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

Cagliari looks best from the water. This three-hour boat trip circles Devil’s Saddle, stopping at clear-water coves for swimming and snorkeling before returning to the marina. I like the easy access from central Cagliari and the mix of swimming, coastal views, light historical commentary, and a glass of Prosecco. The main drawback is simple: there is no toilet on the boat or at the port, and the schedule depends on calm weather.

I also like that snorkeling gear, bottled water, fuel, and an English and Italian-speaking skipper are included in the $60.49 price. The guides, including Alessandro, Giovanni, Pietro, Matteo, and Alec, are repeatedly praised for being friendly, safety-conscious, and fun. Just note that the boat may visit several water stops rather than only the four suggested by the tour title, and the route can change with sea conditions.

Quick takeaways from the Devil’s Saddle boat trip

• Six listed water stops: Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Cala Fighera, Sella del Diavolo, Marina Piccola, and Poetto may all feature in the route.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: You can use the provided masks and snorkels instead of packing your own.
• A small-group feel: The maximum group size is 32 people, though several boats may leave around the same time.
• Prosecco is part of the experience: A glass is included, along with bottled water. Food is not included, but you can bring your own.
• Good access from central Cagliari: The boat leaves from Molo Dogana, close to public transport and about 10 minutes on foot from the nearest listed parking.
• Strong overall record: The experience has a 4.9 rating from 263 ratings, with 99 percent of customers recommending it.

Leaving Molo Dogana for Devil’s Saddle

You meet at NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari. This is a practical starting point if you are staying in central Cagliari, and it is near public transportation. If you drive, the listed parking is Parcheggio Porto | Apcoa, about a 10-minute walk away.

You need to arrive 20 minutes before departure. This is not a flexible suggestion. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, so leave extra time if you are coming by taxi, bus, or car. Search Google Maps for NautiSardinia Boat Trips rather than relying on a vague marina address.

The trip ends at the same meeting point. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the coast, which makes this a simple half-day activity during a city stay.

The boat can carry up to 32 people. That is not a private cruise, and the experience will feel social rather than secluded. One useful point from the practical side: several boats may leave at once. If you want to be with friends, book together rather than assuming you will be placed on the same boat.

Cala Bernat and Calamosca: the first swims

The first listed stop is Cala Bernat, where you can swim and use the snorkeling equipment. You may also swim toward the beach, depending on conditions and the skipper’s decision. The stop is scheduled for about 20 minutes, so think of it as a refreshing water break rather than a long beach visit.

Next comes Calamosca Beach. Again, the plan allows time for swimming and snorkeling, with the possibility of reaching the beach from the boat. These early stops get you into the water quickly, which is helpful on a warm morning when you would rather not spend the first hour simply cruising.

The route can change with wind and waves. That matters here because a cove that looks perfect from shore may not be the safest place to stop from a boat on a particular day. The skipper chooses the actual swimming points, and the strongest praise for this trip focuses on those choices and on keeping people safe.

You should also understand that a boat stop is not the same as a visit to a beach. You may swim toward the coast, but the boat is the base. If you prefer to spread out a towel, stroll along the sand, or stay ashore, this is not the right format.

Cala Fighera and Grotta dei Colombi by sea

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera is another planned stop of roughly 20 minutes. Its appeal is the combination of a scenic coastal setting and time in clear water. The snorkeling may reveal fish and other small sea life, but this is not a specialist marine wildlife excursion. The experience is built around easy swimming in attractive coves.

The boat also passes in front of Grotta dei Colombi. This cave can be reached only from the sea, so the view gives you a coastal perspective that a standard road or walking tour cannot provide. You may not spend a full stop inside or beside the cave, but the passage adds variety between swims.

The guides also provide some historical and geographical context along the way. Alessandro is especially praised for explaining the places seen from the boat, while Pietro is described as keeping the route moving and sharing useful information. Expect commentary in English and Italian, though the exact guide on your departure may vary.

Sella del Diavolo and the Gasole pools

The central feature of the outing is Sella del Diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle. The boat pauses at the Gasole swimming pools, described as an especially attractive place for swimming and snorkeling. You get about 20 minutes here under the planned schedule, though the final timing can change with the sea and the route.

This is where the trip feels most distinct from a basic harbor cruise. You are not only looking at Devil’s Saddle from a distance. You are stopping around its rocky coastline, entering the water, and seeing the headland from a low viewpoint.

The water is repeatedly praised for being clear, warm, and easy to enjoy. Some people spot plenty of fish, starfish, or even dolphins during the wider outing. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so I would treat dolphins as a lucky extra rather than a promise.

The skipper’s role matters at this stop. Jumping from a boat into open water can feel easy for confident swimmers and less comfortable for anyone who is unsure. A life jacket is available if necessary, and the guides are praised for checking on people and helping them feel secure.

Marina Piccola and Poetto before returning

The itinerary also lists a stop in front of Marina Piccola bay. You can swim and snorkel there, with the option of swimming toward the coast. This gives you another chance to get in the water if one earlier stop was too busy, choppy, or simply not your favorite.

Poetto is listed as the final swimming stop, with about 20 minutes planned. Poetto is Cagliari’s well-known beach area, but this tour gives you a water-level view rather than a conventional beach afternoon. It is a pleasant way to finish if you want one last swim before returning to the marina.

The tour title emphasizes four swim stops, while the detailed route lists six places where swimming may take place. That difference is worth noting when you book. You should expect several opportunities to swim, but not assume every listed stop will happen exactly as printed. Weather and sea conditions can alter the route.

Some departures run in the late afternoon, such as 5 pm to 8 pm. An evening trip can bring softer light and a sunset on the return journey. Morning departures may suit families who want to use the rest of the day for sightseeing, while an evening outing works well after time in Cagliari’s historic center.

Snorkeling gear, music, and the Prosecco finish

Masks and snorkels are included, and the equipment is described as good quality in the feedback. That saves luggage space and removes the need to rent gear separately. If you already have a mask that fits you perfectly, you can still bring it, but the supplied equipment covers the basic need.

Bottled water is included, which is useful after repeated swims in the sun. Food is not included, although you may bring your own. I would pack a small snack, especially if you are taking a morning departure and do not want to wait until lunch.

The social side of the boat is part of the appeal. Alessandro is praised for taking song requests, playing music, making jokes, and even taking photos and videos for the group. That creates a relaxed holiday mood, but it also means this is not a quiet, formal sightseeing cruise.

A glass of Prosecco is included. It is served as a pleasant extra rather than the main purpose of the trip, and many people enjoy it toward the end. Do not bring additional alcohol, and do not arrive intoxicated. The operator specifically prohibits alcohol beyond the tour arrangements, drugs, and boarding while intoxicated.

What the $60.49 price really covers

At $60.49 per person, this is a fair value if you plan to swim and snorkel several times. You are paying for about three hours on the water, fuel, a skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a life jacket when needed, and Prosecco. A separate boat rental, fuel charge, and equipment hire could quickly cost more.

The value is strongest for people who want a ready-made outing. You do not need to plan a route, find a quiet cove, or work out how to reach the coastal viewpoints from land. The skipper handles the driving and selects stops based on conditions.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long beach visit or a private boat. A group of up to 32 is still manageable, but you will share the swimming areas and onboard space with other people. The trip focuses on several short stops, not one unhurried afternoon in a single bay.

A full private charter would give you more control over timing and music, but this shared trip keeps the price within reach for couples and families. For a three-hour activity in Cagliari, the combination of transport on the water and repeated swim stops makes the cost reasonable.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this tour if you want an active break from museums, churches, and city streets. It suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, couples, groups of friends, and families with children who are comfortable getting into open water.

Children have enjoyed the outing, including ages 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14 in the feedback. The boat offers life jackets if needed, and the guides are praised for paying attention to safety. Still, parents should decide if their children are ready for repeated boat-to-water transitions, since this is not a shore-based beach activity.

The trip may also suit you if you have visited Sardinia before. One person who had been to the island more than 20 times described seeing exceptionally beautiful water from the boat. That says something useful: the outing can reveal a different side of familiar Cagliari, even if you already know the beaches.

I would be cautious if you get seasick. The operator does not recommend the experience for people prone to motion sickness. Pregnant women should contact the provider before booking, and the tour is not recommended for safety reasons for anyone over 135 kilograms.

Practical details to sort out before departure

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry layer for the ride back. These items are not listed as provided, so you should plan for your own comfort after several swims.

There is no toilet on the boat or in the port. Use a bathroom before arriving, since this is one of those small details that can have a large effect on a three-hour outing.

Bring photo identification. A photo of the document is accepted. You should also behave respectfully on the boat and inside the marina, and avoid bringing prohibited items.

The activity requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. If the minimum group size is not reached, the provider offers another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded. Since this is a sea trip, I would avoid booking it immediately before an important flight or train connection.

Should you book the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

Book it if you want clear water, several short swims, simple snorkeling, and a lively crew without paying for a private charter. The best parts are the coastal views around Devil’s Saddle, the chance to reach Grotta dei Colombi only by sea, the included equipment, and the easy departure from central Cagliari.

I would especially choose it for a warm-weather day when you want to be in the water more than on land. The 4.9 rating from 263 ratings and 99 percent recommendation figure fit the experience described by the strongest feedback: friendly skippers, careful boat handling, good swim locations, music, and a welcome glass of Prosecco.

Skip it if you need a toilet, dislike group outings, suffer from seasickness, or want a slow beach day with plenty of time ashore. For everyone else, this is a useful, good-value way to see Cagliari from the sea and add a little Sardinian holiday spirit to the day.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start and finish?

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

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How early should I arrive?

You must arrive 20 minutes before departure. The boat cannot delay its departure for late arrivals.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with bottled water and a life jacket if necessary.

How many swimming stops are included?

The route lists Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Cala Fighera, Sella del Diavolo, Marina Piccola, and Poetto as possible swimming locations. The exact route can change with weather and sea conditions.

Is food included?

No. You may bring your own food.

Is Prosecco included?

Yes. A glass of Prosecco is included in the tour price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.