Turquoise water beats the timetable. This premium, small-group catamaran sail around La Maddalena mixes easy swimming with a classic Sardinian lunch served on board. One catch to plan for: the whole day depends on good weather, so keep your schedule flexible.

What really makes it feel special is the way the crew handles the day. Names like Marco and Filipo pop up again and again, and you can feel that they know where the water looks best and how to keep things relaxed.

You’ll meet in Palau and head out for about 7 hours, with a max of 12 people on board. I like that it’s small enough to actually move around, ask questions, and not feel herded.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small group on a premium catamaran (max 12) for a calmer vibe and better attention
• Snorkeling equipment included plus options like noodles and life jackets
• Three island stops where you can swim, snorkel, or reach a beach by tender
• Sardinian lunch onboard with coffee/tea and soft drinks included
• Wine with lunch keeps things festive without turning into a party boat
• You’re back at the same meeting point, so the day stays simple

Premium Catamaran on a 12-Person Scale

This isn’t a big, crowded ferry day. It’s a premium catamaran with a maximum of 12 people, which changes everything: you get room to spread out, you’re not jostling for shade, and the crew can steer the group instead of just managing lines.

Catamarans also do something practical: they tend to feel steadier and more comfortable for a full-day sail. Expect lots of space to lounge, plus places to sit in the sun or under shade. Several reviews also describe the boat as clean and roomy enough that everyone can find their spot.

One more smart bit: water access. You’ll have easy chances to get into the sea for swimming, and the snorkeling gear is part of the deal. If you’re hoping for that classic Sardinia moment—jump in, look down, then cool off again—this boat setup supports it.

The one thing to keep in mind is that you’re still on the water all day. If you want a day packed with long land walks, this is not that kind of trip.

What Your $145.12 Includes (and where it surprises you)

At $145.12 per person, you’re not just paying for a ride—you’re paying for a full day that’s already stacked with food, gear, and the sailing plan.

Here’s what’s included:

• Sardinian lunch onboard (pasta plus typical island products)
• Bottled water
• Coffee and/or tea
• Soda/pop
• Snorkeling equipment
• All fees and taxes
• Alcoholic beverages during lunch only

And here’s what’s not included:

• Beach towel
• Extra menu items or snacks beyond the standard onboard service (including any gluten-free add-ons, if requested beyond what the crew can provide)

This is where the value really shows. Your day is timed around multiple swim stops, and you don’t have to track down lunch, pay for snorkeling rentals, or guess whether drinks are included. Wine tends to be a highlight with lunch, and people consistently say it’s plentiful.

If you’re comparing this to chartering a private rib boat for the same time, the catamaran option is usually the sweet spot. It feels more affordable while still delivering that “we’re out there in the good water” experience.

Meeting in Palau: the quick way to start

You start in Palau, at Via Riva dei Lestrigoni, 07020 Palau SS, Italy. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not figuring out how to get home later.

Come 30 minutes early. That buffer matters because boarding and getting everyone settled takes a bit of time, especially in small groups. The meeting point is also described as being near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re not driving.

Two practical tips that can save stress:

• Bring your mobile ticket (you’ll have a phone-based ticket).
• If you’re driving, budget time for parking. One detailed tip from a prior departure said parking can cost about $15 for the day, and it helps to have your license info ready.

The day runs in English, which is a comfort if you want to understand what the crew is pointing out—like why certain coves are calmer or where swimming conditions look best.

Porto della Madonna: first island, easy swimming

Your first island stop is Porto della Madonna. This is a good starting point because it sets the tone right away: turquoise water, beach views, and the chance to get into the sea early rather than waiting until late afternoon.

At each of the three island stops, the pattern is similar: you can swim and snorkel, and in places where it’s allowed, you can go down to the beach using the tender. That tender detail matters. It’s the difference between seeing the beach from above and actually stepping into the sand for a swim-and-relax moment.

Porto della Madonna also gets mentioned as a “great places for swimming” kind of stop. In practice, that means you’re looking for clear water and a day that feels like a series of short escapes, not one long transfer after another.

Possible drawback: because the experience is water-focused, the time on each island tends to be activity-based rather than sightseeing-heavy. If you want museums, towns, or long walking routes, you’ll be happier with a different kind of Sardinia day.

Three Island Stops: snorkeling, tenders, and crowd-smart timing

This catamaran day is built around three island stops among the Archipelago of La Maddalena. The promise is simple: turquoise water, beaches that look almost unreal, and enough flexibility to swim and snorkel where conditions are good.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the setup is meant to be easy. You’ll have gear onboard, and life jackets and noodles are available, which helps if you’re not a confident swimmer or you just want to float and watch fish.

The crew also seems to work with the day. People note that when wind shifts, options can change—meaning you’re not stuck in a bad spot. One highlight described a stop near Spiaggi where the group got there before the crowds and enjoyed it more quietly for a bit.

A fun bonus from the route: some sail days include viewpoints where you might catch a glimpse of a French island. That’s not guaranteed in every moment, but the geography around the Maddalena archipelago can make it possible.

What to consider: tenders and getting in and out of the boat mean you should expect some steps and handling. If you use a cane or have mobility limitations, the crew has been described as thoughtful about helping with getting on and off the boat. Still, it’s smart to check how comfortable you feel with water entry and short transfer steps.

On-Board Sardinian Lunch and Drinks that hit the spot

Lunch is one of the biggest reasons this trip earns strong marks. You’ll get a typical Sardinian lunch onboard, served by the commander/crew. The menu is consistently described as substantial and flavorful, built around pasta and local products.

On the food side, expect a flow like this:

• A first onboard treat when you settle in (coffee is commonly mentioned)
• Antipasti-style bites with drinks
• A hot pasta lunch
• Sweet fruit later (melon slices show up often)
• Coffee and/or tea afterward

Drink policy is clear. Alcoholic beverages are included only during lunch, and wine is usually part of that service. People also mention that wine was kept coming, and at least one departure included beer on the beach, but the safe assumption is that wine and lunch-time drinks are your reliable included items.

Dietary needs: the standard is Sardinian and pasta-forward, but the crew has been described as able to handle modifications like dairy-free courses and vegetarian needs. If you’re gluten-free, don’t assume it’s automatic—ask before you go so they can plan what’s realistic for that departure.

The practical win: because lunch is already handled on the boat, you don’t lose time tracking down food after each swim stop. You can just reset, eat, and get back out into the water.

What to Bring for an Easy Day at Sea

This is a bring-it-and-enjoy-it day, but a couple items matter.

Bring:

• Your swimwear (you’ll be in the water more than once)
• A beach towel (not included)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (you’ll have long sun exposure time onboard)
• A phone for the mobile ticket and for snapping photos

Optional but helpful:

• Something with grip for water entry, since you’ll be hopping between boat and water and possibly using a tender
• A light layer for wind. Catamarans can get breezy on open water, even when the sun is hot

Also note the pacing. This is relaxed. You’re not sprinting from stop to stop, but you are spending most of your day outdoors on the water. So yes, it’s perfect if you like sea days. It’s not perfect if you want a slow, padded, land-based stroll schedule.

And one more tip: the crew usually gives clear guidance on where to swim and how to use the gear. Pay attention early. It makes the whole day smoother.

Should You Book This Catamaran Day Around La Maddalena?

Book it if you want:

• Small-group comfort on a premium catamaran (max 12)
• Multiple swim and snorkel opportunities with gear included
• A real Sardinian lunch onboard instead of a snack-sized compromise
• A crew that adjusts the day when conditions change

Skip it (or choose something else) if:

• You need lots of time walking on land and exploring towns
• You have strict limits around water entry or tender transfers
• Your schedule is fixed on a day where weather can’t change (the trip requires good weather)

If you’ve got one flexible day in Palau or the Maddalena area, this is an excellent way to spend it. You’ll come away with that “I spent the day in the good water” feeling—and you’ll be fed like you matter.

FAQ

How long is the Premium catamaran excursion?

The trip is about 7 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Palau?

You meet at Via Riva dei Lestrigoni, 07020 Palau SS, Italy.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, featuring pasta and typical Sardinian products.

Are snorkeling equipment and safety gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat provides snorkeling support (including life jackets and noodles).

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Alcohol is included only during lunch.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is a beach towel included?

No, beach towels are not included.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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