Cagliari: Devil’s saddle boat tour, 4 stops and prosecco

The best part of this Cagliari boat trip is the variety packed into three hours. You move from the rocky coves of the Devil’s Saddle to open views of Poetto Beach, with plenty of time to swim and snorkel along the way. I especially like the small group of up to 10 people and the way the bilingual skippers, including Sandro and Samuele, add local stories rather than simply driving the boat.

I also like the flexible feel of the stops. The crew has been praised for choosing good swimming spots for the day, helping nervous swimmers with flotation gear, and keeping the ride relaxed. The main thing to consider is that this is a compact dinghy, not a large sightseeing boat, and the amount of prosecco may be modest despite the advertising: some departures have offered only two small glasses per person.

Key points at a glance

• Six coastal sights in three hours: See Cala Bernat, Calamosca, Cala Fighera, Grotta dei Colombi, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto Beach.
• Swimming is central to the trip: Expect several stops, with snorkeling equipment, water, and an onboard shower provided.
• Small-group atmosphere: The boat carries up to 10 people, with private options also available.
• Sandro and Samuele are popular guides: Both are known for friendly commentary, local stories, and careful handling of the boat.
• Good value at $59: Fuel, skipper, bilingual guide, insurance, snorkeling gear, water, music, and prosecco are included.
• Plan for sun and spray: Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof way to protect your phone and documents.

Why this Cagliari boat trip works so well

Cagliari’s coast is easiest to appreciate from the water. From the road, you see beaches and cliffs in separate pieces. From a dinghy, the coves connect into one long outing, and you get the changing view of the city, rocky headlands, caves, and open sea.

This trip is not just a ride past the shore. You stop repeatedly for swimming and snorkeling, usually spending between 25 and 35 minutes at the main coves. That gives you enough time to get into the water without turning the outing into an all-day commitment.

The three-hour length is one of the strongest features. A morning departure can finish in time for lunch, while a later departure may bring softer light near Poetto Beach and a chance to watch the sunset. You get a proper taste of the coast without giving up the rest of your day in Cagliari.

The boat leaves from Marina di Sant’Elmo, near the Bacan restaurant. The skipper meets you in front of the marina entrance and walks you to dock D. This is useful to know because the meeting point is at the marina entrance, not necessarily right beside the boat.

Setting off from Marina di Sant’Elmo

The tour starts at the eVENTI da MARE boat-rental point. Once aboard, you settle into a comfortable, spacious dinghy with room for a maximum of 10 people. That size matters. You get a more personal outing than on a large vessel, and the skipper can pay closer attention to swimming ability, comfort, and the best place to stop that day.

You can expect a bilingual guide in English and Italian. Sandro, Samuele, and other skippers have been praised for explaining the coast, telling stories about Cagliari, and keeping the mood light with jokes and music. The tone is informal rather than lecture-like, which suits a short boat ride.

The ride itself may include some spray, especially if the sea is windy. One skipper was specifically praised for adjusting the boat to limit water hitting passengers, but you should still protect phones, passports, cash, and shoes. A technical problem on one outing left bags wet, so a dry bag or sealed pouch is a sensible addition.

Cala Bernat: the first chance to swim

Cala Bernat is the first listed stop, with about 25 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. Starting with a swimming cove gets you into the rhythm quickly. You can stay aboard for the views, or use the first stop to test the water and equipment.

This is also a good point to ask the skipper where conditions are best. The crew may adjust the exact swimming focus based on wind, waves, and visibility. The guides have been praised for taking their time rather than rushing everyone back aboard.

The snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. You should still bring your own towel and beachwear, since several stops are built around getting wet.

Calamosca and the rocky coast

The boat then reaches Spiaggia Calamosca, another stop of roughly 25 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. Calamosca gives you a different view of the coast, with the boat offering a better angle on the water and rocky edges than you get from the beach itself.

This stop works well for people who want a short swim rather than a long beach visit. You are not being dropped off for an afternoon on shore. The point is to enjoy the cove from the water, look for fish, and return to the boat when the group is ready to move on.

The clear water is the main attraction here. It may not be perfectly calm on every departure. Wind can change the experience, and one outing had larger waves, which some people enjoyed as part of the adventure. If you prefer flat water, ask the skipper which side of the coast is most sheltered that day.

Cala Fighera: the longest swimming stop

Cala Fighera receives about 35 minutes, making it the longest main stop on the route. You have time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and looking for marine life below the surface.

This is likely to be one of the more satisfying stops for anyone who wants actual water time rather than a quick photo pause. The coast around Cagliari is especially attractive from water level, where the rocky walls and small inlets feel more enclosed and personal.

Fish are part of the fun. Some skippers have fed fish near the boat, which can make the snorkeling more entertaining, particularly for children and first-time snorkelers. You should follow the guide’s instructions and avoid treating this as a serious wildlife excursion. The appeal is the easy chance to see marine life in clear water, not a guaranteed encounter with a particular species.

Grotta dei Colombi: a short cave pass

Grotta dei Colombi is a brief stop of about 10 minutes. The boat cruises by for photos and a closer look at the cave, rather than spending a long period in the water.

That short visit helps keep the trip moving. A three-hour coastal tour can feel repetitive if every stop lasts too long, but a cave pass adds another kind of scenery between swimming breaks. It is a quick visual change from open water and beaches to rock and shadow.

Treat this as a scenic passage, not a full cave tour. The boat passes by, and the main value is the view and the story surrounding the site.

Sella del Diavolo and the local legend

Sella del Diavolo, or the Devil’s Saddle, is the name-giving sight of the trip. The headland is tied to local legend, and the guide may explain the story as you cruise around it.

You get roughly 30 minutes here for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The stop combines the main themes of the outing: a distinctive Cagliari landmark, clear water, and an easy chance to get back in the sea.

This is also where a good guide makes a difference. Sandro and Samuele have been praised for explaining the history and background of the places along the coast, not just naming them. The stories give the rocky headland more meaning, while the swim keeps the stop relaxed.

The name can make the place sound dramatic, but the experience is gentle. You are not hiking the headland during this boat trip. You are seeing it from the water, with the cliffs and shoreline providing the setting.

Poetto Beach and the final stretch

The final major stop is the Lungomare Poetto area, with about 30 minutes for a break, photos, swimming, and snorkeling. Poetto is Cagliari’s famous beach, and approaching it by boat gives you a broad view of the shoreline and the city behind it.

Later departures may be especially appealing here. The light softens toward sunset, and several outings have ended with a drink while watching the sun go down. Some groups have also spotted dolphins near Poetto or even close to the port. Those sightings are possible, not promised, so book this for the coast and swimming rather than for wildlife.

Poetto is a good finish because you have already had the more enclosed coves and cave views. The open beach gives the ride room to breathe before the return to Marina di Sant’Elmo.

Snorkeling, drinks, and what is really included

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, water, and prosecco, along with fuel, insurance, a bilingual guide, music, and an onboard shower. That makes the $59 price easier to judge. You are paying for the boat, skipper, fuel, several stops, and equipment, rather than adding separate charges as the trip goes along.

Food is not included. Bring a snack if you need one, but keep it compact and protected from spray. There is no indication of a full meal service onboard.

The prosecco is a pleasant extra, especially on a late departure. Do not treat it as an open bar. The amount has varied by outing, and some passengers received two small glasses. Water is more reliable and is available onboard.

The shower is useful after the final swim. It will not replace a full changing room, so arrive wearing your swimsuit under comfortable clothes if that is convenient.

How the small group changes the experience

With up to 10 people aboard, the boat feels social without the scale of a big cruise. You have a better chance to ask questions, request music, and speak directly with the skipper.

The group size can also affect the pace. The guide may adjust time at a stop according to the group’s wishes, provided the overall route and conditions allow it. This has made the tour feel less rigid than a sightseeing cruise with a strict schedule.

Private and small-group options are available. If you want the most control over stops, music, or swimming time, a private booking may suit you better. For most people, the shared boat keeps the price reasonable and still offers plenty of personal attention.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this trip if you want several swimming opportunities but do not want to spend a full day at sea. It suits couples, friends, families, and cruise passengers with a free block of time in Cagliari.

It is also a good pick for first-time visitors who want a quick introduction to the coast. The guide’s commentary gives you useful context about Cagliari and the local area, while the route covers more ground than a single beach visit.

People who cannot swim can still take part, since life jackets or swimming rings may be available from the guide. You should tell the skipper what you need before entering the water.

The tour may be less suitable if you dislike small boats, want a formal historical tour, or expect a full meal and generous bar service. It is also not suitable for people over 150 kilograms or those with pre-existing medical conditions. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but confirm the boarding arrangements before booking if you use a wheelchair.

Practical advice before you go

Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and beachwear. I would add a waterproof phone pouch, especially if you plan to leave valuables on the boat during swimming stops.

Wear sunscreen before arriving. The boat offers little protection from the sun compared with a large covered vessel, and three hours on bright water can catch you off guard.

If you are arriving from a cruise ship, allow plenty of time to reach Marina di Sant’Elmo. The marina is walkable from central Cagliari, but the walk from the cruise port can be very long. Bus transport or a taxi may be more practical.

The tour has earned a 4.8 rating from 444 bookings, with 87 percent giving the transport a perfect score. That lines up with the strongest pattern in the feedback: friendly skippers, beautiful swimming spots, a relaxed pace, and good explanations along the coast.

Final call: good value for a half day on the water

At $59 per person, this is a strong-value way to see Cagliari from the sea. You get three hours, several swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, fuel, water, a bilingual skipper, music, and a little prosecco. The small boat and personal service are more important here than polished luxury.

Book it if you want clear water, coastal views, local stories, and a flexible half-day outing. Choose a later departure for sunset potential, or a morning trip if you want to finish in time for lunch. Just bring protection for your valuables, keep expectations modest about the prosecco, and remember that wind and waves can shape the route.

FAQ

Where does the Cagliari boat tour start?

The meeting point is in front of the entrance to Marina di Sant’Elmo, near the Bacan restaurant. The skipper meets you there and accompanies you to the dinghy at dock D.

How long does the boat tour last?

The tour lasts three hours, including the coastal cruise, swimming stops, snorkeling, and the return to Marina di Sant’Elmo.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Cala Bernat, Spiaggia Calamosca, Cala Fighera, Grotta dei Colombi, Sella del Diavolo, and the Lungomare Poetto area.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with water and an onboard shower.

Is prosecco included in the price?

Yes, prosecco is included. The amount may be limited, and some departures have provided two small glasses per person. Food is not included.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve now and pay later.