Snorkeling in Cagliari: Sailing boat tour with aperitif

Sail past Sella del Diavolo and drop anchor to snorkel in hidden coves

A 3-hour sailing tour from Cagliari explores the coastline by boat, stopping at secluded coves and Poetto Beach where you snorkel in clear water. The boat holds a maximum of 12 passengers, includes snorkeling gear and a light aperitif with local products, and is led by a live skipper who speaks English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing tour along Cagliari coastline

• Meet captain at office front
• Cruise past Cala Bernat cove
• Pass by Calamosca cove
• Pass by Cala Fighera inlet
• View Sella del Diavolo landmark
• Swim and snorkel at Poetto Beach
• Enjoy aperitif with local products
• Return to dock

The experience

The boat departs from Su Siccu marina and heads toward the landmarks that define Cagliari's skyline. Sella del Diavolo, the Devil's Saddle, rises from the water as the most iconic sight, a rocky ridge shaped like a saddle according to local legend. Along the way, the skipper navigates past Cala Bernat, a small rocky cove with turquoise water, then Calamosca, a more rugged inlet just kilometers from the city center. Each stop is chosen for its clarity and seclusion.

The main snorkeling happens at Poetto Beach and Cala Fighera, where you enter the water with provided equipment and swim while the boat stays anchored. Poetto is one of the Mediterranean's longest city beaches. Cala Fighera sits just beyond it, a raw rocky inlet that feels removed from the shore. You choose how long to spend in the water: some swimmers stay in for the full stop, others prefer to rest on deck. The skipper watches from the boat and can point out what lives below if conditions allow.

Between swims, you're offered a light aperitif on board: local cheese, salami, and traditional pane carasau flatbread, plus a bottle of white wine or Prosecco to share. Soft drinks are also available. The whole experience runs three hours from departure to return, paced so the snorkeling and the social time balance each other. Groups stay under twelve, so the boat never feels crowded and the skipper can give personalized attention to anyone with questions about the sites or the water.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• a light aperitif with local cheese, salami and flatbread.
• a bottle of white wine or Prosecco.
• soft drinks.
• fuel and skipper.
• insurance.

Options for this experience

3 options

MattinaGuide in English or Italian · Available from 12 Oct 2027

PomeriggioGuide in English or Italian · 15:00

Sera (con tramonto)Guide in English or Italian · 17:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDepartures at 15:00 and 17:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

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 due to bad weather. 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 Cagliari Sailing Charter

Is this one for you?Choose the morning or afternoon departure if you want calm water and full daylight for snorkeling. Pick the sunset option if you prefer to end the day on the water and watch the light change over Sella del Diavolo. All three times work for swimmers of any level, since you control how long you stay in the water at each stop.

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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: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 exactly is Sella del Diavolo and why does it matter?

Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) is Cagliari's most recognizable landmark: a rocky ridge rising from the sea. Local legend says it formed when Lucifer lost his saddle during a mythical battle between angels and demons. The saddle turned to stone on the gulf floor and created the ridge's distinctive shape. You'll see it from the boat during the cruise.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the stops at Poetto Beach and Cala Fighera are in shallow, clear water suitable for beginners. The skipper is present throughout and can offer guidance. You're free to stay in the water as long as you're comfortable or to skip the water entirely and rest on deck.

What's included in the aperitif?

The light aperitif features local Sardinian products: cheese, salami, and pane carasau (traditional flatbread), plus a shared bottle of white wine or Prosecco. Soft drinks and soda are also available on board.

How many people will be on the boat?

The boat carries a maximum of 12 passengers, so the group stays small and the skipper can give personalized attention to everyone aboard.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included and provided on the boat. You don't need to bring your own or arrange it separately.

What time does the tour depart?

You can choose from three departure times at checkout: morning (Mattina), afternoon (Pomeriggio), or sunset (Sera con tramonto). Each offers a different light and atmosphere along the coast.