Cagliari: Discovering the Sella del Diavolo

If you’re eyeing a unique way to explore Sardinia’s coast, this boat tour of the Sella del Diavolo from Cagliari might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a two-hour adventure that combines scenic views, interesting history, and a touch of relaxation—all aboard a small, intimate group that keeps things personal and friendly.

What really appeals to us about this experience is the chance to see the caves and swim in crystal-clear waters, all while enjoying a laid-back aperitivo on board. Plus, the possibility of spotting dolphins makes it feel a bit more special. On the flip side, a potential snag is that cave exploration is only available from June to September, so if you’re visiting outside those months, you’ll miss that part. Still, if you love coastal scenery, history, and a splash of adventure, this tour fits the bill quite well.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic outing that’s not too long but offers a good mix of natural beauty and local flavor. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a small group, enjoy learning about the area, and like the idea of swimming and snorkeling in serene waters. Just keep in mind that it’s not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if needed.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Caves and Swimming: Explore colorful caves and swim in clear waters, but only from June to September.
• History and Scenery: Learn about the area’s history while enjoying scenic coast views and spotting dolphins if lucky.
• Relaxed and Casual: Includes an aperitivo and drinks on board, perfect for unwinding in the sun.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve now, pay later—great for flexible travel plans.
• Family Friendly Consideration: Not suitable for wheelchair users, but a good choice for most other travelers looking for a laid-back coastal outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Setting Off

The tour begins at Watergames Cagliari at either the Porticciolo Turistico di Marina Piccola or Molo Sanità in Cagliari’s Harbour. The exact meeting point is provided a few days before departure, marked by a flag, making it easy to find. The meeting point’s coordinates put you right in the heart of the Cagliari marina area, where boats are ready to whisk you away.

From there, your guide will lead the group onto a boat, where the scenery begins almost immediately. With a small group of up to seven people, you won’t feel lost in a crowd. This intimacy makes conversations more natural, and the guides can tailor their stories and tips to your interests.

The Route and Top Stops

The tour’s itinerary is thoughtfully designed to give you a taste of the area’s highlights without rushing. While the main focus is the Sella del Diavolo, you’ll also cruise past notable spots like Cala Paradiso, the Cave of Columbus, Cala Onorato, and Calamosca Beach with its lighthouse.

The first part of the cruise is all about scenic views and photo opportunities. The Sella del Diavolo, a striking rock formation, dominates the landscape. It’s a dramatic silhouette that’s perfect for snapping photos. Many reviews highlight how stunning the coastline looks from the water. One traveler from France mentioned, “super activité, avec des guides très sympa. On a adoré et recommande,” emphasizing the enjoyment of the experience and the friendly guides.

Exploring the Caves

The highlight for many is the caves exploration, which only happens from June to September. The caves are known for their vivid colors and unique formations, and if sea conditions permit, you’ll have the chance to snorkel inside. Travelers have described it as “incredible” and “beautiful,” with one reviewer appreciating that they could “swim into the caves all the way to the end.” This is a real treat for those who love underwater scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

Swimming and Snorkeling

The crystal-clear waters around Cala Fighera and other stops make for excellent swimming. You’ll have about 20 minutes at Cala Fighera, a beach only accessible by boat or a long trek, which makes it feel like a private paradise. Snorkelers can enjoy the underwater life close to the caves and beaches, making it a great add-on for anyone who loves to dip into calm, warm waters.

Local Aperitivo and Relaxation

After the exploration, it’s time for a laid-back aperitivo and drinks on board. This moment of relaxation is often highlighted as a favorite part of the trip. Imagine lounging in the sun, sipping a local drink, and soaking up the scenery—it’s a simple pleasure but one that many reviewers say makes the experience feel special.

The Return and Overall Feel

The cruise concludes back at the marina, with a sense of calm and satisfaction. Many travelers have expressed how much they appreciated the friendly guides and the natural beauty of Sardinia’s coast. One review from Germany notes, “the guides were very nice and told us a lot about the surroundings,” which underscores how informative and engaging the tour can be.

Practical Details and What to Prepare

Since the tour is only two hours, it’s a manageable outing for most travelers. To make the most of it, bring along essentials like swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, camera, snacks, and water. Don’t forget your passport or ID, especially if you’re planning to swim inside the caves, as some tours request identification for safety or security reasons.

Note that the experience requires good weather—if seas are rough or if the weather is poor, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Also, as seats are limited to seven, it’s wise to reserve ahead to secure your spot, especially in the busy summer months.

While families might find this a fun outing if children are comfortable on boats and in the water, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. No pets are allowed, so plan accordingly.

Price and Value

Considering the small group size, personalized guide, and the unique experience of caves and swimming, this tour offers good value. The inclusion of an aperitivo and the chance to see dolphins (if you’re lucky) make it feel like an immersive coastal day without breaking the bank. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy Sardinia’s natural beauty, especially if you’re looking for a break from more structured or crowded tours.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic coastal views, enjoy gentle adventure, and want to learn a bit about Sardinia’s natural and cultural landscape. It’s suitable for those who want a relaxed, small-group experience with opportunities to swim and snorkel. If you’re traveling with children or are sensitive to boat motion, consider your comfort level, but for most people, it’s a gentle, enjoyable outing.

FAQs

Is the cave exploration available year-round? No, it’s only offered from June to September, depending on sea conditions.

How long does the tour last? It’s a two-hour experience, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, camera, snacks, water, and your ID or passport. Remember, pets aren’t allowed.

Is this experience suitable for kids? It’s not explicitly mentioned as family-friendly, but older children comfortable on boats and in the water should enjoy it.

Will I see dolphins? There’s a chance to see dolphins during the cruise, adding a fun wildlife sighting to your trip.

Are there any accessibility issues? Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour will be canceled if weather conditions are poor, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic boat trip that offers a glimpse of Sardinia’s stunning coast, caves, and waters, this tour delivers a lot for its two-hour duration. The small-group vibe, friendly guides, and inclusion of local aperitivo help make it feel more like a special outing rather than just another tourist activity.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who love being on the water, exploring caves, and enjoying nature in a comfortable, laid-back setting. While it’s not for everyone—especially those who need wheelchair accessibility or are traveling with very young children—the overall experience seems to hit the right notes for most adventurous, curious travelers.

Whether it’s the chance to swim inside colorful caves or simply bask in Sardinia’s gorgeous coastline, this tour offers a memorable way to spend part of your stay in Cagliari—one that balances natural beauty, local charm, and a good dose of relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here: