Cagliari gets better from the water. This shared boat tour from Nautisardinia takes you along Devil’s Saddle, with a speedy 8-meter RIB built for getting close to the coast and spending real time snorkeling. I like that the skipper plans the exact route around marine conditions, so your swim spots can change with visibility and calm water. I also love the mix of water time and storytelling, with Prosecco served as you cruise and a chance of dolphins if you are lucky. One drawback to know up front: this is not a sit-and-stretch cruise, and it is not for people prone to seasickness.

You meet in the Via Roma area, close to the marina and cruise ship terminal. Then you bounce from bay to bay on a boat designed to move, not meander. The tour runs about 3 hours, but it feels like more because you are in the water multiple times.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

If you want a smooth schedule, this tour is strict about timing. You must be at the meeting point 20 minutes early to handle ID paperwork and boat organization, and they cannot wait. Also, there is no changing room or toilet on board, so it pays to sort that first.

Quick highlights you will actually care about

• 8-meter RIB = more swimming, less sailing on a shared boat (max 11 people)
• 4 swim and snorkeling stops chosen by the skipper based on conditions
• Snorkeling gear included (mask and tube) plus life jacket if needed
• Prosecco and local stories during the ride, not just at the end
• Multiple famous Cagliari spots, including Sella del diavolo and Poetto

Why Devil’s Saddle Looks Different From a RIB

Devil’s Saddle, or Sella del diavolo in local naming, is the kind of coastline that looks dramatic from shore but turns into something else entirely when you approach by sea. From the water you get that layered effect: cliffs and coves, then open sea, then sudden shallow patches where the light goes glassy.

This tour uses RIB boats (inflatable speedboats). That matters because they can run fast between stops and still keep you close to the coast. In practical terms, you spend less time on the engine and more time doing the point of the trip: hopping in for a swim and checking fish life underwater.

The guides also bring Cagliari into focus. Many outings I’ve read about mention captains and guides like Alessandro, Pietro, and Luca. Their role is not just steering. They connect what you see to the area’s past and character while you cruise between coves. If you like travel that mixes scenery with context, that’s a big plus.

The 3-hour rhythm: how the day stays moving

A 3-hour slot can sound short, but this one stays busy in a good way. The pace is built around short, high-value stops. After boarding, you’ll head through a sequence of bays where each stop typically includes a photo moment plus time to swim and snorkel.

A key detail: the skipper decides the best route for the conditions. So you should expect the day to feel flexible. If water is clearer in one area, you go there. If it is choppier in another, the plan can shift toward calmer pockets.

You also get a quick pass-by section. One stop is only about a minute where you view the area from the boat rather than getting in for a long swim. That is not a problem if you are here for the water time, but it is good to know the schedule is not one long beach-style hang.

Cala Bernat: your first swim-stop taste of clear water

Cala Bernat is one of the early anchor points. Expect a photo stop followed by a chunk of time to swim and snorkel, plus time to watch marine life. The setup is simple: you grab the mask and tube, get a feel for the water, and then let the clarity do the work.

Why this stop works early: it gets you acclimated fast. You see what the day’s visibility is like and you get your first successful underwater look without waiting until the end. If you are unsure whether snorkeling will be worth it, this is a strong test run.

What to watch for: water temperature can vary a lot by season. Even with clear water, getting in might be brisk at times. Bring your confidence, not just your sunscreen.

Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera: the best bets for snorkeling time

After Cala Bernat, you typically get more of the same formula at Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera: photo moment, swim, snorkel, and marine life viewing. Each of these is structured for about 20 minutes underwater time windows.

This is where the tour earns its value. Many boat trips sell a single “big swim.” This one repeats the chance. If one area is busy or slightly cooler than you expected, you still have other windows to make up for it.

Also, these are coves off Cagliari’s coast. In other words, you get scenery that changes quickly while you are moving from one point to the next. You’re not stuck looking at the same wall of shoreline for the whole ride.

Grotta dei colombi: quick sightseeing from the boat

At Grotta dei colombi, you get more of a scenic pass than a stop. It is listed as about a minute, so treat it like a snapshot. You’ll see it from the RIB rather than spending time in the water there.

This makes sense in a smart way. If your real goal is swimming and snorkeling, you do not want to lose 30 or 40 minutes to a “look but don’t do much” segment. The quick pass keeps the day balanced.

Sella del diavolo: photo stop energy with water time

Sella del diavolo is built into the route as both a photo stop and another swim and snorkeling window. That combo is exactly what you want for dramatic coastline. You can get the angles from the boat, then you can also go in close enough to experience the water that makes the rock formations worth photographing.

If you care about the classic Cagliari look, this is the stop that scratches that itch. It tends to feel like the highlight point of the coastline sequence because it is both visually striking and tied to the main theme of the tour.

Porticciolo Turistico Marina Piccola and Poetto: the coastal finale

As the tour closes, you get more famous names and more open-water views. Porticciolo Turistico Marina Piccola comes first, followed by Poetto.

These later stops often feel different from the earlier coves because the coastline changes character. By this point, you already know your rhythm: snorkel gear on, short swim, quick look around, then back to the boat. That makes the final stretches feel smooth, not rushed.

There’s also a short sightseeing segment at the Cagliari cruise port before you return. It’s brief, but it helps the whole loop feel complete, especially if you are starting from the cruise area and want that “see more, then go back” logic.

Prosecco, stories, and the onboard comfort that matters

The tour includes one glass of Prosecco plus water. It’s served while you’re out cruising, not as an afterthought. The vibe tends to be relaxed: you’re in a small group, the boat is not packed, and the music and stories keep the ride from feeling like a long transfer.

Onboard comfort is also practical. The boats are built for speed and closeness to shore, and many people appreciate that they are not overcrowded. With a maximum of 11 people, you generally get breathing room to move around while you prepare for swimming.

You also get a shower on board, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade if you want to go back into town afterward without feeling salty and damp. Life jackets are available if needed, and you’ll get fuel and basic essentials taken care of so you are not juggling extra costs mid-day.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

At $56.94 per person for a ~3-hour tour, the price is best understood as a bundle of time, access, and convenience.

You are paying for:

• Close-to-shore navigation on a RIB, which typically means more water time
• 4 swim stops plus snorkeling gear included
• A guide who drives and talks (Italian and English)
• Included add-ons like water and a Prosecco glass
• A small-group feel (max 11)

If you were to recreate this on your own, the math gets messy fast: renting a boat, paying for fuel, finding safe swim spots, and figuring out snorkeling logistics. This tour handles the planning so you only show up with a towel and sunscreen.

One caution on value: if you hate snorkeling or you get cold quickly, you will feel the cost more. This tour is structured around swimming multiple times, so it pays to be the type who enjoys jumping in.

Meeting point logistics: the 20-minute rule is serious

This is not a “show up whenever” experience. You need to be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure because they must fill in contracts with your ID and organize the boats. They cannot delay for late arrivals.

The good news is the meeting location is close to the action. The Via Roma/Marina District area is about a 2-minute walk, and it is also convenient for cruise terminal access. If you’re relying on bus or taxi, give yourself extra buffer because schedules can be unreliable.

One more practical note: there is no toilet or changing room on board. The closest option near the meeting area is about a 10-minute walk, so if you need to use facilities before you head out, do it early.

What to pack so the swim part feels easy

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also, use the packing mindset of a swim day, not a sightseeing day. You will likely be in and out of the water enough times that a towel and sun protection matter more than, say, a fancy outfit.

Not allowed rules are clear too: no intoxication, no alcohol/drugs, no pets, and no nudity. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed, which means you should coordinate adult supervision if that applies.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want a Cagliari coastline tour centered on swimming and snorkeling
• Like small-group settings rather than big crowded boats
• Enjoy short stops with a mix of photos and water time

It is not a great match if you:

• Are prone to seasickness (this is a RIB, and you’ll be moving)
• Have pre-existing medical conditions (they list it as not suitable)
• Need wheelchair access or mobility support (not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments)
• Are sensitive to cold water, since swim time means you will get in

Also, they list a weight limit of over 300 lbs (136 kg) as not suitable, so plan accordingly.

Should you book the Nautisardinia Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

If your ideal Cagliari day includes multiple swim stops, snorkeling gear included, and a skipper who chooses the best spots for the day, then yes, it’s a solid booking. The pricing feels fair when you factor in how many water windows you get and the small-group RIB setup.

Book it if you want your time to be active and scenic, not slow and sandy. Pass on it if you need bathroom access on board, get queasy on open water, or prefer a long, leisurely coastal cruise.

If you do book, treat the meeting time seriously, pack like it’s a swim day, and give the skipper the freedom to choose the route. That flexibility is part of what makes Devil’s Saddle feel like more than just a pretty postcard.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Nautisardinia in Cagliari, near Via Roma/Marina District, and it’s also close to the cruise ship terminal. You should follow the directions provided on the map and arrive at the stated meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Mask and tube snorkeling gear are included.

How many swim stops are there?

There are 4 swim and snorkeling stops, plus additional sightseeing/photo moments along the route.

Is there a toilet or changing room on board?

No. There is no changing room or toilet on board.

What should I bring with me?

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

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness or with mobility needs?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness and it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.