La Maddalena Boat Trip with Lunch from Santa Teresa Gallura Sardinia

Santa Teresa Gallura and the Strait of Bonifacio

Santa Teresa Gallura is a seaside town on the northern tip of Sardinia, facing the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica, which on a clear day looks close enough to touch. The old Aragonese tower above the harbour and the white sand of Rena Bianca beach make it a pleasant place to stay before or after the trip. Travellers searching for a boat trip from Santa Teresa Gallura to La Maddalena choose this departure because the town is already on the way to the islands, so the sailing time is shorter than from farther ports.

The boat leaves in the morning, around nine o'clock, and the exact boarding point is in your booking confirmation. The sea in the strait can be breezy, so bring a light jacket for the crossing.

The islands of La Maddalena National Park

The archipelago is a national park of granite islands, among them La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli and Razzoli, with water that shifts from emerald to deep blue within a few metres. Visitors often ask whether La Maddalena is worth a day trip, and the answer is that these bays are among the best in the Mediterranean and many can only be seen from the sea.

The route among the islands depends on the wind and the sea on the day, and the crew adjusts it to find calm water. The multilingual audio guide, in Italian, English or French, explains the geology, the history of the islands and the park rules while you look at the coast.

Swimming stops and lunch on board

During the day the boat stops in sheltered coves so you can swim in the clear water and enjoy the beach views from the deck. Bring your own towel, hat and sunscreen; beach umbrellas and towels are not included. In high season, the best time to swim is usually in the late morning before the bays fill up.

Lunch is cooked on board and includes a first course of pasta, either with seafood or simply with oil and Parmesan. Extras and drinks bought on board are paid separately. A small landing fee, which changes by season, is paid in cash before boarding and is not included in the ticket.

Planning your day trip from the north coast

Many people look for the best time to visit La Maddalena. From late May to September the sea is warm and the boats run most days, while July and August are the busiest months and the coves feel crowded. The shoulder months of May, June and September offer calmer anchorages and softer light.

The trip is a shared group boat, so it is not a private charter. It is suitable for most ages, including children who are comfortable on a boat for a full day, but guests with limited mobility should think about the boarding and the time at sea. Hotel pickup is not included.