Sailing in the La Maddalena Archipelago: The Rules

Access and Permissions

To access the archipelago, sail, anchor or moor, it is necessary to have a permit issued by the Maddalena Park Authority. Permits are subject to payment and can be purchased online via the official website (lamaddalenapark.it) or at affiliated facilities.

Fees vary according to boat length and length of stay; there is a 40% increase for those who purchase permits directly within the protected area. Advance booking is recommended, especially in the summer months, to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with regulations. Below are the fees (updated to 2024)

Protection Zones and Restrictions

The archipelago is divided into several zones, each with a specific level of protection:

Zone Ma (Integral Protection) - Access, parking, anchoring, and even transit in these areas is prohibited. An emblematic example is Cala Roto, better known as Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on the island of Budelli, where bathing, diving and access to the beach are prohibited.

Zone Mb (General Protection) - anchoring and mooring at buoys (where provided) is permitted here from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for all boats; boats equipped with slurry boxes may also stay overnight. A permit is required for each stop, and signs must be observed not to anchor on the banks of Posidonia, a protected plant that contributes to the stability of the marine ecosystem.

Protected Dive Points (PIP) - for scuba diving in particularly sensitive and fascinating areas, visitors can make use of services organised by authorised diving centres. Autonomous diving is not permitted, and it is mandatory to use an authorised diving centre to preserve the safety and protection of the marine environment.

Zones (pdf)  Zones (english)

Navigation and Speed Limits

To minimise the environmental impact and ensure the safety of bathers, speed limits are in place:

- Within 300 metres from the coast: maximum speed of 7 knots.

- Beyond 300 metres from the coast: maximum speed of 15 knots.

Regular checks are carried out to sanction offenders.

Mooring and Anchoring

Anchoring on sandy bottoms is required to avoid damage to Posidonia.

Important: Recent updates to the regulations have introduced restrictions for the night period, prohibiting anchoring from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. throughout the archipelago area for non-resident boats. The only permitted stopping points are the buoys set up by the Park Authority, available in specific areas such as Porto Palma and Cala Portese in Caprera, and along the island of Budelli. However, for commercial vessels offering passenger transport services, these buoys are reserved from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

Important Prohibitions and Sanctions

Some behaviour is strictly forbidden:

Bathing and access - not permitted on Budelli's Pink Beach, nor in the integral protection areas.

Anchoring on beds with Posidonia - to avoid damage to this plant that is fundamental to the ecosystem.

Discarding of materials or waste - prohibited in the entire archipelago area.

Significant penalties are applied to anyone who violates regulations, both in terms of pollution and non-compliance with permits and restricted areas.