Boat Tour from Cagliari to the Devil’s Saddle: Which Trip Is Worth It?
Updated October 18, 2026 · 6 min read
The answer first. For most people the Zodiac Boat Tour with 3–4 swim stops is the sensible default: €31.20 per person, 2 hours, 4.9 stars from 908 reviews, snorkelling gear provided. Choose a longer sailboat or catamaran only if you want time on board rather than speed.
What you are going to see
The Sella del Diavolo, the Devil’s Saddle, is the headland that separates Poetto beach from Calamosca, about four kilometres from the centre. Legend says it is where Lucifer landed when he was thrown out of heaven. By boat you see the limestone cliffs from below and reach coves that tour descriptions say are accessible only by sea. Swim and snorkel stops mentioned in listings include Calamosca and Cala Fighera.
All of these trips depend on the sea. The listings say “weather and safety permitting”, and the route or stops can change on the day. Ask the operator what happens if the trip is cancelled before you pay.
The boats compared
| Trip | Price | Duration | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zodiac, 3–4 swim stops, wine and snorkelling | €31.20 | 2 hours | 908 |
| Small-group vintage sailboat with snorkelling and spritz | €35.40 | 3 hours | 730 |
| Boat tour with 5 snorkelling stops and free drinks | €38.50 | 3 hours | 581 |
| Luxury motorboat with 3 swim stops and wine | €60 | 3 hours | 499 |
| Catamaran with swim, snorkel and Prosecco toast | €70 | 3 hours | 779 |
All are rated between 4.6 and 4.9 stars. Their descriptions all place the stops along the same stretch of coast, so the price difference is mainly the boat, the group size and what is served on board.
How to choose
Speed and price: the Zodiac, a rigid inflatable, is fast and cheap and covers the coves in two hours. It is a small open boat, so check the listing for shade and toilet facilities.
Small groups and a slower pace: the 9-metre vintage sailboat leaves from Marina Piccola in a small group, according to its listing. A second vintage-boat trip (€35, 2.5 hours, 111 reviews) lists a maximum of 7 guests and a Polaroid photo.
Where it starts: the motorboat tour leaves from Poetto beach in a new 9-metre, 500-horsepower boat; a further trip with a free GoPro video starts in the central port, which its listing places about ten minutes from the cruise ships. Departure points differ between trips, so read the meeting point before you book.
Comfort and a toast: the catamaran is the most expensive of the five and the second most reviewed, with a Prosecco toast.
If you are on a cruise ship, keep a generous margin before all-aboard: three hours on the water is not three hours door to door.
Or walk to the Saddle
If you only want the view, the Sella del Diavolo can be hiked. The trailhead is behind the Hotel Calamosca, and one local guide gives 30 to 45 minutes to the viewpoint over Poetto and Molentargius. That is free, but you do not get the swim stops.
Before you go
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. If you are travelling with children or are prone to seasickness, ask the operator about minimum age and conditions on the booking page; the listings we looked at do not promise either. For all offers, see boat tours from Cagliari, which has 41 listings from €30. After the flamingos, the Molentargius guide is the natural second stop, because the park lies just behind Poetto.
