Catamaran: Day trips in La Maddalena’s Archipelago

La Maddalena’s islands are best seen from the water, and this trip puts sailing itself at the center of the day. You’ll ride aboard Scatto, a light, high-performance 10-by-7-meter catamaran, with time to swim at Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi.

I like two things right away: the small-group format, limited to six people, and the choice to focus on wind-powered sailing instead of treating the boat as a simple ride between beaches. The young local crew also gives the outing a friendly, hands-on feel.

The main trade-off is basic comfort. There is no toilet on board, and you must bring your own food and drinks. This is an active day on a sporty boat, not a catered cruise, and it suits younger, reasonably fit people best.

Key points to know before booking

• Scatto is a rare sailing platform: The 10-by-7-meter prototype is built for performance, while still offering space to sit and take in the views.
• Three island stops shape the day: You’ll have about an hour at Piscine di Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi.
• The crew is local and multilingual: Two young sailors guide the outing in Italian, English, Spanish, and French.
• Your picnic is part of the plan: Lunch and drinks are not included, so pack them before reaching the harbor.
• Swimming is a major reason to go: The itinerary includes a stop in the clear waters of the archipelago.
• The boat has no restroom: Plan accordingly before boarding and keep your personal gear compact.

Why this catamaran trip feels different

Many boat trips around La Maddalena are built around transport, music, or a large crowd. This outing takes a quieter route. The crew gives sailing a leading role, so you can feel the boat move under wind power rather than simply racing from one beach to the next.

That distinction matters if you care about the experience of being at sea. You’ll spend roughly four hours sailing between the main stops, with about an hour at each of three destinations. The result is a day split between movement and stillness: a stretch of open-water sailing, then time to swim or relax, followed by another leg across the national park.

The boat itself is unusual. Scatto is a lightweight prototype measuring 10 by 7 meters. It is described as both sporty and spacious, which suggests a useful balance for this sort of day. You get the speed and responsiveness of a performance catamaran, along with enough room to settle in without feeling packed onto a small deck.

The crew consists of two young local sailors. Their role is not just to steer. They guide the day, explain what is happening as needed, and provide the hospitality that can make a small boat trip feel personal rather than mechanical. Since the crew speaks Italian, English, Spanish, and French, communication should be straightforward for a wide range of passengers.

Meeting the crew in Palau at 9:20

The day begins in Palau, at the office on Piazza del Molo 4, near the corner with Bar del Porto. Check-in is at 9:20 in the morning, while the excursion itself starts around 10:00. Give yourself enough time to find the office, check in, and organize your bags before boarding.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at about 5:00 PM. That makes this a clean full-day plan from Palau, with no separate transfer between the harbor and the boat.

Bring only what you need. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sun hat, beachwear, food, and drinks are specifically useful. A soft, compact bag is more practical than bulky luggage on a sailing boat. Baby strollers, bikes, and baby carriages are not allowed.

Sailing through La Maddalena National Park

Once you leave Palau, the first hour is devoted to sailing through La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The park is the setting for the entire day, but the appeal here is not only the scenery. The route gives you time to watch the islands pass while the crew works with the wind.

A catamaran has two hulls, which generally gives it a broad, stable platform and plenty of deck space. This boat is also built for performance, so you should expect a more active feel than you would get on a large, slow sightseeing vessel. The activity notes describe the trip as adventurous and best for young, reasonably fit people. That is useful guidance, especially if you prefer a calm, highly structured cruise.

The sailing portions last about an hour each. That is long enough to make the journey part of the day rather than dead time between swimming stops. I like this format because it leaves room for both the sea and the islands. You are not hurried from one photo stop to another.

Piscine di Budelli: your first hour in the water

The first major stop is Piscine di Budelli, where you have about an hour of free time. The name refers to the natural pools around Budelli, an area known for clear, shallow-looking water and striking coastal scenery.

This is likely to be your first chance to swim, so it is a good idea to have your suit and towel ready before the boat arrives. You may also want sunscreen within reach rather than buried in your bag. The schedule gives you enough time for a proper swim and a little rest, but not an unlimited beach day.

The free-time format is worth noting. You are not promised a guided walk or a long shore visit. The attraction is the water and the setting, with the boat providing access to a place that is best appreciated from the sea. If you want to spend hours exploring on land, this will feel brief. If you want a refreshing swim in a beautiful island setting, the one-hour stop fits the day well.

Santa Maria: a second island pause

After another hour of sailing through the park, the catamaran reaches Santa Maria. You again have about an hour of free time, creating a useful change of pace from the first stop.

The itinerary does not specify a guided activity at Santa Maria, so you should think of this as open personal time. You can use it for another swim, relaxation, or simply enjoying the island setting before returning to the boat. Since lunch is not supplied, this stop may also be a practical moment for your packed meal, depending on the crew’s timing and instructions.

Pack food that travels well and can be eaten without a full table setup. Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and plenty of water are more useful here than anything that needs heating or careful serving. Drinks are also your responsibility, and the boat does not provide them as part of the price.

Spargi: the final swimming stop

A third sailing leg brings you to Spargi, where you have another hour of free time. This gives the day a satisfying rhythm: Budelli first, Santa Maria in the middle, and Spargi later, with each stop separated by a substantial sailing passage.

Spargi is another chance to swim in the archipelago’s clear waters. By this point, you may prefer a quiet rest on deck instead of another energetic swim, and that is perfectly reasonable. The value of the stop is having a choice. You can get in the water, sit with your towel and sun hat, or simply enjoy the final island pause before the return crossing.

Three swimming destinations also reduce the risk that one stop defines the whole day. Conditions and personal preferences can vary, so having several chances to get in the water makes the schedule more flexible.

What the $113.29 price includes

At $113.29 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the archipelago. It is also not a standard large-boat excursion. You are paying for a seven-hour outing on a specialized catamaran, a small group limited to six, local crew service, sailing time, the three island stops, and entry to the national park.

The price looks strongest for someone who values the boat itself. If you mainly want a cheap ride to a beach, you may find a simpler option better suited to your budget. If you want time under sail, room to move, and a more personal outing, the cost is easier to justify.

The small group is important to the value. With only a handful of people aboard, you should have more space than on a crowded day boat and a better chance to interact with the two sailors. A small group also makes the day feel less like a fixed package, though the supplied details do not promise a fully private charter.

Lunch and drinks are not included, so add those costs when planning your day. The boat also has no restroom. That is the most important comfort limitation and should not be treated as a minor footnote. Use facilities before check-in and keep your water intake sensible without neglecting hydration in the sun.

Is seven hours on a sporty boat right for you?

This experience suits you if you like being on the water for its own sake. You should enjoy several hours of sailing, sunshine, and open-air travel, not just the swimming stops. The day has an active feel, and the description specifically recommends it for younger and reasonably fit people.

It is not suitable for children under six, babies under one, or people over 95. The supplied information also lists it as not suitable for people over 70, so older passengers should pay close attention to that restriction before booking.

There is no information promising wheelchair access, sheltered indoor seating, or onboard toilet facilities. I would not choose this trip if you need those features. The boat’s sporty design and adventurous character are part of its appeal, but they also make the outing less forgiving for anyone seeking a fully equipped cruise.

You should also be comfortable managing your own needs. Bring sunscreen, a hat, beachwear, lunch, drinks, and a towel. The crew handles the sailing and the route, but this is not a catered experience where supplies appear whenever you need them.

Small-group sailing versus a large day boat

The clearest reason to choose this trip is the atmosphere created by its size. A group limited to six can share the boat without the packed-deck feeling common on popular island routes. One account of the outing described eight people aboard and praised the extra room and personal interaction, but the current activity details specify a maximum of six, so confirm the final group size when booking.

The young local crew adds another advantage. You are not just handed a map and left to find your own way around. The sailors guide the trip and speak four languages, which helps keep practical instructions clear during boarding, sailing, and swimming stops.

Still, small does not mean private. Unless you arrange otherwise, you will share the catamaran with other participants. The experience is social in a low-key way, with the boat and the sea providing the main entertainment.

Practical packing for the day

Pack for sun, salt water, and a long period outdoors. Your basic kit should include:

• Swimsuit and beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Packed lunch
• Drinking water and other drinks
• A small, easy-to-stow bag

The supplied information lists both a sun hat and a hat, which simply reinforces the need for good head protection. You should also keep your sunscreen and towel accessible rather than at the bottom of your bag.

Do not bring a stroller, bike, or baby carriage. There is no toilet on board, so plan around that before meeting the crew at Piazza del Molo 4.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Sardinia plans are still shifting, but you should still check the current departure details before committing.

Should you book this La Maddalena catamaran trip?

Book it if you want sailing first, swimming second, and prefer a small boat with a young local crew. The three one-hour island stops, clear water, and performance catamaran make this a strong choice for an active day around Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi.

Skip it if you need a restroom, included meals, family equipment, or a gentle cruise with lots of built-in comfort. At $113.29, the value depends on caring about the sailing itself. For the right passenger, that is the point: a full day moving through the national park under sail, with room to swim and a picnic packed in your own bag.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

Meet at the provider’s office at Piazza del Molo 4 in Palau, at the corner with Bar del Porto.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 9:20 AM. The excursion starts at about 10:00 AM and returns around 5:00 PM.

How long does the activity last?

The catamaran excursion lasts seven hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Piscine di Budelli, Santa Maria, and Spargi in the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.

Is lunch included?

No. You must bring your own packed lunch.

Are drinks included?

No. Bring your own drinks.

Is there a toilet on the catamaran?

No. There are no restrooms on board.

What languages does the crew speak?

The live tour is available in Italian, English, Spanish, and French.

Who should not book this activity?

The activity is not suitable for children under six, babies under one, people over 95, or people over 70. It is also recommended for young and reasonably fit people because the outing has an adventurous character.