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

The best part of this Cagliari boat trip is simple: you get several chances to jump from the boat into clear Sardinian water instead of sitting on one beach all day. The route circles the Devil’s Saddle, with stops near Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Cala Fighera, Marina Piccola, and Poetto.

I like the four main swim and snorkel stops, which give you a good mix of coves and open water. I also like the friendly skipper-led feel, with guides such as Giovanni, Alessandro, Matteo, and Pietro adding local stories, music, photos, and a glass of Prosecco. The main drawback is that the boat has no toilet, and the tour is not a good choice if you get seasick.

At a glance: what makes this Cagliari boat trip useful

• Four main swimming stops: Plan on repeated swims, snorkel time, and chances to sit in the sun between stops.
• Devil’s Saddle from the water: You pass beneath the rocky headland and see the sea-only Grotta dei Colombi.
• Friendly, active skippers: Giovanni, Alessandro, Matteo, and Pietro are among the guides praised for safety, humor, local information, and good music.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks and snorkels are supplied, along with bottled water and a life jacket when needed.
• Easy city location: The boat leaves from Molo Dogana, close to central Cagliari and public transport.
• A social three-hour outing: The maximum group size is 32, so this is not a private cruise or a quiet yacht charter.

Starting at Molo Dogana in central Cagliari

You meet NautiSardinia at Molo Dogana, in Cagliari’s port area. Search Google Maps for NautiSardinia Boat Trips because the marina can be confusing if you rely only on a general map pin.

Arrive 20 minutes before departure. This is not a suggestion to treat casually. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and the operator says departure will not be delayed for any reason. If you arrive by taxi, bus, or car, allow extra time to find the meeting point.

The nearest listed parking is Parcheggio Porto | Apcoa, about a 10-minute walk away. The meeting point is also near public transportation, which makes this outing handy if you are staying in central Cagliari without a car.

Bring a photo identification document, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and anything you want to eat. Food is not included, but you may bring your own. There is no toilet on the boat or in the port, so use one before you arrive.

Cala Bernat and Calamosca: an easy start in clear water

The first stop is Cala Bernat, where you can swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment. You may also swim toward the beach, depending on the conditions and the skipper’s decision that day.

This first stop helps you settle into the rhythm of the tour. You leave the marina, reach a sheltered-looking stretch of coast, and have about 20 minutes in the water. That is long enough for a proper swim, though it is not a full beach day at each stop.

Next comes Calamosca Beach. Again, the focus is swimming and snorkeling, with the option of reaching the coast from the boat if conditions allow. Calamosca is useful as a contrast to the first stop because you see another part of Cagliari’s shoreline without giving up much time on the water.

The route can change with weather and sea conditions. That matters here. A boat trip is not a fixed sightseeing bus route, and the skipper may adjust the stops for safety and comfort. You should book this for the overall experience, not for a guarantee that every listed cove will be visited exactly as printed.

Cala Fighera and the sea-only Grotta dei Colombi

At Spiaggia di Cala Fighera, you get another roughly 20-minute break for swimming and snorkeling. The appeal is the combination of rocky coast, open views, and water access that is much easier from a boat than on foot.

You may find fish close to the rocks, starfish, and very clear water. The snorkeling is pleasant rather than a specialist wildlife trip. One person found plenty of fish, while another saw less variety, so set your expectations at casual Mediterranean snorkeling, not a dedicated marine biology excursion.

The boat also passes in front of Grotta dei Colombi, a striking cave reachable only by sea. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the route because you see a place that cannot be reached by simply walking from a city beach.

Your guide may point out coastal features and local history along the way. The historical information is a side benefit, not the main purpose. If you want long explanations at every stop, this is not that kind of tour. If you enjoy a few useful facts between swims, it fits well.

Sella del Diavolo and the Gasole swimming pools

The name of the tour comes from Sella del Diavolo, the rocky headland that gives the area its familiar Devil’s Saddle name. From the water, you see the formation from a different angle than you would on a land walk.

The stop near Sella del Diavolo includes the Gasole swimming pools, described as an enchanting place for swimming and snorkeling. You get another 20-minute water break, usually with time to float, use the mask and snorkel, or simply enjoy the sun from the boat.

This is the scenic centerpiece of the outing. The water is often the reason people book, but the coastal setting gives the swim stops their character. The boat lets you move between several spots without packing up and walking across hot sand each time.

The supplied gear is a real convenience. You do not need to pack a mask and snorkel unless you prefer your own equipment. Life jackets are available if necessary, and the skipper keeps an eye on the group during the water stops.

Marina Piccola and Poetto add variety

The route may continue to Marina Piccola Bay, where you stop in front of the bay for swimming and snorkeling. You may be able to swim toward the coast, depending on the sea and the day’s plan.

Poetto is the final listed swimming area, with another stop of about 20 minutes. Poetto is one of Cagliari’s best-known coastal areas, so seeing it from the water gives you a useful sense of how the city meets the sea.

The published route lists six water-related stops, while the experience is commonly described as having four main swimming stops. The practical reading is that you should expect several swim breaks, but not assume every listed point will receive a full stop. Weather, sea conditions, timing, and the skipper’s judgment can change the pattern.

That flexibility is sensible, especially on a small boat. It can also disappoint you if you arrive with a rigid checklist. I would treat the exact sequence as flexible and the overall promise as fixed: several swims, snorkeling, coastal views, and a return to the same marina.

A guide-led outing with music and Prosecco

The skipper is a major part of the experience. Giovanni is praised for his local information, care, energy, and attention to safety. Alessandro is noted for humor, music, song requests, photos, and choosing good swim spots. Matteo is described as clear and pleasant, while Pietro is praised for his calm manner, driving, timing, and local recommendations.

Those details tell you what kind of tour this is. You are not just hiring transport to the coves. The skipper keeps the mood social, answers questions, and checks on people as they swim. Some guides take photos and videos, though you should not assume that every departure includes the same level of photo service.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Alessandro has accepted song requests, and the overall mood can be lively. This suits you if you want a fun holiday outing rather than a silent nature cruise. It may be less appealing if you want a private, hushed boat ride.

The included glass of Prosecco is served as a small celebration during the trip. Bottled water is also included. Food is not, so bring a snack if three hours without a meal will be uncomfortable. Do not bring extra alcohol, and do not arrive intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs are forbidden on board.

How much value do you get for $60.49?

At $60.49 per person, this is a fair price if you plan to use the swim stops. You are paying for roughly three hours on the water, fuel, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and Prosecco. You also avoid arranging transport between several coastal points.

The value is strongest for visitors with limited time in Cagliari. A single beach visit gives you one setting. This tour gives you a moving view of the coast and several chances to get into the water, all from a central departure point.

It is less compelling if you dislike group activities or prefer to spend a whole day on one beach. With up to 32 people, the experience can feel social rather than private. You will have to share the boat, the swimming areas, and the skipper’s attention.

The tour is booked, on average, about 22 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early during popular summer dates, especially if your schedule in Cagliari is tight. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, families with older children, couples, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants a strong half-day activity near Cagliari. Children as young as 9 have enjoyed it, and families with children aged 10, 12, and 14 found the repeated swims especially appealing.

You do not need to be an expert snorkeler. You can use the equipment, swim briefly, sit on the boat, or enjoy the views. Still, you should be comfortable around open water and able to follow the skipper’s safety instructions.

Think twice if you suffer from seasickness. This is a boat trip with several hours at sea, not a calm ride along a dock. Pregnant women should contact the provider before booking, and the activity is not recommended for safety reasons for people weighing over 135 kilograms.

The maximum group size of 32 makes this a shared excursion. If you want a private celebration, a quiet couple’s cruise, or control over the route, look for a private charter instead. If you want an easy, sociable way to swim along Cagliari’s coast, the group format keeps the cost reasonable.

Practical tips for a better day on the water

Arrive early and wear swimwear under your clothes. You will save time at the marina and be ready when the first swim stop arrives.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for your phone. If the guide takes photos or videos, you may want to ask how those will be shared. Also bring your own snacks because food is not included.

Do not count on a toilet before returning to the marina. Plan accordingly, especially if you are traveling with children.

Keep your expectations flexible. The tour may visit the listed coves in a different order, skip a point, or change the swimming areas because of weather. That is a normal part of a sea-based route.

Should you book the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

Book it if you want clear water, repeated swims, basic snorkeling, and an upbeat skipper without leaving Cagliari for a full-day excursion. The central marina meeting point, included equipment, and three-hour length make it easy to fit into a city visit.

I would choose this over a standard sightseeing cruise if getting into the water matters to you. I would not choose it if you get seasick, need a toilet on board, or want a private and quiet experience. For most confident swimmers who have a sunny day in Cagliari, the combination of coves, sea caves, Devil’s Saddle views, music, and Prosecco offers good value.

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 leave from?

The meeting point is NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari, Italy. You can search Google Maps for NautiSardinia Boat Trips.

How many swimming stops are included?

The experience is promoted with four swim stops, while the route lists several possible swimming areas, including Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Cala Fighera, Sella del Diavolo, Marina Piccola, and Poetto. Stops can change with weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and equipment are included. Bottled water, fuel, a glass of Prosecco, and a life jacket when necessary are also included.

Is food included?

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

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat or in the port, so plan to use one before arriving.

How early should I arrive?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.