Pink sand and protected islands in one day.

This sailing cruise connects Santa Teresa di Gallura to the Maddalena Archipelago with picture-perfect viewpoints, guided swimming stops, and a real sense of space out on the water.

I really like how the day is built around time in the park, not just transit. You’ll get a clear safety briefing and stop-by-stop guidance on where to swim safely, and the crew keeps the pace friendly even with a small group.

One thing to consider: this is a long day on a sailboat. If seas get choppy in the morning, some people can feel it for hours, and you should be ready for a mostly boat-based itinerary rather than exploring islands on foot.

Key highlights you’ll care about before you go

• Small group size (max 12): easier for the crew to help, and the day feels personal instead of crowded.
• National-park waters plus real snorkeling time: clear bays where the water is easy to read with your eyes before you even jump in.
• Sailing day with serious onboard comfort: lunch, brunch, coffee/tea, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included.
• Spiaggia Rosa stop is photo-only: you’ll see the iconic coral-pink beach, but you won’t be allowed to walk on it or swim there.
• Weather-based route choices: the skipper can adjust stops to stay safe and comfortable.
• Snorkeling gear provided: you don’t need to pack your own fins/mask for the water time.

The Maddalena Archipelago, in a single 7–8 hour sail

This trip is basically your best shortcut into the Maddalena mood: granite shapes, protected coves, and that Mediterranean feeling where the water looks almost unreal from the boat. You start at Marc Yachting (Via Tarra ecchja, Santa Teresa Gallura) at 9:30 am, and you’re back at the same meeting point the same day.

The schedule is built for a flow of coastal scenery plus swimming windows. You’ll spend several hours moving between islands and anchor points, and then you’ll get a mix of photo time and water time across different bays.

Since the skipper can adjust the itinerary for safety, don’t expect a rigid stop list with perfectly matching timings every day. That’s normal out here, and it’s also how you end up with the best possible conditions for swimming rather than just checking boxes.

Pricing and value: what you get for about $120

At $119.72 per person, the big question is what’s truly included beyond the cruise. Here’s what matters for value:

• 7 hour sailing cruise
• Lunch + brunch
• Coffee/tea
• Bottled water, soda
• Alcoholic beverages
• Snorkeling equipment
• Some park access is included (more on that in the stops below)

For many day trips in coastal Italy, you pay for the boat and then everything else is extra. This one folds meals and water into the ticket price, which usually means fewer awkward decisions mid-day when you’re hungry and the next bar is a long way off.

One more value point: the group is capped at 12 travelers, so you’re paying for quality of attention, not just transportation.

Meet the icons: Pink Beach at Budelli (photo stop only)

Your first standout moment is the Pink Beach at Budelli, famous for that coral-pink sand look and the way it shows up in popular culture. The boat pulls you into the right viewing position so you can take pictures in front of one of the world’s most famous protected beaches.

Important reality check: Spiaggia Rosa is protected, so you cannot walk on the sand or swim in its shoreline. Instead, you get the next-best thing—clean sight lines from the water and a sense of why this place is protected in the first place.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to touch and test everything, this will feel like a compromise. If you prefer seeing a place clearly and then moving on to the good swimming bays, this stop fits the day well.

Razzoli and Santa Maria: Port Madonna and the park’s drama

Next up is the park heartland: Razzoli and Santa Maria, almost linked by the Passo degli Asinelli. This is where the islands start to feel more rugged and sculpted—cliffs, rock shapes, and the kind of rocky coastline that makes the Mediterranean look like it has personality.

The stop includes time around Port Madonna, described as a lagoon-like area with emerald water tucked between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. It’s also a favorite zone for yachtsmen, which tells you something: this is the kind of water where boats naturally want to linger.

Practically, this is one of your best “switch from land imagination to water reality” stops. You’ll have time to settle in and enjoy the calm pockets of the lagoon, and the water is set up for snorkeling and seawatching.

What to watch for at Port Madonna

• How clear the water looks before you snorkel. In this part of the archipelago, you can usually spot the seafloor texture from the surface.
• The way different island edges create different lighting. Even when the water color looks similar, the shade changes as the boat shifts position.

Spargi snorkeling bay: turquoise water and white-sand edges

After Port Madonna, you swing to Isola di Spargi. Spargi is often the “wow” island because the bays can be incredibly clear, with turquoise water that looks almost stage-lit.

Your stop here is set up for swimming and snorkeling. The schedule gives you about 1 hour, and that’s the right amount of time if you want to enjoy the water without turning the day into a marathon of boat time.

This is also where the trip’s small-group style pays off. A smaller boat means the crew can guide where the water is safest and where swimming feels smooth, based on the conditions of the day.

Cala Santa Maria: long beach vibes and sheltered pools

Then you head to Cala Santa Maria. This is the “classic bay” stop: a long beach with turquoise water, plus coves on the west side that offer natural pool-like shallows.

You’ll get about 1 hour here, and the goal is simple—switch from snorkeling mode to relaxed float mode. If you’re the type who likes to see a shoreline up close for a while (instead of just looking from above), Cala Santa Maria is one of your best chances.

A small note that helps your expectations: some parts of the archipelago can feel crowded with boats on calmer days. That doesn’t mean it’s ruined—just plan to share the water at the most popular swimming points.

What the crew actually does for you

The best part of these trips isn’t only the islands. It’s the way the day is run.

In this case, crews like Carlo and Andrea, Marco and Lorenzo, Alessandro and Luca, Leonardo and Massimo, and others show up with the same core formula: safety briefing early, helpful guidance at each stop, and food that’s more than a snack.

You’ll get repeated reminders about where to swim in safety. That matters, because some bays look calm but change once you’re in the water. The crew’s job is to help you read the conditions fast.

Food and drinks: lunch, brunch, and enough to keep you smiling

If you only remember one practical thing from this review, make it this: you’re fed.

Included onboard you should expect:

• Brunch
• Lunch
• Coffee and/or tea
• Soda
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bottled water

That’s a lot of eating for a day that also includes multiple swimming stops. It also means you’re less likely to treat the day like a series of hunger setbacks between islands.

Dietary notes you should take seriously

If you have food intolerances or special requests, the key detail is this: boats can’t manage them, and in those cases the recommendation is a packed lunch. Only no-fish or vegetarian options are possible.

So if you’re gluten-free, nut-free, or have multiple restrictions, plan ahead with the “packet lunch” approach rather than assuming you’ll find a perfect match onboard.

Snorkeling gear included: use it right

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent or buy gear at the last minute. That’s a real convenience in a place where you’ll probably be tempted to spend time on the water instead of hunting equipment.

Two practical tips:

• Bring a little routine for re-tying straps or adjusting mask fit. It’s easier to do once on the boat than while you’re already in the chop.
• If you’re prone to getting cold, consider something you can manage on deck between swims.

Some mornings can feel cool early, even when the afternoon turns pleasant.

The boat and sea conditions: why it can feel rough for some people

This cruise is on a 49-foot sailboat. That’s a nice size for intimacy and sailing performance, but it’s still a sailboat—so in rougher conditions, movement can be strong.

One traveler described near-constant seasickness in rough seas. Others felt the crew did everything right, but the boat wasn’t the right fit for severe waves.

So here’s the truth you should build into your decision:

• If you normally get motion sick, bring what works for you (and consider skipping this if the forecast looks bad).
• If you don’t mind rocking, you’ll likely love the freedom of a small boat day more than the stability of huge group ferries.

Logistics that can save you stress: parking, directions, and the pier

Starting at Marc Yachting is straightforward on paper, but the real-world problem is often the last mile: finding the berth/pier area and the right parking spot.

From the experience itself, the smartest move is simple:

• Give yourself extra time to reach the meeting point.
• If the directions feel confusing, reach out early. Some crews have used WhatsApp messages to clarify where to park and how to find the pier.

This isn’t about being difficult. It’s about not losing your excitement before you even step on board.

Who this tour fits best (and who should look elsewhere)

I’d put this cruise near the top of the list if you want:

• A small-group sailing day
• Snorkeling with guidance
• Meals and drinks included
• Iconic park scenery like Budelli and Spargi

It’s also a good match for couples and friends because the boat size keeps the vibe from feeling like a floating cafeteria.

You might think twice if:

• You need long island walking time. This day is built around boat stops and swimming windows rather than extended hikes or exploring towns.
• You’re extremely sensitive to motion in waves, especially early in the day.

Quick planning checklist (what to bring)

Not everything is listed, but you can plan smart based on how the day works:

• Swimsuit + quick-dry layer for shifting conditions
• Towel (even if it seems obvious, people forget)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A long-sleeve layer for cooler morning deck time
• Anything you use to prevent or treat motion sickness, just in case

Also note: beach towels aren’t included.

Should you book this Maddalena sailing day?

Book it if you want the best balance of protected-island scenery, real swimming, and onboard comfort—all without the hassle of managing meals and gear. The combination of a small group (max 12), snorkeling equipment included, and the steady stream of food and drinks makes it strong value for about $120.

Skip it or switch plans if rough water would ruin your day. This isn’t a huge motor ferry with tons of stability. It’s a sailing-focused boat day where the sea sets the tone.

If the weather looks decent and you’re excited about bays like Spargi and Cala Santa Maria, this is exactly the kind of Sardinia day that feels like a postcard—except you’ll be in the water, not just looking at it.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start in Santa Teresa Gallura?

The meeting time is 9:30 am at Marc Yachting in Santa Teresa Gallura.

How long is the sailing cruise?

The duration is about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the trip start and end?

It starts at Marc Yachting via Tarra ecchja, 07028 Santa Teresa Gallura, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included on board?

You get brunch, lunch, coffee and/or tea, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages.

Are admission tickets included for the islands?

Some are. The stops in the park area include admission ticket included for Razzoli and Santa Maria (2 hours) and for Spargi (1 hour). Cala Santa Maria is listed as admission free.

Can I walk on Spiaggia Rosa or swim there?

No. Spiaggia Rosa is protected, so you can take pictures, but you cannot walk on the beach or swim in its shore.

What if I have a food intolerance or special dietary needs?

On-board accommodations for intolerances or special requests can’t be managed. You’ll be directed to a packet lunch, with no-fish or vegetarian options possible.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What happens if weather conditions are unsafe?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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