Sailing vs catamaran vs motor boat: which La Maddalena tour to pick
The big motor boat (gozzo / motonave)
These are the workhorses of the archipelago: large, stable vessels carrying anywhere from a few dozen to 100-plus passengers. They’re the cheapest way to see all four stops and the fastest to reach the far lagoon, with a sun deck and usually a bar or optional lunch on board. The trade-off is the crowd and the lack of shade — on a busy August day you share the boat, and the swim stops, with a lot of people.
What works
- Cheapest tickets (from $57)
- Fast to the islands; all four stops in a day
- Sun deck, bar, often optional lunch
- Frequent departures from Palau
Worth knowing
- Large groups, busier swim stops
- Little shade on board
- Less flexible on where it can anchor
The catamaran
A catamaran is the comfort upgrade: two hulls mean a stable, almost flat ride, plenty of deck space, shade under the bimini, nets to lounge on and a low swim platform off the back. Groups are small (often around a dozen), and a Sardinian lunch, aperitif and drinks are usually included. It costs more — from roughly $147–$185 — but it’s the easy choice for families, non-confident swimmers and anyone who wants a relaxed day.
What works
- Very stable — good if you’re prone to seasickness
- Shade, space and a swim platform
- Small group; lunch and drinks included
- Great for families and slower swimmers
Worth knowing
- Costs more than the big boats
- Fewer departures — book ahead
- Slightly slower between islands
The sailing yacht / sailboat
A sailing tour is the quietest and most romantic way around the park — engines off, just the wind and the water. Groups are small and lunch is typically included. The catch is the wind: the Strait of Bonifacio is breezy, so you may sail beautifully one day and motor the next, and the itinerary flexes with conditions. Pick it for the vibe and the small group, not for a guaranteed schedule.
What works
- Quiet, romantic, small group
- Lunch and aperitif usually included
- A proper sailing experience
Worth knowing
- Depends on the wind; itinerary can change
- Slowest of the three
- Fewer swim stops if the breeze is up
Side by side
| From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat | Comfort pickFrom Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour w/ Lunch | Maddalena Archipelago: Full-Day Sailboat Tour with Lunch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Motor boat | Catamaran | Sailing yacht |
| From | $57 | $185 | $102 |
| Group | Large | Small | Small |
| Shade | Limited | Good | Some |
| Lunch | Optional | Included | Included |
| Best for | Budget & speed | Comfort | Romance |
| View → | Book this → | View → |
Prone to seasickness? Choose the catamaran — twin hulls make it the steadiest ride in the archipelago. Sailing yachts heel with the wind and the big boats can roll in a chop.
Book the comfort option
If you want shade, lunch and a small group, the catamaran is the easy pick — check live dates below, with free cancellation on most tours.
See all the boats
Compare every motor boat, catamaran and sailing tour side by side on the all-tours page, with the islands each visits and what they cost.
Catamaran · lunchFrom Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour w/ Lunch
Sailing · lunchFrom Palau: Maddalena Archipelago Sailing Tour with Lunch
Most bookedFrom Palau: La Maddalena Boat Tour, 4 Islands in One Day
Frequently asked questions
Is a catamaran or motor boat better for La Maddalena?
A catamaran is more comfortable — stable, shaded, small-group and with lunch included — while a big motor boat is cheaper and faster to the islands. Choose the catamaran for comfort and families, the motor boat for value.
Are sailing tours of La Maddalena worth it?
Yes, if you want a quiet, small-group day and aren’t tied to a fixed schedule. Sailing depends on the wind, so the itinerary can flex, but lunch is usually included and the experience is the most relaxed on the water.
Which boat is best if I get seasick?
A catamaran. Its twin hulls make for the steadiest ride in the archipelago, far flatter than a monohull sailing yacht or a big motor boat in a chop.
Do catamaran and sailing tours include lunch?
Almost always — a Sardinian lunch, an aperitif and drinks are typically part of the price. On the big motor boats, lunch is usually optional or bought on board. Check each tour’s inclusions.