The 4 stops on a La Maddalena boat tour (and what’s at each)
Stop 1 · Spargi — Cala Corsara
Most tours open at Spargi, an uninhabited granite island on the western edge of the park. Cala Corsara is the postcard bay: pale sand, water that shades from jade to deep blue, and wind-sculpted rocks (look for the “witch’s face”). It’s sheltered in most conditions, which is why skippers like it for the first, longest swim of the day.
Stop 2 · The Budelli–Razzoli–Santa Maria lagoon
The highlight of the archipelago: a shallow channel between three islands where the sea turns an almost tropical turquoise. Locals call the sheltered middle Porto della Madonna — a natural “swimming pool” barely chest-deep over white sand. Boats raft up and you swim straight off the back. On a calm day it’s the swim everyone remembers.
Stop 3 · Budelli’s Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa)
Budelli’s Spiaggia Rosa gets its blush from crushed coral and the pink shells of a tiny marine organism. It’s been strictly protected since the 1990s, so no boat lands and no one walks on it — tours slow or pause offshore so you can see it and take photos. Manage expectations: the pink is subtle, and you’re viewing from the water.
The Pink Beach is a look-don’t-touch stop. Anyone promising you a walk on the pink sand is misleading you — landing has been banned for decades to let the colour recover. The lagoon swim nearby more than makes up for it.
Stop 4 · Santa Maria or Caprera
The last stop depends on your boat and the wind. Many finish at Santa Maria (long, shallow, family-friendly beaches) or swing back toward Caprera — the greenest island, home to Garibaldi’s house and the cult cove of Cala Coticcio, nicknamed “Tahiti.” Some tours add a slow pass of Santo Stefano on the way home to Palau.
Do all tours stop at the same islands?
Roughly, yes — the big motor boats and the catamarans cover the same core islands, because that’s where the best water is. What changes is the order, how long you linger, and how crowded each bay is when you arrive. Smaller boats can tuck into coves the big ones skip; the big boats reach the far lagoon faster. See sailing vs catamaran and the route map for the full picture.
What to bring for the swim stops
- Water shoes — some entries are over rock or pebble.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat; there’s little shade on deck.
- A towel and a dry bag for phones and cameras.
- Cash for the park access fee and any drinks.
- Snorkel gear if you have it — the granite drop-offs are full of fish.
Book a La Maddalena boat tour
The simplest way to see the archipelago is a guided boat tour — the skipper handles the route and the swim stops while you just bring a towel, with free cancellation on most tours.
See the tours by what they stop at
Want lunch and shade between swims, or just the cheapest way to hit all four? Compare them on the all-tours page, or check what each costs.
Most bookedFrom Palau: La Maddalena Boat Tour, 4 Islands in One Day
Catamaran · lunchFrom Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour w/ Lunch
Budget pickFrom Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat
Frequently asked questions
What are the 4 stops on a La Maddalena boat tour?
Most full-day tours stop at Spargi (Cala Corsara), the Budelli–Razzoli–Santa Maria lagoon, a viewing pause off Budelli’s Pink Beach, and Santa Maria or Caprera. The exact line-up shifts with the wind, but the islands are the same.
Can you walk on the Pink Beach at Budelli?
No. Spiaggia Rosa has been protected since the 1990s and landing is banned to preserve the pink sand. Boats pause offshore so you can see and photograph it, but no one walks on it.
How long do you stop at each island?
Typically 30 to 45 minutes per swim stop on a full-day tour, with the longest pause usually at the Spargi or the turquoise lagoon. Catamaran and sailing tours often linger a little longer.
Is the water calm enough to swim?
Usually, yes — skippers choose sheltered bays based on the day’s wind, which is why the exact stops vary. The lagoon between Budelli and Santa Maria is famously shallow and calm.