Five Star Relax Cruise Sailing Yacht Islands of La Maddalena

The best part of this cruise is the mix of small-group sailing and excellent food. From Cannigione, Francesco and Paola take you toward the archipelago’s clear-water bays, adjusting the route to the wind and leaving plenty of time to swim, snorkel, paddle board, or simply stretch out on the sun cushions.

I like two things right away: the group is limited to 10 people, and lunch is more than a sandwich grabbed between stops. You can expect freshly prepared Sardinian dishes, local drinks, and the kind of warm hosting that makes a boat feel almost like a friend’s floating home. The main consideration is the price, $337.91 per person, which is a serious spend for a day on the water, though it includes food, drinks, and a much more personal setting than a large excursion boat.

Key points to know before you book

• A maximum of 10 people keeps the day personal and avoids the packed-boat feel.
• Francesco and Paola host the cruise, with Francesco handling the sailing and Paola preparing food and helping on deck.
• The route follows the wind, so the exact bays and beaches can change from day to day.
• Lunch and drinks are included, with Sardinian food, wine, beer, sparkling wine, mirto, espresso, coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks available.
• Swimming time is a central part of the day, with opportunities for snorkeling and paddle boarding when conditions allow.
• Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

Setting sail from Cannigione at 9:30 a.m.

You meet at Porto Turistico, 1, in the Cannigione area of Arzachena, and the boat departs at 9:30 a.m. The cruise lasts about eight hours, returning to the same meeting point.

That timing matters. This is not a quick morning ride with a rushed swim stop. You have most of the day to settle into the pace of the sea, visit several bays, eat aboard, and let the scenery change around you. I like that the trip begins early enough to make good use of the daylight, but not so early that you need to start before breakfast.

The meeting point is near public transportation, though you should still allow time to reach the marina without stress. The activity ends where it begins, which makes the day easier to plan if you are staying in the Cannigione or Arzachena area.

The boat is Solevento, a sailing yacht used for a small group. With no more than 10 people, you should have a better chance of finding a comfortable spot on deck and getting personal attention than you would on a large motorboat carrying dozens of passengers.

What sailing with Francesco and Paola feels like

The personality of the crew is a major part of the experience. Francesco is the skipper, and Paola works on deck while preparing the meals. Together, they create a friendly, informal day rather than a bare-bones transfer between swimming spots.

Francesco also adjusts the route to suit the wind. That is useful for comfort and for the quality of the sailing itself. On one day, the best choice may be a sheltered bay. On another, the wind may make a different beach or coastline more appealing. You are not following a rigid checklist of stops simply because it was printed in advance.

This flexibility is a strength, but it also means you should not book expecting a guaranteed list of named islands or beaches. The itinerary describes the most attractive bays and beaches of the La Maddalena Archipelago, but the final route depends on conditions.

The small galley receives plenty of attention. Paola prepares a Sardinian lunch and serves a welcome drink, with other refreshments offered during the day. Food described from the cruise includes freshly prepared local dishes and mussel pasta, along with aperitivo-style snacks and more than one meal service on some outings.

That is a real advantage. A full day at sea can feel long if you are hungry or waiting for an expensive lunch at the end. Here, food is part of the experience, not an afterthought.

Swimming in the clear bays of La Maddalena

The archipelago is the star of the day. The boat visits attractive bays and beaches where you can swim in clear water and relax away from the road.

The schedule allows time to get into the sea instead of spending the whole day looking at it from the deck. Depending on conditions, you can also snorkel and use a paddle board. You should bring a towel, since one is not provided, and pack anything you want to keep dry between swims.

The swimming stops are likely to be the highlight if you enjoy being active. You may have several chances to get in, with some outings reaching three different locations. At other times, wind or weather can limit how long you swim. The crew works with the day they have, rather than promising perfect conditions.

You also have the option to stay aboard. The soft sun cushions offer a comfortable place to read, talk, or simply watch the coast pass by. This makes the cruise suitable for mixed groups, including couples or families where not everyone wants to snorkel at every stop.

One point to keep in mind is the weather policy. The activity requires good weather, and the itinerary depends on safe sea conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That protects you from losing your money, but it does not remove the need for a backup plan during an uncertain forecast.

Lunch, aperitivo, and the value of eating aboard

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise instead of a standard boat ride. Lunch is included, along with bottled water, soda, coffee, tea, and brunch. The day also includes a welcome drink and local beverages.

The drinks available can include beer, sparkling wine, Vermentino, mirto, espresso, and soft drinks. The exact selection may vary, but you can expect more than plain water and a can of soda.

Mussels and pasta have been part of the meal, and the food is described as fresh, local, and generous. Paola has also handled special dietary requests, which is helpful if you need to discuss an adjustment before departure. You should still communicate your needs in advance rather than assume every request can be met on the day.

There is a nice connection between the food and the setting. You are not eating in a restaurant with a view of the sea. You are eating on the boat, after seeing the bays where some of the ingredients and local food traditions belong. That gives the meal a stronger sense of place.

For the price, the included food and drinks matter. At $337.91 per person, the cruise is not a budget outing. But you are paying for eight hours, a boat limited to 10 people, a professional skipper, a deckhand and cook, swimming equipment such as a paddle board when available, meals, and drinks. Compared with a basic group boat, the value lies in the personal attention and the calmer pace.

How the route changes with the wind

A sailing trip should be judged partly by how well it handles changing conditions. This one does not treat the route as fixed. Francesco selects bays and beaches with the wind direction in mind, helping keep the ride comfortable and making the most of the day.

On a low-wind day, you may spend more time under engine power or move at a gentler pace. That can mean less dramatic sailing, but it does not remove the scenery, the swimming, or the meal. A day with limited wind can still work well if your main goal is to enjoy the coast and spend time in the water.

On a stronger-wind day, the route may change more clearly. Some bays may offer better shelter, while another part of the archipelago may provide the best sailing. This is one reason not to focus too much on checking off a particular beach.

I appreciate this practical approach. The best boat day is not always the one with the most stops. It is the one where the skipper uses the conditions well and keeps the experience comfortable.

A private-feeling cruise without a crowded deck

The tour is described as private and has a maximum of 10 people. That combination gives you a more personal experience than the large boats that move through the archipelago with packed decks.

With a small group, you can expect more room to settle in and a better chance to speak with the crew. Swimming stops also feel less mechanical when you are not trying to get dozens of people on and off the boat at once.

There is still a social side. You share the day with the other people aboard, and the meal creates a natural chance to talk. If you want complete solitude, this is not a private yacht charter for just you and your companion unless the booking arrangement specifically says so. The maximum group size is small, but it is still a group.

The setting suits couples, families, and friends who want a special day at sea. It also works for solo visitors who like meeting people in a relaxed setting. The crew’s warm approach helps, but you should be comfortable spending many hours around other people.

What is included, and what you need to bring

The cruise includes:

• Lunch and brunch
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Coffee and tea
• A welcome drink
• Local wine and other refreshments
• Swimming and relaxation time
• Return to the Cannigione meeting point

Towels are not included, so bring one. You should also arrive ready for a day outdoors, with swimwear, sun protection, and a secure way to carry personal items. The provided information does not list hotel pickup, so plan to make your own way to Porto Turistico.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity can also be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached, in which case you receive a different date or experience, or a full refund.

The standard cancellation policy is strict. Once booked, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. I would book only when your date and weather plans are reasonably firm.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

You should consider Solevento if you want a full day rather than a short coastal ride. The eight-hour format gives you time to sail, swim, eat, relax, and enjoy the scenery without packing every activity into a rushed schedule.

It is especially well suited to you if:

• You prefer small groups to large sightseeing boats.
• You care about food as much as scenery.
• You want a flexible route shaped by the wind.
• You enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or paddle boarding.
• You like meeting a friendly crew and sharing a meal.
• You are willing to pay more for comfort and personal service.

It may not suit you if you want a low-cost boat trip, a fixed list of named stops, or guaranteed swimming in every kind of weather. The day is built around the sea, so conditions always matter.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. Still, the details do not describe specific accessibility arrangements, so contact the provider if you have mobility needs or require special assistance aboard the sailboat.

Should you book the Five Star Relax Cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want the La Maddalena Archipelago as a relaxed food-and-sea experience rather than a simple sightseeing transfer. Francesco and Paola bring together good sailing, flexible routing, Sardinian meals, local drinks, and a group size capped at 10.

The price is high, but the inclusions make it easier to judge fairly. You are getting nearly a full day, lunch, drinks, a small boat, and hosts who pay attention to the details. If that sounds like the kind of day you want in Sardinia, it is a strong choice.

Book with realistic expectations: the route changes with the wind, towels are not included, and the booking cannot normally be canceled for a refund. If you can accept those points, this is the sort of outing that can become the centerpiece of a Sardinia visit.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at Porto Turistico, 1, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy, in the Cannigione area.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:30 a.m., and the activity lasts about eight hours.

How many people can join the cruise?

The boat accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and brunch are included, along with bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. A welcome drink and local refreshments are also provided.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own for swimming stops.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are also offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.