s symbols, with a legend celebrated and immortalized in director Michelangelo Antonioni’s film Red Desert.

Why this matters to you on the trip: knowing the beach is closed changes how you interpret the boat view. You’re not missing an experience, you’re seeing a protected natural site from the perspective the park allows. It’s also a good reminder that this area is not just scenery for selfies. It’s an environment under rules.

Lunch onboard: simple food that keeps the day moving

Lunch onboard is included, and it’s cooked on the boat. The tour offers one of two options:

• pennette ai frutti di mare, or
• pasta in bianco with oil and parmesan

It’s described as first course, and that matches the style: it’s meant to refuel you, not turn lunch into an all-day meal. In practice, this kind of onboard lunch works because you don’t lose time going ashore to find food, and you can eat without interrupting the swim rhythm.

A practical tip: if you’re the type who gets hungry later, bring a small snack. Drinks are not included, and you might want something extra for the long day. The onboard bar typically sells drinks, and having cash ready helps.

Also, the lunch is not a fancy slow-food experience. Think of it as functional, island-style pasta that keeps you comfortable for the next swim stop.

Price and value, plus the cash landing fee you must plan for

The tour price is $65 per person for the roundtrip ticket. On top of that, you must budget for a separate landing fee required by the Municipality of La Maddalena, paid only in cash at check-in.

The landing fee depends on the month:

• €5 per person in June, July, and August
• €2.50 per person in May, September, and October

So your real per-person cost becomes your ticket price plus that cash amount. The good news is that the fee is small relative to the overall day, and the fact that lunch and the roundtrip ticket are included helps you control costs.

What you get for your money:

• Roundtrip transport by motorboat
• Passenger liability insurance
• Multilingual audio service (Italian, English, French)
• Lunch onboard (first course)
• Restrooms on the boat

What’s not included:

• Drinks
• Beach umbrella and towels

My take on value: the price is fair for an 8-hour day that combines transportation, two dockside swim stops, a town stop, and an included lunch. If you were to recreate this independently, you’d pay for boat access or multiple ferries plus the time headache. This tour packages the hard parts for you.

Two more logistics notes that protect your budget and mood:

• You cannot skip the line at check-in, even if you booked online. Everyone has a reservation.
• If you’re traveling as friends or multiple families, don’t split into separate bookings, since you may not be guaranteed to board the same boat.

Getting a good day: seats, crowds, and sea conditions

The overall organization is a strong point. The boat usually runs on time, and the crew handles the docking process smoothly.

Still, plan for the reality of a group day:

• The boat can be busy. In some cases, people have had seat issues for part of the ride, even when the crew runs a structured schedule.
• Some departures may feel less punctual at the first stop on certain days. It’s not universal, but it can happen.

My advice is simple: arrive early so you can settle in, and keep your expectations flexible. If the sea is a bit rough, the boat ride can feel more intense. When weather is working against you, the best mindset is to treat the day as a “take what the day gives” experience.

What to pack and the rules that affect your swim time

Bring the essentials that match the beach setup:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Cash

Cash is not optional. You need it for the disembarkation landing fee at check-in, and it can be useful for onboard drinks since drinks are not included.

Rules to know before you hit the beach:

• Pets: small pets are allowed on board, except in August. Pets are not allowed on the beach under any circumstances.
• All stops are on beaches accessible from the boat’s walkways on the docks.
• Jumping in from the boat is not permitted, so use the access points staff provides.

Also, restrooms are on board, which is a big quality-of-life detail on a full-day trip.

For parking, you can park about 200 meters from the boats. Payment is described as coins or credit card, or via the Easy Park app, since the parking meter does not accept banknotes.

Who should book this tour, and who might want another plan

This is a great fit if you want:

• Multiple swim stops in one day without planning
• A comfortable, guided route through the national park islands
• Lunch included so you do not have to hunt for food
• A structured overview of La Maddalena Archipelago highlights, including Pink Beach views

It might not be your best match if you:

• Want long time in La Maddalena town
• Prefer quieter, uncrowded beaches
• Need a high amount of beach privacy (the route draws lots of visitors)

For families, it can work because the stops are designed around direct beach access and there’s a clear rhythm to the day. For couples, it’s an easy way to get the “Sardinia postcard” water while still seeing at least a taste of island town life.

Should you book the Santa Teresa Gallura to La Maddalena full-day boat tour?

If you want a no-stress day built around two dockside beach swim stops, plus an included onboard lunch, I’d book it. The price makes sense when you consider that transport and lunch are rolled in, and the day is paced for maximum time in the water.

Book it with clear expectations: it’s a popular route, town time is brief, and you will share beaches. If that sounds okay, you’ll probably come home with the kind of photos that match the reality, not just the marketing.

If you hate crowds and crave slow wandering, you might prefer a different plan that gives you more independent control. But for most people visiting the area for a limited time, this boat tour is one of the most efficient ways to see the La Maddalena Archipelago.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Where do I meet, and when should I arrive?

Check-in is at the port in Santa Teresa Gallura near the Coast Guard office and Cafe La Marina bar. The meeting point is 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM, and you should arrive about 60 minutes before the activity starts.

Is the landing fee included in the price?

No. There is a landing fee required by the Municipality of La Maddalena that is paid only in cash at check-in. It is €5 per person in June, July, and August, and €2.50 in May, September, and October.

What lunch is included onboard?

Lunch includes a first course cooked on board: either pennette ai frutti di mare or pasta in bianco with oil and parmesan cheese.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Can I skip the line if I booked online?

No. If you booked online, you cannot skip the line during check-in. Everyone has a reservation like you.

How long do the beach swim stops last?

The swimming stops are about 1.5 hours each.

Are pets allowed?

Small pets are allowed on board, except in August. Pets are not allowed on the beach under any circumstances.