Cagliari Boat Tour to Devil's Saddle and Its Hidden Coves by Sea

Calm turquoise swims under white limestone cliffs

Swim in crystal-clear coves, snorkel over rich marine life and sail around the Devil's Saddle, one of Cagliari's most recognizable landmarks. It is a half-day boat tour along the Gulf of Cagliari, with the chance to reach hidden bays only by sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour along Cagliari coastline

• Start boat tour from Molo Sant’Elmo
• See dolphins in Gulf of Angels
• See city of Cagliari from sea
• Swim at former nudist beach
• See Capo Sant’Elia Lighthouse
• Pass by Grotta dei Colombi and Roccia del Pisellino
• Swim at Piscine di Gasole near Devil’s Saddle
• Sail around Devil’s Saddle
• Swim at Marina Piccola
• Swim at fine-sand beach with sea cave
• Return enjoying views of Gulf of Angels

Stops and time spent at each 7 stops

1. Cala Fighera 30m
2. Faro di Capo Sant'Elia
3. Devil's Saddle 50m
4. Marina Piccola 20m
5. Poetto
6. Gulf of Cagliari
7. Cala Bernat Entry included 20m

What’s included

• Third-party liability cover.
• Life jackets for everyone on board.
• Fuel.
• Snorkel masks, goggles, pool noodles and children's armbands.
• Background music.
• Skipper.
• Drinks, beer and local snacks.
• Cruise terminal transfer, booked on request.

Times

Next departure: 1 Jul 2027

Information

You sail the Gulf of Cagliari past the Devil's Saddle, stop for swims in crystal-clear coves and snorkel with gear, drinks and snacks on board.

Group Up to 10

Live guide English and Italian

Meeting point and pickup You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 3 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you arrange it with the operator after booking. Pickup is about 35 minutes before departure. See the exact addressSee the pickup points

Book up to 1d before

Ages Adult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 10 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The first thing you notice is the water. Your boat is a RIB with a skipper at the helm, and it slips out of the harbour and turns to show you Cagliari's skyline from the sea. It is quite common to spot groups of dolphins at this stage, so keep an eye on the surface. Then the coast opens up: a former nudist beach that stays secluded thanks to the shape of its cliffs, and the white Capo Sant'Elia Lighthouse, a historic symbol of the city.

Then comes the highlight. The route passes the Grotta dei Colombi and the Roccia del Pisellino before reaching the Piscine di Gasole, tucked beneath the Devil's Saddle. The water is calm and turquoise against white limestone cliffs and green Mediterranean scrub, and it is made for a swim or a snorkel. Sailing around the saddle, the sea shifts to green shades near Marina Piccola, where there is plenty of marine life to see with a mask.

Between the coves you get a first swim at a fine-sand beach with a small sea cave, and drinks and savoury snacks are on board. On the way back, the Gulf of Angels stays in view, and the famous beach that runs about 8 km toward Margine Rosso comes into sight.

Top questions

Can I be picked up at my hotel?

You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 3 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you arrange it with the operator after booking. Pickup is about 35 minutes before departure.

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim at the Devil's Saddle?

Yes, the stop at Piscine di Gasole sits right beneath the Devil's Saddle, with a refreshing swim in calm turquoise water.

Do I pass the Pigeons' Cave on the way?

Yes, the route goes by the Grotta dei Colombi and the Roccia del Pisellino before reaching the Piscine di Gasole.

Is there a good spot for snorkeling?

The former nudist beach of Cagliari, secluded by its cliffs, is rich in marine biodiversity, and so is the area around Marina Piccola.

Can I swim at a beach, not just the coves?

Yes, the first swimming stop is a fine-sand beach you swim to, and a small sea cave can be found there.

Operated by Karel Dream Sea. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago