Gulf of Cagliari boat tour: Sella del Diavolo & hidden coves

Three hours on a wooden gozzo: limestone coves, a sea cave, and aperitif under the Devil's Saddle

A half-day boat tour of the Gulf of Cagliari aboard the Mauna Loa III, a classic Sardinian gozzo, departing from Marina Piccola. The route follows the coast to Sella del Diavolo, Cala Fighera and Cala Bernat, with swimming stops at each and a view of the Grotta dei Colombi carved into a cliff face. A local aperitif is served on board under the Devil's Saddle before the return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour along Gulf of Cagliari coast

• Depart from Marina Piccola Port
• Arrive at Sella del Diavolo waters
• Stop and swim at Cala Fighera cove
• Admire Gulf of Cagliari coastline
• Stop and swim at Cala Bernat (weather permitting)
• View Grotta dei Colombi cave
• Stop at Devil's Saddle for swimming and aperitif

The experience

The boat leaves Marina Piccola and reaches Sella del Diavolo, the Devil's Saddle, within minutes. From there the tour follows the white limestone cliffs of the Gulf of Cagliari, stopping first at Cala Fighera, a cove carved into the rock where you swim in the clear water. The route then passes the Grotta dei Colombi, a cave at the base of a high cliff, before moving on to Cala Bernat for another swimming stop (weather permitting). The wooden gozzo carries large sun loungers and a bimini for shade, with fresh water and music throughout.

On the return, the boat stops again under Sella del Diavolo, where the water is shallow enough to reach otherwise inaccessible beaches on foot or to stay aboard and relax. Snorkeling equipment is provided. A typical local aperitif, based on regional products, is served here, along with soda, bottled water and snacks. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian depending on the group.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and soda.
• snacks.
• a typical local aperitif served on board.

Before you book

Lasts 3h–4h, runs every day, 5 start times, from € 54 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Italian, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 8 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mauna Loa Boat Experience

Is this one for you?The half-day format leaves your morning or afternoon free for other activities in Cagliari, and the fixed route means you see the same four landmarks (Sella del Diavolo, Cala Fighera, Cala Bernat and the Grotta dei Colombi) on every departure, so the timing is predictable.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (2 to 8 years); Infant (under 2).

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.

What is Sella del Diavolo and why does the tour stop there twice?

Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) is a distinctive rock formation at the entrance to the Gulf of Cagliari. The tour passes it early in the route, then returns there at the end so you can swim in the shallow water, walk to the white sand beaches that are unreachable from land, or simply rest on deck while the aperitif is served.

Can I swim at every stop, or only at some?

Cala Fighera and Sella del Diavolo are guaranteed swimming stops. Cala Bernat is included as a swimming stop, though it may be skipped if weather conditions make it unsafe.

Is snorkeling equipment included, and do I need experience to use it?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. No experience is required. The guide can show you how to use it, and the shallow coves are suitable for beginners.

What is the Grotta dei Colombi and when do we see it?

The Grotta dei Colombi is a sea cave located at the foot of a tall cliff between Cala Fighera and Sella del Diavolo. You pass it during the boat's transit between stops and can view it from the water.

How much time is there to swim at each cove?

The tour is structured as a series of stops with swimming time at each location, though the exact duration at each cove is not fixed in advance: the guide adjusts based on the group's pace and the day's conditions.