Catamaran tour, swimming, snorkeling, and a Prosecco toast

Cagliari’s best shore excursion may be the one that gets you away from the streets and onto the Gulf of Angels. This three-hour catamaran trip sails from Portus Karalis to coves below the Devil’s Saddle, with time for swimming, snorkeling, stories, and a final Prosecco toast.

I like the small maximum group of 12 and the easy meeting point beside the cruise terminal, train station, and bus station. I also like the practical touches: masks, floating tubes, a freshwater shower, shade, a toilet, and a crew trained in first aid with a defibrillator aboard. The main drawback is the sea itself. Wind can change the route, and this is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness.

Key things to know before you book

• The boat leaves central Cagliari: Portus Karalis is only steps from the cruise terminal and close to the train and bus stations.
• You get several water stops: Swim at Cala Bernat and Cala Mosca, then snorkel near Cala Fighera and the Devil’s Saddle.
• The group stays small: The catamaran carries no more than 12 people, which gives the outing a calmer feel than a large sightseeing boat.
• Paolo is one of the crew members to look for: His friendly, funny manner and enthusiasm have earned repeated praise.
• The final toast is part of the rhythm: Prosecco is served at the last stop, though you should bring cash if you want to buy other drinks or snacks.
• Weather controls the plan: Strong wind or rough seas can change the stops, and the captain has the final say.

Setting out from Portus Karalis

The tour begins at Portus Karalis, the marina in central Cagliari. This is a useful starting point if you are visiting from a cruise ship, since the departure point is just steps from the cruise terminal. It is also near the city’s train and bus stations, so you can reach it without arranging a taxi.

Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early. The boat does not wait for late arrivals, including delays caused by taxis or buses. That rule may feel strict, but it matters on a three-hour sailing with several timed stops. Missing the departure means no refund or change of date.

Once aboard, the crew gives a short safety briefing. The catamaran has space for up to 12 people, which is a useful middle ground. You are not confined to a huge boat with a crowd, but you also have room to move around and find a shaded place to sit.

The boat includes broad sunbeds or seating areas with cushions and curtains for shade. There is also a toilet, a freshwater shower, Bluetooth music, and a place to buy cold drinks and snacks. Towels are not included, though rental towels are available. Bring cash, especially if you want anything beyond the included water and Prosecco.

The first view of Cagliari from the water

The boat passes Cagliari for about 10 minutes as it heads toward the Gulf of Angels. This short opening section gives you a different view of the city. From the water, the shoreline becomes the main subject, while the catamaran provides a quiet place to get your bearings.

The crew shares local legends and historical stories along the way. The information is part of the charm of this outing, but the main attraction remains the coast itself: pale cliffs, golden beaches, rocky coves, and clear water that often lets you see fish below the surface.

The route is not a formal sightseeing cruise with long commentary at every point. It is better understood as a relaxed coastal trip with short stories added between swims. If you want a land-based history tour of Cagliari, this will not replace it. If you want to understand the shape and character of the coast while moving between swimming spots, it works well.

Cala Bernat and Cala Mosca: the first swim

Cala Bernat is one of the first places where the boat slows for a swim. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, so use the time efficiently. You can jump in, cool off, and enjoy the water without expecting a long beach visit. Since the boat remains your base, there is no need to carry a full beach setup ashore.

Next comes Cala Mosca, another stop for photographs and swimming. The crew chooses the exact position according to the sea conditions, so your view may differ from the planned route. That flexibility is sensible. A boat captain can judge current wind and water safety better than a fixed schedule can.

These early stops are useful for easing into the outing. You can test the water, get comfortable with the boat’s swimming routine, and decide how much time you want to spend snorkeling later. If you prefer to remain dry, the shaded seating and coastal views still give you something to enjoy.

Cala Fighera and the first real snorkeling

Cala Fighera brings a longer stop for photographs, swimming, and snorkeling. The catamaran carries masks and snorkels, so you do not need to pack your own equipment. Floating tubes are also available, which helps if you want to rest in the water rather than swim continuously.

This part of the coast is especially suited to a short snorkeling session. The water is described as clear, with fish and aquatic life below the surface. Keep your expectations sensible. This is a coastal swim in the Gulf of Angels, not a dedicated marine biology trip, and the visibility depends on weather and water conditions.

I like the fact that the equipment is already aboard. It removes one small nuisance from a day near the sea, especially if you are visiting Cagliari from a cruise ship with limited luggage. You should still bring a biodegradable sunscreen and beachwear. Apply sunscreen before boarding, then use the freshwater shower afterward to rinse off salt.

The swimming stops last roughly 15 to 30 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing swim, but it may feel short if you want to spend an entire afternoon in the water. The tour is designed to show you several locations, not keep you in one cove for hours.

Grotta dei Colombi and the approach to the Devil’s Saddle

The boat then passes Grotta dei Colombi for about five minutes. This is mainly a scenic stop, giving you time to look toward the rock formations and take photographs from the boat. You will not be getting out for a cave walk, so keep your camera ready while the catamaran is nearby.

The main destination is Sella del Diavolo, known in English as the Devil’s Saddle. This headland gives the tour its strongest sense of place. The cliffs and open water create the sort of view that is difficult to appreciate from Cagliari’s streets.

Local legends connected with the Devil’s Saddle are part of the commentary. The name itself comes with a story, and hearing it while looking directly at the headland is more effective than reading a short paragraph in a guidebook.

At this final major stop, you have about 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs. This is the best chance to use the mask and snorkel for a longer session. The water below the cliffs can be the prettiest part of the trip, though the captain may alter the stop if the sea becomes uncomfortable or unsafe.

What the small catamaran format changes

A 12-person limit affects the entire mood of the outing. You can hear the crew more easily, get access to the swimming equipment without a long wait, and find a comfortable place under the shade. Paolo has been singled out for being friendly, funny, and passionate about the area, qualities that matter on a short trip where the crew is part of the experience.

The catamaran also gives you a stable platform compared with a smaller open boat. That does not mean it is immune to movement. If you suffer from seasickness, this excursion may be a poor fit. Take any medication your doctor recommends about 30 minutes before departure, as instructed in the tour information, and tell the captain or crew about health concerns or pregnancy before setting out.

The crew is trained in first aid, and a defibrillator is aboard. That is a reassuring safety detail, though it does not change the need to follow instructions around the water. No swimming location is guaranteed, since the captain can adjust the route according to wind and sea conditions.

The Prosecco toast and onboard extras

After the final water stop, the boat heads back toward Cagliari. The return section lasts about 40 minutes, giving you time to dry off, settle into the shade, and watch the coast recede. Prosecco is served for a shared toast, a pleasant way to mark the end of the swimming portion.

One practical issue is that Prosecco will not suit everyone. If you do not drink alcohol, ask whether water or another nonalcoholic option is available. The supplied information confirms that water is aboard, but one recent comment specifically wished for a clearer alternative to the Prosecco.

Cold drinks and snacks can be bought on the catamaran, but food is not included. Bring a small amount of cash for purchases. Smoking, alcohol brought from outside, and drugs are not allowed, so treat the toast as a controlled part of the outing rather than a free-for-all boat party.

Music plays through a Bluetooth speaker. That can add a light holiday mood, though anyone seeking a silent sailing should know that this is not marketed as a quiet cruise. The overall tone is social and easygoing, with time divided between conversation, scenery, music, and water.

How weather can change your day

The route is flexible. In calm conditions, you may visit the advertised coves and spend time snorkeling near the cliffs. In windy weather, the captain can change the stops, and some planned locations may be replaced or skipped.

One August outing had enough wind that the group did not see dolphins. That is worth noting because wildlife sightings are not promised. The strength of this tour is the coastline, swimming, and snorkeling, not a guarantee of dolphins or any other animal.

If dangerous sea conditions are expected, the operator cancels the tour. You can receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans more flexible. Still, same-day no-shows are not refunded, so give yourself extra time to reach the marina.

Is $72 a fair price?

At $72 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several parts of a boat day in one short outing. You get a professional skipper, fuel, water, Prosecco, snorkeling masks, floating tubes, shaded seating, a toilet, and a freshwater shower. The small group also adds value, since you are paying for a more personal trip rather than simply a seat on a large vessel.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long beach stay or an extended snorkeling session. Three hours passes quickly once you include the opening sail, several short stops, the final 30-minute swim, and the return trip. Food, towels, and extra cold drinks cost more or require separate arrangements.

For a cruise stop in Cagliari, the price makes particular sense. The meeting point is convenient, the tour fits into a half-day schedule, and you return to the city center rather than spending much of your day getting to a distant harbor.

Who will enjoy this Cagliari boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want to combine coastal sightseeing with swimming and prefer a small boat over a crowded excursion. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with swimmers who are comfortable around open water.

It is also a good choice if you are visiting Sardinia for only a short time. You see several sections of the Gulf of Angels without arranging transport to separate beaches. The crew’s English, Italian, and French language options make the commentary accessible to a wide range of visitors.

I would think twice if you dislike boat movement, need a guaranteed fixed route, or want a full meal included. The tour is also not ideal for anyone who expects a private charter. The boat is small, but you will share it with up to 11 other people.

The strongest praise has focused on the crew, especially Paolo. Comments describe him as kind, funny, and passionate, and that warmth seems central to the experience. With 23 ratings currently showing five stars, the trip has a strong record, though weather remains the one factor no crew can fully control.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran tour if you want an easy, well-equipped way to reach the Devil’s Saddle and nearby coves from central Cagliari. The short duration, small group, included snorkeling gear, and final toast make it a good match for a cruise day or a compact Sardinia itinerary.

Skip it if seasickness is a serious concern or if you want guaranteed calm water, a fixed list of stops, or a full day on one beach. Arrive early, bring biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and cash, and keep your schedule flexible enough for weather changes. For the right kind of day, it offers a practical taste of Cagliari from the water without taking over your entire itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

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

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts three hours, including the sailing sections, swimming stops, snorkeling, and the return to the starting point.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 12 guests.

Which languages does the crew speak?

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

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, along with floating tubes.

Is Prosecco included?

Yes. Prosecco is included and served for a toast at the last stop. Water is also included.

Are towels included?

Towels are not included, but towel rental is available. You should bring beachwear and may want to arrange a towel before departure.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The captain can modify the stops according to sea conditions. The tour is cancelled if dangerous weather conditions make it unsafe.

What should I bring?

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Cash is useful for cold drinks and snacks, which are available to buy aboard.