A few hours at sea changes your whole view of Cagliari. This Devil’s Saddle sailing trip pairs real sailing time with multiple swim and snorkel stops in clear water, and the crew (Alma and Patrick, with others like Paolo and Laura) keeps the mood relaxed and fun. I especially like the small-group feel and the fact that you get real time in the water with provided gear.

What makes it work is practical onboard comfort: there’s a WC onboard and snorkeling equipment, plus a fresh-water shower when you’re done. One heads-up: this isn’t a calm-lake cruise, so if you get seasick easily, plan carefully (or choose another activity).

Key things I’d pin to the top

• Small-group vibe: boatside time feels social, not crowded
• Snorkeling gear included: floats and equipment are part of the deal
• Multiple swim anchors: short hops to good water color and fishy spots
• Devil’s Saddle photo stop: the “wow” moment is built into the route
• Crew first-aid ready: trained crew and a defibrillator onboard

A 3-Hour Sailing Break From Cagliari’s Streets

You start at Alma Sailing Charter in Cagliari, right at the port. Expect a quick check-in, a handover of snorkeling basics, and then the real shift: you’re out on the water and the city noise fades fast.

The boat itself is part of why people rate this so highly. There’s onboard WC, plenty of places to sit, and a fresh-water shower so you can rinse off salt before heading back in. One review vibe I like is how the crew keeps things easygoing, with clear rules and safety talk, not lectures.

This is also a good length if you don’t want a full day. Three hours is long enough to feel like you left Cagliari behind, but short enough to fit between beach time and dinner plans.

Setting Course for the Devil’s Saddle (and Why the Sailing Matters)

The tour sails toward the Devil’s Saddle and along the Gulf of Angels. The route is the point: you get sweeping coastal views—golden stretches, pale cliffs, and that famous turquoise water—without needing to drive or hike to every viewpoint.

One detail that matters for the experience: the crew may sail with the sails open when safety and wind direction allow it. When they do, it feels different than motor-only cruising. In the best moments, the boat drifts quietly and you just watch the water change color as the light shifts.

You might spot dolphins during the trip, but don’t count on it. I treat it as a bonus, like seeing a wild bird while you’re walking. The real payoff is the water itself and the chance to swim at anchored spots.

Cala Bernat: A Quick Land-and-Sea Story Stop

Cala Bernat is your first real stop, and it’s built for “look, learn, and snap a photo.” There’s a break, a photo stop, and a short guided moment from the crew. It’s not meant to be a long excursion onto land. You’re still on the water and moving as the day unfolds.

This is a good place to get oriented, especially if Cagliari coastline is new to you. The crew’s stories give names to what you’re seeing and connect the cliffs and coves to legends and older history. Even if you only catch parts of the talk, it helps your eyes track what matters.

The practical value here: the first stop lets you read the conditions before you commit to more serious swimming later. If the sea feels choppy, you’ll know that early—and you can prepare yourself mentally for the water.

Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera: The Snorkeling Time That Does the Heavy Lifting

The heart of the trip is swimming and snorkeling, and this tour stacks the opportunities. You’ll stop at Cala Mosca for swimming and snorkeling (around 10 minutes), then again at Cala Fighera for swimming and snorkeling (around 15 minutes).

Why you’ll probably enjoy this: the crew anchors where the water is clear and the coves are accessible only by boat. That’s where the underwater life is easier to spot, and where fish make snorkeling feel active rather than like you’re just looking at rocks.

Snorkeling gear is included—so you shouldn’t need to bring your own mask or goggles. Still, if you’re picky about fit or you’ve had bad luck with borrowed gear in the past, consider bringing your own. One person mentioned needing to bring their own snorkel, so the safest move is to pack at least a backup in case the onboard setup doesn’t match your preferences.

Also, take the “ladder” seriously. Getting in and out is part of the effort. One review warned the ladder can be narrow and slippery when the sea is choppy. If you’re not confident stepping into water from a boat, go slow, keep one hand on for balance, and wait your turn.

Sella del diavolo: The Big Photo Moment Plus a Proper Swim Window

Then you get the headline stop at Sella del diavolo (Devil’s Saddle). This is where the views start feeling cinematic: the coastline, the cliff shapes, and the water below all line up for photos. You’ll have time for a photo stop plus swimming and snorkeling for about 30 minutes.

This longer water window is where the trip earns its reputation. It gives you enough time to adjust, relax, and actually enjoy snorkeling instead of rushing. If you just want a swim, you can do that too—some people focus on soaking in the sun and watching the water movement rather than staying under for long.

There’s also the special feel that comes from doing this as an out-on-the-water experience, not as a quick shore visit. The crew shares legends tied to the area as you approach, so when you see the Devil’s Saddle from the water, it lands more strongly than a name on a map.

Onboard Comfort: WC, Shower, Music, and Crew Stories

A lot of sailing tours forget the small stuff. This one includes practical touches that matter when you actually spend hours aboard.

You’ll have:

• onboard WC
• snorkeling equipment plus floats
• a fresh-water shower
• crew trained in first aid, and a defibrillator on board

Those are not flashy perks, but they keep the experience smooth. The shower, in particular, makes the difference between feeling salty and feeling fresh on the ride back.

The crew’s role is also more than navigation. Alma (and Patrick in many cases) share stories about Cagliari and the coastline, usually in a bilingual format—English, Italian, and French are offered. The tone tends to be friendly and funny, not stiff. Some people even describe the vibe as music-friendly and social, with the crew ready to help if anything goes wrong.

Drinks and the Prosecco factor

The tour title mentions Prosecco, and that matches what you can expect in practice: drinks like Prosecco can be bought onboard, and at least one group got a nice bottle of it as a birthday surprise. Soft drinks and snacks are also available for purchase. So think of it as an add-on you can choose, not something you must plan around.

Practical Tips That Make or Break Your Time at Sea

This is where you can protect your enjoyment.

If you get seasick, plan early

This tour is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness. The sea can get a bit rough, and you might feel it more during the sailing segments and while people move around at anchor.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, the tour information is clear: take medication about half an hour before departure. If you forget your tablets, don’t pretend you’ll be fine—someone on board had a rough time after skipping their meds. Bring what you need.

What to bring (and what not to)

You’ll want:

• beachwear
• a towel
• biodegradable sunscreen
• ID or passport
• personal medication
• weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed: shoes and smoking in the vehicle. I’d treat that as a “keep it simple” rule—comfortable foot coverage only if the crew allows it, and leave anything solid and slippery behind.

Ladder and getting back aboard

If you swim (especially snorkeling), returning to the boat can be the most awkward moment when conditions change. Keep it safe: go one step at a time, use the ladder with care, and don’t rush. If you’re traveling with someone who’s anxious about water, keep extra watchful eyes during boarding.

Value for Money: What You Get for About $61

For around $61.49 per person and roughly 3 hours on the water, the value comes from the mix of included items and the places you reach.

You’re not just paying for a sail. You’re paying for:

• multiple anchored stops (including the Devil’s Saddle area)
• snorkeling equipment and floats
• fuel and onboard water systems
• onboard WC and shower
• a trained crew with first aid and a defibrillator

What’s not included is also worth knowing: soft drinks and snacks are for purchase onboard. That’s a fair trade if you want control over what you spend at sea.

Two other value signals from real-life experience: the boat seems to handle small groups well, and the crew keeps the pace friendly. One review specifically called out limited passenger numbers (around 7 people) and another referenced about 9 passengers total. Either way, you’re not fighting for space.

Who Should Book This Sailing Tour—and Who Should Skip

This fits best if you want a mix of sailing and water time. If you enjoy snorkeling, this is the kind of trip where snorkeling actually happens in good conditions, with provided gear and time built into the schedule.

It also suits people who like a social atmosphere without big-tour chaos. The crew talks, helps, and checks in, but you’re not stuck on a script the whole time. You get both: guided context and free moments.

You might want to skip or choose something else if:

• you’re strongly seasick-prone
• you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder back onto a moving boat
• you want a guaranteed calm, glassy-water experience every minute

If you fall in the “I can handle some waves” category, you’ll probably find it fun and memorable—because the choppier water can make the whole adventure feel more alive.

Should You Book the Alma Sailing Charter Devil’s Saddle Trip?

I’d book it if you’re doing Cagliari for a few days and you want one outing that checks a lot of boxes at once: real sailing, scenic coastline, and multiple swim/snorkel windows with included gear.

I’d hesitate if you know seasickness hits you hard, because the tour isn’t set up for avoiding waves. And I’d go in with ladder awareness if you’re not steady stepping from a boat.

If you’re in the middle—curious, active, and open to a few rough-sea moments—you’ll likely come back with exactly what this trip promises: Cagliari’s Gulf of Angels from the water, plus snorkeling moments you can’t get from shore.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour duration is listed as 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

You start at Alma Sailing Charter (use Google Maps to find it), and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes. There is a WC on board.

What languages will the guide speak?

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

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring your ID or passport, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, a towel, and any personal medication. Shoes are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed in the vehicle.