Clear water beats beach hopping.

This Devil’s Saddle area boat outing is built for repeated swim breaks and easy snorkeling, with fast access from central Cagliari. I like that you get multiple jump-in chances plus a real dose of sea views, including passes by coastal spots like Grotta dei Colombi, only reachable by sea.

Two things I really like are the four main swim and snorkeling stops (each about 20 minutes) and the included snorkeling gear and Prosecco that turns a simple sea cruise into an actual treat. The skipper style also seems to matter a lot here, and names like Giovanni, Matteo, Pietro, and Alessandro show up again and again for keeping the day fun and organized.

One thing to plan around: there is no toilet on the boat or at the port. So if you hate timing your hydration like a survival game, this might not be your best match.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Four core swim and snorkeling stops, each with about 20 minutes to get in the water.
• Sella del Diavolo and Gasole swimming pools for a classic “Devil’s Saddle” sea setting.
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you can show up ready to go.
• Passage by Grotta dei Colombi, a sea-only reachable spot you see from the water.
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 32 travelers.
• One glass of Prosecco plus bottled water, included in the price.

Why Cagliari’s Devil’s Saddle area is so worth a boat day

Cagliari is great for coastal wandering on land, but the best water time tends to happen from the sea. This tour focuses on jumping from the boat into clear spots along the south and east side of the Gulf, where the color changes fast with the light. You’re not stuck with one beach and one mood. You get several chances to swim, float, and regroup.

The “Devil’s Saddle” theme is the headline for a reason. Sella del Diavolo sits in a dramatic sea setting, and the tour brings you to the Gasole swimming pools, which are more fun than they sound. They are the kind of place where the coastline stops being just scenery and turns into an all-day water playground, even if you only have a half or full afternoon.

Getting to NautiSardinia and lining up on time

Your start point is NautiSardinia Boat Trips at Molo Dogana in Cagliari. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated return plan.

Here’s the practical rule that matters most: be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. The tour notes say they cannot delay departure for any reason. So I’d treat that like a hard appointment, not a suggestion.

A couple more planning notes that keep the day smoother:

• Bring a photo ID (they request it).
• There’s no toilet on the boat, so use the facilities before you leave the marina area.
• The tour is near public transportation, and there is parking nearby (Parcheggio Porto | Apcoa, about 10 minutes on foot).
• There is a max group size of 32 travelers, so it feels active, not crowded.

Cala Bernat, Calamosca, and Cala Fighera: your first swim-and-snorkel stretch

You’ll start with a sequence of sea stops designed around repeated water time. The first three are built like a sampler platter: Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, and Spiaggia di Cala Fighera.

At each of these stops, you get about 20 minutes to swim and snorkel, with the chance to swim toward the beach depending on conditions. That “depending on conditions” part is important. If the sea is choppy or visibility is off, you may still get a great water break, but the beach-walk option can change. Either way, the core point remains: you’re moving between spots until you find the water that suits you.

From the way these stops are described, the vibe is usually:

• The water is clear enough to make snorkeling feel worthwhile.
• The skipper chooses jump-in locations where it’s comfortable to get back on board.
• You can keep it casual. You do not have to be a certified snorkeler to enjoy this.

What can be a drawback here? Timing. With only about 20 minutes at a stop, you can’t treat snorkeling like it’s a museum exhibit. If you want long underwater time, you’ll need to manage your expectations and treat each jump-in as a short, fun session rather than a long dive.

Grotta dei Colombi from the sea: scenery with a story

After the first swim stretch, you’ll have a passage in front of Grotta dei Colombi, reachable only by sea. This is not just a scenic drive-by. It’s a moment where the coastline becomes a specific place, not just a coast.

This kind of stop matters because it’s one of the few ways to see a sea-only feature without spending hours searching for the right viewpoint on land. From the water, caves like this read differently. You get scale, direction, and that sense of the coast being shaped by waves.

Also, it helps you break up the day. Not every moment has to be water-on, mask-on. A short view stop keeps your energy up for the later highlight.

Sella del Diavolo and the Gasole swimming pools: the main event

If you’re chasing the Devil’s Saddle experience, this is where the tour earns the name. The stop at Sella del Diavolo includes a visit to the Gasole swimming pools, plus another swim and snorkeling window of about 20 minutes.

This is the moment where the tour shifts from “nice swimming stops” into “I understand why people talk about this area.” Gasole pools are the kind of spot where the coastline looks built for sea time. Even if you spend most of your time floating rather than swimming hard, it still feels like a place you can enjoy at multiple levels.

Two practical notes for this part:

• Expect conditions to matter. Even a great pool-like area changes with wind and swell.
• You’ll want to be ready to get in and out efficiently, since the time window is short and the skipper keeps things moving.

If you’re lucky, you may also see marine life. Some descriptions include sightings like dolphins, and even starfish. Those are never guaranteed, but the overall feel is that this stretch often rewards curious eyes.

Marina Piccola and Poetto: the coastline finale

After the main Devil’s Saddle moment, the tour continues toward the next coastal highlights, including Marina Piccola and Poetto.

At Marina Piccola, you get another swim and snorkeling stop of about 20 minutes, again with the chance of swimming toward the coast depending on conditions. This is a nice transition. You’re not just doing one dramatic spot. You’re seeing the region’s different moods, from pool-like areas to more open bay water.

Then comes Poetto, another about-20-minute swim stop. Poetto is a familiar name in Cagliari, and the tour usefully frames it as a sea experience rather than a land beach day. It’s the final splash before you head back to the marina.

This late-stage structure is smart. By the time you reach Poetto, you’ve already found your snorkeling rhythm. You know whether you want to spend more time adjusting your mask, watching fish, or just soaking up the light.

Snorkeling gear, safety gear, bottled water, and that Prosecco glass

This is one of the best value points of the tour: snorkeling equipment is included. That means you can pack lighter and skip the gear rental hunt. You’re also not stuck trying to figure out how to assemble a mask five minutes before boarding.

Safety is handled in a practical way:

• You have life jackets if necessary.
• The skipper is described as keeping things organized and safe, including giving guidance and checking in during the day.

You also get bottled water. That’s the unglamorous hero on a sunny sea day.

And yes, you get a glass of Prosecco. The tour makes it part of the experience, not an afterthought. Even when the sea is the main event, it’s a nice finish line feeling.

Food is different. Food isn’t included, but you can bring your own. That’s actually useful because it lets you handle your preferences, allergies, and timing without relying on someone else’s snack plan.

One more rule that matters for comfort and calm on board: it’s forbidden to bring alcohol or drugs, and you cannot arrive intoxicated. So if you were thinking of turning this into a personal party cruise, you should not.

Price and value: why about $60 feels fair for 3 hours at sea

At $60.49 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. Access to multiple swim locations you would not easily connect on your own.
2. Snorkeling equipment included, which can be one of the hidden costs on DIY days.
3. A guide/skipper service in English (and Italian), plus fuel and basic onboard items like water.

The tour is also set up with a small cap of 32 travelers. That size matters because it usually keeps boarding smooth, makes it easier to manage everyone during stopovers, and helps you actually enjoy the water rather than just wait your turn.

Is it a bargain? If you compare it to renting a boat or doing a complicated day with multiple taxis and parking, it starts looking like a smart shortcut. Is it a splurge? It has just enough “treat” elements like Prosecco to feel special. For most people, it lands in the sweet spot between casual and memorable.

The biggest value lever is the time design. With repeated stops, you get more “attempts” at good water and snorkeling than a single-location boat ride.

Who should book this Devil’s Saddle boat tour, and who should skip

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• Multiple swim breaks without planning your own route
• Included snorkeling gear
• A lively but guided sea day with short, focused water sessions

It’s also a decent choice for people who like structure. The skipper keeps you moving between stops, and the total length of about 3 hours feels right for an afternoon plan.

On the other hand, I would not book it if you:

• Suffer from seasickness. It’s explicitly noted as not recommended.
• Are pregnant and haven’t checked first. The tour says pregnant women should contact the provider before proceeding.
• Weigh over 135 kg, since it’s not recommended for safety reasons.

Should you book this one? My practical take

If your ideal Cagliari day includes clear water, snorkeling gear you do not have to bring, and a schedule that gives you several tries at perfect swimming spots, this tour is a strong yes. The Devil’s Saddle focus plus the Gasole swimming pools makes it more than just a generic coast cruise.

But you should think twice if you hate dealing with:

• No toilet on board
• A strict arrive 20 minutes early rule
• Any chance of rougher water if you are sensitive to motion

If those points sound manageable, book it. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience this part of Sardinia’s coast without turning your day into logistics.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English, and the skipper/guide speaks English and Italian.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get snorkeling equipment, plus life jackets if necessary.

What stops are included during the trip?

You’ll visit or pass these areas: Cala Bernat, Calamosca Beach, Spiaggia di Cala Fighera, a passage in front of Grotta dei Colombi, Sella del Diavolo (Gasole swimming pools), Marina Piccola, and Poetto. Each swim stop is about 20 minutes.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but you can bring your own.

Is there a toilet on the boat or in the port?

No. There is no toilet on the boat or in the port.

When do I need to arrive at the meeting point?

All passengers must be at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure, and departure cannot be delayed.

Is the tour recommended for seasickness?

No. It is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.