Devil’s Saddle looks unreal from a RIB. This speedboat tour from Cagliari lets you cover a lot of coastline fast, then slow down where it counts: clear water, sandy coves, and famous rock formations. You’ll also get a lively on-board vibe with a microphone for the skipper and sing-along energy.

I especially like the swim-and-snorkel time built into the route, with safe entry and the kind of water where you can actually see what’s going on below. I also like the storytelling and music—the skipper shares coastal legends while you cruise, and you can even connect your own tunes via Bluetooth.

One thing to consider: the trip depends on conditions, so if authorities restrict excursions or the captain decides the sea isn’t right, your day may shift.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• A luxury 8-meter RIB that gets you to the best coves quickly (and keeps the ride fun)
• Devil’s Saddle (La Sella del Diavolo) plus the Gasole Pools area for photo-worthy views
• Swim-and-snorkel stops with an easy ladder and large rear platforms for get-in/get-out
• Dolphin spotting moments near the Cagliari cruise port, when the sea cooperates
• Pink sangria on board to match the laid-back rhythm of the day
• Microphone and onboard speakers, so stories and music land clearly (even on the move)

Entering The South Coast: Cagliari, Fast Boats, Big Views

This is a good choice if you want southern Sardinia without spending your whole day traveling at a slow pace. The tour runs on an 8-meter rigid inflatable boat (RIB), which means you get that “we’re really moving” feeling along the coast, but you still stop often enough for real beach time. You’re not just looking from afar—you’re getting into the water at multiple points.

The meeting setup is simple: the boat starts from Bacan Cagliari. The operator notes the boats are about 5 minutes from the town center, which matters if you’re staying nearby and don’t want to fuss with complicated transfers. You’ll board with your skipper and settle into one of the relaxing corners before you speed along the shoreline.

And yes, the coastline here is the whole point. Expect repeated stretches of coves and viewpoints, with a star attraction built in: La Sella del Diavolo, also known as the Devil’s Saddle. The way the tour is paced—cruise, stop, swim, cruise again—keeps the day from feeling like a long wait for the “good part.”

The Main Event: Devil’s Saddle and the Gasole Pools

If you’re coming to Cagliari for scenery that feels instantly different from city sightseeing, this is the stop you’ll remember. The route includes La Sella del Diavolo twice, with separate photo and water time windows. That helps because weather, light, and sea conditions change minute to minute, and you get more than one chance to enjoy the area.

The tour specifically calls out the Gasole Pools under the Devil’s Saddle. You won’t just hear about it—you’ll see the formation and the water features while you’re in the zone. This is the part of the day that tends to produce the best photos because you’re standing (or floating) in the middle of the story. Even if you’re not a geology person, the shape of the rock and the way the water moves around it makes sense fast.

Between the two Saddle stops, you also pass or visit other classic coastal scenes—Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca, and Cala Fighera—so the Devil’s Saddle doesn’t feel like a single isolated highlight. It becomes the anchor of a full coastline tour.

Swim and Snorkel Time That Doesn’t Feel Like a Lecture

A boat tour can be a tease if you only get a quick dip. This one builds in actual swim and snorkeling time where it’s safe and conditions allow it. The boat is designed for easier water access: you’ll use a telescopic ladder and there are two large rear platforms for getting in and out with less scrambling.

That detail matters. In real life, your enjoyment depends on how smoothly you can transition from warm sun to cooler water. When the entry points are set up well, you spend more time enjoying the water and less time negotiating with it.

On the water, the skipper controls when it’s a good time to snorkel—so listen for instructions and only jump in when the captain says it’s safe. The tour also includes marine life viewing, and if conditions are right you may see fish nearby. (No guarantees, but the setting gives you a real chance.)

One more small but helpful feature: after you swim, there’s a shower to rinse off the salt. That makes a difference for comfort on the boat and when you get back to town.

A Skipper With a Playlist and a Punchline (That’s Not an Add-On)

This tour’s energy is a big part of the value. The skipper uses a microphone so you can hear the stories and the directions, even over engine noise. That same setup can turn into a sing-along vibe, and the guide’s personality becomes part of the ride rather than a background detail.

You’ll also have Bluetooth connection available to your onboard speakers. Translation: if you like your own music, you can steer the vibe. If you don’t, you can just let the skipper’s storytelling and the group mood do the work.

Many past trips highlight how fun the day becomes when the skipper mixes local legends with humor. Names that show up frequently in the guide experience include Francesca and Gianni, plus other entertaining guides like Jonny/Johny and Simon. I’d treat those as good signs, not a promise—your actual guide can vary—but it tells you the operator tends to hire skippers who know how to run a boat and keep people smiling.

Stop by Stop: Your Full Route Along Cagliari’s Best Coves

The tour is listed at 195 minutes (about 3 hours 15 minutes). It feels like a complete “coast day” rather than a quick hop-and-go because it combines cruising with multiple real stops.

Starting point: Bacan Cagliari

You’ll meet the skipper just in front of Bacan and board the RIB. This is where you should do your pre-boarding setup: towel ready, ID on hand, and your water gear sorted. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so getting to Bacan matters for timing.

Cagliari cruise port: quick dolphin watching moment

Early in the route you’ll pass the Cagliari Cruise Port and do a 10-minute dolphin-watching window. It’s short, but it’s a smart addition because dolphins are more likely when you’re in the right stretch and the sea cooperates.

If you don’t spot anything here, don’t worry. The tour is designed around scenery and water time, and the rest of the day still delivers.

Cala Bernat: photos, a guided look, and free time

Next up is Cala Bernat with around 20 minutes. This stop includes a mix of guided tour elements and free time, plus scenic views from the water on the way in.

This is a great “reset” stop—enough time to get oriented, take photos, and enjoy a calmer moment before the more intense snorkeling action at the Saddle.

Cala Mosca: another classic beach cove

Then you head to Cala Mosca for about 25 minutes. Expect more sightseeing and guided context. If you like variety—small changes in coastline shape, sand color, and water clarity—this is where you get it.

Cala Fighera: a photo stop with local storytelling

Cala Fighera is a shorter 20-minute stop but still includes photo time plus guided info. It’s positioned as a transition toward the main rock formation, so don’t treat it like filler. The coastline changes enough between spots that your eyes will appreciate the variety.

La Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) stop 1: landforms plus water time

Now you reach the headline: Devil’s Saddle again—first with about 20 minutes. This segment includes photo stop, guided tour, and swimming/snorkeling time, plus marine life viewing.

This is one of the best stretches for the “how is this real?” feeling. The rock formation and the clear water combine into something that looks like a postcard—but you’ll be close enough to feel like you’re inside the scene.

La Sella del Diavolo stop 2: more snorkeling and time to linger

The tour repeats the Saddle area for a longer 30-minute window. This time is more about sightseeing plus additional swimming and snorkeling. The second visit is a smart design choice: if conditions are rough at one point, you still get a chance for better water clarity later.

Poetto: end-of-day coastal views

Finally, you go to Poetto for around 20 minutes. This is a calmer wrap-up stop focused on visiting and enjoying the waterfront vibe from the boat.

After Poetto, you return to the cruise port area and then back to Bacan, where the tour ends at the original meeting point.

Drinks and On-Board Comfort: Why This Feels Like a “Day Out”

You get one complimentary drink: a pink sangria served onboard. That’s not just a nice-to-have. On hot days, it helps turn a swim-focused excursion into a true leisure experience.

Also, drinks can be bought on board. So if you want a second round—or something non-alcoholic—you can generally make that happen without leaving the water scene.

Comfort details are worth noting too. The boat has a large awning that can open if it rains or if the sun is too strong. And the tour includes a shower after swimming to rinse off salt, which makes the end of the trip much easier on your skin and hair.

Practicalities That Can Make or Break Your Day

This tour is not for heavy packing. You’ll want to travel light because oversized luggage and large bags aren’t allowed. The operator also lists some items that won’t work onboard, including jeans and shoes (and things like open-toed shoes, plus a long list of restricted gear such as drones).

Here’s what I’d keep in mind for a smooth day:

• Bring a towel.
• Have your passport or ID card ready (a copy is accepted).
• Wear or plan for water-friendly footwear and clothing that fits the no-shoes/no-jeans rules.
• Leave the drama at home: no alcohol/drugs, and the tour isn’t suitable for intoxication.

Weather is the other variable. The operator notes the tour only runs if authorities permit excursions and the captain has the final call. That’s why you’ll want to keep some flexibility if you’re scheduling this on a tight itinerary.

Price and Value: Does $62.31 Make Sense?

At about $62.31 per person, this tour isn’t “cheap,” but it also doesn’t feel inflated for what you get. You’re paying for:

• An actual speedboat RIB (not a slow ferry)
• Multiple coastal stops
• Time in the water for swimming and snorkeling
• A live skipper guiding stories and safety
• Onboard comfort like a microphone and Bluetooth audio
• A complimentary pink sangria

If you compare it to a long day of public transport plus paying for separate beach admissions and boat hire, the math gets easier. The value is in doing it all in one organized outing with the right equipment and the right guidance. It’s also good for couples, friends, and groups that want an active day without turning it into a workout.

The “value” can shift based on how much you care about being in the water. If swimming/snorkeling is a priority, this is a strong match. If you’re mostly after a viewpoint cruise with zero interest in getting wet, you might prefer something more sightseeing-only.

Who Should Book (and Who Might Skip)

This tour is a great fit if you want a high-energy coastal day that combines speed, stops, and time to swim. It also works well if you like social energy—music, stories, and a skipper who knows how to keep people engaged.

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• Anyone over 331 lbs (150 kg)

If you’re comfortable in water, can handle entry and exit via a ladder, and you enjoy guided storytelling (even a little), you’ll likely have a strong day.

If you’re worried about rough seas, pay attention to conditions and listen to the captain. Reviews include examples where choppy or windy weather influenced comfort, but the overall operation tends to focus on safety and driver skill.

Should You Book This Devil’s Saddle Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if you’re looking for the best mix of coastline views + real water time without spending a full day on transportation. The Devil’s Saddle stop, paired with two separate Saddle windows and multiple coves like Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca, and Cala Fighera, makes the itinerary feel like it was built by someone who knows where the good stuff happens.

I wouldn’t book it if you can’t join due to medical reasons, pregnancy, or weight limits. And I’d only book on a fixed schedule if you can accept that the captain may adjust the day based on sea conditions and permissions.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet the skipper just in front of the restaurant Bacan in Cagliari. The tour also ends back at that same meeting point.

How long is the boat tour?

The total duration is 195 minutes. Exact starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the departures.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point yourself.

What parts of the route include swimming or snorkeling?

Swim and snorkeling are included at the Devil’s Saddle area (La Sella del Diavolo) during the tour’s Saddle stops. Swimming/snorkeling is also described as part of the water time whenever the skipper says it’s safe.

Is it easy to get in and out of the water?

Yes. The boat provides a telescopic ladder and two large rear platforms to help you enter and exit safely. There’s also a shower on board after swimming.

What drink is included?

The tour includes one complimentary pink sangria served onboard.

Are other drinks available to buy?

Yes. Drinks are available to buy on board.

What languages is the tour guide available in?

The live tour guide speaks English, Italian, Spanish, and French.

What should I bring, and what items are not allowed?

Bring a towel and your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted). Jeans and certain footwear are not allowed, and the operator also lists restrictions like drones, weapons/sharp objects, oversized luggage/large bags, and fishing.

What happens if the tour can’t run?

The tour takes place only if authorities permit excursions on the day. The captain is responsible for the final decision, so conditions can affect whether the trip runs as planned.