Cagliari: Devil’s Saddle Boat Tour with Spritz and Chips

The best part of this Cagliari boat trip is the chance to reach coves and rock formations that are hard to appreciate from land. Captain Matteo steers along the Devil’s Saddle, stopping for swims in clear water and pointing out the caves, beaches, fish, and stories tied to the Gulf of Cagliari.

I like the generous swim time, especially the 45-minute stop at Grotta dei Colombi, and I like the easygoing mix of sightseeing, music, chips, and a spritz. The main consideration is that this is an open speedboat rather than a polished yacht, and rougher sea conditions can make the ride bumpy.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours on the Gulf of Cagliari: The route covers Calamosca, Cala Fighera, Devil’s Saddle, Grotta dei Colombi, and Poetto.
• Captain Matteo leads the experience: He handles the boat, shares local history, and adjusts the trip when conditions or group needs call for it.
• Swimming is central to the tour: You get several chances to jump into clear water, with the longest stop at Grotta dei Colombi.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Masks are available, though the number and condition of snorkels may vary.
• Simple food and drinks come with the ride: Expect chips, a fresh spritz, music, and sunscreen rather than a full meal.
• The meeting point is practical: Look for the gray gate with billboards at Blue Rent Boat, Noleggio Gommoni.

Why the Devil’s Saddle works so well by boat

Cagliari is easy to admire from its old hilltop districts, but the coastline gives you a different view of the city. From the water, the pale limestone cliffs, small beaches, and steep rock walls form one continuous route. The Devil’s Saddle, or Sella del Diavolo, is the visual centerpiece, with rock formations shaped by wind and sea and surrounded by bright water.

This tour is less about a single landmark and more about the rhythm of a morning at sea. You ride for a while, stop to swim, cruise again, listen to music, and get another short explanation from the guide. That relaxed pattern suits anyone who wants to see the coast without spending a full day on a large excursion boat.

Captain Matteo receives the strongest praise for his friendly manner, clear English, local knowledge, and calm handling of the boat. He is also described as flexible, which matters on the water. If the sea changes or a stop needs adjusting, the experience is designed to adapt rather than follow a rigid script at all costs.

Starting at Blue Rent Cagliari

The trip begins at Blue Rent Boat, Noleggio Gommoni. The meeting point has a gray gate with billboards, and the driver is available to help if you have trouble finding it. Captain Matteo has also been easy to reach through WhatsApp, a useful detail when you are trying to locate a dock in an unfamiliar part of Cagliari.

The boat leaves at 10:00 for the morning version and returns around 13:00. Some departures may run at different times, so check the available start time when booking. A three-hour outing gives you enough time for several stops without turning the day into a full commitment.

Bring a towel, sun hat, passport, and sunscreen. Sunscreen is also supplied, but I would still pack your own if you have a preferred type. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, smoking, fishing gear, glass objects, and alcohol from outside are not allowed. There is a shower hose at the dock after the ride, which is handy for washing off salt before getting back in a car.

Calamosca, a gentle first swim

The first main stop is Calamosca, a sheltered beach favored by locals. The boat allows about 35 minutes here for swimming. This is a useful opening stop because you can get used to the water and the boat before reaching the more dramatic cliff sections.

The cove also shows why seeing the coast by boat is worthwhile. You get a broad view of the beach, the surrounding rock, and the water’s changing shades without needing to find parking or walk along the shore. If you prefer to ease into the day, use this stop for a calm swim rather than trying to do everything at once.

The ride from the start to this area takes about 35 minutes by speedboat. That gives you an energetic first run along the coast, but remember that a speedboat can feel lively in choppy conditions. One report specifically notes that the sea was not calm, though the water remained clear enough to see fish with the supplied mask.

Cala Fighera and the limestone coast

After another short cruise, the boat reaches Cala Fighera. This is a more secluded beach framed by high limestone cliffs. It is known as a beach favored by nudists, so you should be comfortable with that possibility when approaching the cove.

The stop lasts about 25 minutes and is used for photos, scenery, and swimming. Cala Fighera is especially good for seeing the contrast between the pale cliffs and the intense color of the sea. The ride itself is part of the attraction, as the captain points out coastal features along the way.

I would treat this stop as a scenic pause rather than the main swim of the tour. The time is shorter than at Grotta dei Colombi, and the focus is split between taking photographs and getting into the water. If you want to swim at every stop, keep your towel and mask easy to reach.

Sella del Diavolo from the water

The route then reaches Sella del Diavolo, the Devil’s Saddle. This is where the tour’s name makes sense. The rock formation has a distinctive profile, and the boat provides a clear angle on cliffs and caves that you cannot get from a city street.

At this stop, Captain Matteo gives a guided explanation of the area and allows time for photos and swimming. The stop is listed at about 20 minutes, so it is more focused than the next snorkeling stop. Listen to the explanation while the boat is positioned near the rocks, then use the remaining time for a quick swim or photographs.

The guide’s talks cover the Gulf of Angels, local history, marine life, and conservation efforts. The information is not the sole reason to book this trip, but it gives the scenery a useful sense of place. You are not simply passing a pretty cliff. You get some context about why the coast matters and how its natural features are being protected.

Grotta dei Colombi, the longest water stop

The most substantial stop comes at Grotta dei Colombi, with about 45 minutes for free time, swimming, and snorkeling. This is the part of the outing to save your energy for. The water is described as crystal clear, and several people saw fish and other marine life while swimming.

Masks and snorkeling equipment are included. That is a real value at this price, since you do not need to rent basic gear separately. Still, the equipment supply is not perfect. Some people found the masks useful but said there were not enough suitable snorkels for everyone, so bringing your own snorkel is sensible if you have room and care about getting plenty of water time.

You might see fish close to the boat, and some outings have included dolphins. Dolphins and other wildlife are never guaranteed, so treat them as a lucky extra rather than part of the promise. The longer stop gives you time to swim without feeling hurried, which is one of the tour’s strongest features.

The boat also carries chips and a spritz. This is a light aperitivo, not lunch, but it fits the setting. After swimming, sitting on the boat with a cold drink, a simple snack, and music makes the stop feel social and unforced. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or plan lunch after returning to Cagliari.

Poetto closes the coastal loop

The route continues to Poetto, Cagliari’s well-known beach, for another photo stop, free time, and swimming. Poetto gives you a different coastal view from the smaller coves. Instead of tight cliffs and enclosed rock walls, you see a broader beach setting and a more open stretch of shoreline.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. Use it for a final swim if you still want one, or stay aboard and take photographs. After Poetto, the boat makes the return run to Blue Rent Cagliari. The journey back is part of the sightseeing, with more views from the sea before arriving at the dock.

The full route includes several speedboat sections, including the longest return stretches. If you like the sensation of moving quickly across open water, this adds energy to the morning. If you prefer a very quiet cruise, you may find the engine noise and movement less relaxing than a larger, slower boat.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to swim and snorkel. You are paying for three hours of boat time, a skipper, a guide, multiple coastal stops, snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, music, chips, and drinks. You also get access to places that would be difficult to reach as part of an ordinary beach day.

The value is less obvious if you mainly want a slow sightseeing cruise and do not plan to enter the water. A large part of the experience is built around swimming, snorkeling, and moving between coves. You are also sharing the boat with other people, and the simple craft does not offer the polished feel of a luxury charter.

That tradeoff is clear and fair. The boat is described as comfortable and practical, but not fancy. You are paying for the route, the captain, the swim stops, and the relaxed atmosphere rather than plush fittings.

Captain Matteo and the tone of the trip

Captain Matteo is central to the experience. He combines boat handling with guiding, explains points of interest, checks that people are comfortable, and keeps the mood light with music. His English is described as very good, and the tour can also operate in Italian and Spanish.

His flexibility is useful. One outing took place in less favorable weather, yet the captain adjusted the experience and kept the group comfortable. Another group had unsettled water but still managed to see fish. No skipper can control wind or waves, so you should judge a sea trip by its conditions on the day.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. You get local stories and facts, but this is not a long academic lecture. It is better suited to someone who wants useful background between swims, with plenty of time to enjoy the setting.

Who should book this boat trip

I would choose this tour if you want a half-day on the water with a good balance of sightseeing and swimming. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who are comfortable on a speedboat and in the sea.

It is not suitable for babies under one, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back problems or epilepsy, anyone over 275 pounds or 125 kilograms, or people over 95. Non-folding wheelchairs and mobility scooters are also excluded. The operator advises against joining while intoxicated, and outside alcohol or drugs are not allowed.

The boat carries mandatory emergency systems, but this remains a sea activity. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, and expect movement. If you are prone to seasickness or want a completely still platform, this may not be your best choice.

Practical verdict: should you book it?

Book this Devil’s Saddle boat tour if you want clear water, several swim stops, local guiding, and a casual aperitivo without spending a full day at sea. The combination of Grotta dei Colombi’s long snorkeling stop, the Devil’s Saddle cliffs, and Captain Matteo’s warm, capable hosting gives the trip real appeal.

Skip it if you need accessible facilities, dislike speedboats, want a luxury vessel, or would rather spend the morning on dry land. For most active visitors to Cagliari, though, $65 buys a lively and worthwhile view of the coast, with enough swimming time to make the boat more than a sightseeing platform.

FAQ

How long is the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

The tour lasts three hours. The morning departure leaves at 10:00 and returns around 13:00, though you should check the available start time when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the skipper, guide, boat tour, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, music, food, and drinks. The food is described as chips, with a spritz served on board.

Which languages are available?

Guiding is available in Italian, English, and Spanish. Captain Matteo is specifically described as speaking English well.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Blue Rent Boat, Noleggio Gommoni, in Cagliari. Look for a gray gate with billboards.

What beaches and coastal sites does the tour visit?

The route includes Calamosca, Cala Fighera, Sella del Diavolo, Grotta dei Colombi, and Poetto. The boat also passes other coastal scenery and caves along the Gulf of Cagliari.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming is planned at Calamosca, Cala Fighera, Sella del Diavolo, Grotta dei Colombi, and Poetto, subject to sea and weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkeling equipment are included. The supply of suitable snorkels may be limited, so bring your own snorkel if you have one and want to be certain of using it.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, sun hat, towel, and sunscreen. A personal snorkel may also be useful, although snorkeling equipment is supplied.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, non-folding wheelchairs, or mobility scooter users.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option allows you to book without paying immediately.