Cagliari Devil's Saddle: Boat Tour, Swim Stops & Prosecco

Summary

Swim, snorkel and sip prosecco along Sella del Diavolo’s wild coast

You’ll glide along Cagliari’s coast by boat, swimming in hidden bays beneath Devil’s Saddle cliffs with snorkeling gear included. Expect laughter with your small group, stories from your local skipper, and a glass of Prosecco after a salty dip. It’s relaxed, scenic, and leaves you feeling like you’ve borrowed a piece of Sardinia for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

We clambered onto the rubber boat right off Via Roma—didn’t expect it to be so easy from the city center. The morning air was salty and a bit sticky, but I liked it. Our skipper, Marco, had that sunburnt Sardinian look and grinned as he handed out masks. He joked about dolphins (“sometimes they show up if you’re lucky or if you sing badly enough”), which made everyone relax. The engine hummed under us as we zipped past Cagliari’s harbor and suddenly the limestone cliffs of Sella del Diavolo were right there—so much whiter up close than from town.

The first swim stop was almost too clear to believe—like someone cleaned the water just for us. I slid in (awkwardly, honestly) and the chill hit me before my brain caught up. Fish darted around my ankles; someone nearby laughed when I tried to say “Gasole” like a local (I definitely didn’t nail it). Marco pointed out these tiny caves only reachable by sea—he said pirates used to hide here, which sounded like a story but maybe not? We passed Grotta dei Colombi where pigeons still roost; it echoed weirdly when boats went by.

By the third stop, everyone was swapping stories and passing around bottled water—plus that glass of cold Prosecco that tasted way better after swimming than it ever does at home. The sun bounced off the cliffs and I remember thinking how small our group felt against all that wild coast. There wasn’t really any schedule pressure; Marco just watched the wind and picked spots as he liked. I still think about floating there looking back at Cagliari’s skyline—felt like we were in on some secret, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with swim and snorkel stops

• Board rubber boat in city center
• Pass Grotta dei Colombi by sea
• Swim and snorkel at first stop
• Swim and snorkel at second stop
• Swim and snorkel at third stop
• Swim and snorkel at Gasole swimming pools
• Swim and snorkel at Marina Piccola bay
• Enjoy Prosecco and coastal views

Top questions

Where does the Devil's Saddle boat tour depart from?

The tour departs directly from Via Roma in Cagliari city center.

How many swim stops are included on this tour?

The skipper selects four swim stops based on weather and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for all participants.

What is the maximum group size on the boat?

The shared rubber boat holds up to 11 people plus the skipper.

Are drinks or snacks included?

Bottled water and one glass of Prosecco are included during the tour.

Is hotel pickup offered for this boat tour?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at Via Roma in central Cagliari.

Can infants join this boat trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap throughout the trip.

Is there a toilet available on board?

No, there is no toilet on the boat or at the port meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from central Cagliari with an English-Italian speaking skipper guiding you to four swim spots around Sella del Diavolo. All snorkeling gear is provided along with bottled water and a chilled glass of Prosecco to enjoy between swims before returning to port by boat.