A small boat, big water views. This 3-hour Cagliari catamaran tour leaves from Alma Sailing Charter, just steps from the cruise terminal, then sails toward the famous Devil’s Saddle for swims, snorkeling, and a shared Prosecco toast. The vibe is friendly and low-pressure, with a bilingual crew telling local legends as you cruise the Golfo degli Angeli.

What I like most is the mix of movement and time in the sea: you get multiple anchoring stops so you can actually swim, not just dip your toes. I also love the storytelling angle, especially around the coastal myths and the Sella del diavolo photo/swim moment, led by hosts like Alma and the captain (names like Patrick show up with the crew in past outings).

One thing to consider: this is not for people who get motion sickness easily. If the water is choppy, it can be uncomfortable, and re-boarding steps off a ladder can be a bit tricky when the sea is rough.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Max 12 guests keeps it more relaxed than the big-boat churn
• Snorkeling + floats included, so you can swim at your own pace
• Sella del diavolo gets a real photo stop plus one longer swim window
• Bilingual crew shares legends and coastal context while you sail
• WC on board + fresh water shower after your swim
• Prosecco toast at the final stop, included in the price

Why a catamaran from Cagliari’s center is such a smart move

Cagliari’s marina base (Portus Karalis) is central, which matters more than it sounds. You’re not wasting half a day figuring out a transfer. You also avoid the tour-day stress of far-away meeting points, especially if you’re arriving on a cruise.

The catamaran format is also practical. You’ll spend your time on open water, then anchor at coves where the best snorkeling happens. With a small group size (up to 12), the boat doesn’t feel crowded, and you usually get the kind of attention that makes the swim breaks smoother.

And yes, the Devil’s Saddle is the headline. But what you’re really buying is a short outing where you can leave the city behind, get saltwater therapy, and come back with real sea stories.

Meeting Alma Sailing Charter: what to plan for before you go

You’ll find Alma Sailing Charter on Google Maps, and the start point is in the center of Cagliari near the cruise terminal area. Plan to arrive early because the boat leaves on time. If you miss it, they won’t hold departure.

Bring the basics that make the trip easier:

• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear + towel
• Passport or ID card
• Any personal medication you need
• Weather-appropriate layers (even in warm months, sea wind can cool you down)

Two practical rules that catch people:

• No shoes on board
• Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle (and you should assume you’ll follow any on-board instructions around smoking)

Also, pack with the swim stops in mind. You’ll be changing plans on the water based on marine conditions, so having a towel ready and your essentials easy to grab helps a lot.

The 3-hour plan: how the sailing time is used

This tour runs for about 3 hours, but it doesn’t feel rushed because the captain uses the time in a balanced way: short cruises between stops, then swim windows where the sea does the work.

You can think of the schedule like this:

• a quick start and photo moments along the coast
• two shorter swim/snorkel breaks for exploring
• one longer anchor at Sella del diavolo for the main swimming highlight
• a final sailing segment back toward the marina

One bonus with a catamaran: sometimes the captain can keep things very comfortable by using wind and sailing when conditions allow. Still, sails open depend on safety and wind direction.

Cala Bernat: the fast photo stop that sets the mood

The first named stop is Cala Bernat, but it’s a quick hit (about 2 minutes). That might sound like nothing. In practice, it works because it’s a coastal “orientation” moment—enough time for a couple photos and to feel what kind of coastline you’ll be cruising along.

What to do here: stay ready. If you want your best photos, this is where you’ll want to be positioned early rather than waiting for the boat to drop anchor.

A short stop also means you aren’t standing around for long. The real payoff comes once you start anchoring for swimming.

Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera: where the water time actually happens

After the brief cruising segment, you get to Cala Mosca for swimming and snorkeling (about 10 minutes), and then Cala Fighera for a longer swim/snorkel slot (about 15 minutes).

This is the part of the day most people remember because it’s hands-on:

• You’ll have snorkeling equipment (including mask and snorkel) provided
• You also get floating tubes, which make it easier if you want to relax without fighting for position
• The coves are set up for calm, clear-water viewing from the anchor area

Why these two stops matter: they let you compare water conditions. One cove might feel calmer while another shows more fish activity depending on where you are and how the captain positions the boat.

One practical note: in past outings, the ladder back onto the boat can be narrow. When the sea is choppy, take your time and hold on firmly. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who’s less comfortable in moving water, you’ll want to help them get back safely.

Sella del diavolo: Devil’s Saddle is the main swimming story

Then comes the headline stop: Sella del diavolo (Devil’s Saddle). Expect a photo stop plus a longer swim/snorkel window (about 30 minutes).

This is where the legend-and-location combo really pays off. The crew shares stories and local history as you sail, and once you’re anchored near the dramatic cliff setting, those myths land differently. It’s not just a name on a map; it feels like a place with personality.

What you’ll love here:

• enough time to swap from snorkeling to floating to just enjoying the view
• a chance to swim in a cliff-framed cove setting
• the boat atmosphere stays social but not chaotic—there’s space to move around

Possible drawback: this is also where conditions can feel more noticeable. If the water gets rough, re-boarding needs extra patience. If you’re sensitive to motion, this longer swim segment might be the most challenging part of the whole outing.

The return to Cagliari: music, drift moments, and the Prosecco toast

After the main swim, the schedule includes another sailing segment back toward the marina (about 40 minutes). This is prime time to relax and let the coastline pass by.

Past trips included lots of good vibes on board, with music playing during sailing. That might sound like fluff, but it matters because it helps the whole thing feel like a shared afternoon, not a checklist.

And yes, there’s Prosecco. At the last stop, the crew provides a glass to toast together. It’s included, so you’re not stuck deciding whether to spend extra onboard just to feel like you got the “special” part.

You can also purchase soft drinks and snacks onboard. Reviews also mention affordable drinks and beer available for purchase, which is handy if you want something besides water after swimming.

Safety and comfort details that matter more than you’d think

This isn’t an “equipment-only” tour. It includes safety and comfort basics that make the whole day less stressful:

• Crew trained in first aid
• a defibrillator on board (DEE)
• WC on board
• fresh water shower

On the comfort side, the shower matters because saltwater + sunscreen + chlorine-free but salty skin can feel sticky fast. One detail that shows up in past experiences is the availability of hot water after swimming, which is a big quality-of-life upgrade when you want to rinse off and not feel gross on the ride back.

Price and value: what $72 gets you in real terms

At $72 per person for a 3-hour small-boat tour, the price makes sense if you focus on what’s included:

• snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) plus floating tubes
• multiple swim breaks and one longer cove session
• a crew who shares legends and guides you along the route
• Prosecco included at the end
• WC and a shower so you can reset

Most day activities in coastal cities fall into two categories: either you pay for transportation and hope the sea part is worth it, or you pay for a boat and then realize the snorkeling gear is limited. Here, the sea time is the main event, and the essentials are included.

If you’re comparing costs, weigh this against the idea of renting or booking something similar where gear isn’t included. Even if you don’t use the snorkeling part, the ability to swim off the boat in more than one spot is the value driver.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• an easy, central meeting point
• a small group experience instead of a crowded boat day
• real swim time in coves around Cagliari
• an outing with story + views, not just sea time

It’s especially good for people who like to socialize a bit. With a small crew and max 12 guests, it’s easier to meet other people during sailing and talk with the hosts while waiting for the anchor to drop.

Skip it or think twice if:

• you deal with seasickness (the tour is not recommended for it)
• you’re expecting a smooth, gentle ride no matter what (marine conditions can change stops)
• you’re not steady getting back onto a boat ladder when the sea is choppy

Kids can have fun here too. Past experiences included families with children enjoying the swim breaks, and equipment like floats can help make it easier. Still, watch re-boarding carefully.

Practical tips so you enjoy every swim minute

Here’s how to make the day feel simple:

• Use biodegradable sunscreen before you reach open water. You’ll be out long enough to burn if you rush.
• Pack a towel you can grab quickly. After swimming, waiting to dry off is what drains the fun.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. The tour is not recommended for severe cases, and if you take medication, take it half an hour before departure (seasickness tablets aren’t included).
• Wear something you can swim in comfortably and that dries fast.
• Bring personal medication if needed, and tell the captain or staff if you have any conditions or are pregnant.

One more tip: keep your expectations flexible. The captain may change stops if marine weather isn’t safe, and the sailing plan can vary with wind and conditions.

Should you book this Cagliari catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a short, high-reward sea day: swimming + snorkeling + local legends + a Prosecco toast, all with a small group and a central meeting point. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience the Cagliari coastline without turning your day into logistics.

Don’t book it if seasickness is a regular problem for you, or if you’re uncomfortable with ladder re-boarding when conditions are rough. In that case, you’ll likely have a better time choosing a calmer, land-based coastal plan.

If you’re deciding based on one factor, make it this: you’ll get the most out of it if swimming is the main goal, not just a quick photo.

FAQ

How long is the Cagliari catamaran tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

How many people are on board?

The catamaran sails with a maximum of 12 guests.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You’ll be provided mask and snorkel, plus floating tubes for relaxed swimming.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a WC on board.

Is Prosecco included?

A glass of Prosecco is included at the last stop.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Alma Sailing Charter (search for it on Google Maps).

What should I bring for the swim stops?

Bring ID or passport, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, a towel, and any personal medication. Wear weather-appropriate clothing too.

Is seasickness an issue for this tour?

The tour is not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness. If you take medication, the guidance is to take it half an hour before departure. Seasickness tablets are not included.

What happens if the marine weather isn’t safe?

If marine weather conditions are not safe, the tour will be canceled. The captain can also change the stops based on conditions.

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