Spend a full day sailing from Santa Teresa through the Maddalena Archipelago—small groups, two skippers, a three-course lunch and stops for snorkeling, SUP and beach time at islands like Budelli and Spargi. This guide covers what to expect, why the islands are special and how to prepare.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Salt on your lips and the hush of a small-crew Beneteau underfoot: the day begins in the sunlit harbor of Santa Teresa and unfolds across turquoise bowls of water that earned this stretch of sea the nickname “the Caribbean of Europe.” Light wind tugs the sails as the boat threads past granite headlands and the faint pink of Spiaggia Rosa, a shoreline you'd sooner call rare than ordinary.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic mobility for boarding and short swims but no sustained exertion.
Wildlife
History
The Maddalena islands have long hosted maritime activity from ancient Nuragic settlements to 19th-century navies; the archipelago became a national park in the 1990s to protect its marine and coastal heritage.
Conservation
The area is part of a protected marine park—visitors should avoid collecting shells or disturbing dunes, use reef-safe products, and follow skipper guidance to minimize anchor damage.
Reserve your spot on the Perfect Day Sailing Tours - Maddalena Archipelago today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The archipelago is protected—use biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life while staying sun-safe on deck and in the water.
Wear non-slip deck shoes
Boarding and moving on a sailing yacht is easier with shoes that grip wet surfaces and protect feet from lines and hardware.
Pack a light wind layer
Even in summer the sea breeze can be cool—bring a lightweight windbreaker or fleece for comfort during open-water passages.
Know basic swimming skills
Snorkeling and dinghy trips require comfort in the water; tell crew if you’re not confident so they can assist or arrange a dinghy ride to shore.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the archipelago’s marine ecosystems during snorkeling and sunbathing.
summer
Swimwear and quick-dry towel
Necessary for swims and comfortable transitions back to the boat.
summer
Light windbreaker or fleece
Provides warmth during open-water passages and cooler mornings or evenings.
spring
Dry bag for electronics
Keeps phones, cameras and documents dry during boarding, dinghy rides and on-deck breezes.