Cagliari Boat Tour: Swim Stops, Snorkeling & Aperitif

Summary

Swim under Devil’s Saddle cliffs, taste Sardinian snacks, feel Cagliari’s wild coast

You’ll sail Cagliari’s Gulf of Angels with a local skipper, stopping for swims beneath limestone cliffs and snorkeling in clear coves like Cala Fighera. Taste Sardinian snacks on deck as you pass landmarks like Devil’s Saddle and Poetto Beach. Feel sun-warmed wood underfoot and salt spray on your skin—a day that lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the wood of the boat felt warm under my feet—Santiago was the name painted on her side. We’d barely left Marina Piccola when our skipper, Marco (he had that easy Sardinian smile), pointed out the Sella del Diavolo rising ahead. It really does look like a saddle if you squint. The sea here is that impossible blue—almost fake-looking—and you can smell salt and sunscreen and something herbal from the land. We drifted close to Cala Fighera, and I could hear laughter echoing off the limestone cliffs. I tried to pronounce “Calamosca” properly; Marco just grinned and said it better.

Snorkeling off the back of the boat near Cala Bernat was colder than I expected—like a shock that wakes you up in a good way. There were tiny silver fish darting around my ankles, and when I surfaced someone passed me a slice of pecorino and a cold drink. Not fancy, but honestly perfect after swimming. The cliffs here have these weird fossil shapes if you look close enough (Marco showed us one that looked like a shell trapped in stone). He told us stories about Roman ruins hidden up above Poetto Beach, but I kept getting distracted by how clear the water was—you could see every pebble.

We stopped again under the lighthouse at Capo Sant’Elia. The wind picked up for a bit, flapping towels everywhere and making conversation tricky unless you yelled. There’s this moment—maybe it’s just me—where you realize how small you are compared to all this rock and water. Someone started humming an Italian song I didn’t know. Later we floated past Poetto Beach with its rows of umbrellas and people waving from paddleboards; it felt like coming back to civilization after being lost at sea (but only for an afternoon). I still think about that view from under Devil’s Saddle—sunlight bouncing off stone and water in ways photos never get right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with swim and snorkel stops

• Visit Cala Bernat beach
• See Capo Sant'Elia lighthouse
• Swim and snorkel at Calamosca bay
• Explore limestone cliffs and bay
• Visit Devil's Saddle landmark
• Relax at Marina Piccola bay
• Enjoy Poetto Beach activities

Top questions

How long is the Cagliari boat tour?

The tour lasts about half a day with several swim stops along Cagliari’s coast.

Are snacks or drinks included on this boat trip?

Yes, snacks and refreshing beverages are included during your time onboard.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No need—snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your tour.

Which spots does the boat visit?

You’ll stop at places like Calamosca, Cala Fighera, Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle), Marina Piccola, and Poetto Beach.

Is this boat tour suitable for kids or families?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers but must sit on an adult’s lap while onboard.

Where does the tour depart from?

The departure point is Marina Piccola in Cagliari; it’s easy to reach by public transport or car.

Is lunch included or just snacks?

The tour includes snacks and drinks but not a full lunch meal.

Can people with limited fitness join?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing with a local skipper across Cagliari’s Gulf of Angels, all fuel costs covered, plus snacks and refreshing drinks served onboard between swim stops at places like Cala Fighera and Poetto Beach before returning to port in Marina Piccola.