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

Clear water, short stops, and Sardinian coast views await. This three-hour boat outing from Cagliari visits Calamosca Beach, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto, with time for swimming, underwater photos, and a beer. I especially like the free GoPro and the chance to see coastline that is difficult to reach by land. The main drawback is the small inflatable boat, which offers limited room for bulky belongings and may not suit anyone who needs substantial mobility help.

I also like the relaxed pace and the friendly guiding from crew members such as Gabriel and Francesco. You are not pushed from one stop to the next, and the operator sends the recorded photos afterward at no extra charge. Just confirm the meeting point and your exact start time carefully, since one reported missed departure led to a serious disagreement over communication.

Key points before you book

• Three coastal stops in about three hours: Calamosca, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto give you a quick but varied look at Cagliari’s shore.
• GoPro use is included: You can record underwater clips during the swimming stops, with photos sent afterward free of charge.
• Snorkeling equipment may be basic: The equipment has been described as goggles, so do not assume a full mask-and-snorkel set.
• A small boat keeps the outing personal: The maximum group size is 20, though some departures have been much smaller.
• One beer is included: It is a simple extra, but welcome after time in the water.
• The boat returns to Molo Dogana: This makes the tour practical for a short stay in Cagliari or a cruise stop, provided you allow enough time.

What this Cagliari boat trip is really like

This is a straightforward sea outing rather than a formal sightseeing cruise. You meet at Molo Dogana in Cagliari, board a small boat, and spend most of the time near the water, with swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, and short bits of local background from the guide.

The advertised duration is about three hours. The timing is useful because you can fit the trip into a morning or afternoon without giving up an entire day in Cagliari. The itinerary lists three main stops, but the boat may pause at additional swimming spots depending on conditions and the captain’s judgment. One family described four swimming locations, including a spot where it was possible to swim toward caves.

The mood is informal. Guides have included Gabriel, Francesco, and a father-and-daughter team. The strongest praise goes to the crew’s humor, kindness, and willingness to let people swim at their own pace. This is not the right choice if you want a large vessel, a fixed commentary program, or a polished luxury cruise. It is better suited to you if you want to get into the sea quickly and see several beautiful parts of Cagliari’s coast without much ceremony.

Calamosca Beach, towers, and the first swim

The first stop is Calamosca Beach, one of Cagliari’s best-known seaside spots. You have about 40 minutes here, with time for swimming, underwater pictures, and a look toward the old Spanish tower dating from around 1600. The Calamosca lighthouse adds another recognizable marker to the scene.

From the boat, the setting gives you more than a simple beach visit. You see the shore, the historic tower, and the lighthouse as part of one compact coastal view. The stop also gets you into the water early, which helps set the tone for the rest of the trip.

The water is described as clear, and several parts of the tour are suitable for spotting fish. Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a casual snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine excursion. The equipment may amount to goggles rather than a complete snorkel, so you may want to bring your own gear if underwater viewing matters greatly to you.

Forty minutes is enough for a swim and a few photographs, but it is not enough for a long beach stay. You are visiting Calamosca from the water, not settling in for a full afternoon under an umbrella.

Sella del Diavolo and Cagliari’s famous legend

The longest stop is at Sella del Diavolo, known in English as the Devil’s Saddle. The boat spends about one hour and 20 minutes in this area, where you can swim in clear water and enjoy views of the rocky promontory from a position that is only practical by sea.

The name comes from a local legend. Lucifer wanted to take control of the Gulf of Cagliari after falling for its beauty. The archangel Michael knocked him from his horse, and the saddle fell into the gulf, where it turned to stone and became the promontory you see today.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to appreciate this stop, but you do need to be comfortable getting into and out of the water from a small boat. The crew helps within the limits of the boat, yet this is not a vessel with a wide platform, level boarding, or extensive support equipment.

This is likely to be the high point of the outing. The longer pause gives you time to swim more than once, use the GoPro, and simply sit back between swims. One useful detail from the experience is that the crew does not always rush people through the stops. If the group is small and the sea is calm, the time can feel pleasantly easygoing.

Some departures have had only a couple of people aboard, while the official maximum is 20. A small group gives you more room and can make it easier to ask the guide about the coast. A full boat will feel more crowded, especially when people are handling towels, phones, masks, and personal items.

Poetto Beach and the final hour

The last main stop is Poetto, Cagliari’s long public beach. It stretches for roughly eight kilometers and is known as the beach of the hundred thousand because of its heavy summer crowds. Its sandy seabed and clear water make it a natural final stop for swimming.

Poetto also gives the excursion a different character. Calamosca feels more compact and sheltered, while Sella del Diavolo brings rocky coastal scenery and the local legend. Poetto is broad, sandy, and closely tied to daily beach life in Cagliari.

You have about an hour here. Depending on the exact stop, you may swim near shore or reach the beach briefly. One family described being able to swim to land at the final stop for a short walk on the sand. Do not assume that every departure will offer the same shore access, since sea conditions and the captain’s choices can affect the plan.

The beach once had an association with salt extraction, a reminder that Poetto is more than a swimming spot. Still, the main attraction during this tour is simple: clear water, a sandy bottom, and a final chance to cool off before returning to the marina.

GoPro photos, goggles, and the beer

The included GoPro is one of the strongest practical benefits of this experience. You can use it during the swims to make your own underwater videos instead of relying only on quick phone shots from the boat. The operator then sends the photos afterward without an extra fee, which adds real value for anyone who wants a record of the day.

The equipment needs a little explanation. At least one account describes the provided snorkeling gear as goggles only, without an actual breathing tube. That still lets you look underwater, but it is not the same as a full snorkeling setup. If you want to spend a long time watching fish below the surface, bring your own mask and snorkel if possible.

A beer is included, along with drinks mentioned by the operator. It is a modest perk rather than the reason to book, but it fits the casual style of the outing. You finish several swims, settle back on the boat, and have something cold while the coast slips past.

Music has also been mentioned as part of the onboard atmosphere. Since the boat is small, the overall experience feels more like a friendly outing with a local crew than a silent nature trip. If you prefer quiet observation, you may find the music less appealing. If you like a social holiday mood, it will probably suit you.

The small boat is part of the appeal and the limitation

The boat is an inflatable craft with limited space for personal belongings. That helps it reach close to rocky shorelines and swimming areas, but it also means you should pack lightly.

Bring only what you need for the water, and keep valuables to a minimum. A bulky bag, walker, or large mobility aid may not fit aboard. One booking dispute centered on a walker that had not been reported in advance. The operator said the boat could not carry it or leave it unattended on the dock.

This is also why the tour is not recommended for people with obesity or cardiovascular disease. Boarding involves a small ladder, and the crew’s assistance is limited to what can safely be offered from a small boat. You should contact the operator before booking if you have mobility concerns, need help getting aboard, or require special equipment.

Most people can participate, but most people is not the same as everyone. You should be comfortable with a wet, low-key boat outing and with getting in and out of the sea from the boat. If that sounds difficult, a beach-based experience would be a safer choice.

Timing, meeting point, and cruise-day value

The meeting point is Molo Dogana, 09125 Cagliari. The tour ends back there, so you are not left at a different beach or marina. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the city.

Pay close attention to the departure time shown on your booking. One serious complaint involved arriving at the wrong time and confusion about the location. The operator said the crew waited 35 minutes, called, and sent messages before leaving. Whatever the cause of the mix-up, the practical lesson is clear: save the operator’s phone number, check the pier location in advance, and arrive early enough to find the boat without rushing.

This trip can work well during a cruise stop. A family reported departing at 10 a.m. and returning in time for the ship. I would still leave a generous buffer for the return to the vessel, especially if your ship has a strict all-aboard time. The tour is useful for a short port visit because it gives you beaches, local scenery, swimming, and a little history in one compact outing.

Is $66.08 a fair price?

At $66.08 per person, the tour offers reasonable value if you want several hours on the water rather than a simple beach transfer. The price includes the boat outing, stops at three coastal areas, snorkeling equipment, use of a GoPro, photos afterward, and a beer. The free images are a meaningful bonus, since similar excursions often charge extra for photographs.

The value depends on your priorities. If you mainly want to lie on Poetto Beach, you can do that without paying for a boat. If you want to reach the waters around Sella del Diavolo, swim at several locations, and see Cagliari from the gulf, the price makes more sense.

The group size also affects the value. A small departure can feel almost private, while a full boat of up to 20 people will offer less elbow room. The operator has received a 4.6 rating from 33 ratings, and 94 percent of people recommend it, which points to strong overall satisfaction but not a flawless operation.

The free cancellation rule allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels it, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this outing?

I would choose this tour if you want a short, friendly sea trip with several swims and no need to organize equipment yourself. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and cruise passengers who want to use a few hours efficiently.

You should also book it if photos matter to you. The GoPro and free follow-up images give the experience more lasting value than a basic boat ride.

I would hesitate if you need a spacious vessel, full accessibility support, a complete snorkeling kit, or a quiet naturalist program. I would also think twice if you dislike small boats or are uncomfortable boarding by ladder. For everyone else, the combination of clear water, Sella del Diavolo, relaxed crew members, and three distinct coastal stops makes this a strong addition to a Cagliari visit.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts 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.

What places does the tour visit?

The main stops are Calamosca Beach, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. The equipment may be limited to goggles, so a full mask and snorkel should not be assumed.

Is a GoPro included?

Yes, you can use a GoPro during the experience. The operator also sends the photos afterward free of charge.

Is a drink included?

Yes, a beer is included, and drinks are available as part of the onboard experience.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

Most people can participate, but the tour is not recommended for people with obesity or cardiovascular diseases. The small boat and ladder boarding may also be unsuitable for people needing significant mobility support.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.