Catamaran tour, swimming, snorkeling, and a Prosecco toast

From the marina beside Cagliari’s cruise terminal, this three-hour catamaran trip takes you straight into the Golfo degli Angeli. You’ll pass golden beaches and white cliffs, then stop for swimming and snorkeling near Cala Fighera and the Devil’s Saddle. The boat carries only 12 people, so it feels more personal than a large harbor cruise.

I like the easy central departure and the thoughtful setup: masks, floating tubes, a toilet, fresh-water shower, shade, cushions, and a first-aid-trained crew with a defibrillator. I also like the human touch from guides such as Paolo, who is praised for being friendly, funny, and passionate about the area.

The main catch is the sea itself. Wind can change the route and make swimming less pleasant, and this trip is not a good pick if you suffer badly from seasickness. The stops are chosen by the captain, not carved in stone.

Key points to know before you book

• Small catamaran, maximum 12 people: You get more room and a calmer feel than on a large sightseeing boat.
• Walkable from the cruise terminal: Portus Karalis is near Cagliari’s train and bus stations, which makes this useful for a port day.
• Three swimming and snorkeling areas: Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and the Devil’s Saddle are built into the route, although weather can change the plan.
• Paolo is a memorable guide: His warm, humorous style adds local color to the scenery and the stories.
• Practical equipment is included: Snorkel masks, floats, drinking water, a toilet, shade, music, and a fresh-water shower are all on board.
• The final toast is part of the experience: Prosecco is served near the end, but you should ask ahead about a nonalcoholic replacement if you do not drink.

Setting out from central Cagliari

The trip begins at Portus Karalis, the marina in the center of Cagliari. It is only steps from the cruise terminal and close to the train and bus stations, so you can reach it on foot or by public transportation without arranging a long transfer.

That location matters if you are in Cagliari for a single day. You are not spending half your excursion getting to an out-of-town beach. Still, give yourself extra time. The operator asks you to arrive 10 minutes early, and the boat leaves without late arrivals, even if a taxi or bus is delayed.

After a short safety briefing of about two minutes, you board the catamaran. The boat has a maximum capacity of 12 people, a useful middle ground. It is intimate enough for the crew to speak with you directly, but not so small that every movement feels crowded.

The catamaran includes shaded areas with curtains and cushions, music through a Bluetooth speaker, and space to sit back between swims. There is also a toilet and a fresh-water shower. You can buy cold drinks and snacks, but food and most drinks are not included, so bring cash and do not expect a full meal.

The first views across the Golfo degli Angeli

The opening stretch is a gentle introduction to Cagliari from the water. You pass the city for roughly 10 minutes before the coast opens up and the boat heads toward the Devil’s Saddle.

This is when the trip begins to feel different from a standard city tour. From sea level, Cagliari’s shoreline becomes a series of pale cliffs, beaches, coves, and rocky points. The water can look clear and turquoise, with fish visible in the shallower areas. The exact colors and visibility depend on wind and sea conditions, so keep your expectations flexible.

The crew also shares local legends and stories about the coast. That makes the ride more than a transfer between swimming stops. Paolo is specifically praised for his friendly, funny manner, while another Italian visitor called him passionate. If you enjoy a guide who talks with you rather than simply pointing at sights, this is one of the stronger parts of the outing.

Cala Bernat, an easy first swim

The first listed stop is Cala Bernat, with around 15 minutes set aside for swimming and passing by. It gives you a chance to get used to the water and the movement of the boat before the longer snorkeling stops.

You can use the floating tubes if you prefer a relaxed swim. The crew provides masks and snorkels, so there is no need to pack your own equipment unless you have a favorite mask that fits you better.

Fifteen minutes is not a long beach stop. Think of it as a refreshing break rather than time to explore a cove at leisure. Since the tour covers several points in only three hours, the schedule favors variety over long stays in one place.

Cala Mosca and the first photo stop

The catamaran continues toward Cala Mosca, where you have about 15 minutes for photographs and swimming. This section is useful for people who want both a scenic coastal ride and time in the water.

The boat lets you enjoy the cliffs without the effort of reaching every cove by land. Some corners of the Golfo degli Angeli are accessible only by boat, which gives this route a clear advantage over simply visiting a city beach.

Again, the captain has the final say. Wind and waves can affect the order of the stops or replace a planned location. One August booking specifically noted that strong wind prevented a hoped-for dolphin sighting, but the person still understood why conditions controlled the day. Dolphins are not part of the promised program, so do not book this as a wildlife trip.

Cala Fighera, where snorkeling gets more attention

At Cala Fighera, the stop includes photos, swimming, and snorkeling for about 15 minutes. This is one of the places where the included equipment earns its keep. You can put on a mask, look below the surface, and check for fish around the rocky coast without arranging a separate snorkeling rental.

The tour is designed for casual exploration rather than a technical snorkeling session. The water, cliffs, and fish provide the setting, while the crew supplies simple equipment and floating aids. If you want to spend a long time examining marine life, 15 minutes may feel brief. If you want several chances to get in the water during one outing, the rotation works well.

Use biodegradable sunscreen before departure, and remember that no towels are included. You can rent one from the operator, but bringing your own beach towel is usually simpler. Beachwear is essential, and the fresh-water shower helps rinse off salt after the swims.

Grotta dei Colombi from the water

The catamaran passes Grotta dei Colombi for about five minutes, with time for photographs and views rather than a swim. This short section breaks up the water activities and lets you see a coastal feature that would be difficult to appreciate from the city.

Do not expect a cave tour or a long stop here. It is a scenic pass-by, part of the broader coastal story the crew shares as the boat moves toward the final major stop.

The Devil’s Saddle, the main event

The Devil’s Saddle, or Sella del Diavolo, is the centerpiece of the trip. The name refers to the distinctive rocky headland at the edge of Cagliari, and the crew uses the setting to explain local legends while you take photographs, swim, and snorkel.

This stop lasts about 30 minutes, making it the longest water break on the route. That extra time matters. You can choose between swimming, floating, taking photos, or looking below the surface with the provided mask and snorkel instead of rushing through all four.

The setting also makes the final Prosecco toast feel well timed. After the last swim, the boat heads back while you sit in the shade, dry off, and enjoy a glass together. Prosecco is included, along with water. If you do not drink alcohol, one practical point deserves attention: an alternative drink is not specified, so contact the operator before booking if that matters to you.

The Devil’s Saddle is also where weather changes may be most noticeable. Wind can make the water choppy and affect how long you stay in the area. The captain may modify the stops for safety, and that is a sensible tradeoff on a small boat.

What the catamaran provides between stops

The boat is equipped for a half day on the water, even though this particular outing lasts only three hours. The included features are simple but useful:

• Professional skipper and crew
• Fuel
• Drinking water
• Snorkeling masks
• Floating tubes
• Toilet
• Fresh-water shower
• Shade with curtains and cushions
• Bluetooth music
• Prosecco

Cold drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Food, towels, seasickness medication, and other soft drinks are not included. Bring cash, especially if you want to buy something during the trip.

The first-aid training and defibrillator on board may reassure cautious swimmers. They do not remove the normal risks of being at sea, but they show that the crew has prepared for emergencies. Tell the captain or crew about health problems or pregnancy before departure.

Smoking, alcohol apart from the provided Prosecco, and drugs are not allowed. The operator specifically asks passengers not to bring alcohol or drugs, so keep the celebration to what is served by the crew.

Is $72 a fair price?

At $72 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water around Cagliari. You could spend less on public transport and a public beach, but that would not include a catamaran ride, several boat-access coves, snorkeling equipment, a crew-led route, fuel, or the Prosecco toast.

The value is strongest if you are staying near the port or arriving by cruise ship. You get a complete three-hour outing without paying for a separate transfer, boat rental, snorkel hire, and coastal sightseeing trip. The small group size also helps justify the price.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long, quiet swim in one place. The stops are short, and the tour is built around seeing several parts of the coast. You are paying for movement, variety, and the ease of having the boat and equipment organized for you.

The price also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later, according to the booking conditions. Those policies help if your Cagliari plans are still shifting, but they do not protect a no-show or late arrival.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this tour if you want a compact coastal outing with swimming, snorkeling, and scenery, all from a convenient city-center departure point. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who are comfortable around open water and want more than a short harbor cruise.

It is also a good fit for cruise passengers. The marina is close to the terminal, and the three-hour length leaves room to see some of Cagliari before or after the boat trip, though you should allow plenty of time for getting back to your ship.

You may want a different plan if you are highly prone to seasickness. The operator does not recommend the trip for people who suffer from it, and wind can affect the ride. If you know you need medication, the instructions say to take it half an hour before departure. Ask a medical professional about what is suitable for you.

Strong swimmers are not required, since floats are provided, but you should be comfortable entering the sea from a boat. The crew can help with the basic setup, but this is not a poolside activity. Bring beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and a towel or money to rent one.

Practical tips for a smoother morning or afternoon

Arrive at least 10 minutes early at Alma Sailing Charter Boat Tour. Do not count on the boat waiting if your bus or taxi is late.

Pack lightly. You need swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, and cash. A waterproof pouch for your phone is sensible, although one is not listed as provided. You can leave bulky beach gear behind because the boat supplies masks and floats.

Keep an open mind about the exact route. The stated stops give you a good idea of the day, but the captain can change them for safety. Weather may also mean the scenery and timing differ from the plan.

If you want a particular drink instead of Prosecco, ask before departure. The trip includes water and Prosecco, while other cold drinks can be purchased. A nonalcoholic substitute is not confirmed.

The excursion is offered in English, Italian, and French. The crew’s local stories are part of the appeal, so listen between swims. You will get more from the trip if you treat the boat ride and explanations as part of the experience, not merely time between photo stops.

Should you book the Alma Sailing catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy way to combine Cagliari’s coast, swimming, snorkeling, and a little celebration in one three-hour outing. The central departure, maximum of 12 people, useful onboard facilities, and friendly guide style make it a strong choice for a short visit.

Skip it if you are prone to seasickness, want a full meal, dislike changing swimming locations, or need a guaranteed route regardless of weather. The sea sets the schedule here.

For most visitors who can handle a small boat and want to see the Devil’s Saddle from the water, $72 is a reasonable price for the mix of transport, equipment, guided coastal views, and swimming time. Just arrive early, bring a towel, and let the captain make the final call on the safest coves.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour leave from?

The tour starts at Portus Karalis in central Cagliari, near the cruise terminal, train station, and bus stations. The meeting point is the Alma Sailing Charter Boat Tour.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability when booking.

What languages does the crew speak?

The tour is available in English, Italian, and French.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and floating tubes are provided on board. A fresh-water shower is also available after swimming.

Is food or drink included?

Drinking water and Prosecco are included. Snacks and additional cold drinks can be bought on board, but food, towels, and other soft drinks are not included.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain can change the stops based on sea conditions. If dangerous weather makes the trip unsafe, the tour will be cancelled. The experience is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness.