Devil’s Saddle looks best from a sailboat. This 3-hour cruise out of Marina Piccola blends classic coastal sailing with long swim-and-snorkel time in the natural pools of Sardinia’s Sella del diavolo. You’ll also have chances to spot wildlife like dolphins and cormorants, plus a soft drink onboard.

What I especially like here is the setup: a small max 8-person group on a real 9-meter sailboat, plus snorkeling gear and multiple stops designed for hanging out in the water. The captain also builds a fun, welcoming vibe (Captain Maurizio pops up again and again), so it doesn’t feel like a rushed boat ride.

One consideration: it’s not for everyone—especially if you’re prone to seasickness or you need mobility support. If weather is rough, the captain may adjust the plan for safety, so be flexible with expectations around exact stop times.

Key highlights at a glance

• Marina Piccola departure: easy parking nearby, and you’re close to Poetto
• Sella del diavolo scenery: dramatic cliffs and coves made for swimming
• Long snorkel time: multiple natural pools with fish and clear water
• Wildlife spotting: dolphins and cormorants are part of the hunt
• Captain-led sailing: if wind allows, you’ll use the sails for a quieter experience

Entering the sea from Marina Piccola

Cagliari’s coastline feels instantly different from the water. This tour starts at the Marina Piccola turistical port, right by the famous Poetto beach, and you meet inside the port at dock H. If you’re driving, there’s free public parking about 300 meters before the port, and then it’s a short walk (think roughly 5–6 minutes) to dock H.

The boat itself is a 9-meter sailboat with a cockpit that offers shade. That matters on a hot Sardinian day: you’re not stuck fully exposed, and you can still watch the coastline while you cruise between swim stops. The experience also includes a shower onboard and at the port dock, which is a small comfort when you’re done snorkeling and want to get cleaned up fast.

Sailing the route: Poetto, then Sella del diavolo

You don’t just jump in and swim right away. The cruise gives you the “views first” rhythm, and it generally moves like this:

• A short cruise past Poetto (about 20 minutes), so you get your bearings along Cagliari’s shoreline.
• Then you head to Sella del diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) for the main scenery and swim area (about 30 minutes of cruising to get you there and positioned well).

The best part of this routing is pacing. You’re not spending the whole 3 hours in transit. You get enough sailing time to feel the sea breeze in your face, then the itinerary switches into water time.

There’s also some flexibility. The tour notes that the captain may make one, two, or three long stops depending on weather conditions. Translation: if conditions are better (and safer), you’ll likely spend more time in the water at the most promising coves.

Snorkeling in natural pools with real fish time

This is a water-focused tour, not a “brief dip” situation. At Sella del diavolo, the schedule sets aside a swim-and-snorkel window (about 30 minutes). The goal is to get you into the natural pools created by the high cliffs—areas where the water is calmer and visibility tends to be better than open sea.

A big reason this works is that you’re not snorkeling off a random shoreline. The itinerary is built around coves and natural pools, which are the sort of spots where small fish are easier to spot, and where you can float and watch without battling strong currents.

One stop also lists scuba diving during the Sella del diavolo swim time. The tour includes snorkeling gear, so if you’re hoping for scuba, treat it as something you should confirm directly (or ask the captain on board) rather than assuming it’s part of the standard included package.

At Cala Fighera, you’ll get another longer snorkeling stretch (about 45 minutes, with a cruise segment first). This is where the tour tends to feel most satisfying: you’ve already seen the dramatic Devil’s Saddle cliffs, and then you get a second water location to compare—often with that “how is the water this clear?” reaction.

Wildlife spotting: dolphins and cormorants on the hunt

The tour doesn’t promise animals. But it does build in repeated opportunities to look. During the cruise and while you’re near the cliff-lined cape, keep your eyes up and forward—especially when you notice the boat changing direction or slowing down.

Wildlife that’s specifically mentioned includes dolphins and cormorants. You may also see seagulls. In plain terms, this is one of those tours where your job is half the fun: you relax in the boat, the captain positions the sailboat, and you scan for movement.

If you’re the type who loves a “maybe we’ll see something” day, this is your kind of trip. If you’re only happy when you get a guaranteed sighting, you might want to temper expectations.

Captain Maurizio and the small-group feel

A lot of boat tours are noisy and rushed. This one is set up differently: small group (up to 8), a highly hands-on captain, and time that feels like it’s actually for the experience—not for checking boxes.

In the onboard vibe, Captain Maurizio stands out. People describe him as welcoming, energetic, and very experienced, with decades of sailing background and long-term work running boat tours. That shows in the practical side: he controls the boat well, keeps an eye on safety, and keeps things fun without turning it into chaos.

There are also “extra touches” you should hope for. Some guests note that he provides ways to watch fish more closely with water glasses, and he has shared simple Italian food and a fresh lemon drink on board. Not every add-on will be identical day to day, but the point is that the captain treats the trip like a real outing, not just transportation to coves.

Another detail worth knowing: the tour mentions a shaded cockpit area, plus a shower at the dock and onboard. Between sailing, sun, and saltwater, those practical comforts make the day feel smoother.

What comfort looks like on a 9-meter sailboat

A sailboat is smaller than the big tourist catamarans, and that’s why it can feel more personal. The cockpit and deck are where you’ll spend most of your time, and there are no huge “zones” to wander around.

That also means you’ll want to dress for the sea day. Bring biodegradable sunscreen (explicitly listed), and plan for wind. When it gets breezy, you’ll feel the cooling sea air in a way that land-based sightseeing can’t match.

If conditions are right, there’s an added sailing moment: the tour notes that almost every late morning, the captain may be able to sail using the sails only, creating a quieter, more relaxing feel. This is when sailing lovers tend to grin—less motor noise, more natural rhythm, and the sense that you’re truly moving under wind power.

Price and value: what $54.66 buys you

At about $54.66 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value comes from the mix of what’s included and what’s actually delivered: time in the water plus a sail-focused experience.

Included items that matter:

• Skipper
• Snorkeling gear
• Soft drink
• Shaded cockpit area
• Shower onboard and at the port dock
• First aid kit and insurance and fuel

Not included:

• Food

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates “pay extra for everything” trips, this is refreshingly simple. You get the gear you need for snorkeling and at least one drink. And because the itinerary includes multiple swim-and-snorkel opportunities, you’re paying for time on the water—not just a scenic cruise where you barely touch the sea.

A fair way to think about value: if you’re going to spend your vacation hunting coves for swimming and you want a captain who handles the boat and positions you well, this price lands in a reasonable zone for that kind of time. If you mainly want beaches and don’t care about snorkeling, you may find a simpler beach day is cheaper.

Logistics that make or break the experience

This tour is straightforward, but a few rules keep it safe and comfortable. Please plan to arrive on time. The tour explicitly asks you not to be late and notes the captain may try to wait if you run behind, but you should build in a few minutes.

Also bring these practical items:

• Biodegradable sunscreen

And skip these:

• High-heeled shoes
• Pets
• Oversize luggage
• Smoking or vaping
• Fishing
• Anything that could be unsafe like weapons/sharp objects

There are also clear “not right for everyone” limitations. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness. There’s also a weight limit of 275 lbs / 125 kg.

If you’re deciding based on comfort, take those seriously. Small sailboats can move, and if you know you react badly to motion, plan on that being a dealbreaker.

What this tour is best for

You’ll probably love this tour if you want:

• A sailing-first day, not a bus-to-a-view day
• Long-ish snorkeling time in coves and natural pools
• A small group atmosphere where the captain can actually interact
• A chance of seeing dolphins and cormorants while you relax

It’s also a great option for couples and small groups who want something “Sardinia by sea” without booking a full-day private charter. The timing is short enough to fit into a broader Cagliari itinerary, but long enough that the day doesn’t feel like a quick stop.

Should you book the Devil’s Saddle sailboat tour?

Book it if your ideal Cagliari day includes sailing, time in clear water, and a captain-led experience on a small 9-meter sailboat. The snorkeling setup, multiple coves, and the chance to spot dolphins give it more “stay here longer” energy than most short tours.

Skip or think twice if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Need wheelchair access or mobility support
• Want guaranteed wildlife sightings
• Prefer food included (this one doesn’t include meals)

If you’re flexible with wind and weather (the captain can change the schedule for safety), this trip is a strong value way to see Sella del diavolo the way it’s meant to be seen: from the water, with salt spray in the air.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet inside Marina Piccola Turistical Port at dock H. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the sailboat tour?

The duration is listed as 3 hours. Starting times can vary, so check availability for the exact departure.

What’s included with the snorkeling?

The tour includes snorkeling gear. You’ll also have a free drink offered by the captain during the natural pool stops.

What should I bring?

Bring biodegradable sunscreen. Also plan for a sea day, with comfortable footwear and clothes suitable for wind and sun.

Is this tour suitable if I use a wheelchair or have mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.

What languages is the guide available in?

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