From Palau: Speedboat tour in La Maddalena Archipelago

The best part of this outing is the chance to reach several spectacular corners of the La Maddalena Archipelago in one day, without spending your time changing boats. From Palau, you ride a 12-meter Tredas speedboat to Budelli and Spargi, stopping for long swims in clear water and quiet coves.

I like the generous stop at Budelli, where you have about two hours around the natural pools, and I like the food-centered approach, with an aperitif and lunch of Sardinian land and sea products served on board. The friendly crew, including Andrea and Francesco, adds a personal touch. The main drawback is that the route does not bring you close to La Maddalena or Caprera, so this is not a complete tour of every major island.

Key points to know before booking

• Budelli gets the longest stop: You have about two hours around the natural pools between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria.
• Spargi brings two scenic coves: Cala Soraja and Cala Corsara each receive roughly one hour.
• Lunch is part of the experience: Expect an aperitif and a Sardinian meal built around land and sea products.
• The boat holds 12 passengers: Two crew members share the 14-person Tredas Open Ilver 36 with you.
• The route depends on the sea: The skipper may change stops or timing when conditions require it.
• You can request another departure port: Boarding from La Maddalena may be arranged at no extra cost at least 24 hours ahead.

Why Budelli is the star of this seven-hour boat day

From the port of Palau, the speedboat takes about 50 minutes to reach Budelli. That first stretch gives you time to settle into the boat and watch the Sardinian coast recede before the islands begin to feel more remote.

Budelli is best known for its Pink Beach, but you view the beach from the water rather than walking onto it. That restriction matters. The beach and its surrounding area are environmentally protected, so this outing focuses on the water near the island instead of treating the sand as a place for a regular shore stop.

The main stop lasts about two hours at the natural pools between Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. These shallow, clear waters are the heart of the trip. You can swim, float, use the boat’s ladder to get in and out, and spend time simply looking down through the water.

I appreciate the length of this stop. A quick photo pause would not do the area justice. Two hours gives you room to swim without feeling rushed, though the exact use of the time depends on the sea and the skipper’s judgment.

The boat has a freshwater shower, so you can rinse off salt after swimming. It also has an awning for shade, a sunbathing net in the bow, and a cabin with one bathroom. Those features make a difference during a full day at sea, particularly when you want a break from direct sun.

What the Tredas speedboat feels like on the water

The boat is a Tredas Open Ilver 36, built in 1990. It measures 12 meters long and 3.40 meters wide, with two 220-horsepower inboard engines. The capacity is 14 people total, including two crew members, so the normal passenger group is limited to 12.

That is a useful middle ground. You get more room than on a tiny rigid inflatable boat, but the outing still feels more personal than a large excursion vessel. The boat has a climbing ladder, sunbathing space, an awning, stereo system, safety equipment, and a first-aid kit.

You should expect a real speedboat experience, not a slow sightseeing cruise. The ride between islands is part of the appeal, but open water can be bumpy. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most stable and keep water nearby. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel, since much of the day takes place outside.

The onboard bathroom is a practical advantage, but it is still a small boat bathroom. Use the facilities when needed rather than assuming a full land-based setup.

A two-hour swim around Budelli’s natural pools

The natural pools are enclosed by Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. The island setting helps create a sheltered-feeling section of sea, though the skipper still decides whether the stop is suitable on that day.

This is the best place to make full use of the boat. Bring swimwear and beachwear, and do not forget drinking water. The boat provides a freshwater shower, but you should still pack your own water for the day.

You will also see Pink Beach from a distance. That is an important expectation to set before booking. You are not promised time walking on the beach, and the boat does not turn this into a land visit to Budelli. The reward is the view and the chance to swim in the surrounding waters.

For many people, this will be enough. If your main goal is to stand on Pink Beach, you should choose a different experience. If your goal is clear water, island views, and a long swim stop, Budelli delivers the strongest part of the day.

Lunch on board with Sardinian flavors

After the Budelli stop, the crew serves an aperitif and lunch on board. The food includes local products from both land and sea, which gives the meal a clear Sardinian character rather than making it feel like a generic packed lunch.

Andrea and Francesco are especially associated with the food and the warm atmosphere on this outing. You can expect the meal to be part of the social side of the trip, not just a quick break between swims.

The exact dishes are not specified, so you should not book this expecting a particular seafood plate or menu. One useful point is that you must report food intolerances to the guide using the number on your booking voucher at least one day before the trip. That gives the crew time to respond properly.

The meal is a real value point. A seven-hour boat trip can become tiring if it only offers scenery and swimming. Having an aperitif and lunch included means you do not need to arrange food separately, and it turns the boat into a relaxed base for the day.

If you prefer a very specific meal, or if you do not enjoy seafood, ask about the menu before setting out. A minibar service is also available by request at an extra charge, but you must arrange it by calling the number on your voucher at least 24 hours in advance.

Spargi’s Cala Soraja and Cala Corsara

After Budelli, the boat heads toward Spargi. The schedule includes about one hour at Cala Soraja and another hour at Cala Corsara.

These stops change the rhythm of the day. Budelli’s natural pools are the main extended water stop, while Spargi gives you two separate coves to enjoy. You can swim, relax on board, and take in the rocky island surroundings from the sea.

Cala Corsara is the better-known name of the two, but both stops matter because they give you more than one view of Spargi. Two one-hour pauses also make the route feel less like a single beach stop followed by a long ride home.

Do keep the itinerary in perspective. The tour does not include close visits to La Maddalena or Caprera. That omission disappointed some people who expected a broader look at the archipelago. If those islands are priorities for you, check the route carefully before booking or ask whether the skipper expects to include them.

The itinerary is not fixed in stone. Sea conditions and the skipper’s decisions can change the stops. That is normal for a small-boat tour in open water, but it means you should value the general style of the day more than a rigid checklist.

Palau departure and the practical details

The meeting point is at the entrance to Pier No. 5 in the port of Palau. Look for the sign marked Pier No. 5 and the boat named Tredas. Paid parking spaces are available nearby.

The activity lasts seven hours and returns to the same meeting point. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want. The tour runs with Italian and English guidance.

You may also request boarding from the port of La Maddalena at no extra cost. You must contact the skipper through the telephone number on your booking voucher at least 24 hours before departure. Do not assume the change happens automatically after you reserve.

Pets are not allowed. For the day, bring:

• A hat
• Swimwear and beachwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Drinking water

The boat supplies fuel, crew, lunch, and the speedboat trip itself. You pay $148.40 per person. That is not a budget beach transfer, but it is a fairer comparison when you count the seven hours, fuel, two crew members, aperitif, lunch, and several long stops. The small passenger capacity is also part of the price.

I would see the value as strongest for someone who wants one organized day on the water and does not want to plan separate transport, meals, or island stops. It is less compelling if you only want a short swim or if you care more about visiting La Maddalena town and Caprera than about Budelli and Spargi.

How flexible is the route?

The tour is confirmed with at least four participants. Once the boat is moving, the skipper can change the itinerary based on sea weather conditions.

That flexibility is important in the archipelago. A listed stop is not a guarantee that the boat will anchor there in every type of weather. The practical tradeoff is simple: you give up a fixed schedule in exchange for a safer and more suitable day on the water.

I would book this with an open mind. Think of Budelli and Spargi as the planned focus, but understand that the skipper has the final word on exact stops and timing.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Sardinia plans are still shifting, though you should still check the booking conditions attached to your reservation.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A full day on the water rather than a short cruise
• Several swim stops in clear water
• A small passenger group
• Lunch and an aperitif included
• A lively, personal crew atmosphere
• Easy departure from Palau
• Time at both Budelli and Spargi

It suits couples, friends, and families who are comfortable spending seven hours on a speedboat. The boat has a cabin, bathroom, shower, awning, and safety equipment, but you still need to be ready for sun, salt water, and movement.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed visit to every major island, especially La Maddalena and Caprera. I would also think twice if you dislike boat motion, want a quiet luxury yacht, or need a very specific lunch menu.

The strongest elements are the friendly atmosphere and the meal prepared by Andrea and Francesco. The clearest limitation is the route. This is a Budelli and Spargi outing, not a complete survey of the whole archipelago.

Should you book the Palau speedboat tour?

Book it if your ideal Sardinia day means clear water, long swimming stops, a small boat, and a sociable lunch at sea. The two hours at Budelli and the two Spargi coves give you enough time to enjoy the islands instead of racing through photo stops.

Before paying, confirm that you are happy to miss a close look at La Maddalena and Caprera. If you are, the $148.40 price covers a well-filled seven-hour outing with fuel, crew, food, and a manageable group size.

I would choose this tour for the water experience, the relaxed onboard meal, and the chance to see Budelli and Spargi in one day. I would skip it only if your must-see list is centered on the larger islands or if you need a tightly fixed route.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour depart from?

The tour departs from the port of Palau. The entrance to the pier is marked Pier No. 5, and you should look for the boat named Tredas. Paid parking spaces are available nearby.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts seven hours and ends back at the meeting point in Palau. You need to check availability for the available starting times.

Which islands and stops are included?

The route includes a stop of about two hours at the natural pools near Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria. It then continues to Spargi, with about one hour at Cala Soraja and one hour at Cala Corsara.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes an aperitif and lunch featuring local land and sea products. You must notify the guide of any food intolerances at least one day before the experience.

Can I board from La Maddalena instead of Palau?

Yes. Boarding from the port of La Maddalena can be requested at no extra cost. You must contact the skipper using the number on your booking voucher at least 24 hours ahead.

What happens if the sea conditions change?

The itinerary and stops may change because of sea weather conditions and the skipper’s decisions. The tour is confirmed with at least four participants.