Seven hours over clear water beats a museum day. On this full-day sailing out of the Cannigione area, I like how the small-group setup keeps it personal and how your day is built around the La Maddalena Archipelago—sail, swim, relax, repeat. You’re not rushing between attractions; you’re spending the time where it counts: on the water.

I also like the human touch from Francesco and Paola, who run the boat like a holiday, not a conveyor belt. One drawback to keep in mind: this is a sailboat day, so real wind and real waves can affect comfort and how long you’ll want to be out in the water.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group on Solevento (max 10), with a tailored feel rather than a big-boat crowd
• Lunch + drinks on board: typical Sardinian food, local wine, coffee/tea, soda, bottled water
• Multiple swim and water-time breaks in famous bays around La Maddalena and nearby coastlines
• Costa Smeralda and South Corsica views in one outing, so you cover ground without changing hotels
• English available, plus a friendly crew used to showing people around by boat

Porto Turistico to the water: what the start feels like

Your day begins at Porto Turistico, 1, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy, with a 9:30 am departure. The activity ends back at the same starting point, which matters more than it sounds: you can plan the rest of your day without hopping transport routes.

Because this is near public transportation and designed for most people to join, you don’t need a special travel setup. What you do need is a calm, flexible mindset—this is a sailing cruise, and the sea is the schedule.

The boat and the host style on Solevento

Solevento is the sailing yacht used for this cruise, and the vibe is repeatedly described as relaxed and welcoming. The biggest practical win is the crew-to-group feel: this runs with a maximum of 10 people, so you’re not stuck watching over everyone’s heads.

That smaller size also shows up in the details. Several experiences point to hosts like Francesco (skipper) and Paola (deckhand/food support) who make you feel taken care of rather than processed. When the crew adjusts the day to wind conditions, you feel it as smoother sailing and better water time—not as a vague explanation.

How the sailing day works across La Maddalena (and beyond)

This is sold as a full-day private sailboat tour of the Maddalena Archipelago, with lunch included, and it’s centered on the La Maddalena area + the nearby coastlines of Costa Smeralda and South Corsica. Practically, that means you’re not just seeing one bay from one angle. You’ll move along the coast and get more than one chance to enjoy the “stop for a swim” rhythm.

In the boat’s day flow, expect a sequence of anchorages and viewpoints—enough variety that the morning doesn’t feel like the same view on repeat. People have counted multiple distinct locations during their day, which is exactly what you want here: different beaches, different coves, and different ways the light hits the water.

What to expect in the morning waters

The morning tends to be when you get your first real look at why this region is famous. You’ll sail past scenic bays and beaches and then get time in the water. This is the part of the day where being present helps: put your phone away for a bit and watch how the shoreline changes as the boat moves.

One practical consideration: if the wind is stronger than expected, you’ll likely feel more motion. That doesn’t mean the day is a bust; it just means you’ll want to be strategic about where you’re sitting and how you plan your water time.

Midday: lunch that actually fits the day

Lunch is part of the experience, not a separate stop. You’ll be served a typical Sardinian lunch, along with a welcome drink, plus coffee and/or tea later. The value here is not just the food—it’s that you’re eating where you are, with the trip still in motion.

For me, that’s what makes a boat day feel worth it. You’re not commuting back to shore, ordering something quick, and losing time to logistics. You’re simply sailing, then eating, then sailing again.

Afternoon rhythm: more bays, more water time

The afternoon is where you get the second and third wave of that same “this is why I booked a boat” feeling. The cruise includes all-day refreshments, so you’re not waiting for meals to keep you comfortable.

Based on the experiences shared, this is also a common time for people to try snorkelling and paddle boarding if conditions allow. Even if you don’t gear up for that, you’ll still appreciate the setup: you can swim, float, and relax without the crowds you get on larger boats.

The Costa Smeralda and South Corsica angle

Seeing the broader region—Costa Smeralda and South Corsica—is one of the reasons this cruise makes sense as a standalone day trip. You get the feeling of hopping between famous coastlines without rearranging your whole itinerary or packing and unpacking.

Just keep your expectations grounded: from a boat, you’ll mostly experience these areas as scenery and vantage points, with your main “activity time” focused on the anchorages and swim breaks.

What you’ll eat and drink on board (and why it matters)

The onboard food and drink is a standout. Included in the experience are lunch, local wine, soda/pop, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and brunch. In other words, you’re not doing the usual “bring your own snacks” workaround.

The Sardinian angle shows up in what people remember most: there’s mention of dishes like mussel pasta, fresh and local flavors, and a steady stream of drinks such as beer, sparkling wine, vermentino, mirto, and espresso. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the non-alcohol options are part of the included package, and coffee/tea is there too.

Dietary needs: what I’d take from the experience

One strong signal here is that the crew has handled a special dietary request on board. That’s not the same thing as a formal promise that every dietary style will be supported, but it does tell you the kitchen is paying attention and adapting.

If food matters to you, I’d treat this as a good option—and confirm details ahead of time with the operator when you book.

Getting comfortable: bring what you need (towels included? no)

One thing to know early: towels aren’t included. It’s an easy miss, especially when you’re thinking “sailing day, they’ll handle everything.” Bring a towel that can handle salty water and a quick rinse-off.

Also think about basic sun and sea comfort, since you’ll be out for about 8 hours. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider what you normally use on boats and have it ready before you leave the marina. Comfort is part of the value here—if you feel okay, you enjoy more swim time.

Price and value: what $337.91 buys you here

At $337.91 per person for around 8 hours, this isn’t a bargain-basement excursion. But it also isn’t priced like a private yacht for a huge group. The key value comes from three things that match what people praise most:

• Small group size (max 10): you get attention, not just a seat.
• On-board meal + drinks: lunch and refreshments remove a common boat-day expense.
• Time on the water where you want to be: the day is structured around bays and swim breaks, not long stretches of “sit and watch.”

If you’re the type who hates turning a day into a checklist, this pricing can feel fair. You’re paying for time, comfort, and that host-led rhythm.

If you’re on a tight budget or you don’t care much about boat time, you might compare against other Maddalena-area tours. For this exact style—small group, food included, sailing-first—it’s easier to justify.

Weather, wind, and what that means for your plan

This experience depends on weather. On a sailboat, conditions change fast, and the crew may adjust the day so sailing stays comfortable and swim time stays worth it.

Here’s how to think about it: if you’re booking, plan as if you’ll have a great day—but don’t act like the sea is predictable. Strong wind doesn’t automatically ruin the trip; it just changes how you experience it. If smoothness matters most to you, this is one more reason to pack comfort items and keep expectations flexible.

Who should book this sailing day (and who might not)

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A small-group boat day rather than a crowded day trip
• Lunch and drinks included, without stepping on land mid-day
• A relaxed schedule built around bays, swim breaks, and time in the water
• Hosts who prioritize taking care of people, not just running a route

You might think twice if you:

• Need a perfectly predictable itinerary regardless of wind and sea conditions
• Are uncomfortable on boats when it’s choppy (even when people are still enjoying the day)
• Forgot towels and don’t want to deal with it—because you will need to bring your own

Should you book the Five Star Relax Cruise Sailing Yacht Islands of La Maddalena?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a real holiday day: sail time, swim breaks, and food that feels local and freshly prepared. The combination of a small group and a crew that runs the boat like a personal experience is exactly what makes this one stick in people’s memories.

Skip it only if you’re looking for a rigid “every minute is the same” tour plan or you strongly dislike boat motion. If you can handle the sea as it comes, you’ll likely love the rhythm of the day and the chance to see the Maddalena region from the water—where it actually makes sense.

FAQ

How long is the sailing cruise?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?

It starts at 9:30 am, and the meeting point is Porto Turistico, 1, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the experience offered in English, and how big is the group?

Yes, it is offered in English. The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with soda/pop, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and brunch.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

What areas will we see during the day?

You’ll sail around the La Maddalena Archipelago and also pass through or see areas including Costa Smeralda and South Corsica.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, it’s listed as a mobile ticket.

Can the crew handle special dietary requests?

In at least one recent experience, Paola took care of a special dietary request on board.

What happens if the weather is poor or if I cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Otherwise, it’s non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, meaning you won’t get your money back if you cancel or request an amendment.

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