That speedboat view of Sardinia is hard to beat. This Cagliari trip takes you past Devil’s Saddle by RIB, with four swim/snorkel stops and time in crystal-clear coves.

What I really like is how much water time you get for a $59 shared tour, plus the included snorkeling mask and tube. The mood stays relaxed, and the skipper keeps the route flexible based on the sea.

One consideration: there’s no toilet or changing room on board, and the meeting point is strict—show up late and you’re out.

Key points I’d circle on your map

• 4 swim stops in separate coves, each with photo time plus snorkeling/marine life viewing
• RIB speedboats (8/9 meters) that run close to shore so you spend more time in the water
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and tube) plus life jackets if you need one
• Skipper-chosen route based on marine weather, so stops can shift for comfort and safety
• Prosecco on the way back with the sea air and sun overhead

Why Devil’s Saddle looks better by RIB boat

Devil’s Saddle (Sella del diavolo) is one of those coastlines that looks good from shore… but turns into something else when you’re actually out on the water. From a RIB, the bays stack up visually—layer after layer of coastline, cliffs, and little inlets that a road or walkway just can’t sell.

This tour is built for that effect. You’re not just passing the area; you’re making multiple stops along the Cagliari side, including time around Sella del diavolo for photos and swimming. That combination—speed between coves and real time at the waterline—is why this kind of trip feels worth it.

You’ll also get a practical bonus: because the skipper navigates closer to the coast, you’re seeing more of the details that make Cagliari’s shoreline special, not just broad offshore views.

The boat ride: fast, close to shore, and built for swim time

You’ll ride on a shared 8/9-meter inflatable RIB. The key word here is inflatable: these boats are made for speed and quick changes, and the design helps them get you to the good water spots efficiently.

The group stays small—up to 12 people—which matters when the plan includes jumping in four different times. You’re not trapped waiting behind a huge crowd, and the skipper can keep things moving without rushing your swim windows.

One thing to be ready for: you will get spray. A few people mention it in their feedback, and it makes sense. If you hate being damp, bring a dry layer for later.

Also, the tour includes a shower on board. That’s not a luxury you think about until you’re sunscreen-slick and salt-stuck. It’s a small detail that makes the “back to town” part easier.

Meeting point and what to bring so the day stays smooth

This tour has a tight start for paperwork and organizing boats. You must be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure—they won’t wait. So I’d treat this like a train you don’t want to miss.

Here’s how to set yourself up:

• Navigate to NautiSardinia Boat Trips – Tour in Barca Cagliari and use the map directions.
• Do not search Molo Dogana (it leads you wrong).
• Once you arrive, sit on the benches. Don’t enter the dock.
• If you need a toilet/changing area, plan to handle it before you meet them; the closest options are about a 10-minute walk.

What to bring (this part is simple, but it matters):

• Passport or ID card
• Towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• And a basic swim mindset: you’ll want shoes you don’t mind getting wet, since you’re walking around on a port area before boarding.

Onboard rules are clear: no large bags, no intoxication, and no drugs. Pets aren’t allowed, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed either.

Stop-by-stop: Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca, and Cala Fighera

The tour’s format is consistent: you’ll get a photo stop, then swimming/snorkeling and marine life viewing for about 20 minutes at each main cove. The skipper chooses the order and exact route based on marine weather, but these are the anchor locations.

Cala Bernat (photo stop + swim/snorkel)

Cala Bernat is the kind of first stop that sets the tone. You’ll have time for a quick look from the boat, then a swim where the water is described as crystal clear. This is the moment to get your snorkeling rhythm—mask on, tube comfortable, and eyes open for small fish.

Best approach: don’t overthink the gear. Take 30 seconds to make sure your mask sits right before you float.

Cala Mosca (Cagliari) (another swim window)

Cala Mosca gives you variety without making the day feel chaotic. If one cove has slightly different visibility, the next one often compensates. You’re also building confidence with each jump—by stop two, you stop worrying about whether you’re doing it right.

A small practical note: if you tend to get chilled quickly, keep your towel ready between stops. The boat ride is short, but the weather and wind can shift.

Cala Fighera (Cagliari) (marine life viewing time)

By Cala Fighera, you’ve got the timing down: swim, snorkel, then surface to regroup. Some people end up spotting more than fish—starfish and other small sea life can show up when the water is clear and you’re not kicking sand.

If you’re new to snorkeling, this is still a good stop. The boat format gives you repeated chances, so even if your first entry is a little awkward, you’ve got backups.

Grotta dei colombi pass-by and the Sella del diavolo photo moment

Not every stop is a long swim. You’ll pass by Grotta dei colombi for about 1 minute. Think of it as a quick look—more about the view out the window than a planned swim.

Then comes the showstopper energy: Sella del diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) is where the coastline really earns its name. You’ll have about 20 minutes here for photo stop, swimming, and marine life viewing.

What makes this moment valuable is the combination of:

• iconic coastline shape from the water
• time in the water right near the dramatic scenery
• the chance to capture photos from an angle you simply can’t get from land

If you care about pictures, this is the stop where you can slow down and take them seriously. Don’t leave your best shots for the last minute.

Porticciolo Turistico Marina Piccola and Poetto: cruising more than just coves

Between the main snorkeling stops, you also get extra coastline coverage.

Porticciolo Turistico Marina Piccola

This is another stop with about 20 minutes for photo, swimming, and snorkeling. It’s a nice reminder that Cagliari’s sea isn’t only about the postcard coves. You’re also seeing more “lived-in” coastal spots where marinas and beaches shape the shoreline.

Poetto

Then you reach Poetto, one of Cagliari’s best-known beach areas. You’ll have another 20 minutes here for photos and water time. Even if you’ve walked Poetto before, the boat angle changes everything. You see the stretch as a whole, and you notice how the water color shifts along the shore.

If you like your travel days balanced—some sightseeing, some swimming—this part hits the sweet spot.

Cruise Port sightseeing (short and sweet)

Near the end, you’ll get about 5 minutes of sightseeing as you head back near the Cagliari Cruise Port area, then return to the starting point.

It’s brief. That’s the point: the tour stays focused on water time, not long land tours.

Snorkeling kit: included gear and how to use it well

You get snorkeling gear included: a mask and tube. You don’t need to carry anything from home besides your towel and sunscreen. If you’re traveling light, this matters.

Here’s how to make the most of your time in each stop window:

• Adjust the mask right away when you enter the water. If it leaks, you’ll keep surfacing to fix it and you’ll lose swim minutes.
• Keep kicks gentle. You’ll see more when you don’t kick up sand.
• Watch for small movement near rocks and shallow edges. A lot of the marine life is easier to spot when you’re steady, not thrashing.

Also, life jackets are provided if needed. If you’re not a confident swimmer, use one. You’ll enjoy the snorkeling more when you’re relaxed.

Prosecco on the way back: the included treat (and how to treat it)

One of the nicest touches is the glass of Prosecco during the tour. It comes with sea air, sun, and the calm of being done with the main swim work.

Keep your pacing smart:

• Have it, but don’t treat it like a party starter. The water is the star, and you’ll still want energy for the final stretch.
• The rules also say no bringing alcohol and drugs, even though Prosecco is included—so plan on sticking to what they serve.

This is less about drinking and more about creating a finish that feels special without turning the trip into something rowdy.

Value check: what you get for $59 in Cagliari

For $59 per person and about 3 hours, you’re buying three things at once:

• access to multiple bays that are hard to reach comfortably by land
• four swim/snorkel opportunities with provided gear
• a guided experience from a skipper who manages route and timing

The value isn’t just the price tag. It’s the format: you’re not waiting around. Each stop has time stacked for photos plus water plus marine viewing. That’s why people often say they didn’t want to go back.

You also get bottle water, fuel, and that onboard shower. Add up the little costs you’d otherwise handle yourself, and the price starts to make sense fast.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is best if you:

• want a fun, active half-day at sea
• like snorkeling but don’t want to mess with gear rentals
• enjoy short stops with clear time limits instead of slow sightseeing

You might want to skip it if you:

• are prone to seasickness (this isn’t marketed for you)
• have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair (it’s not suitable for that)
• have pre-existing medical conditions that could be affected by boat movement
• weigh over 300 lbs / 136 kg
• need a toilet/changing room on board (there isn’t one)

If you’re pregnant, contact them before booking, since that’s specifically flagged.

Final call: should you book this Devil’s Saddle RIB tour?

If your priority is clear water, multiple chances to snorkel, and dramatic Cagliari coastline from the sea, I think you’ll like this. The combination of small group size (max 12), four swim stops, included snorkeling gear, and a skipper who picks the route based on conditions is a strong recipe for a 3-hour trip that feels like it moves.

Book it if you’re comfortable with a port meeting that starts on time, and if you pack smart for water (towel, sunscreen, ID). Skip it if you need onboard changing/toilet facilities or if boat movement is a problem for you.

If you’re flexible about timing and you show up early, this one is the kind of Cagliari experience that makes the coastline feel personal—one cove at a time.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

How many swim and snorkeling stops are included?

There are 4 stops where you can swim and snorkel, each with time for marine life viewing and photos.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

You’re provided snorkeling gear including a mask and tube.

Is Prosecco included?

Yes, the tour includes a glass of Prosecco, plus bottle of water.

Where does the tour meet and when should I arrive?

Meet at NautiSardinia Boat Trips – Tour in Barca Cagliari, and arrive 20 minutes before departure time. They cannot postpone departure to wait for late arrivals.

Is there a toilet or changing room on the boat?

No. There’s no changing room or toilet on board, and the closest public option is about a 10-minute walk from the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, a towel, sun hat, and sunscreen.

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