Cagliari’s coast looks unreal in the best way. On this speedboat snorkeling tour, I loved the crystal-clear water at the swim stops and the onboard GoPro underwater camera that makes even quick jumps into proper memories. One catch: it’s weather-dependent and you’ll feel the ride, so it’s not ideal if you’re prone to motion sickness.

You start near the cruise area at Lungomare New York 11 Settembre, 396, and the skipper (I’ve seen guides like Gabriele and Francesco in the mix) chooses the route based on sea conditions. The group stays small, with a maximum of 10, so the tour feels friendly instead of like a cattle-call sprint.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Cala Mosca, Sella del diavolo, and Poetto: multiple swim/snorkel chances, not one token stop
• GoPro handling included: you get the underwater-camera footage without bringing your own setup
• Beer + soda on board: 1 Sardinian beer plus soft drinks for the whole 3 hours
• Small group vibe (max 10): easier to get help with snorkeling and to actually talk with the crew
• Dolphins are possible: the skipper may spot them along the way, if conditions allow

First impressions: where the tour starts and how it feels

This is a straightforward, “get on the water fast” kind of outing. You meet at Lungomare New York 11 Settembre, 396, and the departure is from Port of Cagliari, about a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. In plain terms: you’re not spending most of your day crossing town.

Once you’re aboard, the pace is relaxed but active. You’re on a speedboat, so there’s some motion. That matters if you’re sensitive—this is a sea day, not a sit-and-stare ferry ride.

And then there’s the small-group factor. With a max of 10 people, the skipper can slow down for better swim spots and keep the snorkeling flow smooth. It also means you’re more likely to get direct attention when you’re gearing up.

Price and what you’re actually getting for $65

At $65 per person for about 3 hours, the value hinges on what’s included. You’re not just paying for a boat ride—you’re also getting snorkeling gear, soft drinks, 1 beer, and an onboard GoPro/underwater camera setup. Add fuel and a skipper, and the cost starts to feel like it’s doing the work for you.

Here’s why that matters for real life: snorkeling gear rental, drinks, and a camera setup can add up fast if you try to DIY it. This tour bundles the pieces into one plan, so you can show up in swimwear and spend your time doing the fun stuff instead of solving logistics.

If you’re the type who likes photos and video, the GoPro part is a big deal. Even if you’re not a “camera person,” it’s still nice to have proof you were there—especially underwater, where your own phone usually becomes a guessing game.

Speedboat timing: the structure of the 3 hours

The tour is built like this:

• About 20 minutes cruising to the first real stop
• Cala Mosca for roughly 40 minutes
• Sella del diavolo for roughly 40 minutes
• Poetto for roughly 30 minutes
• Another photo stop / snorkeling / marine life viewing for roughly 30 minutes
• About 20 minutes back to the meeting point

So you’re not rushed every five minutes. The rhythm gives you time to get in the water, snorkel, dry off a bit, take photos, and reset—without turning the whole trip into a stop-and-go headache.

Cala Mosca: the first real water time

Cala Mosca is your early win. This is where the tour shifts from “boat trip” to “ok, now I’m actually in the sea.” You get about 40 minutes, including photo stops, swimming, and snorkeling.

What I’d look for here: calm water and good visibility. When conditions are right, this kind of stop is exactly what you came for—clear water, fish you can actually spot, and that feeling of being above a postcard.

If you’re new to snorkeling, this is a great place to try. You’ve got enough time to get comfortable, whether that means a few slow passes or spending your whole session watching small marine life.

A practical note: the tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to rent anything on the spot. Still, bring sunglasses and sunscreen, because the sun on the water can be intense even when the breeze feels friendly.

Sella del diavolo: cliffs, views, and a second snorkeling session

Next comes the area called Sella del diavolo, often described like a dramatic coastal feature you can access best from the sea. Expect photo stops, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views on the way, with about 40 minutes here too.

Why this stop matters: it gives you the “Sardinia from the water” feeling. You’re not just seeing beaches. You’re seeing the coastline shape—cliffs, angles, and viewpoints that you’d be hard-pressed to match from shore.

This is also a good spot for variety. If the first snorkeling stop felt too quick, this one gives you a second chance. And if you’re mainly here for the photos, you’ll get plenty of chances to capture the coastline while the boat is positioned for views.

And yes, if you’re lucky with conditions, this stretch is also where you may get wildlife surprises. The skipper may call out dolphins if they appear.

Poetto Beach: where Cagliari’s turquoise side shows up

Poetto is the name you’ll hear connected to Cagliari’s beach culture, and from the boat the vibe changes. You get around 30 minutes here with photo stops plus swimming and snorkeling.

What you’ll like about Poetto from the water:

• Golden sand meets bright water: the contrast makes photos pop
• It’s a more “beach-forward” stop after the cliffier scenery
• It’s a nice break before the final water time

The downside? Poetto’s popularity can mean it feels more like a beach scene than a secluded bay, depending on the day. If your ideal is total quiet, you’ll still get plenty of water time, but don’t expect the kind of empty-island feeling you’d see on an extreme off-the-grid charter.

Still, for most people, this is the stop that clicks: you swim, snorkel, and then you’re back on the boat with time for one last look at what makes Cagliari special.

Final photo stop and marine life viewing: your last chance to see more

After Poetto, the tour continues with about 30 minutes for another photo stop, snorkeling, and marine life viewing. This final segment is often where your second-wind kicks in.

If snorkeling was a hit at the earlier stops, this is your opportunity to refine what you notice. You’ll probably start spotting fish patterns more easily by then—things like movement near rocks or quick flashes you might have missed on the first pass.

If snorkeling wasn’t your thing the first time, the photo stop can still be worth it. You’re in open water with a skipper driving and positioning the boat, so you get angles that feel more cinematic than most shore-based viewpoints.

Also, this is when the “dolphins might happen” moment sometimes lands. If the skipper spots them safely and it’s possible to view, you’ll get a chance to see them from the water.

GoPro + drinks: how the tour keeps the energy up

The tour includes a GoPro on board, plus an underwater camera GoPro setup. That means you’re not just bringing a waterproof case and hoping your phone survives the splash. Instead, the crew helps handle the camera part so you can focus on swimming and snorkeling.

Pair that with drinks, and the whole thing stays comfortable. Included soft drinks are water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and iced tea, and there’s 1 Sardinian beer included. It’s a small detail, but it changes the mood. You’re not just waiting to cool off; you can actually take a moment to relax and reset.

From what I’ve seen in the tour experience, music also plays a role on board. If you like a fun atmosphere with a good soundtrack, this kind of outing does a better job than quiet tours that treat the ride like a bus commute.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is best for people who want a mix of sea views and active swim/snorkel time without planning a DIY day. It works well for:

• Couples and friends who want a shared adventure in a small group
• First-time snorkelers (snorkeling gear is included and you get multiple tries)
• Cruise passengers who only have a few hours and need easy port access
• Anyone who cares about photos/video and doesn’t want to manage gear

It’s not for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems
• People prone to seasickness
• People over 250 lbs (113 kg)
• People with recent surgeries
• Babies under 1 year

So if you’re even slightly unsure about seasickness, be honest with yourself. The speedboat ride matters, and this is built around being out on the water.

Practical stuff to bring (so you enjoy the whole 3 hours)

The included gear handles snorkeling, but you still need to show up prepared for sun and swimming. Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Also, wear things you’re fine getting wet. The stops are frequent enough that you’ll be in and out of the water, and a towel is one of those boring items that suddenly becomes your best friend after the last swim.

If you’re bringing a camera or phone, keep it protected. The tour is set up around the GoPro, so think of your phone as optional, not essential.

Weather and the small-group reality

This sharing tour is dependent on weather conditions, and it starts with at least 4 people on board. That matters for planning. If the sea is rough, the skipper may adjust the route for safety and comfort.

The upside of this system is that the skipper’s job is to choose the best path in real time. I like that more than rigid itineraries that force everyone to repeat the same stops no matter what the sea decides.

Just accept that the sea has a vote. If you book this for a day when conditions are questionable, keep a flexible mindset.

Should you book this Cagliari boat-and-snorkel tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a short, high-payoff sea day: swim in clear water, see dramatic coastline from the sea, and leave with video and photos handled for you. The included snorkeling equipment, drinks + beer, and onboard GoPro are what make the price feel fair for a 3-hour plan.

I’d skip it if you know you react badly to boat motion or if snorkeling isn’t your priority. In those cases, the speedboat ride plus multiple water segments will feel like effort.

If you want a simple rule: book this when you’re ready to get wet, relax between swims, and enjoy Cagliari’s coast from the best seat in the house—the waterline.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Port of Cagliari, and the meeting point is Lungomare New York 11 Settembre, 396. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 3 hours.

What snorkeling is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the schedule includes multiple swim/snorkel stops along the coast.

What drinks are included?

You get soft drinks (water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, iced tea) and 1 Sardinian beer during the tour.

Is there a GoPro for photos and video?

Yes. There is a GoPro on board and an underwater camera GoPro included, so you can capture your time in the water.

Is the tour guaranteed to run on every day?

The sharing tour starts with at least 4 people and is dependent on weather conditions, so it may change based on sea conditions.