Cagliari’s coast turns into a snorkel playground. This Devil’s Saddle boat trip strings together several swim-and-snorkel stops plus a sea-view pass by the Grotta dei Colombi, ending with a glass of Prosecco. It’s a simple plan with standout water time.

I really like the pacing: you get repeated 20-minute jump-in windows so the trip doesn’t feel like constant sailing. I also like the onboard style—skippers such as Giovanni and Alessandro come off as confident, organized, and genuinely fun, with clear guidance and plenty of check-ins while you’re in the water.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour has no toilet on the boat or in the port, and departure is strict. They ask everyone to arrive 20 minutes early, and they won’t delay for any reason, so plan your timing before you get on board.

Key highlights you should care about

• Four swim-focused stops (plus extra scenic sea time): the route is designed for repeated water breaks, not just views from the deck.
• Snorkeling gear included: you don’t need to hunt down rentals or bring equipment.
• Sea-only look at Grotta dei Colombi: you see it from the water without trekking or switching tours.
• Gasole swimming pools at Sella del Diavolo: a “water first” stop that fits the tour’s name.
• Prosecco is built in: you get a glass during the experience, and the vibe often includes music.
• Smallish group size (max 32): enough for energy, not so many that you feel lost.

Why Devil’s Saddle feels like the real Cagliari water plan

Devil’s Saddle in Cagliari is all about that classic mix: dramatic coastal rock, calm pockets for swimming, and clear water you can actually see through. On this tour, the focus stays on getting you into the good spots rather than treating the sea like scenery you only look at.

The itinerary is built around multiple stop-and-swim moments. Stops can shift with weather, but the goal stays the same: you’ll have several chances to snorkel and swim, including the Gasole swimming pools area tied to Sella del Diavolo.

And yes, you also get that sea-access perspective. The tour includes a passage in front of Grotta dei Colombi reachable only by sea, which is the kind of detail that makes a boat trip feel worth it in the first place.

The onboard vibe: English guidance, repeat safety checks, and Prosecco timing

You’ll go out from NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Molo Dogana (Cagliari). The tour runs about 3 hours, and it’s offered in English. Skippers/guide are also described as speaking Italian, so you should have no problem following instructions even if your Italian is still “hello and maybe espresso.”

From the way the experience is described, the crew runs it like a real operation, not a casual floating detour. Captains like Giovanni, Pietro, Matteo, and Alessandro are repeatedly praised for keeping people safe and organized, and that matters on a snorkeling trip where you want confidence in the rules and the timing.

I also like the social lift: there’s a glass of Prosecco included, and several accounts mention a fun music vibe. It’s not a party cruise, but it does help make the ride feel like an event, especially if you’ve spent your days walking around town.

Stop-by-stop: Cala Bernat, Calamosca, and Cala Fighera (where you’ll spend your swim time)

The first half of the tour gives you a strong “water sampling” effect—three swim/snorkel stops that are meant to be repeated experiences, not one long swim that turns into a workout.

Cala Bernat: jump in, then decide whether you swim to shore

Cala Bernat is your first swim and snorkeling stop, listed at about 20 minutes. The good part here is the flexibility: it notes a chance of swimming toward the beach, depending on conditions. That’s handy for beginners who want to try snorkeling close to the boat, and also for stronger swimmers who want a longer line through the water.

The practical upside is mental too. Starting with a shorter stop means you can get your snorkeling rhythm fast—mask on, check the water visibility, then decide how ambitious you want to be.

Calamosca Beach: another quick chance to snorkel and reset

Next up is Calamosca Beach, also a 20-minute swim/snorkel window. Like the first stop, the plan mentions that exact options can vary with weather. In real life, that means you’re not stuck with one “best guess” location all day. The skipper can choose a spot that fits how the sea is behaving.

This stop is a nice match if you like variety. One swim can feel similar to another once you’re in the water, but different coves can change what you see and how easy the water feels.

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera: a third water break without the long haul

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera follows with the same 20-minute structure. The tour keeps repeating this pattern for a reason: it lets you go in, enjoy, come back, and still feel like you’re progressing through the coastline rather than waiting forever.

One honest consideration: snorkeling sightings aren’t identical every time. On at least one outing, the water was clear but the mix of fish felt limited. That’s not something you can control, so I treat snorkeling here as a “see what the sea offers” experience, not a guarantee of a colorful coral movie.

Grotta dei Colombi by sea + Sella del Diavolo and the Gasole pools

After the first set of swim breaks, the tour shifts from “beach hopping” to “coastline drama.” This is where the boat becomes more than transport.

Grotta dei Colombi: see it from the only direction that matters

The route includes a passage by Grotta dei Colombi reachable only by sea. That detail is a big value point for a boat tour: some places are simply faster and more realistic by water. Instead of planning a separate hike or switching tours, you get the view as part of the flow.

Also, the timing is good. You’ve already gotten your snorkeling legs earlier, so you can enjoy this segment more as scenery plus atmosphere.

Sella del Diavolo: the Gasole swimming pools are the signature stop

Then comes the heart-of-theme moment: Sella del Diavolo, with a visit to the Gasole swimming pools. This is another 20-minute swim and snorkeling stop, and again weather can change the exact shape of the plan.

This stop makes sense for a reason beyond the name. Swimming pools by the sea typically mean you’re heading into calmer water pockets compared with open surf. That can make the experience feel easier while still giving you that “this is why I’m here” feel.

If you’re hoping for wildlife moments, this tour does have that potential. One experience description included dolphins during the trip, and there were also mentions of starfish at some point during the outing. You won’t get to plan those sightings, but it’s the kind of coastline where nature can show up.

Marina Piccola and Poetto: finishing with more swim options near Cagliari

The end of the tour keeps the pattern going with more water time, especially useful if you’re the type who wishes you had stayed longer at an earlier stop.

Marina Piccola: a bay-facing swim with a coast option

Marina Piccola is your next stop for swimming and snorkeling, again about 20 minutes. It includes the possibility of swimming to the coast depending on conditions. That’s a nice “final-choice” setup: if earlier swims felt short, you may get a longer route here.

This segment also helps if you prefer less hectic water. Bays can feel more forgiving for people getting used to buoyancy, mask breathing, and current awareness.

Poetto: a last swim moment to close out the trip

Poetto is the final swim stop listed, with a note that it’s about swimming and that conditions can shift. The overall effect is clean: you finish with another chance to get in one last time before returning to the marina.

And because the boat trip ends back at the meeting point, you’re not forced into a complicated logistics scramble after you’re done with the sea.

Price and value: $60.49 for snorkeling gear, Prosecco, and fuel included

At about $60.49 per person for roughly 3 hours, you’re paying for three things that usually cost extra when you DIY: a boat ride along the coastline, snorkeling equipment, and a guided plan that aims you at the swimming spots.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a glass of Prosecco, and a fuel surcharge in the price. Life jackets are also provided if necessary, which I treat as a baseline safety inclusion.

What you don’t get is food (you can bring your own). That’s typical for short excursions, but it does mean you should come prepared so you’re not hungry halfway through your best swim window. The upside is you keep control—snacks you like, at a time that works for you.

Who this boat tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is an easy pick if you want active sightseeing in Cagliari: less time standing around, more time with your head underwater. It’s also a strong option if you’re traveling with family-style groups, since kids have done it comfortably on some departures.

It’s not a great fit if you deal with motion sickness. The tour is explicitly not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness. If that’s you, I’d treat this as a skip rather than a “maybe it’ll be fine” gamble.

Also consider body-weight safety guidance: it’s not recommended for individuals weighing over 135 kg for safety reasons. And if you’re pregnant, the advice is to contact the operator before booking.

Practical stuff that affects your day (meeting point, no toilet, and what’s not allowed)

This tour has a few rules that matter more than you’d think—because they hit at the start, right when you’re focused on enjoying yourself.

You meet at NautiSardinia Boat Trips on Molo Dogana in Cagliari. You need to be there 20 minutes before departure, and departure can’t be delayed for any reason. So don’t roll up right on time.

There’s no toilet on the boat or in the port. Plan for that before you go, especially if you’re the type who takes longer at the start of a trip.

Snorkeling gear is included, and life jackets are available if necessary. Onboard, you’re asked to behave respectfully both on board and within the marina, and it’s strictly forbidden to arrive intoxicated or bring alcohol/drugs on board. One glass of Prosecco is included, but that doesn’t mean outside alcohol is the move.

Bring a photo ID (a photo is sufficient), and keep an eye on the fact there’s a max of 32 travelers per tour.

Should you book this Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

I’d book it if you want Cagliari’s coastline in a format that’s simple, swim-friendly, and guided by people who run the day with confidence. The repeated water stops, included snorkeling gear, and built-in Prosecco make it good value for a half-day outing.

Skip it if you’re sensitive to motion, if you’re over the stated weight limit, or if you really need toilet access during the trip. Also think carefully if you want a strict adults-only vibe—some people have raised the point that kids can be on board, and you’ll want to be comfortable with that.

If your goal is clear water, several chances to snorkel, and a boat route that actually gets you to the famous water spots around Devil’s Saddle, this is the kind of tour you’ll feel good about booking.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start in Cagliari?

It starts at NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Tour in Barca CagliariMolo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari CA, Italy.

Is a bathroom available on the boat?

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

What’s 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 food included?

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

What if I can’t be at the meeting point 20 minutes early?

The tour requires everyone to be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure, and it isn’t possible to delay departure for any reason.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Who might not be able to participate?

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

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