Devil’s Saddle by sailboat is a short trip with big views. You get a comfortable sailing craft, multiple swim and snorkel breaks, and the chance to hear local legends and coastal stories from the crew.

Two things I particularly like: the boat setup makes it easy to relax between stops, and the itinerary gives you real time in the water at places like Cala Mosca and Sella del Diavolo. One possible drawback, if you get seasick, is that the tour is not recommended when motion bothers you, and conditions can be choppier than expected.

Key things to know before you go

• Devil’s Saddle is the headline, with a photo stop plus the longest swim and snorkel time
• Four main swim moments spread across Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and Sella del Diavolo
• Snorkel gear and floats are provided, so you can just show up ready to swim
• Small-group energy is common, with space to move around and socialize
• Sailing depends on wind and safety, so you will sail under sail only when conditions allow
• Crew names you may meet include Alma and Patrick, plus Laura and Paolo on some departures

Cagliari to Sella del Diavolo: Why this sailing trip feels special

This is one of those half-day plans that trades city walking for sea time fast. You start at Alma Sailing Charter in Cagliari, then you head out toward Sella del Diavolo, a famous point along the coast known for dramatic, “Devil” folklore. The best part is the mix: you get views, you get swimming, and you get story time from the crew, all in about 3 hours.

The sailing itself is part of the pleasure. One review highlights how the captain switched off the engine on the way back so the boat drifted peacefully. You are not guaranteed that exact moment every trip, but it shows what this operator aims for: calm sailing when the sea allows it. And when winds cooperate, you can sail with the sails open. When they do not, you still get the ride, just powered differently for safety.

I also like that this trip does not feel like a rigid checklist. You have photo stops, short guided moments, and multiple chances to get in the water. It is a good fit if you want something more fun than a sightseeing boat, but not a marathon.

The exact route: Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and the Devil’s Saddle

Your tour has a clear rhythm. The captain moves you between anchor points off the Cagliari coast, with breaks that are mostly designed around water time.

Getting started at Alma Sailing Charter

You meet at Alma Sailing Charter, and the tour ends right back at the same pier area. That matters more than it sounds. You avoid long transfers and you can keep your day simple in Cagliari.

Once you are aboard, the crew gives you the basics you need for boarding, swimming breaks, and timing. You also have onboard comforts like a WC and a fresh water shower, which makes those swim stops more pleasant.

Stop 1 to Stop 2: Cala Bernat for photos and a quick guided moment

At Cala Bernat, you get a break time, a photo stop, and a very short guided tour (about 2 minutes). This stop feels like a warm-up. Think of it as the moment you orient yourself to the coast from the water, then get ready for the real swim breaks.

The short sailing segment: “Yacht” time between swim anchors

You will see multiple segments listed as Yacht time (for example 10 minutes, then again 10 minutes later). This is when you are traveling between coves and anchor spots. In practice, it is also when the boat setup matters. If you want shade you can shift under cover, and if you want sun you can move to open deck areas.

Stop 3: Cala Mosca for swimming and snorkel time

Cala Mosca is one of the earlier water stops, with about 10 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Ten minutes sounds short, but it is often the ideal window for a quick dip in cold, clear water without rushing. Expect to spend some time getting set with floats and snorkeling gear, then hop in.

Stop 4: Cala Fighera for a longer swim and snorkel break

Next is Cala Fighera, where you get about 15 minutes in the water. This is one of the better times to focus on snorkeling, because you have enough minutes to settle in. If you like to float and watch fish activity, this is where you can slow down.

Stop 5: Sella del Diavolo for the biggest water moment

This is the headline stop. At Sella del diavolo, you get a photo stop plus about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. It is also where you will hear more about the legends and history tied to this coastline.

From the reviews, this is the stop that people remember most: the combination of dramatic coastal scenery and enough water time to actually enjoy it. If you only care about one swim anchor, make sure you are ready for this one.

The return segment: longer “Yacht” time for the ride back

You then have a final longer Yacht segment (about 40 minutes) before returning to the marina. This is a good moment to relax, watch the coastline shift, and enjoy the feel of being away from crowds.

One more practical note: the operator says the captain may change the stops based on marine conditions. So you are not choosing between different coves because you want a specific one. You choose this for the overall experience, then you let the crew pick the safest, best-quality anchors that day.

Snorkeling in clear Cagliari water: gear, fish, and the real rules

The tour description is very clear that snorkeling is part of the plan, and the included gear helps a lot. You get snorkeling equipment and floats, and you also have goggles mentioned in reviews, which is what most people need to spot fish comfortably.

That said, snorkeling logistics are worth planning for. A few things you should expect:

• You are snorkeling from a boat anchored offshore, not from a beach. That means entering and exiting is a little more physical.
• You will likely use the ladder back onto the boat. One review mentioned the ladder can feel narrow and that it can be tricky when you are tired or the sea is choppy.
• If the water is rougher, you will feel it while you climb back up and while you move your gear.

So my advice is simple: go slow on the way back aboard. Hold on, keep your footing, and do not rush because you want to beat the group. Those extra seconds can prevent the “oops” moments.

If you have motion sensitivity

One of the most consistent caution points is that this is not recommended if you suffer from seasickness. Multiple reviews mention noticeable waves and rougher water. If you know you get queasy on boats, ask yourself honestly if you handle even a short ride well.

The operator also gives you a practical workaround: if you get seasick, take medication about half an hour before departure. And if you are already sensitive to motion, do not skip that step.

Dolphins, if you’re lucky

There is a line in the tour info that you may be able to see dolphins. You might get that bonus, or you might not, and either way the water time is the core.

On-board comfort and drinks: WC, shower, and Prosecco moments

For a short sailing trip, the onboard setup is surprisingly thoughtful. You get a WC onboard, plus a fresh water shower after swimming. That alone can make the difference between loving the trip and spending the rest of the day feeling salty and cold.

The boat is also described as comfortable in reviews, with enough room to relax. You also have multiple areas to sit or move, so you can choose shade when the sun is strong or step out when you want to warm up.

Drinks and Prosecco

Prosecco is not listed in the “included” section, but it shows up in reviews as something you can order. People also mention affordable drinks onboard and snacks available for purchase. So treat drinks, including Prosecco, as an add-on you choose during the trip.

If you like a small celebration, this matters. One review mentions the crew surprised birthday guests with a bottle of Prosecco. You might not be on a birthday, but it signals the vibe: friendly, relaxed, and happy to mark special moments.

The crew experience: Alma, Patrick, Laura, and Paolo

This is a big part of the value. The experience is led by a bilingual guide, and you can also hear the crew in multiple languages (English, Italian, and French).

From reviews, the captain and hosts are often named:

• Alma is repeatedly praised for communication and fun, easy hosting.
• Patrick (noted as captain in reviews) is described as careful and involved.
• Some departures are associated with Laura and Paolo, who are also praised as friendly and organized.
• Another review mentions Ricchi, showing the team can vary by sailing date.

What this means for you: you are not just buying a location and hoping it turns out fine. The crew clearly cares about keeping things smooth, safe, and not stiff.

Sailing hands-on, if conditions allow

One review notes the captain taught a child to raise the jib and steer the boat. You should not assume everyone gets that chance, but it tells you the crew is willing to share the sailing side when it fits the moment and the safety rules.

Music, photos, and small moments

A few other details from the reviews:

• There may be music onboard, which adds to the laid-back mood.
• The crew may take photos of your group without making it awkward.
• If something goes wrong, they handle it fast. One story describes a phone falling into the water and the captain helping retrieve it.

Those are not things you can count on, but they point to the operator’s style: calm under pressure.

Who this tour suits best, and who should choose another plan

This trip is a great match if you:

• Want swimming and snorkeling as a main activity, not a small add-on
• Prefer a short boat outing over a full-day cruise
• Like friendly group energy, especially if you enjoy chatting between swim stops
• Enjoy stories about the coastline and the area’s legends

You should probably skip or reconsider if you:

• Get seasick easily. The tour is explicitly not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness, and reviews mention rougher water.
• Cannot manage the boat ladder. One review describes trouble climbing back aboard when the sea was choppy.
• Are traveling with very young infants. The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

Also, if you have a medical condition or you are pregnant, inform the captain or staff ahead of time so they can guide you appropriately.

Price and value: what $61.49 gets you in real terms

At $61.49 per person for a 3-hour sailing experience, this offers a lot of practical inclusions for the time you spend on the water:

• Snorkeling equipment and floats
• Fuel and access to the boat ride between multiple anchor points
• A WC onboard and a fresh water shower
• A crew trained in first aid plus a defibrillator onboard
• A bilingual guide

You are not just paying for “pretty views.” You are paying for multiple swim opportunities, gear support, and onboard comfort, in a tightly timed package.

What may cost extra

Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard. Prosecco is mentioned in reviews as something people order, so think of it as optional. Also, seasickness tablets are not included, so if you know you need them, bring them yourself.

Tips that will make your swim stops smoother

A short sailing trip is won or lost by how ready you are. Here is how to get the most out of it with what you actually know is provided.

Bring what matters for comfort

The tour list is clear on essentials:

• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear and a towel
• ID card or passport
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Any personal medication

I also strongly suggest dressing so you can handle cool water at the first swim stop, even if the sun looks warm.

Respect the onboard rules

You are told:

• No shoes
• No smoking in the vehicle

So plan for bare feet when the staff asks, and bring footwear for walking on land only if you can store it before boarding.

Plan for seasickness if you are even borderline

If you are prone to motion sickness, the operator recommendation is to take medication about 30 minutes before departure. Do it, even if you think you might be okay. Short trips can still feel rough.

Keep your valuables secure

One review includes a real cautionary tale: a phone dropped into the sea while anchored. That is not meant to scare you, just to remind you to keep electronics secure and out of loose pockets while moving around.

Should you book this Cagliari sailing tour to Sella del Diavolo?

If you want a fast, fun way to see the coast from the water and get actual time to swim and snorkel, I think this is an easy yes. The value comes from the mix: multiple swim stops, included snorkeling gear and floats, and onboard comfort like WC and a fresh water shower, all with crew-led storytelling around places like Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and Sella del diavolo.

Book with extra caution only if you are seasick-prone, because the tour is not recommended for that. If that is you, pick a different kind of Cagliari experience where you stay calmer.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Alma Sailing Charter, which you can find on Google Maps.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide offers English, Italian, and French.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and floats.

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes. There is a WC on board.

Is Prosecco included?

Prosecco is mentioned in the tour title and appears in reviews as something you can order onboard, but it is not listed under the included items.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, a towel, personal medication, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick?

It is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness. If you get seasick, the guidance is to take medication about half an hour before departure.

Will the route always follow the same stops?

The captain may change stops based on marine weather conditions, so what you see can vary.

When are sails used?

Sails can be kept open only if safety conditions and wind direction allow it.

Are there age limits?

It is not suitable for babies under 1 year.