Boat Tour to Sella del Diavolo: Snorkeling, GoPro & Beer

The best part of this Cagliari boat trip is its access to Sella del Diavolo, where the water is clear, the cliffs rise sharply, and you can swim in places reached only from the sea. Guides such as Gabriel and Francesco keep the outing informal, with time for swimming, photos, and a cold beer rather than a packed commentary schedule.

I like two things in particular: the free GoPro and photos, which let you record your time in the water without renting equipment, and the relaxed route through Calamosca, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto. The main caution is the small boat. Space is limited, boarding uses a small ladder, and snorkeling equipment may mean goggles only, not a full mask-and-tube setup.

Quick points to know before booking

• Sella del Diavolo is the highlight: You reach its clear swimming spots by boat, with views of Cagliari’s famous headland and caves.
• GoPro use and photos are included: You can film underwater, and the operator sends the pictures afterward at no extra charge.
• Three coastal stops fill about three hours: Calamosca takes around 40 minutes, Sella del Diavolo about 1 hour 20 minutes, and Poetto about an hour.
• The boat is small and personal: The listed maximum is 20 people, but the vessel can feel tight when several people are aboard.
• This suits confident swimmers: Getting on and off requires using a small ladder, and the operator does not recommend the trip for people with obesity or cardiovascular disease.
• The price is reasonable for what is included: At $66.08 per person, you get the boat, guide, swimming stops, equipment, GoPro use, beer, and photos.

Why Sella del Diavolo makes this trip special

Cagliari is best understood from the water. From the harbor, the coastline opens into a series of beaches, rocky points, and sheltered bays that are hard to connect when you stay on land. This tour gives you a simple way to see three of the city’s main seaside areas in one morning or afternoon.

Sella del Diavolo is the main event. Its name means Devil’s Saddle, tied to a local legend about Lucifer, the Gulf of Cagliari, and a saddle turned to stone after an encounter with the archangel Michael. You do not need to be interested in legends to enjoy the place. The real attraction is the setting: bright water, rock walls, and swimming spots that are accessible from the sea.

I like that the stop lasts about 80 minutes. That is long enough to swim more than once, use the GoPro, look for fish, and enjoy the view without feeling hurried. Several people who took the outing found the water calm and the stops unhurried, which is exactly what you want from a short coastal trip.

Do not expect a large sightseeing boat with a shaded deck, toilets, or room to walk around. This is a small inflatable boat, sometimes described in the feedback as a gommone. Its size helps create a friendly outing, but it also means that every bag, towel, and passenger takes up useful room.

Calamosca Beach, towers, and a first swim

The outing begins at Calamosca Beach, one of Cagliari’s best-known seaside spots. You get about 40 minutes here for swimming and underwater pictures, so this first stop works as both an introduction to the coast and a chance to get comfortable with the boat.

Calamosca also adds a bit of history to the swim. An old Spanish tower dating from around 1600 watches over the area, while the Calamosca lighthouse was built later. From the water, these structures give the bay a stronger sense of place than a standard beach stop would provide.

The swimming itself is the focus. The water is described as clear, and the seabed is suitable for seeing fish with the provided equipment. I would treat the gear as basic rather than professional. One detailed account specifically noted that goggles were supplied but there was no actual snorkel. If you want a full mask and tube, bring your own if you have room.

The GoPro is a useful touch here. You can take your own underwater videos rather than relying on someone else to photograph you. The operator also sends the photos afterward for free, which adds value for anyone traveling light or trying to avoid carrying a waterproof camera.

Sella del Diavolo by boat, not by road

The second stop is the longest and most scenic. Reaching Sella del Diavolo by boat gives you a different view from a walk or road approach. You see the rocky headland from the water, then get time to swim alongside it.

The water is the reason to book this experience. It is described as crystal-clear, with fish visible below the surface and swimming areas near caves and rock formations. The exact stop may vary with conditions, but the outing includes places where you can get into the water several times.

The guide’s role matters here. Gabriel is described as funny and attentive, while Francesco is praised for sharing information about the sea and Sardinia without turning the trip into a lecture. That is the right balance for this kind of outing. You get enough context to understand the coast, then plenty of time to enjoy it.

You should also expect music and a drink. The included beer is a small but welcome detail after swimming. The atmosphere is informal and social, closer to a friendly boat ride than a formal naturalist tour.

Because this is the longest stop, it is where the small-boat limitations matter most. You cannot simply retreat to a large cabin if the sun becomes tiring. Bring sun protection, a towel, and only the belongings you need. The available information does not specify shade or onboard storage, so keep your packing compact.

Poetto Beach and the final hour

The final stop is Poetto, Cagliari’s long urban beach. It stretches for about eight kilometers and is known locally as the beach of the hundred thousand because of its large summer crowds. This is a very different setting from Sella del Diavolo: broader, sandier, and closely tied to everyday life in the city.

Poetto’s water is clear, and the bottom is sandy. The beach was once associated with salt extraction, a reminder that this is not just a leisure area but part of Cagliari’s working coastal past.

You get about an hour here. Depending on the conditions and the way the group is managed, that may mean swimming from the boat or reaching the sand for a short walk. One family described being able to swim to shore at the last stop, while another account referred to four swimming points during the outing. The exact number of stops can therefore vary, even though the main route centers on Calamosca, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto.

Poetto is a good finish because it gives you a final chance to swim in shallow, sandy water before returning to Molo Dogana. It also leaves you near Cagliari’s city center and evening activity. The meeting point is at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari, and the boat returns there when the outing ends.

What the $66.08 price really includes

At $66.08 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. The value comes from combining several small extras into one short trip.

You are paying for a boat ride along the Cagliari coast, a guide, multiple swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, GoPro use, a beer, and the photos sent afterward. The guide also provides background about the places you see. If you were to arrange separate beach visits, rent equipment, and find a way to reach the coastal points by land, the price would look more attractive.

The strongest value is the GoPro and photo service. Many boat trips charge separately for photographs or offer only a quick group picture. Here, you can use the camera yourself and receive the resulting photos without an additional fee. That is especially useful for families and couples who want underwater footage together.

The price is less compelling if you do not plan to swim. Much of the experience is built around getting into the sea, using goggles, and enjoying the water. If you prefer a dry sightseeing cruise, this is the wrong format.

The approximately three-hour duration is another plus. It is long enough to feel like a real outing but short enough to fit a cruise-port stop or a busy day in Cagliari. A family of seven reported leaving at 10 a.m. and returning on time for a ship departure, but you should still allow a sensible margin before any fixed departure. The tour ends back at the starting point, not at a separate beach.

The small boat question

The listed maximum is 20 people, though actual departures may be smaller. One family had only another couple aboard, which made the trip especially calm and flexible. A small group can spend more time at a favored swimming point and makes it easier to ask the guide questions.

The trade-off is physical space. You will not have the room found on a large catamaran. Keep bags small, and expect to sit close to other people. The boat can be described as spacious and well equipped by some standards, but it remains a small inflatable vessel with limited room for bulky belongings.

Boarding is another practical concern. The operator states that the tour is not recommended in cases of obesity and cardiovascular disease. A separate account describes a passenger with a walker who could not be accommodated because there was no safe place for it on the boat or dock. This is not a suitable trip for anyone who needs substantial boarding assistance or must bring mobility equipment.

That does not mean you need to be athletic. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable stepping onto a small boat and using a ladder to get back out of the water. If you have a medical concern, contact the operator before booking and explain your needs clearly.

Guides, timing, and the feel of the outing

The guides are an important part of the experience. Gabriel is described as humorous and welcoming, while Francesco is noted for his connection to the sea around Cagliari and his clear explanations. A brother-and-sister team has also led departures, so the exact guide may differ.

Expect a friendly, relaxed approach rather than a fixed script. The guides explain the coast, point out places of interest, help with the equipment, and keep the mood light. The experience seems particularly well suited to people who want a personal outing without committing to a full-day charter.

The tour is offered in English. The meeting point is near public transportation, though the information provided does not specify which route or stop is closest. Check the precise location details when you book, and arrive early enough to find Molo Dogana without rushing.

Punctuality matters. One failed departure involved confusion about the meeting point and the scheduled time, followed by missed calls and messages. The operator says it waited for 35 minutes and attempted to contact the passenger. The practical lesson is simple: save the operator’s number, check the exact departure time, and call immediately if you cannot find the boat.

Who should book this Cagliari boat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a short, active way to see Cagliari from the sea. It is a good fit for couples, families with older children, cruise passengers with limited time, and anyone who values swimming more than formal sightseeing.

It is also a good choice if you want photos without carrying a camera. The GoPro and included photo service are unusually useful extras, especially when you are already managing towels, sunscreen, and beach clothes.

You may prefer another activity if you want a large, stable vessel, a quiet cruise without swimming, or plenty of personal space. People with limited mobility should ask detailed questions before paying. The small ladder and lack of room for a walker are real limits, not minor inconveniences.

Weather also matters. The trip requires good conditions and may be canceled if the sea or weather is unsuitable. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal Cagliari outing means clear water, several swims, a small boat, and a friendly guide who lets you set a relaxed pace. The strongest reasons are Sella del Diavolo, the included GoPro and photos, and the chance to see Calamosca and Poetto in the same three-hour trip.

Skip it if you need generous boat space, fully accessible boarding, or a guaranteed full snorkeling kit with a tube. For confident swimmers who want time in the water, $66.08 is a fair price for the combination of transport, equipment, drinks, and photography.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour begin?

The tour begins at Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari, Italy.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Molo Dogana.

How long does the boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Calamosca Beach, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto Beach. The number of swimming points can vary during the outing.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. One account specifically described the equipment as goggles without a snorkel, so bring your own snorkel if that matters to you.

Is a GoPro included?

Yes. You can use a GoPro during the outing, and the operator sends the photos afterward at no extra charge.

Is a drink included?

Yes. Each person receives a beer.

How many people can join the tour?

The listed maximum is 20 people. Actual group sizes may be smaller, and the boat is a small vessel with limited personal space.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.