La Maddalena from Olbia or Palau: Which Boat Trip Is Best?
Updated October 16, 2026 · 6 min read
The answer first. For most visitors staying in Olbia, the sensible choice is to travel to Palau and take the La Maddalena archipelago boat trip with four stops. It starts at €55, has 2,623 reviews and gives a broad first view of the islands. A catamaran or sailing boat costs more but offers fewer passengers (the catamaran trip below includes lunch); a RIB is faster and better for swim stops, but rougher and less comfortable.
The departure point matters
Most well-reviewed archipelago trips leave from Palau, not Olbia. Palau is roughly 40 kilometres north of Olbia, so allow for the road journey and parking before comparing departure times. A tour labelled “Sardinia” may still start in Palau. Read the meeting-point line on the booking page.
If you are driving, compare rental cars for Olbia only after checking whether your accommodation already offers a Palau transfer. Travellers without a car should prefer an explicitly included transfer or plan the public-transport connection separately.
Four boat styles compared
| Boat | Typical character | Published starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large excursion boat | Fixed route, more passengers, several shore stops | €55 | First visit and value |
| Catamaran with lunch | More deck space, meal, slower day | €120 | Comfort and food |
| RIB | Small group, speed, exposed ride | €47.50 | Swimming and agility |
| Sailing boat | Quiet pace, wind-dependent route | €59 category minimum | Relaxed day |
The four-island boat trip from Palau starts at €58 and has 2,546 reviews. The catamaran cruise with lunch is €120 and lasts seven hours. The four-hour RIB trip starts at €47.50.
Park rules and the honest trade-off
La Maddalena is a national park. Navigation, mooring or anchoring within 300 metres of the coast requires the park’s permit during the summer season; on an organised trip the operator handles the boat’s authorisation. Stops can still change with wind, sea conditions and park restrictions. A list of four islands is an itinerary, not a promise that every beach will be reached.
Large boats offer the clearest value and easier movement on board, but boarding and shore stops take longer. RIBs reach coves quickly, yet provide little shelter or shade and can be tiring in swell. Catamarans and sailing boats justify their premium through space, atmosphere and food, not through seeing twice as many islands.
Our recommendation
Choose the La Maddalena archipelago boat trip with four stops for a first visit. Choose the catamaran only when a quieter deck and lunch are worth the higher price; choose the RIB when swimming matters more than comfort.
