Cagliari: Sailing tour to Devil’s Saddle aboard Merak

Cagliari looks best from the water. This four-hour sailing trip aboard Paolo’s Beneteau First 33.7, Merak, combines real sailing with a swim beneath the white cliffs of Devil’s Saddle. I especially like the chance to help steer and trim the sails, and the personal touch of Paolo’s local stories, sandwiches, and drinks. The main consideration is that this is an active boat outing, not a gentle cruise, so seasickness and limited mobility may be concerns.

The small group, capped at nine people, gives the trip a friendly feel. You are not simply carried around the Gulf of Cagliari while someone points at the sights. When the wind allows, Paolo limits engine use and lets Merak sail properly. That makes this a good choice if you want to understand a little about sailing, not just take photographs from a deck.

Key Points Before You Book

• Sail Merak with Paolo, not a large sightseeing boat: The Beneteau First 33.7 offers a more personal outing for a maximum of nine participants.
• Steer the boat yourself: Paolo gives a quick lesson and welcomes you at the helm or helping with sail trim.
• Swim beneath Devil’s Saddle: The usual stop is a clear-water bay below a tall white cliff, with fish, snorkeling, and a small cave with purple walls.
• Look for dolphins near the harbor: Dolphins sometimes enter the port to feed on mullet, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Choose your departure with care: Morning is usually better for swimming, while afternoon often brings cooler, stronger winds for sailing.
• Expect a relaxed local touch: Sandwiches, soft drinks, Sardinian suggestions, history, and conversation are part of the outing.

Meeting Merak at Marina di Sant’Elmo

You meet at Marina di Sant’Elmo on Via Calata della Fiera, close to Bacan Bar and directly in front of the blue metal gate. The Google Maps code is 642G+PXJ Cagliari, which is useful because a marina meeting point can otherwise be easy to miss.

The boat is Merak, a Beneteau First 33.7 sailboat. The small-group limit matters here. With no more than nine people, you have a better chance to ask questions, take a turn steering, and find a comfortable place on board than you would on a packed excursion boat.

Once the mooring lines are released, Merak motors through the harbor toward open water. Paolo explains basic safety rules and gives a short introduction to sailing principles. This early section also offers one of the more unusual possibilities on the trip: dolphins may be seen inside the harbor, where they feed on the plentiful mullet fish.

Keep your eyes open, but do not treat dolphins as a promised part of the tour. They are wild animals, and the description only says they might appear.

Leaving the Harbor Under Sail

Once Merak reaches open water, the sails are raised when conditions allow. The boat carries several sails, which helps Paolo make use of weak, medium, or stronger winds. The stated aim is to use the engine only when there is no wind at all.

That point gives the outing its character. You may feel the boat heel slightly as the sails fill, hear the wind replace the motor, and see the coast from a moving sailboat rather than a fixed viewing platform. Paolo also lets participants try basic steering and sail trimming after his introduction. You do not need to arrive with sailing experience, but you should be willing to listen and take part.

Wind changes the mood of the trip. A calm day may mean a slower, quieter ride and more time focused on swimming. Stronger afternoon breezes can make the sailing more rewarding, though people prone to seasickness should take suitable motion sickness medicine one hour before departure. Even then, anyone who regularly feels unwell at sea should think carefully before booking.

Devil’s Saddle and the Swimming Stop

The usual destination is Sella del Diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle, the rocky promontory that gives this trip its name. Paolo explains the old legend behind the title, adding context to what could otherwise be just another striking coastal view.

The boat anchors in a beautiful bay at the foot of a high white cliff. The water here is described as crystal clear, and the stop is built around swimming, snorkeling, and seeing marine life. Fish gather around swimmers and may approach when food is offered, giving you a close look at life beneath the surface.

Snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins, is provided. Adult life jackets are available on request, and children’s life jackets are available too. The outing is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, so consider the practical demands of moving around a sailboat and getting into the water before you reserve.

Paolo also swims with the group to a small cave with purple walls. You can take underwater photographs with your smartphone using an underwater case he lends you. That is a useful detail for anyone who wants pictures without buying special equipment, though you still need to handle your phone carefully.

The swimming stop lasts about an hour in the planned schedule. That is enough time for a proper swim and some snorkeling, but it is not an all-day beach stop. If you want long, unhurried time ashore, this is not the right format. The attraction is the combination of sailing, a dramatic coastal setting, and a short active water stop.

Sandwiches, Drinks, and Sardinian Hospitality

After swimming, Paolo serves a light sandwich with cheese and salami. Drinks include water, beer, iced tea, Coke, Orangina, and other soft drinks listed for the trip. If you are vegan or gluten intolerant, state that when booking so the food can be adjusted.

This is not a restaurant meal, and you should not book it expecting a full lunch. It is a welcome break after swimming and a practical touch that saves you from packing a meal for a four-hour outing. The simple food also fits the easygoing feel of the trip.

Paolo’s role extends beyond handling the boat. He shares suggestions about places to visit in Sardinia, local history, attractions around Cagliari, and the practical side of sailing. The strongest praise for the outing centers on his warm personality, humor, sailing skill, and ability to make conversation feel personal rather than scripted.

You can talk about the coast and the island, or steer the conversation toward broader life experiences. That flexibility may appeal to you if you like meeting a local guide who has genuine enthusiasm for his subject. If you prefer a quiet ride with little discussion, you may need to say so.

More Sailing Along the Gulf and Poetto Beach

If time permits, Merak sails in front of Poetto Beach after the swimming stop. This final stretch adds another view of Cagliari’s shoreline and gives Paolo a chance to make use of changing wind conditions.

A possible highlight is seeing Luna Rossa, the fast Italian sailing boat that was practicing in the Gulf of Cagliari for the October 2024 America’s Cup. This is a time-specific possibility, not a regular feature you should count on. Still, the Gulf’s connection with high-level sailing adds interest to an outing focused on the sport.

The planned time on the Gulf includes several hours of sailing, with the swimming and marine-life stop placed in the middle. The exact balance depends on wind, sea conditions, the pace of the group, and how much time is available after anchoring. That flexibility is normal on a sailing trip, but it means you should not expect every departure to follow the clock minute by minute.

Morning or Afternoon: Which Works Better?

The best departure depends on what you want from Merak.

The morning experience is usually better for swimmers. Winds are often lighter, which can make the water stop more comfortable and the sea calmer. If your priority is snorkeling, seeing fish, visiting the cave, and enjoying an easier swim, morning is the sensible choice.

The afternoon trip is usually better if sailing itself matters most. Cooler winds often pick up later, giving Merak more opportunities to sail without relying on the engine. The tradeoff is that stronger wind can make the ride less comfortable for anyone who is sensitive to motion.

Starting times vary, so check availability when booking. The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish.

What the $71 Price Buys You

At $71 per person, the price is fair for a four-hour small-group outing that includes a skipper, sailing instruction, snorkeling gear, a swim stop, food, and drinks. You are also paying for access to a genuine sailboat experience rather than a basic harbor transfer.

The value is strongest if you take part. Helping steer, learning how sail trim affects the boat, asking Paolo about local history, and joining him to the cave all make the trip feel more substantial than a simple ride. If you only want to sit in the sun and be transported, part of what you are paying for will go unused.

The group size also supports the price. Nine people is still enough for a social atmosphere, but it is small enough for individual attention. The food is light, so budget for another meal later if you need something filling.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Cagliari plans depend on weather or changing schedules.

Who Will Enjoy This Sailing Trip Most?

I would recommend Merak to you if you like active sightseeing, small groups, local conversation, and a tour with some unscripted moments. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who are comfortable on a sailboat and want more than a quick coastal photo stop.

It is especially good for:

• First-time sailors who want a safe introduction to steering and sail handling
• Swimmers who want clear water, fish, snorkeling, and a cave visit
• People who enjoy local stories and relaxed conversation
• Visitors who prefer a small boat to a crowded cruise
• Anyone choosing between a more swim-focused morning and a more wind-focused afternoon

Think twice if you dislike boats, are prone to seasickness, or need step-free access. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and boots are also prohibited, so wear secure, suitable footwear. Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks cannot be taken aboard as part of vehicle or transport rules.

The trip is also not ideal if you want a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a long beach stay, or a formal meal. The route and sailing time depend on conditions, and nature decides what appears beside the boat.

Final Verdict: Book Merak If You Want Real Sailing

I would book this tour if I wanted to see Cagliari from the sea while learning a little about sailing. Paolo’s hands-on approach, the clear-water stop at Devil’s Saddle, the purple-walled cave, and the small group give the four hours a personal feel.

Choose the morning for easier swimming and the afternoon for stronger sailing conditions. Take seasickness precautions if needed, bring a secure way to protect your phone, and wear proper footwear. If those points suit you, $71 buys a thoughtful half-day on the Gulf of Cagliari, with far more character than a standard boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour meet?

Meet at Marina di Sant’Elmo on Via Calata della Fiera, close to Bacan Bar and directly in front of the blue metal gate. The Google Maps code is 642G+PXJ Cagliari.

How long does the tour last?

The sailing experience lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to nine participants.

Which languages does Paolo speak during the tour?

The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and fins are included. Adult life jackets are available on request, and children’s life jackets are also available.

What food and drinks are included?

After swimming, you receive a cheese and salami sandwich. Drinks include water, beer, iced tea, Coke, Orangina, and other soft drinks. Vegan or gluten-free needs should be stated when booking.

Can I help sail the boat?

Yes. Paolo gives a quick sailing lesson and welcomes participants in steering Merak and helping trim the sails.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

People prone to seasickness can participate if they take appropriate motion sickness medication one hour before the tour begins. However, the activity is listed as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness, so you should consider your usual reaction to boat travel carefully.