The sea around La Maddalena, experienced at a leisurely pace
There are places that can only truly be appreciated from the sea. The La Maddalena Archipelago is one such place: it looks beautiful from the coast, but the perspective changes completely when you’re on board a dinghy. Distances seem shorter, the colours become more vivid, and each island reveals a different character.
A full day out on a dinghy in La Maddalena is designed for those who want to enjoy the sea at a leisurely pace, without confining themselves to a single beach or a brief stop. It’s an experience that combines sailing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, coves accessible only by sea, picture-perfect views and moments of relaxation on board.
With Next Eden, the tour can set off from Marina dei Giardinelli in La Maddalena, or from Pier 5 in Palau. From there, the day begins, following the sea, the wind and the best conditions for enjoying the archipelago in complete safety.
To find out more about the tour, please visit Full-day excursion by dinghy.
The departure for Santo Stefano
The first part of the trip takes us towards the island of Santo Stefano. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, we may also be able to sail through Baia del Pesce, a picturesque stretch that offers a first glimpse of the day.
We’re not stopping here for a proper toilet break, but just for a quick photo stop. It’s one of those moments when you realise that the hike isn’t just about moving from one cove to another, but also about observing the landscape from different angles.
Caprera and the first stop for a swim at Cala Napoletana
After Santo Stefano, the journey continues towards Caprera, mainly along the north-western coast of the island. This area is one of the most enchanting in the archipelago: the landscape alternates between granite rocks, Mediterranean scrub and small coves where the water takes on shades of emerald.
Your first swim of the day could be at Cala Napoletana. Here, the sea is crystal-clear, sheltered and inviting. You can go for a swim, explore the nearby coves and really start to settle into the rhythm of the day: swimming trunks, a snorkel, crystal-clear water and no rush.
Cala Coticcio, the Tahiti of Caprera
One of the most eagerly awaited stops is Cala Coticcio, also known as ‘Tahiti’ due to the colour of its waters. It is an iconic, fragile and protected site, which is why visitors must always adhere to the park’s rules and current regulations when approaching and stopping there.
The dinghy remains behind the buoys, in accordance with the protected area regulations. Even from there, however, the scenery is breathtaking: the water shifts from turquoise to pale blue, with its clarity changing depending on the light and the time of day.
Snorkelling in this area means exploring a vibrant underwater world, often surrounded by small fish and a luminous seabed. What makes Cala Coticcio even more special are the rocks, with hues ranging from pink to gold, and the Mediterranean scrub that frames the bay.
It is one of the most memorable stops, not only for the beauty of the sea, but also for the contrast between the water, the granite and the vegetation.
The voyage to Santa Maria
After Cala Coticcio, you change sides of the archipelago. The journey to Santa Maria takes about fifteen minutes, or a little longer if the wind calls for a more cautious pace.
It’s a pleasant, open stretch of water with lovely views. On some days, you might even spot dolphins whilst sailing. Of course, we can’t promise it, but when it does happen, it becomes one of the day’s most memorable moments.
Once we reach the area around Santa Maria, we’ll stop again for a swim. The atmosphere here is quite different from that of Caprera: the landscape opens out towards Budelli, Razzoli and the clear waters of Porto della Madonna.
The Natural Pools of Budelli and the slow pace of the day
One of the highlights of the excursion is a stop at the Natural Pools of Budelli, in the area also known as Manto della Madonna or Porto della Madonna. It is an area surrounded by three islands: Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria.
Here, the day really slows down. The stop is longer than the others, allowing you to enjoy the sea without constantly checking your watch. You can go for a swim, explore part of the area, relax on board, or simply sit and watch the colour of the water.
It’s also the perfect time for a tasting on board. Next Eden offers a selection of typical local products based on daily availability, often in collaboration with local producers. These may include dry sausage, pecorino cheese, carasau or guttiau bread, olives, artichokes and other specialities, accompanied by water and a bottle of sparkling wine or Vermentino.
It’s not a formal lunch, but an authentic taste of Sardinia. Guests are welcome to bring something simple for lunch, such as a sandwich or a snack, and take their time enjoying the most relaxed break of the day.
The Spiaggia Rosa as seen from the sea
After stopping at the Natural Pools, the boat trip can continue to Spiaggia Rosa. It is one of the best-known spots in the archipelago and, precisely because of its environmental importance, it is a protected area and not accessible in the same way as a normal beach.
The stop is made from the sea, behind the buoys, in accordance with the rules. It is primarily a photo opportunity: you approach carefully, observe the beach from a safe distance and take home a symbolic snapshot of one of Sardinia’s most famous landscapes.
Spargi, Cala Granara and Cala Corsara
After Budelli, the day can continue on to Spargi, one of the most popular islands in the archipelago. Cala Granara is often one of the most popular stops: crystal-clear water, a bright seabed and the chance to swim just a short distance from the shore.
The shades keep changing. The sea can shift from pale blue to deep blue, and on to the most intense turquoise. It is precisely this variety that makes a day out on a dinghy in La Maddalena so special: every stop has a different light, a different rock, and different water.
From Cala Granara, it takes just a few minutes by boat to reach Cala Corsara. Here, the landscape takes on an almost sculptural quality: the wind-sculpted rocks have distinctive shapes, such as Piccola Italia, Testa della Strega and Cagnolino.
Cala Corsara is also a spot to enjoy at a leisurely pace, with a swim, some photos and a chance to take in the scenery. It is one of the most iconic sights on the Spargi tour and often marks the end of the tour with a final swim in a truly unique setting.
Shared tour or private tour
There are various ways to spend the whole day. The shared tour follows an itinerary designed to offer a comprehensive experience, with stops chosen based on sea conditions and the day’s schedule. It is an ideal option for those who wish to explore the archipelago in good company, in small groups and with a pre-arranged itinerary.
A private tour, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility. There is no set itinerary: guests can decide how long to stay in a cove, which areas to focus on, and what kind of experience they want to have. It is the best choice for those seeking privacy, flexibility and less crowded spots.
On a private day tour, weather permitting, it is possible to visit as many as six or seven islands in a single day. Fuel costs on private tours are generally charged separately, as they depend on the chosen itinerary.
| Experience | Features |
|---|---|
| Shared tour | Organised itinerary, small groups, fuel generally included, and stops selected by the skipper. |
| Private tour | A personalised route, greater privacy, flexible stops and fuel consumption calculated based on the route. |
Why choose the full-day option?
The full-day trip offers the most comprehensive experience for those who really want to immerse themselves in the archipelago’s scenery. It allows you to alternate between sailing, swimming stops, snorkelling, relaxation and tasting, without having to cram everything into just a few hours.
It is ideal for those who love the sea, first-time visitors to La Maddalena, those who want to see several islands in a single day, and those looking for a balance between exploration and relaxation on board.
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about it is this: every place you visit has its own distinct colours. Cala Coticcio doesn’t have the same hues as Budelli, Spargi doesn’t have the same atmosphere as Santa Maria, and every shift in the light changes the way the sea looks to the eye.
For an overview of all the experiences available, please visit: rubber dinghy trips in La Maddalena
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the full-day dinghy trip to La Maddalena last?
The full-day excursion lasts approximately 7 hours. The actual duration may vary depending on the itinerary, weather and sea conditions, and the type of tour chosen.
Which islands are visited during the tour?
The itinerary may include Caprera, Santa Maria, Budelli, Spargi and other areas of the La Maddalena Archipelago. The stops are always decided based on sea and wind conditions and the weather on the day.
Is swimming allowed at Cala Coticcio?
Cala Coticcio is a protected area, and visitors must comply with the park’s rules and current regulations. Inflatable boats must remain behind the buoys, and the activity is organised in a manner that respects both the environment and the law.
Is the tasting on board included?
Yes, the excursion includes a tasting of typical local produce. The items on offer may vary depending on daily availability and may include pecorino cheese, dry-cured sausage, carasau bread or guttiau, olives, baby artichokes and other specialities.
Is a shared tour or a private tour better?
The shared tour is ideal for those looking for a fully organised experience in small groups. The private tour is better suited to those who want more privacy, bespoke stops and an itinerary tailored to their preferences.
A day to enjoy by the sea
A day out on a dinghy in the La Maddalena Archipelago is not just a series of stops. It is the most natural way to discover islands, coves and ever-changing colours, guided by someone who knows the area and understands the sea.
Would you like to explore the archipelago at a leisurely pace?
Discover our full-day tours and choose the experience that best suits your travel style.
