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

A sea day in Cagliari, with jump-in spots built for snorkeling. This NautiSardinia boat tour strings together multiple water breaks near town, so you get easy access to Sardinia’s clear, fish-friendly shallows without planning transfers. What I love most is the mix of snorkeling time and real scenery, plus a guide like Giovanni or Alessandro who keeps things fun and clear. The one drawback is timing, you must be at the marina 20 minutes early, and there is no toilet on board.

Here’s another strong point: the tour includes snorkeling equipment plus bottled water, and it finishes with a glass of Prosecco. I also like that the itinerary includes iconic viewpoints such as the Grotta dei Colombi passage by sea, and then the Devil’s Saddle area for the Gasole swimming pools. The main consideration for some people is that it’s not a good fit if you get seasick, because the itinerary assumes you can be comfortable on open water.

Key highlights before you go

• Four snorkeling-focused swim stops with provided masks and snorkels, so you spend more time in the water and less time figuring gear out
• Sella del Diavolo and the Gasole swimming pools area, a memorable stretch of coastline reached by boat
• Sea-passage sights like Grotta dei Colombi, experienced from the water instead of a distant viewpoint
• Prosecco and music moments on the trip, including a glass of Prosecco during the experience
• Small-group feel up to 32 travelers, with a skipper who keeps everyone safe and on schedule

Why this Cagliari boat tour feels like the smart beach plan

If you’ve spent time in Cagliari, you already know the beaches can be beautiful but tricky to coordinate. This kind of tour gives you a simple day format: you meet, you ride, and then you get multiple chances to swim and snorkel in different spots. It’s a good trade when you want variety without spending your whole trip on transit.

I like the structure because each stop is short enough to keep energy high, but long enough to actually get in the water. On top of that, you’re not just floating for show. The tour gives you snorkeling gear and repeats the swimming pattern across several locations, which is exactly what you want if your goal is clear water and fish time.

There’s also a social rhythm that works well. Guides such as Giovanni, Pietro, or Matteo tend to keep the mood light while running safety and timing smoothly, and that shows in the way people describe the experience as fun and seamless.

The 3-hour route: from Cala Bernat to Poetto

The tour runs about 3 hours, with several sea stops where you can swim and snorkel. Even though the name highlights Devil’s Saddle and snorkeling, the ride also builds in extra breaks along the coast, including Marina Piccola and Poetto. Expect a mix of time on the boat, short swims, and quick in-water resets.

A practical detail that helps you plan your own day: there is bottled water included, but no food. If you’re the kind of person who needs snacks to stay happy, bring something you can eat without slowing the group down.

Stop 1, Cala Bernat: a quick start in the water

Cala Bernat is the first jump-off point, built for swimming and snorkeling. The stop is short, around 20 minutes, with the guide adapting based on weather.

This is a great opening stop because you can get your breathing and fins sorted right away. If you’re new to snorkeling, starting here means you’re not rushed later in the day when you’re tired.

One thing to keep in mind: snorkeling results depend on conditions, and even in strong visibility, fish variety can vary by day.

Stop 2, Calamosca Beach: another chance to find your rhythm

Next up is Calamosca Beach, also set for swimming and snorkeling. Like the first stop, you get roughly 20 minutes, and the captain can adjust if weather shifts.

I like having two early water breaks back-to-back, because it reduces the risk of a single bad moment. If you spend the first stop getting used to gear, the second one gives you a more confident chance to look around.

If you’re traveling with kids or mixed snorkeling levels, these repeatable short sessions tend to work well, especially when the skipper chooses calmer areas.

Stop 3, Spiaggia di Cala Fighera: built for swimming to the coast

Spiaggia di Cala Fighera is another 20-minute swimming and snorkeling break. The tour notes that swimming to the beach may be possible, again depending on conditions.

This stop has the right balance for people who want more than a quick bob in the water. You might be able to swim toward shore, which changes the feel from “jump in, look, jump out” to a more relaxed coastal paddle.

A small caution: if the sea is choppy, you may find the beach swim option limited. When that happens, you’ll still get the snorkeling and time to rest on the boat between stops.

Passing Grotta dei Colombi by sea: scenery you can’t get from land

Between swim moments, the boat passes by the Grotta dei Colombi, reachable only by sea. This is the kind of sight that makes the boat portion feel worth it, even if you’re mostly there for swimming.

I find these “by sea” moments matter because they remind you that Sardinia’s coastline is not just a view. It’s a place shaped for boats to move through, and you get a perspective you cannot recreate from the road.

Stop 4, Sella del Diavolo and Gasole swimming pools: the signature area

This is where Devil’s Saddle comes in. You’ll visit the Gasole swimming pools in the Sella del Diavolo area, with another swim and snorkeling stop of about 20 minutes.

This stop is often the highlight because it’s a clear focal point on the route and tied to the tour name. The pools area also tends to deliver the kind of swim experience people talk about most: jump in, find clear water, and enjoy a longer look than just one quick pass.

If you’re the type who likes getting photos, this is also the part where the setting makes pictures easier, because the coastline is doing more visually than just flat open sea.

Stops 5 and 6, Marina Piccola and Poetto: coastal extras near Cagliari

After the Devil’s Saddle area, the itinerary continues with more sea time. You’ll stop in front of the Marina Piccola bay for swimming and snorkeling, and then later at Poetto for swimming.

These final breaks matter because they give you a last chance to enjoy the water when you might otherwise feel done after the main stops. It also helps if you want to extend your vacation mood without adding another full day.

One practical note: since the stops are time-limited, it helps to decide before you jump in. If you want to snorkel, stay focused on that during the stop. If you mainly want swimming and relaxing, you’ll get more out of it by pacing yourself.

Snorkeling reality check: clear water, fish variety, and gear that helps

Snorkeling here has a strong reputation, and the descriptions you’ll hear are very consistent on the big point: the water can be crystal clear. That kind of visibility is what makes snorkeling feel effortless, even for beginners.

You’ll also get snorkeling equipment included, which is a real value. You avoid the hassle of bringing your own mask and snorkel, and it removes one more question about fit and comfort.

Fish variety can be a mixed story depending on conditions. Some people describe seeing plenty of fish, and others mention fewer types during their snorkel time. My advice is to treat the experience as a visibility and seascape outing first, fish-spotting second. If fish happen, great. If they don’t, the clear water still delivers.

Prosecco and the guide style: where the fun gets built in

You get a glass of Prosecco as part of the included experience, plus bottled water. It’s not positioned as a party cruise, but it does add a celebratory feel at the right moment.

Guides often shape the vibe, and names come up again and again: Giovanni, Pietro, Matteo, Pedro, Alec, and Alessandro. People describe them as friendly, attentive, and quick to keep everyone safe while still making the day feel light and enjoyable.

One small thing I appreciate is how many guides seem to act like photo helpers, not just captains. That makes a difference when you want pictures but you are not trying to set up your camera on a moving boat.

Price and value: is $60.49 a fair deal?

At about $60.49 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value is strong for a few reasons that matter in real life. You’re paying for a guided boat ride, included snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a glass of Prosecco, plus fuel and a life jacket option if needed.

The big value win is not only the boat. It’s the repeated water time across multiple stops. If you tried to replicate this on your own, you’d likely spend on transport, and you’d still be guessing where the best swimming conditions are.

Food is not included, so if you plan to snack heavily, factor that into your day. But the tour gives you enough water breaks that you can bring simple items from the city and handle it without turning the day into a meal schedule.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring for a smooth day

The meeting point is NautiSardinia Boat Trips, Tour in Barca, at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari. You should arrive near public transportation, and the nearest parking is Parcheggio Porto | Apcoa, about 10 minutes on foot.

The timing rule is strict for a reason: you must be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure, and the departure cannot be delayed. On a busy marina, that rule protects safety and keeps the whole route on schedule.

There’s also no toilet on the boat or in the port. Plan for that before you go. This is the sort of detail that can make or break comfort on a short, active sea trip.

What to bring, based on what the tour doesn’t provide:

• A swimsuit and towel, because you’ll likely be in the water multiple times
• Sun protection, since you’re on the sea and moving between stops
• An identification document (a photo is fine)
• Simple snacks if you want food, since you can bring your own

And yes, you should avoid alcohol before boarding. It’s strictly forbidden to arrive intoxicated, and you can’t bring alcohol or drugs on board.

Who should book this, and who should think twice

This tour is ideal if you want a Cagliari outing that feels like a mini itinerary, not just one beach chair moment. It’s a good match for couples, friends, and families who can handle short swim sessions, and it works well if snorkeling is your main goal.

It’s also a strong choice if you like guided variety. Instead of picking one beach and hoping it works, you get multiple chances and different coastal scenes in a single half-day style outing.

Who should think twice:

• If you suffer from seasickness, it’s not recommended.
• If you are pregnant, contact them before booking.
• If you weigh over 135 kg, it is not recommended for safety reasons.

If you want a calm day with long uninterrupted swimming time, this route may feel a bit stop-and-go. But if you want variety and clear-water access, it’s a very practical format.

Should you book the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

I’d book it if your priority is easy snorkeling with a real guide and a route that squeezes multiple great sea moments into about 3 hours. The combination of included snorkeling equipment, multiple swim stops, and the Sella del Diavolo and Gasole swimming pools area makes it feel like a lot for the price.

I’d skip it if you need a toilet on hand, you hate timed activities, or you know seasickness will ruin the day. Also, if you want a full meal included, plan on bringing snacks because food is not part of the package.

If you’re flexible, show up on time, and treat it like a sea sports outing with some scenery, this one is a strong Cagliari must.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at NautiSardinia Boat Trips, Tour in Barca, Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What swim and snorkeling stops are included?

The experience includes multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling, including Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Spiaggia di Cala Fighera, the Sella del Diavolo and Gasole swimming pools area, Marina Piccola, and Poetto.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is Prosecco included?

Yes. You get a glass of Prosecco, along with bottled water.

Is food included on the tour?

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

Is there a toilet on the boat or in the port?

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

What time should I arrive at the meeting point?

All passengers must be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. It is offered in English, with an English and Italian speaking skipper or guide.

FAQ

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a maximum group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 32 travelers.