Sella del diavolo feels different from a boat. This Zodiac RIB trip gives you speed along the coast and up-close views of Sardinia’s limestone cliffs from the water. I especially like how the skipper builds the day around easy swim time and clear-water snorkeling.

I also like the way you get real variety in a short window: Poetto and Devil’s Saddle by boat, then multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling. On top of that, there’s homemade white wine to round out the sea escape.

One possible drawback: the sea can get windy and a bit choppy later in the day, so it’s not a great fit if you’re prone to seasickness.

Key highlights at a glance

• Zodiac RIB thrills with spacious maxi boats (8.5 m or 10 m)
• Sella del diavolo views from the water plus photo moments along the route
• Three snorkeling-friendly coves with provided gear
• Plenty of time in the water (25 minutes per stop on the 2-hour option)
• Homemade white wine included (1–2 glasses)
• Skippers like Andrea and Emilio who keep things calm, clear, and fun

Why the Devil’s Saddle part of Cagliari matters

Cagliari has a lot of shoreline, but this tour points you at one place people really remember: Sella del diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle. From land, it can look like a view. From the sea, it turns into something you understand—rock shapes, angles, and the way the coast drops into deep water.

You’ll cruise toward the area at a good clip on a Zodiac RIB, so you’re not just being transported. You’re getting a moving viewpoint. The ride past the coastline also means you can spot how the geography changes along the coast—useful if you want a stronger sense of where you are in Sardinia besides just taking photos.

And because you see Sella del diavolo from more than one angle (first as you head there, then again at the water level), it feels like the day has a “main event,” not just a bunch of stops.

The Zodiac RIB experience: comfortable speed and smart pacing

This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. It’s a maxi Zodiac RIB tour using boats around 8.5 m and 10 m, described as very spacious and comfortable. Depending on how many people are booked, you’ll use either a white or black boat.

That matters for two reasons. First, you’ll feel the wind. This is part of the fun—cooler air, salt spray, and that fast coastal motion. Second, comfort on a boat like this changes how you enjoy the swim stops. If you’re relaxed before you jump in (or float, since snorkeling is the focus), you’ll have a better time once you’re in the water.

Timing is also built for momentum. You’re on the water for about 2 hours on the shorter option. The tradeoff is simple: you’ll want to be ready to swim without overthinking it. You’ll also notice that sea conditions can vary. Morning trips are often calmer, while lunch and afternoon can bring more sea breeze and wind.

If you get motion sickness easily, consider this a real factor—not a minor detail. The tour specifically lists people prone to seasickness as not suitable, and the wind/sea-wave notes make that make sense.

Stop-by-stop: what you’ll do at each cove

This tour is designed around 3 main swim and snorkel stops, with additional photo moments and cruising time toward the Devil’s Saddle area. Here’s the practical way to think about each part of the day.

Poetto: a quick coastal cruise before the swimming

Your day starts with a short boat cruise from the Cagliari area near Poetto. Expect about 15 minutes here—enough to get moving and set the mood. Poetto is a familiar coastal zone, and using it as an early warm-up makes sense: you’re not tired yet, you’re soaking in the coastline, and you’re headed toward the more dramatic scenery.

What you’ll like: it’s an easy start with a change of perspective.

What to watch: you won’t be in the water here, so don’t plan on a first snorkel moment as soon as you board.

Cala Mosca: first real swim and snorkeling session

Next comes Cala Mosca for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll get about 30 minutes here. This is a solid “go time” stop: enough duration to get comfortable with the snorkeling gear, enjoy the water clarity, and still have time left if you want a second pass around.

What you’ll like: crystal-clear water is a recurring theme, and the tour includes snorkeling gear so you’re not scrambling for equipment.

What to watch: it’s a swim stop, so bring your basics—towel and sunscreen—and wear swimwear you can handle getting on and off quickly.

Cala Fighera: longer snorkeling plus a photo moment

Cala Fighera is one of the bigger stops, with roughly 40 minutes. You’ll have time for a photo stop plus swimming and snorkeling.

This is where the snorkeling vibe really kicks in. The tour is built for encountering local marine life in calm, sheltered coves, and people consistently highlight the visibility and the number of fish you can see. It’s also a good place to slow down, float, and actually watch instead of just popping your head in and out.

What you’ll like: longer water time usually means you’ll get multiple chances to see something interesting.

What to watch: the longer you’re in the sun, the more you’ll want sunscreen reapplied. Bring it, and don’t rely on a thin first coat.

Sella del diavolo area: the signature water-level moments

You’ll circle back to the Sella del diavolo area again for another photo stop and then swimming and snorkeling. The time here is about 1 hour on the route described, which turns this into the biggest “time in the water” stretch during the day.

This is also where having a skipper matters. The tour uses a local guide/Skipper who helps you time your entry and points you toward good spots to enjoy the marine life. Some skippers also share extra context as you move between areas, which can make the coast feel less like scenery and more like a place with a sense of how it’s formed.

Important reality check: you’re snorkeling, not scuba. You’ll stay near the surface and in clear water, and what you see depends on the day’s conditions.

Snorkeling gear: what’s included and how to use it well

The tour provides snorkeling gear, and that’s a real value point. It means you can travel lighter and avoid hunting for gear once you arrive in Cagliari.

From a practical standpoint, the biggest trick is simple: adjust the fit before you jump in. If the mask doesn’t seal comfortably, you’ll spend your swim fighting it instead of watching fish. If you’ve never snorkeled before, aim to do a slow first minute—breathe, get your face used to the water, then start scanning.

What you can realistically expect:

• Local marine animals visible in crystal-clear water
• Lots of fish sightings are repeatedly highlighted
• Some people mention dolphins, but that’s never something you should count on

If you want a better experience, go with a relaxed mindset. Snorkeling here is more about observation and short, comfortable sessions than chasing.

Wind, waves, and the best time window

This tour comes with a weather reality check: morning tends to be calmer. At lunch time there can be sea breeze and more wind. In the afternoon, expect more wind and still some waves.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun later—many people do. It just means you should match the day to your tolerance. If you’re sensitive to rocking, choose morning and plan your day around it.

Also note: heavy rain can lead to cancellation. That’s not a surprise on open water, but it affects your planning. If your schedule is flexible, you’re set up better.

The homemade white wine moment (and how it fits the day)

Included with the tour is homemade white wine, typically 1–2 glasses. There’s no claim it’s a full meal replacement, and the tour does not include food or other drinks.

Instead, the wine feels like a finishing touch that makes the whole outing feel like a seaside pause. After you’ve spent time swimming and snorkeling, sipping something cold and local while you’re back onboard is a nice reset.

What to keep in mind: alcohol is optional for your comfort. If you’re thinking of snorkel timing, you’ll want to drink responsibly and not right before your swim window.

Skippers make the difference: Andrea, Emilio, Enrico…

This tour’s overall score stays high, and a big part of that is the way skippers run the day.

Names you may see:

• Andrea: frequently described as kind, funny, and focused on explaining the stops
• Emilio: repeatedly mentioned for being sweet, patient, and clear about what you’re seeing
• Enrico: described as accommodating and attentive
• Others you might get depending on dates (different skipper names show up across bookings)

Beyond friendliness, the best pattern is control and communication. The standout skippers help you understand where you are, why those coves matter, and what you should look for underwater. That turns a “swim break” into a guided experience.

They also steer carefully, and that matters on a fast RIB ride. Smooth handling is what keeps the day feeling comfortable instead of stressful.

Getting there: Marina Piccola and the dock that matters

Meeting point is Dock H at the Marina Piccola Port, next to the Elysium restaurant. You should look for the big flag marked Boat Tour and wait for the skipper there.

Timing is strict: you should arrive about 20 minutes early. The boat starts on time, and you won’t get waiting-for-taxis or bus delays as an exception.

If you’re traveling with a group or you’re not sure where Dock H is, I’d treat the early arrival as non-negotiable. Even if you’re 10 minutes late, it can become a stressful start.

What to bring for a smooth swim day

You don’t need a lot, but don’t show up empty-handed. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also think about basic comfort for time onboard. You’ll likely get sun exposure while cruising between coves, and the wind in open water can trick you into forgetting sunscreen.

And if you have your own preference for snorkeling fit, bring it only if you already own it. The tour’s included gear is the main plan.

Value check: is $41 worth it?

At around $41 per person for a 2-hour Zodiac RIB tour, the value is strong when you look at the full package.

You’re paying for:

• A fast, scenic RIB ride from Cagliari’s harbor area
• Three structured swim/snorkel stops (with included snorkeling gear)
• Guide explanation of highlights in the Devil’s Saddle area
• Included homemade white wine (1–2 glasses)

In other words, it’s not just “transport + one swim.” It’s multiple short blocks of water time, which is what most people actually come for. If you’re already planning to buy or rent snorkeling gear, that pushes the math in the tour’s favor even more.

If you mainly want shore-side sightseeing without getting wet, it might feel pricey. But for a classic Mediterranean-style day with real time in the water, it’s a straightforward deal.

Who this tour suits best

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a quick but active half-day on the water
• Enjoy snorkeling and want gear included
• Like speedboat viewpoints and short scenic cruises
• Appreciate a skipper who explains what you’re seeing

It’s not a match if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have mobility impairments
• Are prone to seasickness

Also, if you want calm conditions, plan for morning when the sea is more likely to be stable.

Should you book the Cagliari Zodiac Boat Tour to Sella del diavolo?

I’d book this if you want a Cagliari experience that feels like Sardinia, not just a photo stop. The combination of Zodiac speed, Devil’s Saddle views from the water, and three snorkel-ready coves is exactly the kind of efficient, fun day that works for short trips.

Skip it (or choose another option) if you’re sensitive to wind and waves, because the tour can be rougher later in the day, and it’s explicitly listed as not suitable for seasickness-prone travelers.

If you’re flexible and can be at the dock early, this is a solid bet for value and a genuinely fun day on the water.

FAQ

How much does the Zodiac boat tour cost?

The price is listed as $41 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration for this option is 2 hours.

How many swim and snorkeling stops are included?

For the 2-hour tour, it includes 3 shorter swim stops of about 25 minutes each.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided with the tour.

Is wine included?

Yes, you’ll get 1–2 glasses of homemade white wine.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Dock H on the Marina Piccola Port, next to the Elysium restaurant, and look for the big flag labeled Boat Tour.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness.

Is it refundable if plans change or if it rains?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour can also be cancelled in the event of heavy rain.

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