Devil’s Saddle looks mythical from the water. This short Cagliari boat outing strings together three swim stops, mixing clear bays with real local legends, plus snorkeling gear and a GoPro so you can keep the underwater moments.

What I like most is the pacing: you get real time in the water at each stop, without the all-day drag. I also like that it stays social but not huge, with a max group size of 20, so the captain can actually pay attention.

One thing to consider: it’s a small boat, with limited space for personal items, and the ride involves climbing on and off—so it’s not recommended if you have obesity or cardiovascular issues.

Quick hits before you go

• Calamosca Beach first: Spanish tower (dating to 1600) and a lighthouse, with time for underwater snorkeling-style viewing
• Sella del Diavolo by sea: a famous promontory tied to the Lucifer and archangel Michael legend
• Poetto’s long shoreline: about 8 km of beach, known for summer crowds and salt-extraction history
• Beer included: one drink per person to keep the mood easy
• GoPro included: you use it during the swims, and the captain sends the photos afterward (as reported in reviews)
• Small-group feel: up to 20 people, with a boat setup that’s more intimate than big-chunk tours

A 3-hour boat plan that actually fits a day

This is the kind of tour that works when you want coastal time but your schedule is tight. In about 3 hours, you’ll head out from Molo Dogana and return there at the end, hitting three named swim/beach stops along Cagliari’s shoreline.

The attraction here is the mix of “see it” and “get in it.” You’re not just cruising past scenery. You’ll be at beaches where you can put your face in the water and look for fish, then switch back to relaxing on the boat while the next swim is lined up.

And yes, it’s tourist-friendly without feeling generic: the Devil’s Saddle stop includes the myth that explains why the rock formation is where it is, so you’re not just floating in front of a postcard.

Molo Dogana and the small-boat reality

The meeting point is Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari CA, Italy, and the tour ends back at that same spot. That matters because you’re not trying to solve public-transit puzzles mid-trip—you start and finish at a known dock area near public transportation.

Now for the realistic part. The boat is a small dinghy-style setup. Reviews and the operator’s replies point out that getting on and off involves a small ladder and limited storage space. That’s totally normal for this style of coastline hopping, but you should plan for it.

Practical tips I’d use:

• Wear slip-resistant sandals or water shoes for dock steps.
• Keep bags minimal so you’re not fighting for space.
• If you use a walker or mobility aid, check details carefully before booking; the operator stated they can’t accommodate a walker on their boat.

This is also shared, so group management is part of the experience. One important lesson from the negative reviews: show up on time. The tour waits only so long because it affects everyone onboard.

Calamosca Beach: Spanish tower vibes plus time in the water

Your first stop is Calamosca Beach, one of the best-known stretches around Cagliari. This is where the tour turns from “ride” into “play.” You’ll have around 40 minutes to swim with snorkeling-style gear and take underwater photos.

What makes Calamosca more than just a quick dip is the area around it. You get a view of:

• The Spanish tower dating back to 1600
• The Calamosca lighthouse, built later

So while you’re waiting for your turn to get in the water (or when you’re coming out), you still get something to look at beyond the shoreline.

A note on snorkeling gear: the provided gear is described in reviews as goggles rather than a full snorkel setup. That still lets you see fish near the surface, but it changes your comfort level if you were expecting a classic snorkel tube. If your goal is “easy sightseeing underwater,” goggles are fine. If your goal is long surface breathing, you might want to adjust expectations.

Sella del Diavolo: the Devil’s Saddle myth and why the sea matters

After Calamosca, you shift to the star name: Sella del Diavolo, known as The Devil’s Saddle. This stop lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes, and it’s the one people remember.

Why? Because you can reach this promontory most easily by boat, and the water conditions there are described as crystal-clear. In other words, you’re not just visiting a point on land—you’re seeing the shape of the coast from where it’s meant to be seen.

The story attached to the name is part of the experience. According to local legend, Lucifer fell for the beauty of the Gulf of Cagliari, tried to take it over, and was thrown from his horse by archangel Michael. The saddle fell into the gulf, petrified, and became the formation you’re going to see.

That myth does something useful for your trip: it gives you a reason to look closely. When you see the rock shelf and the way it cuts into the water, the legend suddenly feels less like trivia and more like a “map in words.”

You’ll also have time here to swim again in the clearer water. This is often the stop where people turn their attention from scenery to what’s happening underwater—fish spotting, quick underwater videos with the GoPro, and plain old “how is the water this clear” moments.

Poetto Beach: the crowd magnet with a salt-making past

The last swim stop is Poetto. You’ll have about 1 hour here, which is enough time to enjoy the beach atmosphere without feeling like you’re spending the whole day stuck in one place.

Poetto is famous locally and internationally, partly because it runs for around 8 km. It also earns the nickname connected to its summer crowds, so you should expect a lively vibe when the season is high.

Another cool detail: Poetto was historically tied to salt extraction. So even if you’re mostly thinking “shade and swim time,” you’re also in an area with a working-coast background, not just vacation scenery.

One practical thing I’d plan for at Poetto: since it’s the final stop, you’ll likely want to use your GoPro time wisely earlier here. If you care about underwater footage, do your best “capture window” when you have energy, not when you’re already thinking about getting back on the boat.

Beer, GoPro, and photos: included perks that actually add value

Let’s talk about what you get besides transportation and views.

• Beer is included (one per person, as reflected in reviews)
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, with goggles mentioned in one review
• A GoPro camera is provided to use
• After the tour, the operator sends the photos for free (reported in reviews)

For your budget, this matters because it reduces add-on costs. If you’ve done tours where the snorkeling gear is minimal and the “action cam” is basically just a demo, this one sounds more like you really use it. In a positive review, the guide (Gabriel) was described as sending the photos after, which is a big deal. You’re not stuck with a “nice idea” that never turns into real footage.

Also, the guides bring energy. Reviews mention guides like Gabriel (funny, great captain) and Francesco (professional, friendly). That kind of onboard narration matters more than people expect. It turns stops into stories you can remember, and it helps you know what to look for while you’re out of the water.

Price and value: why $66.08 can make sense

At about $66.08 per person for roughly 3 hours, you might wonder if it’s overpriced. Here’s the value math that makes it feel reasonable:

You’re paying for:

• A guided boat outing with stops at multiple beaches
• Swim time with provided snorkeling gear
• Beer included
• A GoPro you can actually use
• Admission ticket entries are included for the stops

Even if you don’t care about the GoPro, the included beer and gear shrink your usual “you’ll pay extra for everything” problem. And because this is only a few hours, you’re not buying half a day of transportation and waiting around.

That said, this isn’t a private yacht. It’s a small boat experience. If you want lots of onboard comfort, big-space sunbathing, and a slow luxury pace, you may feel limited by the dinghy format. Think “efficient coastal time,” not “floating resort.”

Best for couples, families, and anyone who likes short water breaks

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a quick coastal highlight without committing to an all-day excursion
• Like swimming in clear water rather than just sightseeing from a railing
• Enjoy photo/video prompts (the GoPro makes it easier than juggling your phone while wet)
• Prefer a group that’s small enough to feel personal (max 20 travelers)

It’s also a good fit for families, including mixed-age groups. One review described a family trip with kids and said it was a highlight and felt safe.

Who should reconsider:

• Anyone with cardiovascular issues or those for whom the provider doesn’t recommend the activity due to obesity
• People needing a walker or mobility aid that can’t be left unattended on the dock (the operator mentioned limitations for walkers)
• Anyone who hates ladders or steep steps getting onto small boats

Weather and sea conditions: the “real boss” here

This experience requires good weather. That’s not just legal language. In practice, if conditions aren’t right, the tour may be canceled.

The upside for you: if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. In other words, you’re not stuck eating the cost because the sea decided to be cranky.

A quick planning habit: if you’re visiting in a shoulder season, keep some scheduling flexibility. A boat tour is one of the first things to get adjusted by wind and waves, even when everything on land is fine.

Getting the most out of each stop

If you’re trying to squeeze maximum enjoyment out of a short 3-hour itinerary, here’s how I’d approach it:

• At Calamosca: use the first swim to warm up. Take a few underwater shots early so you’re not rushing later.
• At Sella del Diavolo: this is where you focus on the water clarity and the rock formation. Even out of the water, look around. The view is part of the point.
• At Poetto: treat it like your decompression time. One more swim, a little beach breathing room, and then you’re back.

Also, bring the mindset of “light and flexible.” You’re on a shared boat with a small crew. When everyone behaves, the whole experience runs smoothly.

Should you book Boat Tour to Sella del Diavolo?

If you want a straightforward way to see Cagliari’s coast up close, I’d book it. The best reasons are practical: short timing, included gear, included beer, and the GoPro + photo delivery add real value for the price.

The main reason to hesitate is the small-boat setup and boarding steps. If mobility is a question, you should think twice and check your limits before paying. Also, be strict about timing at the dock—late arrivals can create problems for shared tours.

If you’re a normal day-trip type who wants clear water and easy fun, this is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari CA, Italy and ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s included in the tour?

Included are admission ticket entries for the stops, snorkeling equipment, a GoPro camera to use, and beer.

Will I get snorkeling gear and a camera?

Yes. You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided and a GoPro camera to use during the tour.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What weather conditions are required?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.