You only really discover the La Maddalena archipelago from the sea. The most beautiful coves (Cala Coticcio, Cala Corsara, the Pink Beach of Budelli) can only be reached by boat. That's why we organise skippered sailing tours, open to everyone, and offer the guests of Il Maestrale dinghy rental: two different ways to plan your route between the seven islands.
⛵ Would you like to join a skippered sailing tour? It's open to everyone: message us to arrange it. 🛥️ If you're staying with us (or would like to), see where to stay in La Maddalena and the dinghy rental reserved for our guests.
Skippered Sailing Tours
The sailing tour is run in partnership with Sardinia Daily Charter, is led by a skipper and is open to everyone, not just our guests: you need no licence or sailing experience, because the skipper handles the boat. The boat takes up to 12 people, with lunch on board: choose the La Maddalena archipelago tour or the Corsica tour, also as a private charter for your group. The route is tailored to the time you have and what you want to see: coves, swimming stops and views of the archipelago. The price depends on the season: you'll find the current rates on the Sardinia Daily Charter website. For any questions you can also contact us.
Dinghy Rental for Our Guests
The dinghy available to our guests has an engine of up to 40 HP: you can drive it without a boat licence after a few basic instructions. It's ideal for families and couples who want to enjoy the sea at their own pace, with no fixed times or organised groups. Unlike the sailing tour, dinghy rental is reserved for guests staying at Il Maestrale, subject to availability and advance booking.
Routes to Do by Boat
Cala Coticcio (the "Tahiti of Europe")
One of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean, on the Caprera side. Clear water and shallow sea beds: perfect for anchoring and snorkelling. We cover it in detail in our complete guide to Cala Coticcio.
Budelli and the Pink Beach
Budelli's famous Pink Beach is protected and closed to swimmers, but you can admire it from the boat: an unmissable stop, often combined with Cala di Roto and the Passo degli Asinelli.
Spargi and Cala Corsara
Cala Corsara, on the island of Spargi, is one of the best-loved bays in the archipelago: white sand, turquoise water and granite shaped by the wind.
Santa Maria
The island of Santa Maria, in the north of the archipelago, ends the tour with shallow, calm and sheltered water: a long stretch of pale sand and turquoise sea beds, perfect for the last stop of the day before heading back. For more ideas on where to stop, see our selection of the most beautiful coves to see by boat.
Tips for Your Boat Trip
- Set off early in the morning to find the coves still empty.
- Bring plenty of water, SPF 50+ sun cream, a hat and a snorkelling mask.
- Respect the National Park zones: some areas are protected and off limits.
- Always check the wind forecast before going out (the Maestrale can pick up in the afternoon).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the sailing tour and the dinghy rental?+
The skippered sailing tour is open to everyone (not only guests of Il Maestrale), needs no licence or experience and is led by a skipper who handles the boat. The dinghy rental is a service reserved for our guests, for people who want to move between the coves on their own.
Do I need sailing experience to join the sailing tour?+
No. The skipper sails the boat and takes care of everything technical: you can simply enjoy the trip, the swims in the coves and the stops, with no experience needed.
Is the sailing tour suitable for families and small groups?+
Yes, the boat takes up to 12 people and the tour can also be booked as a private charter. The route is tailored to whoever comes along, whether a couple, a family with children or a group of friends. Contact us and we'll work out the best option together.
How much does the skippered sailing tour cost?+
The price depends on the season. The current rates are on the Sardinia Daily Charter website (sardiniadailycharter.com).
Do I need a boat licence for the dinghy in La Maddalena?+
No. A dinghy with an engine of up to 40 HP can be driven without a boat licence. You only need to be an adult and know a few basics, which we explain before you set off.
Is the dinghy rental only for guests?+
Yes, the dinghy rental is a service for guests staying at Il Maestrale, subject to availability and advance booking.
Which beaches can be reached by boat in the archipelago?+
Both the sailing tour and the dinghy reach Cala Coticcio, Cala Corsara (Spargi), the view of Budelli's Pink Beach, Santa Maria and Razzoli, all accessible only by sea or with difficulty on foot.
How long does a boat trip in the archipelago take?+
You can plan half a day (4-5 hours) for 2-3 coves, or a full day (7-8 hours) for the complete tour of the La Maddalena archipelago, by sailing boat or by dinghy.
When should I book the sailing tour or the dinghy?+
In low season the day before is enough; in July and August it's best to book a few days ahead to be sure of availability.
A skippered sailing tour or a stay with a dinghy included: the La Maddalena archipelago is waiting for you.