Cagliari: Catamaran Tour, Swimming, Snorkeling, & Prosecco

The best part of this Cagliari outing is simple: you leave the city marina and soon find yourself swimming beside white cliffs, golden beaches, and clear water full of fish. Devil’s Saddle gives the trip its character, while the small catamaran keeps the mood friendly rather than crowded.

I like the easy starting point, just steps from the cruise terminal, train station, and bus station. I also like the thoughtful kit on board: masks, snorkels, floats, a WC, and a freshwater shower. The main drawback is the sea itself. Choppy water can spoil the ride if you suffer from seasickness, and the captain may change the stops when conditions shift.

Key points before you book

• A central marina departure: Portus Karalis is within easy reach of Cagliari’s cruise terminal, train station, and bus station.
• A small group of up to 12: The catamaran feels more personal than a large sightseeing boat.
• Three swimming and snorkeling areas: Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and Sella del Diavolo each offer a different view of the coast.
• Snorkel gear and floats included: You do not need to pack your own equipment, though one past participant found the snorkels limited, so bringing your own is reasonable if you have one.
• A prosecco toast at the final stop: The drink adds a pleasant finish, while soft drinks and snacks cost extra.
• Weather controls the day: Unsafe marine conditions can cancel the tour, and the captain may alter the route or stops.

Leaving Cagliari from Portus Karalis

This is a useful tour for a cruise stop or a short visit because the meeting point is right in central Cagliari. Alma Sailing Charter departs from Portus Karalis, close to the cruise terminal and within reach of the city’s main rail and bus links. You will still want to arrive early. The boat leaves on time and does not wait for late taxis, buses, or stragglers.

The catamaran carries a maximum of 12 people. That number matters. You have room to sit, move around, and prepare for a swim without the crowded feel of a large day boat. The mood can be social, too, since you spend the trip with a small mix of people rather than being separated into rows of seats.

The crew speaks English, Italian, and French. Alma is often involved in hosting, with Patrick, Paolo, Laura, or another crew member helping with sailing and safety depending on the departure. The crew explains the coastline, shares local legends, and keeps an eye on people during the swimming stops.

Shoes are not allowed on board, so wear something easy to remove. Bring beachwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, personal medication, and clothing suited to the weather. You should also carry a passport or identity card, as requested for the activity.

The first views at Cala Bernat

The first short stop is Cala Bernat, used mainly for a photo stop and a quick introduction to the coast. Do not expect a long swim here. The value is in getting your first view of the shoreline from the water and hearing a little context from the guide.

Cagliari’s coast looks different from a catamaran than it does from a city street. Cliffs, coves, beaches, and rock formations line up in a way that is hard to read from land. The crew points out notable places and connects the scenery with stories about the area, including the legends linked to Devil’s Saddle.

After this opening look, the boat continues toward the swimming areas. Some of the journey may be under engine power, while the crew can open the sails only when wind direction and safety conditions allow. If sailing under canvas is important to you, keep your expectations flexible. This is a coastal swimming trip first, not a full sailing lesson.

Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera swimming stops

The main appeal arrives at Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera. At Cala Mosca, you get a break for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. The scheduled stop is short, so listen carefully for instructions and get ready before the anchor goes down.

The boat provides masks, snorkels, and floating tubes. The floats are useful if you want to relax without constantly swimming, and they give less confident swimmers a bit more support. A life jacket can also be used, and the crew has helped non-swimmers take part safely in the water.

Cala Fighera offers another chance to swim and look below the surface. The coast here is framed by cliffs and rock, with fish visible in the clear Mediterranean water. You may find this stop more enjoyable if you treat it as a refreshing dip with some snorkeling, rather than expecting a formal marine-life tour with extensive instruction.

The timing gives you about 10 minutes at Cala Mosca and 15 minutes at Cala Fighera. That is enough for a swim, but it can feel brief if you need a long time to change, enter the water, and climb back aboard. Keep your towel and belongings organized so you do not lose half the stop searching for them.

The ladder back onto the catamaran deserves attention. One participant found it narrow and difficult to hold, especially when the sea was moving. Take your time, use the handholds carefully, and ask the crew for help if you need it. The crew is trained in first aid and a defibrillator is on board, but ordinary caution still matters.

Sella del Diavolo, Cagliari’s signature stop

The longest stop comes at Sella del Diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle. The name refers to the distinctive headland above the Gulf of Angels, a place surrounded by local stories and strong coastal views. From the water, the cliffs and rock formations make a memorable setting for photographs.

This stop lasts about 30 minutes and combines swimming, snorkeling, and photo time. If you prefer to stay dry, you can simply enjoy the view from the catamaran and listen to the guide. If you want the full experience, this is the moment to use the mask, snorkel, and float.

The water can be cool, even in warm weather, and the sea may be rough. Some people have reported feeling seasick after the first stop, particularly when the waves were larger. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual medication around half an hour before departure, as advised by the operator. This is not the right outing for anyone who already knows that three hours on open water will be uncomfortable.

You might see dolphins during the trip, but there is no guarantee. A dolphin sighting is a lucky extra, not something to build your plans around.

The return sail and prosecco toast

After the Devil’s Saddle stop, the catamaran spends about 40 minutes returning to the marina. This is often the most relaxed part of the outing. You are wet, settled in, and able to watch the coast recede while the city comes back into view.

At the final stop, the crew offers prosecco for a shared toast. It is a small gesture, but it suits the setting and gives the trip a clear finish. You can raise a glass with the group while looking back toward the cliffs and coves you have just visited.

Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board. They are not included, so bring your expectations in line with a light boat outing rather than a catered meal. Some past participants also enjoyed the music on the return, while others valued the quiet moments when the engine was switched off and the boat drifted on the water.

The tour ends at the same marina where it began. That makes it easy to continue exploring Cagliari afterward or return directly to a cruise ship, provided you allow enough time for your own onward plans.

What the $72 price really covers

At $72 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but the price includes more than a basic boat transfer. You are paying for three hours on a small catamaran, a bilingual or multilingual guide, crew support, fuel, use of snorkeling equipment and floats, a WC, and a freshwater shower.

The small group is a major part of the value. A maximum of 12 people gives you a better chance of hearing the guide and finding a comfortable place on board. It also makes the swimming stops feel less like a mass outing.

The freshwater shower is especially useful after snorkeling. You can rinse off saltwater before the return trip, and the on-board bathroom saves you from waiting until you reach the marina. These are modest features, but they matter on a warm day.

The prosecco is included at the final stop, while food and other drinks are extra. If you want a full lunch, bring suitable expectations and perhaps eat before or after the cruise. The activity is built around scenery, swimming, and conversation, not a meal.

The activity has a 4.9 rating from 487 reviews, and 91 percent of participants gave the transport a perfect score. The strongest pattern is clear: people value the friendly crew, clean catamaran, good swimming locations, and calm small-group feel. The useful caution is just as clear: rough water, a narrow reboarding ladder, and limited time at each cove can affect your enjoyment.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip

I would choose this outing if you want to combine sightseeing and swimming without giving up half a day. Three hours is long enough to reach the coastal sights and enjoy several water stops, but short enough to fit into a packed Cagliari schedule.

Families can do well here. Children as young as 9 have enjoyed the trip, and floats plus snorkeling gear make the water breaks easier. Babies under 1 year are not suitable for this activity. If you are bringing children, confirm that they are comfortable with boat movement and follow the crew’s instructions near the ladder.

The tour also suits couples, solo visitors, and small groups who want a social setting. You may end up chatting with people from several countries, then sharing the prosecco toast at the end.

This is less suitable if you dislike open water, cannot manage a moving boat, or want guaranteed sailing under full sail. The captain decides the route and sailing setup according to marine conditions. Stops can change, and the tour can be canceled if the weather is unsafe.

You should also tell the captain or on-board staff about medical conditions or pregnancy. The crew has first-aid training and a defibrillator, but they need to know about anything that could affect your safety.

Booking and preparation tips

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Still, the no-show rule is strict. If you arrive late, the boat leaves without you and there is no refund or date change.

Check the forecast before you go, but remember that the final decision belongs to the captain. The description may not match every departure because wind, waves, and weather can alter the route.

Pack light. You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, medication, and weather-appropriate clothing. Leave your shoes behind for boarding, and use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the sea.

If you own a comfortable snorkel mask, you might bring it. Equipment is supplied, but one participant found that a snorkel was not always available despite masks and floats being provided. That detail may depend on the departure, but it is worth planning around if snorkeling is central to your day.

Should you book the Devil’s Saddle catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a compact coastal adventure from a very convenient starting point. The combination of a small boat, three swim stops, local stories, clear water, snorkeling gear, and a prosecco toast gives you a lot in three hours.

Skip it if you are very prone to seasickness or need a completely fixed itinerary. For everyone else, the $72 price is fair for the equipment, facilities, crew attention, and small group size. Arrive early, take motion-sickness precautions if needed, and let the sea conditions shape the day.

FAQ

Where does the Cagliari catamaran tour start?

It starts at Alma Sailing Charter in Portus Karalis, the marina in central Cagliari. The departure point is close to the cruise terminal, train station, and bus station.

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The tour lasts three hours, including the return to the same marina.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and Sella del Diavolo. The captain may change the stops according to marine weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with floating tubes. You may bring your own snorkel if you prefer a particular fit.

Is prosecco included in the price?

A glass of prosecco is offered for a shared toast at the final stop. Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase separately.

Is the tour suitable for people with seasickness?

The tour is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness. If you are prone to it, the operator advises taking medication about 30 minutes before departure.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The tour may be canceled if marine conditions are unsafe. The captain may also alter the route or swimming stops. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.