Cagliari: Devil’s Saddle Boat Tour with Spritz and Chips

Cagliari’s Devil’s Saddle boat tour trades city streets for limestone cliffs, sea caves, and clear water where you can swim straight from the boat. The route covers several of the Gulf of Cagliari’s best coastal spots in three hours, with time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a drink on deck.

I like the relaxed pace and the personal touch from Captain Matteo, who is often praised for his friendly manner, good English, local knowledge, and willingness to adjust the trip when sea conditions change. I also like the simple pleasures: spritz, chips, music, and a hose at the dock to rinse away the salt.

The main point to consider is that this is a practical speedboat experience, not a luxury yacht cruise. Seating is comfortable according to several guests, but the boat is not fancy, snorkeling equipment can be limited, and rougher water may make the ride bumpy.

Key points to know before booking

• Several swim stops: Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, Grotta dei Colombi, and Poetto all bring different views and water conditions.
• Captain Matteo leads the experience: He serves as skipper and guide, sharing local stories and helping passengers feel safe and comfortable.
• Spritz and chips are included: Expect a casual aperitivo on board rather than a full meal.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: Masks and some snorkels are available, though bringing your own snorkel can be wise if that matters to you.
• The tour runs in several languages: Italian, English, and Spanish are offered.
• Good flexibility: The captain may adapt the route or timing to suit weather, sea conditions, and the group.

Why Devil’s Saddle is best seen from the water

Cagliari’s Devil’s Saddle, or Sella del Diavolo, is a rocky headland that frames the Gulf of Cagliari. From land, you see cliffs and coves from a distance. From a boat, you get close to the pale limestone walls, low inlets, caves, and water that shifts from deep blue to clear turquoise.

I like this outing because it gives you a different view of Cagliari without requiring a full day at sea. You spend part of the time moving along the coast, then stop often enough to swim and take in the scenery. It is sightseeing with a bathing suit, not a formal history cruise.

Captain Matteo is the name most often associated with this experience. He handles the boat and explains points along the Gulf of Angels, including local history, marine life, and conservation. The guide speaks Italian, English, and Spanish, so you can ask questions and follow the safety instructions without much trouble.

The mood is informal. Music plays during parts of the ride, and the included spritz and chips make the boat feel more like a floating aperitivo bar than a stiff sightseeing vessel. That combination is a big part of the appeal.

Meeting at Blue Rent Cagliari

The tour begins at Blue Rent Boat, also known as Noleggio Gommoni. The meeting point is marked by a gray gate with billboards. The driver is available to help with questions, and Captain Matteo has also been easy to reach through WhatsApp for some bookings.

I would arrive with enough time to identify the gate and get settled before departure. The boat leaves at about 10:00 for the morning schedule and returns around 13:00. Other departure times may appear, so check the available start time when booking.

You should bring:

• Passport
• Towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen

Sunscreen is also listed as included, but I would still bring your own. Three hours on open water means strong sun exposure, even when the air feels pleasant.

A shower hose is available at the dock after the boat returns. It is a small but useful detail, especially if you have a drive or lunch reservation afterward and do not want saltwater drying on your skin.

Cruising out from Cagliari

The first part of the trip is a fast coastal ride. The boat covers the opening stretch in roughly 35 minutes, giving you broad views of Cagliari from the sea.

The speed is part of the fun, but it also affects comfort. If the water is calm, the ride feels lively and refreshing. If the sea is choppy, you may feel more spray and bouncing. One passenger specifically noted that the water was not perfectly calm but still enjoyed clear visibility and the swimming stops.

Sit securely and keep loose items tucked away. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you need for the water. A small, soft day bag is more practical than a hard case.

Cala Mosca: the first swim

Cala Mosca is a small, sheltered beach favored by locals. The boat stops here for about 35 minutes, giving you an early chance to get into the water.

This is a useful first stop because you can ease into the outing before reaching the more dramatic cliffs. If you are eager to swim, this is your chance to get comfortable with the water and boat ladder. If you prefer to stay dry, you can use the time for photos and views of the cove.

The sheltered setting may provide calmer conditions than the exposed parts of the route, though sea conditions can change. The stop is long enough for a proper swim rather than a quick photo pause.

Cala Fighera and its limestone cliffs

After another boat ride, the tour reaches Cala Fighera. This cove is enclosed by tall limestone cliffs and has a more secluded feel than Cala Mosca.

The stop lasts about 25 minutes and includes time for swimming, photos, and scenic views along the way. Cala Fighera is also known as a beach favored by nudists, so you should be prepared for that possibility. The tour description presents it matter-of-factly, but it is worth knowing if you prefer a more traditional beach setting.

The cliffs are the attraction here. From the boat, you can appreciate the shape of the coast without having to walk a trail or climb down to the shore. That is one reason a boat tour adds value: several coves are far easier to view from the water than from land.

Sella del Diavolo and the Devil’s Cave

The route then reaches Sella del Diavolo, the Devil’s Saddle. This is the central sight of the tour and the place where the captain gives a more guided explanation of the rock formations and local legends.

You get about 20 minutes here for photos, views, and swimming. The boat approaches the imposing rocks near the entrance to Devil’s Cave, giving you a close look at the limestone formations that helped make the area famous.

Do not expect a long archaeological lecture. The information is delivered naturally while the boat moves and stops. That suits the setting. You can listen to the stories, take pictures, or simply watch the water around the cliffs.

I especially like this part for anyone who wants more than a beach transfer. The guide connects the scenery with the history and myths of the Gulf, while still leaving room for a swim.

Grotta dei Colombi: the longest water stop

Grotta dei Colombi is usually the longest stop, with about 45 minutes for free time, swimming, and snorkeling. This gives you the best chance to use the mask and snorkel equipment without feeling rushed.

The water is described as crystal clear, and several passengers saw fish and other marine life. Some even reported seeing dolphins during their outings, though dolphins are wildlife and cannot be promised. You may also spot fish near the boat, and one passenger noted that fish came close while chips were being eaten.

The snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing a mask. Still, supplies may not be unlimited. One person found there were not enough suitable snorkels, while another noted that masks were available but snorkel fit was less reliable. If snorkeling is a major reason for booking, bring your own equipment if you have room.

This stop is where I would spend my energy. Swim first, then snorkel, then climb back aboard for the snack and drink. The 45-minute window is long enough to enjoy the water without turning the trip into a rushed series of jumps.

Poetto and the return along the coast

The tour continues toward Poetto, Cagliari’s well-known beach, for about 20 minutes of photos, free time, and swimming. It gives you a final look at the city’s beach side before the boat turns back.

Poetto feels different from the smaller coves. It is broader and more open, while the earlier stops focus on cliffs, caves, and sheltered water. Seeing both types of coast helps you understand Cagliari’s shoreline as a whole.

The return includes more time on the speedboat. Depending on conditions, this may be a restful ride with music and sea views or a livelier run over small waves. Keep your hat and phone secure, and do not leave valuables exposed on the seats.

What the spritz and chips add

The food and drink are modest, but they fit the trip well. You get chips and a fresh spritz on board, usually during a pause between swims or while cruising.

This is not a substitute for breakfast or lunch. The tour lasts three hours, and the included food is a snack. Eat beforehand if you need a full meal, especially if you plan to swim several times.

The aperitivo does add something important to the atmosphere. After swimming, sitting on the boat with music, a cold drink, and views of the cliffs feels distinctly Sardinian. It turns a basic coastal transfer into a social outing.

Alcohol is included as part of the experience, but the rules prohibit bringing additional alcohol or drugs. Smoking is also not allowed. Follow those restrictions, especially on a small boat where space is shared.

Safety, comfort, and who should skip it

The dinghy has the mandatory emergency systems required for use at sea. The captain is responsible for safety, and several passengers appreciated his calm, professional approach.

Still, this is an active boat trip. You climb in and out of the water, sit on a moving vessel, and may encounter waves. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with epilepsy, wheelchair users, babies under one year, people over 95, or anyone weighing more than 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms.

Non-folding wheelchairs, mobility scooters, bikes, skateboards, scooters, umbrellas, glass items, fishing gear, and large bags are not allowed. The boat is also not suitable for intoxicated passengers.

If you are unsure about your physical ability, ask before booking. The tour is designed around swimming and movement, not a step-free sightseeing ride.

Is $65 good value for three hours?

At $65 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want several coastal stops in one morning. You get the skipper, guide, boat ride, snorkeling gear, sunscreen, music, chips, spritz, and access to coves that would be difficult to reach on foot.

A private boat charter would cost much more, while a basic beach visit would not give you the same view of Devil’s Saddle or the caves. The value comes from combining transport, interpretation, swimming, and a light aperitivo in one booking.

The experience is less compelling if you want luxury seating, a full meal, or guaranteed marine wildlife. The boat is functional rather than stylish, and sightings of dolphins or other animals depend on nature. Snorkeling gear is provided, but availability and fit may vary.

I would consider it a particularly good choice for couples, friends, solo adults, and families with older children who enjoy swimming. It also works well as a first activity in Cagliari because it shows you the coast quickly and leaves the afternoon open.

Practical timing and booking advice

The stated duration is three hours. The morning schedule runs from about 10:00 to 13:00, giving you a useful half-day activity without taking over your entire day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sardinia plans are still moving around.

Weather matters. Clear skies and calm water will give you the best experience, but the captain may adjust the route when conditions change. Some outings have included sunset schedules, though the standard description focuses on the morning departure.

I would pack a towel, secure swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and minimal belongings. If you care about snorkeling, bring your own mask or snorkel if possible. Wear something comfortable for sitting on a speedboat, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.

Should you book the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

Book it if you want active sightseeing with several swims, local stories, and a relaxed social mood. Captain Matteo’s friendly approach, the clear water, the caves, and the included spritz make this more personal than a simple sightseeing transfer.

Skip it if you need a luxury vessel, a full meal, guaranteed calm water, or fully accessible transport. The boat is basic, the route depends on sea conditions, and snorkeling equipment may not suit everyone.

For most able-bodied visitors who have one free morning in Cagliari, $65 is a fair price for three hours on the Gulf. Bring a towel, keep your luggage small, and expect the best part of the trip to happen away from the shore, in the water around Devil’s Saddle.

FAQ

How long is the Devil’s Saddle boat tour?

The tour lasts three hours. The usual schedule departs at 10:00 and returns around 13:00, though you should check the available start times when booking.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Italian, English, and Spanish. Captain Matteo is frequently identified as the skipper and guide for the experience.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the skipper, guide, boat tour, sunscreen, snorkeling equipment, music, food, drinks, and access to a shower hose at the dock after returning.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included. However, the number and suitability of snorkels may vary, so you can bring your own if snorkeling is especially important to you.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, sun hat, towel, and sunscreen. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.