Cagliari: Boat Tour with 4 Swims & Dolphin Sighting Chance

Summary

Swim beneath Sella del Diavolo cliffs and watch for dolphins

You’ll jump straight into Sardinia’s wild side—swimming in hidden coves near Cagliari, hearing local legends from your skipper, sipping sangria on deck and maybe catching sight of dolphins if luck’s on your side. With easy boarding and time to float beneath Sella del Diavolo’s cliffs, it’s more than just a boat ride—it’s a memory that lingers.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed onto the boat at Cagliari’s port, still half-awake from the early start. Our skipper, Paolo, had this relaxed way about him — he handed me a plastic cup of sangria before we’d even left the dock. The engine kicked up and suddenly we were flying past the city, salt spray in my face and that weird mix of sunscreen and diesel you only get on small boats. I tried to say “Sella del Diavolo” like Paolo did (I butchered it — he laughed), and then pointed out where fishermen still work along the shore. Sardinia feels old but alive, if that makes sense.

The first stop was a cove near Santa Elia — water so clear I could see my own toes wiggling. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet, floating. I heard gulls somewhere above us, and further off you could see the white curve of Poetto beach. Paolo told us a legend about devils fighting over this coastline; I didn’t catch every detail (his English is good but sometimes he slips into Italian), but it made me look at those cliffs differently. We swam again under the Sella del Diavolo itself — honestly, getting back on board with wet feet is easier than I thought thanks to those big planks at the back.

Somewhere between Cala Fighera and the Gasole pools, someone shouted “dolphins!” — everyone scrambled to one side (probably not ideal for balance). We saw fins for maybe ten seconds before they disappeared. Not guaranteed, Paolo kept reminding us, but still… it felt lucky. The sun got hotter as we dried off; someone put music on through Bluetooth speakers (I skipped my playlist — didn’t want to risk subjecting strangers to my guilty pleasures). There’s an outdoor shower to rinse off saltwater — it’s cold but kind of refreshing after swimming.

I keep thinking about that last stop under those pale cliffs, how small we all looked bobbing in blue water with nothing but rock and sky overhead. Sardinia gets under your skin a bit; I guess that’s why people come back here year after year.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with multiple swimming stops

• Possible stop at Santa Elia beach
• Stop at small beach with bathroom
• Swim at Cala Fighera beach
• Swim near Poetto stop or Diavolo saddle
• Swim and stop at Gasole pools under Sella del Diavolo

Top questions

How long is the Cagliari boat tour?

The boat tour lasts about 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on this tour?

No, dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed during the trip.

Does the tour include swimming stops?

Yes, there are four main swimming stops in different coves along the coast.

Is there a local guide or skipper onboard?

Yes, a local skipper leads the tour and shares stories about the coast.

Are drinks included during the boat trip?

You can choose one alcoholic drink (Sangria Rosa) or one non-alcoholic fruit juice included in your ticket.

Is it easy to get in and out of the water?

Yes, there are spacious aft planks and a telescopic ladder for comfortable access.

What if I’m traveling with an infant?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

Where does the Cagliari boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Cagliari port area near public transportation options.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all fees and taxes covered upfront, plus your choice of sangria or fruit juice served onboard by your skipper. You’ll have use of a freshwater shower after swimming stops around Sella del Diavolo—with stories from your guide along every stretch of coastline before returning to port together.