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

The best part of this Cagliari boat trip is how quickly it trades city streets for clear water and rocky coves. In about three hours, you can swim at several spots around Devil’s Saddle, pass the sea-only Grotta dei Colombi, and see the coast from a viewpoint you simply cannot get on foot.

I like the number of swim stops, which gives you several chances to get in the water instead of betting the whole outing on one beach. I also like the relaxed extras: snorkeling gear, bottled water, a glass of Prosecco, music on some departures, and skippers such as Giovanni, Alessandro, Pietro, and Matteo who add local context.

The main consideration is that this is a shared boat outing, with up to 32 passengers, and the route can change with the weather. There is no toilet on the boat or at the port, so plan ahead before you arrive.

Key points to know before booking

• Several swim and snorkel stops: The route may include Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Cala Fighera, the Gasole pools at Devil’s Saddle, Marina Piccola, and Poetto.
• Sea-only scenery: You pass Grotta dei Colombi, a striking cave reachable only from the water.
• Helpful skippers: Guides may include Giovanni, Alessandro, Pietro, Matteo, Alec, or Pedro, depending on the departure.
• Good value at $60.49: The fee includes fuel, snorkeling equipment, water, a glass of Prosecco, and the skipper.
• A social boat experience: The maximum group size is 32, so expect company rather than a private cruise.
• Strict timing matters: Arrive 20 minutes early at Molo Dogana. The boat cannot wait for late passengers.

Why this is a strong way to see Cagliari from the water

Cagliari has plenty to offer on land, but the coast makes more sense once you see its cliffs and coves from the sea. Devil’s Saddle, or Sella del Diavolo, forms the visual center of this outing. From the boat, you get a changing view of pale rock, small beaches, open water, and sheltered swimming spots.

I like the format because it keeps the pace moving. You are not committed to one long beach stop or a full day at sea. Instead, the boat pauses for roughly 20 minutes at each scheduled swimming location. That is enough time for a proper swim or a short snorkel, but not so long that the trip becomes repetitive.

The boat returns to the same place where it starts, at NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Molo Dogana. The port is close to central Cagliari and near public transport. If you arrive by car, the nearest named parking option is Parcheggio Porto | Apcoa, about a 10-minute walk away.

The experience is offered in English, with English and Italian-speaking skippers. Names connected with recent departures include Giovanni, Alessandro, Pietro, Matteo, Alec, and Pedro. Your skipper will vary, but the role is the same: handle the boat, explain the route, help you use the snorkeling equipment, and keep an eye on the group in the water.

Cala Bernat starts the swimming rhythm

Cala Bernat is one of the first places where you can leave the boat and get into the water. The stop is designed for swimming and snorkeling, with the option of swimming toward the beach if conditions allow.

This opening stop matters because it lets you settle into the boat’s routine. You learn where to leave your belongings, how to use the mask and snorkel, and how long each pause lasts. If you are not keen to swim right away, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The water is often the main attraction here, with clear conditions making it possible to look for fish and see below the surface. Still, do not expect a long guided marine-life lesson. This is a casual snorkel stop, not a specialist wildlife excursion.

The route can change because of wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is sensible, but it means you should treat each named location as a planned possibility rather than an absolute promise.

Calamosca Beach adds a sheltered coastal view

The next possible stop is Calamosca Beach, another place for swimming and snorkeling. You may be able to swim toward the shore, though the boat does not function as a beach transfer. You are stopping in the water and choosing how much time to spend swimming.

Calamosca helps show the contrast between open coastal views and more protected bays. From the boat, you see the beach as part of a wider curve of coastline rather than arriving, finding a towel spot, and staying put.

I would bring a small bag with only the essentials. The tour includes bottled water and snorkeling equipment, but food is not included. You may bring your own snacks, which is useful if you are booking a morning or afternoon departure and do not want to wait until the end of the trip for a meal.

If you are visiting with children, the format can work well for confident swimmers. Several families have found the repeated swim stops more appealing than a long sightseeing drive, and children can jump from the boat into clear water under the skipper’s supervision. Parents should still judge the conditions and swimming ability of each child for themselves.

Cala Fighera brings cliffs and open water

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera is another planned swimming and snorkeling point. The setting gives you more of the rugged side of the coast, with rocky surroundings and a stronger sense that you are exploring by boat rather than simply visiting a city beach.

The possibility of swimming to the beach adds choice. You can stay close to the boat, use the mask and snorkel, or swim farther if you are comfortable and the skipper says conditions are suitable. I appreciate that the stops are not presented as forced activities. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, or remain aboard.

Snorkeling here is best approached with modest expectations. The water can be wonderfully clear, and you may see fish or even a starfish, but this is not a tropical reef. One account of an otherwise enjoyable outing noted that the number of fish and species was limited. That is useful context: book this for clear water, coastal scenery, and easy swimming, not for a major underwater wildlife encounter.

Grotta dei Colombi is a view from the boat

At some point along the route, the boat passes in front of Grotta dei Colombi. The cave can be reached only by sea, so this is one of the details that makes the boat trip more than a series of beach swims.

You do not walk inside or spend a long time exploring the cave. Instead, you see it from the water as part of the coastal route. Have your camera ready, but keep it protected from spray and do not let photography distract you from the brief passage.

This is also where a good skipper adds value. Guides such as Alessandro and Pietro have been praised for explaining the coast, pointing out historical and geographical details, and keeping the journey on schedule. The commentary is not the main event, but it gives the scenery more meaning.

Devil’s Saddle and the Gasole swimming pools

The central stop is Sella del Diavolo, known in English as Devil’s Saddle. Here, the boat visits the Gasole swimming pools, an appealing place to stop for another swim and snorkel.

The name sounds dramatic, but the appeal is simple: rocky coastal forms, open sea, and water that invites you to jump in. This is the kind of stop where you may want to spend less time taking photos and more time in the water.

The boat’s position gives you a useful view of the headland. You see the shape of Devil’s Saddle from below, while the skipper can point out features that are easy to miss from a road or city viewpoint.

Do not expect to go ashore and hike the headland during this tour. The experience is built around seeing the area from the sea. If your main aim is the walking trail on Devil’s Saddle, you need a separate land-based visit.

Marina Piccola and Poetto finish with easy swimming

The route may continue toward Marina Piccola, where the boat stops in front of the bay for swimming and snorkeling. You may also be able to swim toward the coast, depending on the conditions.

Marina Piccola is a useful final stretch because it brings the outing close to one of Cagliari’s most familiar coastal areas. You get another chance to swim without giving up the comfort of returning to the marina soon afterward.

Poetto is also listed as a possible swimming stop. This is a more straightforward finale: time in the water, a last look back at the coast, and a gradual return toward Cagliari.

The supplied route names more stops than the tour title’s four swim stops, so do not assume you will receive a full 20-minute pause at every single place. Weather, sea conditions, timing, and the skipper’s judgment can alter the order or number of stops. The important promise is a short boat tour with several opportunities to swim and snorkel.

What the $60.49 price really covers

At $60.49 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit a beach, but it is a reasonable price for a three-hour boat outing that includes the main practical costs. Fuel, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a glass of Prosecco, and the skipper are included.

That package saves you from renting a boat, buying fuel, arranging snorkeling gear, and finding the best swimming spots yourself. It also gives you access to sea views and the Grotta dei Colombi that are not available from the waterfront.

The value depends on what you want from Cagliari. If you only want to lie on Poetto Beach, spend the money on a beach day instead. If you want several swims, a moving view of the coast, and a social outing without committing to a full day, the price makes more sense.

The Prosecco is a small but welcome touch. You receive a glass rather than a guaranteed endless supply, so think of it as a celebratory extra, not the central reason to book. Some departures also include music and song requests, which can give the ride a light holiday feel.

Group size, comfort, and the practical catches

The boat can carry up to 32 people. That is a medium-size shared outing, not an intimate private charter. You will have more company than on a small custom boat, and the space may feel lively when everyone is aboard between stops.

The upside is social energy. Skippers have been described as friendly, attentive, funny, and careful about safety. Giovanni, Alessandro, and Pietro in particular have been praised for taking photos, answering questions, choosing attractive swim spots, and keeping the mood relaxed.

The downside is less control. You cannot choose exactly how long to stay at each location, and the music or group mood may not suit everyone. One evening departure included a beautiful sunset but also raised the practical issue that families and adults may prefer different styles of outing.

There is no toilet on the boat or in the port. Use a restroom before arriving, since this is not a minor detail once you are offshore. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, search Google Maps for NautiSardinia Boat Trips, and bring a photo ID.

The boat is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness. Pregnant passengers should contact the operator before booking, and the experience is not recommended for safety reasons for people weighing over 135 kilograms.

Weather, swimming ability, and what to pack

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The route itself may also change during the outing, so keep your plans flexible.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a light cover-up. Food is not provided, but you may bring your own. Bottled water is included, and snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer using familiar gear.

You should be comfortable getting into and out of the water. Life jackets are available if necessary, but this is primarily a swimming and snorkeling trip rather than a sightseeing cruise where you remain seated.

The tour is conducted in English and Italian. The skippers can explain the route and safety instructions, but the amount of historical detail may differ by guide and departure. If you enjoy a little context without wanting a formal lecture, that balance should suit you.

Who should book this Cagliari boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, friends, and solo visitors who want a simple half-day activity near central Cagliari. It works especially well if you want to combine sightseeing with actual time in the sea.

The trip is also a good choice for repeat visitors. One person who had visited Sardinia many times still found the water and coastal views striking from the boat. That says something about the angle: this is not just another visit to a familiar beach.

I would hesitate if you dislike shared group activities, need a toilet close at hand, suffer from seasickness, or want a quiet private cruise. I would also choose another experience if your priority is serious snorkeling with a wide range of marine life.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, unless the operator cancels because of weather or failure to reach the minimum number of passengers.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want four or more chances to swim, clear water, sea caves, Devil’s Saddle views, and a relaxed skipper-led outing for about three hours. The combination of gear, water, fuel, and Prosecco gives the $60.49 price solid value.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a guaranteed fixed route, extensive snorkeling wildlife, or a full beach day. For most visitors who have a free morning or afternoon in Cagliari, this is an easy, active way to see the coast without spending an entire day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and returns to the meeting point at Molo Dogana in Cagliari.

Where does the boat tour start?

It starts at NautiSardinia Boat Trips, Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari, Italy. Search Google Maps for NautiSardinia Boat Trips.

What is included in the price?

The price includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fuel, a glass of Prosecco, an English and Italian-speaking skipper or guide, and a life jacket if necessary.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but you may bring your own.

Is the route guaranteed in all weather?

No. The stops and order can change with weather and sea conditions. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a different date or a full refund.

How early should I arrive?

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