Cagliari: Devil’s Saddle Boat Tour with Spritz and Chips

Cagliari’s coast is best understood from the water, and this three-hour Devil’s Saddle boat tour gives you a lively look at limestone cliffs, sea caves, swimming coves, and Poetto Beach. Captain Matteo is usually the welcoming face of the trip, sharing local stories in clear English while keeping the ride relaxed and safe.

I like the generous swimming time and the simple onboard extras: snorkeling gear, chips, spritz, music, and a dockside shower. The main thing to consider is that this is a practical speedboat rather than a luxury yacht, and the ride can feel bumpy when the sea turns rough.

Key points to know before booking

• Swim at four different coastal stops: Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, Sella del Diavolo, and Grotta dei Colombi all bring a different setting.
• Captain Matteo adds local color: He explains Cagliari’s coastline, legends, marine life, and past while you cruise.
• Grotta dei Colombi gets the longest stop: You have about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling near the cave.
• The $65 price includes more than transport: A skipper, guide, food, drinks, sunscreen, music, snorkeling equipment, and a dock shower are included.
• The boat keeps the mood informal: Expect a shared outing with swimming, photos, music, and time to relax rather than a formal sightseeing cruise.
• Sea conditions matter: The operator can adapt the route, but wind and waves may affect comfort and stop times.

Why Devil’s Saddle is best seen from the sea

The Sella del Diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle, is the rocky headland that curves around the Gulf of Cagliari. From land, you see cliffs and water. From a boat, you get the useful missing piece: the cliffs rise straight from the sea, caves open at water level, and small coves appear where roads cannot reach.

This tour is built around that change of viewpoint. You are not simply taken from one beach to another. You cruise along the Gulf of Angels, hear about Cagliari’s coastal past, and stop often enough to get into the water.

The setting is the main event. The sea can shift from deep blue to bright turquoise near the rocks, and the limestone formations give the coast a rough, natural edge. The route also includes local beaches that are easy to miss if you spend your whole stay in Cagliari’s historic center.

Captain Matteo receives the strongest praise in the supplied material. He is described as friendly, prompt, easy to reach by WhatsApp, and good at making people feel comfortable. He also speaks English well, while the activity offers Italian, English, and Spanish. One detail matters here: the skipper is not only driving. He points out landmarks, explains local stories, and talks about marine life and conservation.

The morning schedule and meeting point

The advertised morning departure is 10:00, with a return around 13:00. The starting point is Blue Rent Boat, Noleggio Gommoni. At the dock, look for a gray gate with billboards. The driver is available to help you find the right entrance.

Arrive ready to board, not ready to check bags. Large bags, oversize luggage, and several bulky items are not allowed, so bring only what you need for a few hours at sea. A towel, sun hat, passport, and sunscreen are specifically requested. Sunscreen is also included, but I would still pack the brand and type you prefer.

The outing is designed to stay flexible. Weather and sea conditions can change the order of stops or affect how long you stay in one place. That flexibility is useful on a coast where wind can make one cove calm and another uncomfortable.

The boat has the required emergency systems. Still, this is an open speedboat, so you should expect sun, spray, engine noise, and movement. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels easiest and avoid arriving after a heavy meal.

Cala Mosca, the easy first swim

The first major stop is Cala Mosca, also called Calamosca, a small sheltered beach popular with locals. It is a sensible opening stop because you can settle into the rhythm of the boat before reaching the more dramatic rock formations.

You get about 35 minutes here for swimming. The sheltered position can make this a comfortable place to enter the water, though conditions are never guaranteed. The point is not a long beach visit. You are swimming from the boat and enjoying the cove from the sea.

I like this early pause because it gives you a quick test of the water, the temperature, and your own comfort level. If you want photos, take them before everyone gets wet. Once you start swimming, a dry phone is suddenly worth its weight in gold.

Cala Fighera and its limestone walls

Next comes Cala Fighera, a more secluded beach enclosed by high limestone cliffs. It is favored by nudists, so you should know the atmosphere before booking. The tour makes a photo stop and allows time for swimming, with scenic views along the way.

This is one of the spots where a boat makes a real difference. The cliffs and narrow coastal setting are easier to appreciate from offshore, where you can see the shape of the cove without trying to walk along it.

The listed stop lasts about 25 minutes. That is enough for a swim and photos, but not enough for a long beach stay. If your ideal boat trip means lying on a beach for half a day, this outing moves too much. If you want several short encounters with the coast, the pace works well.

The Devil’s Cave and Sella del Diavolo

The route then reaches Sella del Diavolo, the rocky feature that gives the excursion its name. You stop for photos, a guided explanation, scenic views, and another swim.

The nearby Devil’s Cave is tied to local myth and mystery. The boat approaches the imposing rock formations around its entrance, giving you a clear view of the cave from the water. This is not a land-based cave walk, and you should not expect to climb inside. The pleasure comes from seeing the opening, the cliffs, and the waterline from a small boat.

This is also where the guide’s commentary earns its keep. The Gulf of Cagliari has more to offer than pretty water. You hear about the area’s history, coastal landmarks, marine biodiversity, and efforts to protect the sea. The stories help turn the ride into a place-based excursion rather than a generic swim trip.

Grotta dei Colombi, the longest water stop

Grotta dei Colombi receives about 45 minutes, the longest stop on the route. You have free time for swimming and snorkeling near the cave and surrounding rocks.

This is likely the best section for anyone choosing the tour mainly for water time. Masks and snorkeling equipment are supplied, and several people have seen fish close to the boat. One particularly memorable sight reported during the season was dolphins, though wildlife is never promised. You may also see other marine life, but conditions, visibility, and luck decide what appears below the surface.

There is one practical weakness with the snorkeling setup. Masks are available, but the supply of suitable snorkels may not always match the number of people who want to use them. If snorkeling is central to your plans, ask about equipment before departure and be prepared for the possibility of sharing or waiting.

The 45-minute pause gives you room to swim without being rushed. You can also stay aboard, take photos, listen to music, or enjoy the snack. That choice makes the stop work for mixed groups, where one person wants to snorkel and another would rather sit in the shade.

Poetto gives the trip a broad beach finish

The final coastal stop is Poetto, Cagliari’s best-known beach. Here you get a photo opportunity, free time, and another chance to swim.

Poetto feels different from the smaller coves. The coast opens out, the beach is broader, and the view back toward Cagliari changes again. After the cliffs and caves, this is a more spacious ending before the boat heads back.

The stop is listed at about 20 minutes. Think of it as a final swim and a last set of photos, not a full beach visit. If you want to spend a whole afternoon at Poetto, return separately after the boat trip.

What is included for $65

At $65 per person, the tour sits in the middle range for a three-hour coastal outing, but the inclusions make the price easier to justify. You are paying for a boat, skipper, guide, fuel-intensive cruising, several swim stops, and the time of a multilingual captain. You also receive:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Sunscreen
• Chips and other food
• Drinks, including spritz
• Music during the ride
• A shower at the dock after returning

The spritz and chips are a small touch, but they fit the outing perfectly. You finish a swim, dry off in the sun, and have something cold and salty while the boat moves along the coast. It is not a full meal, so eat breakfast first if you need substantial food.

The dock shower is especially handy. It is a water hose rather than a hotel-style shower, but it lets you rinse off salt before getting back in a car or continuing your day. That is the sort of modest detail that makes a boat trip easier in practice.

The boat itself is not fancy. That is worth saying plainly. It does the job well, with comfortable seating and space for the listed activities, but you should book this for the coastline, captain, and swimming rather than for polished yacht service.

Captain Matteo and the tone on board

The human side of this trip matters. Captain Matteo is repeatedly praised for his energy, humor, helpfulness, and calm approach. He has been described as safety-conscious, professional, and willing to adjust when conditions or customer needs change.

That combination suits a small coastal tour. You want a captain who can keep the schedule moving but also allow extra time when a swimming stop is going well. You also want explanations that feel connected to the place, not a long speech delivered without looking up from the wheel.

The music adds to the casual mood. This is not a quiet naturalist cruise, and the sound system will not suit everyone. If you want total silence for birdwatching or serious photography, you may prefer a slower, quieter boat. If you like a social outing with a cold drink and background music, the tone should fit.

The guide language options are Italian, English, and Spanish. The supplied details most often identify Matteo, although one account names Michele as captain. If having a particular skipper matters to you, confirm who is operating your departure.

Weather, swimming, and what to bring

The water is the reason to book, but the sea controls the day. In calm conditions, the clear water is excellent for swimming and viewing fish with a mask. Several outings in autumn still had comfortable water, and one September trip had less-than-calm seas while retaining good visibility.

Bring a towel, hat, and sunscreen, even though sunscreen is supplied. Wear swimwear under your clothes and use a small waterproof pouch for valuables. The operator asks you to bring a passport, so keep it protected from spray.

You should also be comfortable jumping or stepping into the sea from the boat. The activity includes repeated swimming stops, but you can choose to remain aboard. There is no promise that every stop will suit every swimmer, since wind and wave conditions can change.

Smoking is not allowed, and neither are pets, glass objects, fishing equipment, bikes, skateboards, scooters, umbrellas, weapons, drugs, or alcohol brought from outside. Large bags and oversize luggage are also prohibited.

Who should book this Cagliari boat tour?

I would choose this for a couple, family with older children, or small group that wants to combine sightseeing and swimming in one morning. It is also a good first activity in Cagliari because you get a quick coastal orientation before exploring the city on foot.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy variety: a sheltered cove, a secluded beach, a legendary cave, a long snorkeling stop, and a broad city beach. The outing also suits people who want a friendly captain rather than a formal lecture.

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with epilepsy, babies under one year, people over 95, or anyone over 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms. Non-folding wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not allowed. Intoxication is not permitted.

The boat may not be right for anyone wanting a luxury vessel, a private charter, a long beach stay, or a guaranteed dolphin sighting. The route is active, exposed, and built around the sea.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if I had three hours in Cagliari and wanted to see the coast without arranging several separate activities. The strongest value is the combination of four swim areas, local explanation, snorkeling gear, and refreshments for $65.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are getting an informal speedboat outing, not a high-end yacht cruise. Bring little luggage, prepare for sun and movement, and ask about the day’s skipper if that matters to you. If the sea is calm, this is one of the most efficient ways to see the Devil’s Saddle and get into Cagliari’s clear water in the same morning.

FAQ

How long is the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

The tour lasts three hours. The advertised morning departure is at 10:00, with an expected return around 13:00. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $65 per person.

Where does the boat tour start?

It starts at Blue Rent Boat, Noleggio Gommoni, in Cagliari. Look for a gray gate with billboards at the meeting point.

Which languages are available?

The tour is available in Italian, English, and Spanish.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can use it during the swimming stop at Grotta dei Colombi and other suitable locations.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Food and drinks are included, with chips and spritz provided on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, sun hat, towel, and sunscreen. Keep your belongings in a small bag, since large luggage and oversize items are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.

Who cannot take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with epilepsy, babies under one year, people over 95, or anyone over 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms.