Kayak and water sports

Fast boats get everywhere, but not everywhere. There are coves in the archipelago — granite cracks, half-metre-wide inlets, shallows no keel touches — that you only see from a kayak or SUP. It is not about difficulty: it is about size, silence, and involuntary respect for the place.

Kayaking around Caprera early in the morning — before motorboats leave, when the sea has that quality that lasts barely an hour — is one of the most precise experiences the archipelago offers. Precise in the sense of: hard to describe, easy to remember.

Morning routes

The east coast of Caprera is the archipelago’s natural kayak ground. Coves follow one after another: Cala Garibaldi, Cala Serena, Cala Caprarese, Cala Napoletana — each with different light, different bottom, different silence.

With the Mistral, the east side is sheltered and almost always paddleable — while motorboats focus on the outer islands, kayakers get this coast to themselves.

Seasonal kayak rental operates from Stagnali and Cala Portese. You can hire single or double kayaks for half days; some operators offer guided trips with snorkelling included.

🏄 SUP rental in La Maddalena: explore the archipelago from the water Stand-up paddling is a unique way to reach hidden coves in silence. Choose portable rental in town or rent directly at the main beaches.

📍 Rental hubs and spots 🎒 In town (portable) Handy if you have a car and want to change coast every day.

189 Garage: in the centre, offers inflatable SUPs in a backpack with pump and accessories.

Maddalena Diving: a reference for water sports; SUP and canoe rental for self-guided trips or tours.

🏖️ On the beach Best if you want to get straight on the water.

Kayak Di Porto in Porto (Baia dei Giardinelli): easy paddling toward Testa del Polpo beach or Caprera’s shores.

Punta Tegge: rental here to explore the granite cliffs.

💡 Tips for your SUP session Wind: Before renting, check wind strength. Sheltered bays like Cala Spalmatore are safest on Mistral days.

Environment: You are in a national park. Do not disturb wildlife or leave litter.

Dry bag: If you rent an inflatable in town, ask whether a waterproof bag is included.

⚓ Pescaturismo in La Maddalena: a day as a fisherman Pescaturismo is the most authentic way to feel the archipelago’s fishing culture. Unlike standard boat trips, you learn traditional methods, discover hidden coves, and often eat the catch cooked on board.

🛶 Main operators For genuine hospitality and local food:

M/P Trinita: known for a family atmosphere. Departures from La Maddalena and Palau; attentive to dietary needs (gluten-free options on request).

M/P Imbroglio: combines fishing culture with stops in places you cannot reach from land, ending with a lunch of local dishes and very fresh fish.

✨ What to expect 🎣 Fishing and tradition You are not just a passenger. You can watch nets or pots being hauled and learn methods passed down generations — sometimes help on deck.

🍷 Lunch on board The heart of the day: fish cooked by the crew. Menus often include traditional first courses or mixed fried fish, local charcuterie and cheese, and Vermentino di Gallura. Coffee and a glass of myrtle to finish.

🏝️ Itinerary Boats move among the archipelago’s highlights, with time for snorkelling and swimming:

Spargi: fine-sand beaches.

Budelli: the famous Spiaggia Rosa.

Santa Maria: shallow, clear water.

Tip: pescaturismo boats have limited space compared to big tourist ferries. Book well ahead, especially July and August.

⛵ Windsurf in the La Maddalena archipelago: spots and schools Steady Mistral and westerlies make the archipelago a windsurf paradise. Near famous Porto Pollo, the islands add unique spots, crystal water, and conditions for both waves and learning.

📍 Top windsurf spots Depending on wind and level:

Bassa Trinita (La Maddalena): an iconic spot — with the Mistral, conditions from slalom to wave-style “choppy” water.

Nido d’Aquila: on the west coast, technical and popular with experts for strong, steady wind.

Porto Palma (Caprera): a sheltered bay inside wild Caprera — flat water, ideal for lessons and beginners.

🏫 Schools and centres Club Nautico La Maddalena: sailing and windsurf courses for all levels, with strong focus on young sailors and teaching.

VelamareClub (Abbatoggia): long-running school with summer sailing camps (June–September) for ages 9–18.

Centro Nautico Levante (archipelago area): weekly beginner courses at the “Casa del Vento”.

Dolphin Windsurf (Palau – Saline): private lessons and high-end rental, multilingual instructors.

🗓️ When to go and what to bring Best season: spring and autumn (March–May and September–November) for steady wind and fewer people on the beach.

Summer: great temperatures — use designated launch lanes so swimmers stay safe.

Water temps: summer 21–27 °C — boardshorts or a light shorty. Shoulder season 14–20 °C — a 3/2 mm wetsuit is sensible.

Park rules: check national park regulations before you go. In summer, respecting navigation zones keeps everyone safe.