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

This is a fun Cagliari outing because you spend the day bouncing between clear-water coves, with a stop at Sella del Diavolo and a sea-only pass by Grotta dei Colombi. I like the easy pace, 20 minutes at each water stop so you can swim, snorkel, or just float. I also like that it is practical, gear is included and your skipper keeps things moving. The one big catch is the simple stuff, there is no toilet on the boat or in the port, and you should skip this if you get seasick.

I also appreciate the people part of the trip. Guides I saw mentioned by name, like Giovanni, Pietro, and Alessandro, keep the vibe friendly and give context from the water, not a lecture in a classroom. With a maximum of 32 travelers, it feels like a real day on the sea rather than a cattle-call cruise.

If you hate last-minute rules, pay attention up front. You must be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure, and the boat will not wait, no matter what.

Key highlights you will care about

• 4 swim-and-snorkel stops built into a tight 3-hour plan, so you get water time without a long day
• Snorkeling equipment included, plus life jackets if needed
• Prosecco on board and bottled water, included in the price
• Sea-only viewing near Grotta dei Colombi, reachable only from the water
• Short 20-minute breaks, often with the chance to swim toward the beach
• Small group size, capped at 32 travelers

A Cagliari day on the water built around Devil’s Saddle coves

This tour is interesting because it turns the coast into a sequence of swimming targets. Instead of picking one beach and committing to it for hours, you move through several spots around Cagliari, including the Devil’s Saddle area.

What makes it feel good is the rhythm. Each stop is short enough that you are not exhausted by travel time on the water, but long enough to actually get in, snorkel a bit, and reset for the next swim.

You are also getting a mix of “pretty water” and “why this place is here.” The route includes points that are described from the sea, so it does not feel like you are just hopping from one photo to the next.

Price and value: why $60.49 is more than a generic boat ride

The price is $60.49 per person for about 3 hours on the water. For that, you are not just paying for the boat. You get snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a glass of Prosecco, and a fuel surcharge built into the fare.

You also get a guide setup, with an English and Italian speaking skipper/guide, and life jacket support if necessary. If you have ever had to rent snorkel gear on your own, you will feel the value here. You show up with swim clothes and you are ready to go.

The big reason this feels like good value is time and convenience. The tour works from central Cagliari, and the itinerary is designed around multiple water chances, not one long transfer and one quick swim.

Where you meet at Molo Dogana, and the one rule that matters most

You meet at NautiSardinia Boat Trips, at Tour in Barca Cagliari, Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari. It is near public transportation, and there is nearby parking at Parcheggio Porto | Apcoa, about a 10-minute walk.

Here is the practical point that can ruin your day if you ignore it: you must be there 20 minutes before departure, and they cannot delay departure for any reason. If you are even slightly late, plan for the trip to leave without you.

You will also want to follow the onboard behavior rules. It is strictly forbidden to arrive intoxicated, and you cannot bring alcohol or drugs on board. Even if you are thinking about snacks, you are still expected to keep things respectful in the marina.

Also, this is important for comfort: there is no toilet on the boat or in the port. I would treat the start of the tour like a mini day trip, use the bathroom before you go, and then just enjoy the sea time.

Cala Bernat: the first easy swim-and-snorkel stop

Stop 1 is Cala Bernat. The plan here is swimming and snorkeling, with the possibility of swimming toward the beach. The exact experience can shift based on weather, but the goal stays the same: quick entry, snorkel a bit, then either relax on the surface or move at your own pace.

This first stop is a smart setup. After boarding, you want a place where you can get comfortable fast. Cala Bernat is the “settle in” moment, and the short time window makes it feel doable even if you are not a strong swimmer.

If you want to snorkel, this is also the time to do your first gear check. Put your mask on correctly, make sure the snorkel sits comfortably, and get your breathing rhythm before the next jumps around the coastline.

Calamosca Beach: second swim break with similar water time

Stop 2 is Calamosca Beach. Like the first stop, you get about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, again with the possibility of swimming toward the beach.

I like the repetition in the itinerary. It means you know what you are signing up for each time: short swim slots, snorkeling gear on hand, and a clear end point before you feel rushed.

If the sea is calm, Calamosca Beach is the kind of place where you can spend more of your 20 minutes actually looking around. If conditions are choppy, think of it as a chance to practice controlled snorkel time and then switch to floating and enjoying the view from the boat.

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera: third stop, good for water lovers

Stop 3 is Spiaggia di Cala Fighera. This is another swimming and snorkeling stop with the option to swim toward the beach, weather permitting. You are given a short window, about 20 minutes, which keeps the overall schedule tight and avoids long stretches where you are just waiting on the water.

By the third stop, most people have found their groove. You know where the boat staff is expecting you back, you have your snorkel setup, and you are ready to decide how much time to spend under the surface.

A helpful mindset: snorkel time does not have to mean marathon snorkeling. You can do a quick look around, then spend the rest of the stop enjoying a swim at your comfort level.

Passing Grotta dei Colombi from the sea

Between the swim stops, there is a passage in front of Grotta dei Colombi, reachable only by sea. This is a nice change of pace from the repeated “jump in, jump out” rhythm.

It also adds a sense of place. You are not just visiting beaches. You get a sea approach to a feature you would not see the same way from land.

If you like taking photos, this is often the best moment to grab them. You are moving past the area while you stay above the waterline, and you can focus on angles without worrying about managing gear at the same time.

Sella del Diavolo and the Gasole swimming pools

Stop 4 is the Sella del Diavolo area, with a visit to the Gasole swimming pools. This is a highlight because the tour is specifically built to get you to a spot known for water play and clear access by boat.

Like the earlier stops, you get swimming and snorkeling time, about 20 minutes. The “Gasole” element matters because it is not just another generic cove. You are doing the Devil’s Saddle section of the coast that people come for, and the tour commits time to it rather than rushing through.

This is also one of your best chances to see why the area is popular for swimming. Even if your snorkeling is brief, the pools and shoreline access make the whole stop feel like a destination, not a convenience stop.

Marina Piccola and Poetto: the last swims near Cagliari

Stop 5 is Marina Piccola, where you swim and snorkel in front of the bay, with the possibility of swimming toward the coast. Stop 6 is Poetto, a final swimming stop, again with conditions and timing influenced by weather.

These last two stops are where the tour feels most city-adjacent. You are not going far into the unknown. You are enjoying the coastline around Cagliari, which is part of why the trip works so well for a half-day plan.

If you want an easy finish, this is where you do it. You have already snorkeled a bit, you have already jumped in a few times, and now you can choose your favorite rhythm for the final swim.

Snorkeling that fits the 20-minute breaks

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not have to organize rentals in advance. Life jackets are provided if necessary, which is reassuring if you want extra comfort around open water.

Here is how I would work your time on this itinerary:

• Treat each stop as a small mission. Get suited, do a short snorkel look, then decide if you want more swimming.
• Keep your expectations flexible. Water clarity is often the star here, but conditions can change, so your best plan is to enjoy the stop even if the snorkel action is calmer than you hoped.
• If you are prone to motion, watch how you feel right after you return to the boat. If your stomach starts to protest, it is smart to scale back rather than push through.

One note for first-timers: the tour is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness. Even on a calm day, you are still on a boat, moving in and out, so if that is a known issue for you, choose a different plan.

Prosecco on board, water included, and what to eat

A glass of Prosecco is included, plus bottled water. This is a fun touch that makes the end of the trip feel like a treat, not just another sightseeing day.

Just keep the rules straight. You cannot bring alcohol on board, and you cannot arrive intoxicated. So the Prosecco is the planned treat, not something you supplement with your own drinks.

Food is not included. You can bring your own, which is practical because it means you can tailor snacks to your preferences. Think simple, grab-and-go items you can handle without fuss during swim breaks.

Who this boat tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour works best if you want easy access to multiple swim-and-snorkel spots without committing to one long beach day. It is also a good fit if you like local context from the water, not just a route.

It can be suitable for most travelers since it is described as generally accessible, but there are clear limits. It is not recommended for seasickness. Pregnant women should contact the operator before booking. Safety also notes individuals over 135 kg may not be suitable.

If you value comfort and routine, remember the lack of a toilet. That one factor alone can make the difference between a smooth outing and an uncomfortable one.

Should you book this tour or choose a beach day instead?

Book it if you want variety in one outing. The combination of multiple water stops, included snorkel gear, and a Prosecco glass is a strong mix for a 3-hour plan.

Choose a beach day instead if you need long, uninterrupted time in one place, or if you prefer minimal boat time. Also skip this if you know you get seasick, because the itinerary depends on getting you on and off the boat repeatedly.

One more practical nudge: it is often booked ahead, with an average booking window around 22 days. If you are traveling in peak season, lock in your date early so you get the departure that fits your schedule.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

It runs for about 3 hours (approx.).

What is included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fuel surcharge, a glass of Prosecco, and an English and Italian speaking skipper/guide. Life jackets are provided if necessary.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How many stops are there for swimming and snorkeling?

The itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling stops at Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Spiaggia di Cala Fighera, and Sella del Diavolo (Gasole swimming pools). It also includes swimming opportunities at Marina Piccola and Poetto.

Is Prosecco included, and can I bring other alcohol?

A glass of Prosecco is included. Bringing alcohol on board is strictly forbidden, and arriving intoxicated is also forbidden.

Is food included on the tour?

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

Does the boat or port have a toilet?

No. There is no toilet on the boat or in the port.

What time do I need to arrive at the meeting point?

You must arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. Departure cannot be delayed for any reason.

What language is the guide?

The tour is offered with English (and the skipper/guide also speaks Italian).

Are there health or safety limits I should know about?

It is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness. Pregnant women should contact the operator before booking. Individuals weighing over 135 kg are not recommended for safety reasons.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, there is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.