Sailing excursion Gulf of Cagliari: Devil's Saddle boat tour

Sail past Cagliari's hidden coves, swim at the Gasole pools, snorkel among sea caves

A three-and-a-half-hour sailing tour from Cagliari to Devil's Saddle, one of Sardinia's most striking coastal landmarks, with an experienced skipper and small groups. The boat leaves the Marina di S. Helmet port, passes hidden coves and sea cliffs, stops for swimming and snorkeling in turquoise water near the Grotto of the Doves, and returns via Marina Piccola with an aperitif served on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing tour and swimming stops

• Depart from Cagliari port
• View city and points of interest
• Pass hidden coves for photos
• See first beach with cliffs
• Admire caves and ancient settlements
• Swim and snorkel at Devil's Saddle
• Stop at Marina Piccola anchorage
• Return to starting point by sail or motor

The experience

The tour departs from Cagliari's Marina di S. Helmet and heads straight for the coast's most photogenic stretches. As you leave the port, the city recedes and the limestone cliffs of Devil's Saddle come into view. The boat passes the first beach of Cagliari with its vegetation-covered rocks, then moves into the hidden coves where the Grotto of the Doves sits among emerald water and ancient rock formations.

Two swimming stops anchor the day. The first is at the Gasole pools, directly beneath Devil's Saddle's ridge, where the water is clear enough to snorkel if conditions allow. You can swim, sunbathe or explore underwater with the masks and mouthpieces provided. A drink comes on board to cool off between stops. The second anchorage sits just outside Marina Piccola, with Poetto beach visible across the water and white sand visible below the surface.

The skipper decides whether to sail or motor back to the starting point depending on wind and sea traffic. Groups stay small, and the guide speaks English or Italian throughout, sharing stories about the Devil's Saddle and the coast's history. Children from age one are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Masks and mouthpiece for snorkeling.
• floating tubes and lifebuoy.
• aperitif on board.
• English or Italian-speaking skipper.
• all stops and swimming time.

Before you book

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 10:00, 14:00 and 14:30, from € 60 per person, with a live guide in English and Italian, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 14:00 and 14:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 to 79 years) · Senior (80 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 14 years) · Child (1 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish 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 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 effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ayeye Sailing Charter

Is this one for you?The tour runs three and a half hours with two water stops and no walking, so it suits swimmers and families with young children. Book in advance, as seats are limited and departures are by reservation every day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 14 years); Child (1 to 11 years).

What is the Devil's Saddle and why is it worth sailing to?

The Devil's Saddle is a dramatic ridge of limestone cliffs on Cagliari's coast, named for its distinctive shape. The tour brings you close enough to see the Grotto of the Doves nestled in the rocks and the ancient settlements carved into the stone, and you swim in the emerald water directly beneath it.

Can I snorkel on this tour, and what gear is provided?

Snorkeling is possible at the Gasole pools stop if weather and sea conditions permit. Masks and mouthpieces are included. You bring your own swimsuit and towel.

How many stops for swimming are there, and how long do you spend in the water?

There are two swimming stops: one at the Gasole pools beneath Devil's Saddle, and another at Marina Piccola. The tour is three and a half hours total, so time in the water depends on the skipper's pace and conditions, but both stops are built into the itinerary as full swimming opportunities, not brief dips.

What's included in the aperitif served on board?

The tour includes a drink on board to refresh you between swimming stops. The specific contents are not detailed in advance, so ask when you book if you have dietary preferences.