Boat Tour at Devil’s Saddle: 4 Swim Stops, Snorkeling & Prosecco

Crystal-clear water is the main event. This three-hour boat trip from Cagliari takes you along the coast around Devil’s Saddle, stopping at several coves for swimming and snorkeling. I like the easy mix of sea time and scenery, and I like that masks, snorkels, water, fuel, and a glass of Prosecco are included. The main catch is that there is no toilet on the boat or at the port.

I also like the relaxed, social feel. Skippers such as Alessandro, Giovanni, Pietro, Matteo, and Alec have earned praise for keeping people safe, sharing local background, taking photos, playing music, and adapting the pace to the group. Weather controls the route, so you should see the listed places as a plan rather than a guarantee.

Key points about this Cagliari boat tour

• Four or more swimming stops: The route can include Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Cala Fighera, the Gasole pools at Sella del Diavolo, Marina Piccola, and Poetto.
• Clear water close to the city: You get a seaside outing without committing to a full-day excursion far from Cagliari.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: Masks and snorkels are included, which saves you from packing or renting equipment.
• Friendly skippers shape the experience: Alessandro, Giovanni, Pietro, Matteo, and Alec are praised for their humor, care, local explanations, and boat handling.
• Prosecco adds a festive finish: A glass is included, along with bottled water. You may bring your own food.
• Practical limits matter: Arrive 20 minutes early, bring identification, and avoid this trip if you are prone to seasickness.

Why this three-hour trip works well in Cagliari

Cagliari has plenty of churches, lanes, museums, and city views. But Sardinia is also about the sea, and this trip gives you a quick way to reach the water without arranging transport to a distant beach.

The boat leaves from Molo Dogana, near the center of Cagliari. From there, you trade streets and harbor buildings for rocky coves, open views, and swimming stops. That change of scene is the real value of the trip.

At $60.49 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Sardinia. You are paying for a skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, several stops, and the convenience of leaving from central Cagliari. If you already have a car and plan to spend the day at a beach, the price may feel less attractive. If you want several coastal locations in a short time, the cost is easier to justify.

The tour is advertised as about three hours, with roughly 20 minutes at each swimming stop. That creates a lively rhythm. You have enough time to get in, swim or snorkel, dry off, and move on, but you should not expect a long, lazy stay at one beach.

Setting out from Molo Dogana

The meeting point is NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari. Search for NautiSardinia Boat Trips on Google Maps rather than relying only on a general port search.

You must arrive 20 minutes before departure. This is important, not a polite suggestion. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, even if you are only a few minutes away.

The port is close to public transportation. If you drive, the nearest listed parking is Parcheggio Porto, operated by Apcoa, about 10 minutes on foot from the meeting point. Give yourself extra time if you are arriving by car, bus, or taxi. Ports can be confusing, and a last-minute sprint is a poor warm-up for a swim.

Bring a photo identification document. You are also expected to behave respectfully on the boat and around the marina. Alcohol beyond the provided service, drugs, and arriving intoxicated are strictly forbidden.

Cala Bernat starts the swimming circuit

Cala Bernat is one of the first planned swimming and snorkeling stops. You can enter the water from the boat, and the route may allow you to swim toward the beach.

This is a good introduction to the outing because you can settle into the water before the trip moves farther along the coast. If you are nervous about jumping in from a boat, use this first stop to get comfortable with the ladder, mask, and snorkel.

The stop is scheduled for about 20 minutes. That is enough for a swim, but it is not a beach visit with time for a long walk or sunbathing session. The boat may alter the stop because of weather or sea conditions.

Calamosca Beach brings shore views and clear water

At Calamosca Beach, the pattern continues: swim, snorkel, and possibly make your way toward the coast. Seeing the beach from the water gives you a different sense of the bay than you get from land.

The water is a major reason this trip receives such strong praise. People describe it as exceptionally clear, with fish visible in some spots. Keep your expectations sensible, though. Snorkeling here is about enjoying clean Mediterranean water and small marine life, not visiting a large tropical reef. One person found the fish variety limited, while others saw plenty of fish and even starfish.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sun protection. The supplied equipment removes one packing chore, but you will still want your own personal items for comfort between stops.

Cala Fighera offers a more dramatic coastal setting

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera is another 20-minute stop for swimming and snorkeling. The cove is part of the rugged shoreline around Devil’s Saddle, so the pleasure here comes from both the water and the rock formations around it.

This is the sort of stop where you should look up between swims. The coast is not just a backdrop for the activity. From the boat, you can appreciate the shape of the coves and the way the cliffs meet the sea without having to find a path or walk under the midday sun.

The possibility of swimming to the beach depends on the conditions and the exact position of the boat. Do not assume every stop will include shore access. If you prefer to stay aboard, you can sit in the sun while the more active members of your group use the water.

Grotta dei Colombi is seen from the sea

The boat passes in front of Grotta dei Colombi, a striking sea cave reachable only by water. This is a short scenic passage rather than a separate long stop.

That detail adds something important to the trip. You are not simply being carried from one swimming hole to another. The route also shows you coastal features that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot.

The cave is best treated as a viewing moment. Since the tour information does not promise an entry into the cave, do not expect to explore inside. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray.

Sella del Diavolo and the Gasole swimming pools

The Sella del Diavolo area is the signature setting of the trip. The name means Devil’s Saddle, referring to the distinctive shape of the headland. Here, the boat visits the Gasole swimming pools for another swim and snorkeling stop.

This is where the outing feels most tied to its title. You are seeing the coastline from the water and stopping in a place that gives the excursion its local identity.

The planned stay is about 20 minutes. The skipper may explain some history and geography as you move along, and this light commentary helps you understand what you are seeing without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

Several skippers have been singled out for handling this balance well. Alessandro is praised for humor, music, and careful attention. Giovanni is described as lively and attentive, while Pietro is praised for selecting attractive swimming locations and keeping the schedule moving. Matteo has been noted for giving clear explanations, and Alec for being friendly and helpful.

Marina Piccola and Poetto extend the sea time

The route can also include a stop in front of Marina Piccola bay. Here, you can swim and snorkel, with the possibility of swimming to the coast.

Poetto is another planned swimming stop. This famous beach area gives you a broad coastal setting after the smaller coves. The stop is again listed at about 20 minutes, and the skipper may change the sequence or skip locations if conditions require it.

The presence of Marina Piccola and Poetto explains why the experience can feel longer and fuller than the phrase four swim stops suggests. The exact pattern depends on the day. Think of it as a moving coastal route with several possible water stops, not a rigid checklist.

If you want to visit Poetto properly, with time to walk, eat, or claim a patch of sand, plan a separate visit. This boat stop is for swimming and viewing the bay from offshore.

Snorkeling is easy, but keep expectations realistic

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the gear has received positive comments for being good quality. That makes the trip especially convenient for occasional snorkelers and families who do not want to buy or carry their own equipment.

The water is the star. You may see fish and other small sea life, and some outings have included dolphins. Dolphins are a lucky sighting, not a promised part of the route, so treat them as an extra.

The short stops favor variety over detailed exploration. You can swim at several locations, compare the water around different coves, and return to the boat before the outing begins to feel repetitive. If you are an experienced snorkeler hoping to spend an hour examining one reef, this is probably not the right format.

Life jackets are available if necessary. You should still be comfortable around open water, since the focus is on swimming from the boat. Most people can take part, but the company does not recommend the experience for anyone who suffers from seasickness.

The skipper makes or breaks the atmosphere

A short boat tour depends heavily on the person at the helm. Here, the strongest pattern is a skipper who combines safe driving with a relaxed personality.

Alessandro has taken song requests, played music, told jokes, taken photos and videos, and checked on people during the swims. Giovanni is praised for being thoughtful, lively, and attentive. Pietro has been described as calm, entertaining, and skilled at keeping several destinations on schedule.

That style suits people who want more than a silent transfer between coves. You get some historical and geographical context, but the mood remains informal. The crew may also offer suggestions for the rest of your time in Cagliari.

The social side is worth considering. The maximum group size is 32 people, and several boats may depart around the same time. The atmosphere can be friendly and fun, but it is not a private cruise. One person specifically wished for separate adults-only and family departures, so couples seeking quiet should keep the group format in mind.

Families with children around school age have enjoyed the trip, especially because kids can jump from the boat into clear water. Parents should decide for themselves if their children are comfortable following swimming instructions and sharing a boat with other people.

Prosecco, music, and what to bring

A glass of Prosecco is included. It is a small touch, but it helps give the trip a holiday feel, especially on an afternoon or evening departure. Music and song requests may also be part of the atmosphere, depending on the skipper and group.

Bottled water is provided. Food is not included, but you can bring your own. Keep any snacks simple and secure, since the boat is moving and there is no promise of a meal stop.

There is no toilet on the boat or in the port. This is one of the most useful details to know before booking. Use facilities before arriving, and do not assume you can solve the problem at the meeting point.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection
• A change of clothes
• Identification
• Your own food if needed
• A waterproof case for phone or camera

The supplied mask and snorkel are useful, but you can bring personal gear if you prefer a particular fit. Life jackets are available when needed.

Timing, sea conditions, and comfort

The tour is offered in English, with an English and Italian speaking skipper or guide. The commentary is likely to be most useful while the boat is moving, since the main purpose of each stop is swimming rather than extended sightseeing.

The route can change because of weather. That is normal for a coastal activity, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your Cagliari schedule. Strong wind or poor sea conditions may lead to a different route, a new date, or cancellation with a full refund.

Pregnant people should contact the operator before booking. The tour is not recommended for safety reasons for individuals weighing more than 135 kilograms. These limits are worth reading carefully rather than discovering them at the dock.

The boat can carry up to 32 people. That is a moderate group, not a private experience. You may get a more personal feel if the departure is quiet, but you should book a private charter if personal space and control over the route are essential.

Is $60.49 a fair price?

I think the price is fair for the right kind of day. Fuel alone is included, as are snorkeling equipment, water, a skipper, and Prosecco. You also get several coastal stops without having to arrange a rental car, find parking at multiple beaches, or guess which coves are worth reaching.

The strongest value comes from the combination of central departure and several swims. You can fit this into a short stay in Cagliari, including a morning, afternoon, or sunset outing depending on the departure time available.

The value drops if you dislike group activities, cannot swim comfortably, get seasick, or want a quiet sightseeing cruise. It also may not suit you if you need a toilet nearby or want a proper meal included.

With a rating of 4.9 from 263 ratings and recommendation from 99 percent of people who booked, the experience has a strong record. That does not remove the practical limitations, but it does support the idea that the service is usually well run.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want to see Cagliari’s coast efficiently and spend most of the time in the water. It is especially suitable for:

• Couples who like an easygoing sea outing
• Families with children comfortable in open water
• First-time visitors with only a few days in Cagliari
• Swimmers who want several different coves
• People who do not own snorkeling equipment
• Anyone who enjoys light music, conversation, and a celebratory drink

I would think twice if you want a private boat, a long snorkeling session, a beach day with plenty of sand time, or a guaranteed dolphin sighting. Seasickness is another serious concern, since the route is built around time on the water.

Should you book the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

Yes, if your idea of a good Cagliari outing is clear water, repeated swims, rocky coastal views, and a friendly skipper who keeps things moving. The trip delivers a lot in three hours, and the included equipment and Prosecco make the $60.49 price easier to accept.

Book it with realistic expectations. You may not visit every named stop, the fish life can vary, and the group may include children and other families. Arrive early, use the toilet before you go, bring food if needed, and leave room in your schedule for a weather change. For a compact taste of Sardinia from the sea, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the Devil’s Saddle boat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the boat tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari, Italy.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fuel surcharge, a glass of Prosecco, and an English and Italian speaking skipper or guide are included.

How early should I arrive?

You must arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. The boat cannot delay departure for late arrivals.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is also no toilet in the port.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.