Are you traveling to Cagliari in the summer and looking for the best Cagliari boat trips? You landed on the right page. I was born and raised in Cagliari, this is where I live, and of course, I make the most of everything my hometown has to offer.
While Cagliari is still one of the most underrated cities in Italy, I promise the capital of Sardinia has a lot to offer. You could easily spend weeks here visiting historical sites and museums, enjoying day trips out of the city, or simply relaxing at Poetto, one of the city’s beloved beaches.
Cagliari is also an excellent base to explore the south of Sardinia, thanks to its good transport connections, wide range of accommodation options, and easy access to some of the best beaches in Sardinia.
What many visitors do not realize is that you do not even need to leave the city to enjoy pristine water and excellent snorkeling spots. Many Cagliari boat tours depart directly from the city’s marinas and explore the coastline around the Sella del Diavolo, with stops at places such as Cala Fighera, Calamosca, and Poetto.
Boat trips in Cagliari are a great way to see the city and its coastline from a completely different perspective. Depending on the tour you choose, you can go snorkeling, swim in secluded coves, enjoy sunset views, or simply relax at sea. If you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins.
There are many different boat tours in Cagliari, ranging from sailing trips to zodiac tours, sunset cruises, kayak experiences, and even self-drive boat rentals. I have personally tried several of them over the years, including sailing and dinghy tours and, more recently, a kayak tour that I truly loved.
To help you choose the best Cagliari boat tour for your travel style and budget, I have put together this selection of the experiences I think are most worth your time. Whether you want a romantic sunset cruise, a relaxed day at sea, or a more active experience, you will find a good option here.
In this post, I will share the best Cagliari boat trips to explore the Gulf of Cagliari and the beautiful coastline of southern Sardinia.
My post, A Perfect Itinerary To See Cagliari, shares more information on the many places to visit in Sardinia’s capital and how to plan your time in the city.
Quick Answer: Best Cagliari Boat Trips
If you do not have time to read this guide in full, these are the Cagliari boat tours I generally recommend depending on your travel style.
- Best overall: Small-group boat tours around Sella del Diavolo with swimming stops. Ideal if it is your first time in Cagliari and you want a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and swimming in beautiful coves.
- Best for couples: Sunset sailing tours from Cagliari. A more relaxed experience focused on scenery, aperitivo vibes, and sunset views over the Gulf of Cagliari.
- Best for active travelers: Kayak tours around the Devil’s Saddle. Perfect if you enjoy being active and want to explore caves, cliffs, and hidden corners of the coastline up close.
- Best full-day experience: Mari Pintau sailing trips. The best option if you want to spend a full day at sea and reach some of the most beautiful beaches east of Cagliari.
- Best for families: Relaxed catamaran or dinghy tours with multiple swim stops. Usually, these are easy-going experiences with calm water, swimming breaks, and shorter navigation times.
- Best independent option: Self-drive boat rental from Marina Piccola. A good choice if you are comfortable at sea and prefer exploring at your own pace.
Good to know: Most Cagliari boat tours explore the Gulf of Cagliari and the coastline around the Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle), with stops at places such as Cala Fighera, Calamosca, Poetto, and sometimes even farther beaches, such as Mari Pintau, depending on the itinerary. Tours usually last between 3 and 8 hours.
Local tip: Opt for a morning tour if you want to go snorkeling and prefer calmer sea conditions; go for a sunset cruise if a boat tour for you is about the atmosphere and coastal views.
If you are visiting Sardinia in summer (especially in August), I strongly recommend booking in advance, especially for sunset cruises and small-group tours, which often sell out several days ahead.
Cagliari Boat Tours At A Glance
| Tour | Duration | Best For | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devil’s Saddle boat tour | 3 hrs | First-time visitors | Best all-round option |
| Sunset sailing tour | 2–3 hrs | Couples | Best atmosphere |
| Kayak tour | 3-4 hrs | Active travelers | Most immersive |
| Mari Pintau sailing trip | Full day | Relaxed beach day | Best longer experience |
| Boat rental | Flexible | Independent travelers | Only if comfortable at sea |
What You’ll Usually See on A Cagliari Boat Tour
Most boat tours in Cagliari explore the Gulf of Cagliari and the beautiful coastline around the Sella del Diavolo, the dramatic headland that dominates the city’s shoreline. Depending on the tour you choose, you can expect a mix of swimming stops, snorkeling spots, caves, cliffs, and beautiful coves.
One of the places most tours pass by is Poetto, Cagliari’s long city beach. Seen from the water, it gives you a completely different perspective of the city, with the skyline, the salt flats, and Sella del Diavolo all visible at once.
Many tours also stop at Calamosca, Cagliari’s second urban beach. It’s a small bay tucked between Poetto and the Devil’s Saddle area. They also stop in Cala Fighera, one of the most scenic coves near the city (and a famous nudist beach). The water here is usually incredibly clear and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Some itineraries continue toward Cala Bernat and the Grotta dei Colombi, a cave located along the cliffs of Sella del Diavolo that can only be properly appreciated from the sea or by kayak.
If you choose a full-day experience, you may also reach Mari Pintau, one of the most beautiful beaches near Cagliari, famous for its transparent water and colorful seabed.
Wildlife sightings are always possible, too. Dolphins occasionally appear in the Gulf of Cagliari, especially early in the morning, and the coastline around the Molentargius wetlands is an important habitat for many bird species, including pink flamingos. If you opt for a sunset tour, you may be able to see flamingos flying in the sky of Cagliari, moving from one wetland to the other.
Good to know: Keep in mind that routes and swimming stops can change depending on sea and wind conditions. Captains generally choose the calmest and safest areas on the day of the tour.
Best Time For A Boat Tour In Cagliari
The boat tour season in Cagliari usually runs from late spring (May) to early October, with the widest choice of tours and departures available between June and September. Outside of this period, in the winter months, operators stop running tours altogether.
If your priority is swimming and snorkeling, morning tours are usually the best option. The sea is often calmer earlier in the day, and visibility underwater tends to be better. The sea temperature in Sardinia is generally more comfortable during the hottest months of summer.
Sunset boat tours are a completely different experience. These are more about the atmosphere, the light over the Gulf of Cagliari, and relaxing at sea with a drink in hand, rather than spending lots of time snorkeling.
May can be a beautiful time for a boat trip because the weather is often warm and the coastline is still quiet, but keep in mind that the sea is usually still very cold and the weather is uncertain, with chances of rain and strong winds.
July and August offer the warmest water temperatures and the largest selection of tours, but they are also the busiest and most expensive months. If you are traveling during peak season, I strongly recommend booking your boat tour in advance.
Weather conditions can affect departures at any time of year. Strong Mistral winds can make the sea rough around Sella del Diavolo and the Gulf of Cagliari, and tours may be modified, delayed, or canceled for safety reasons.
The Best Cagliari Boat Trips
Guided Kayak Excursion in the Gulf of Cagliari
- Best for active travelers and confident swimmers
- Ideal if you want to explore caves and cliffs up close
- Great for smaller hidden spots around the Sella del Diavolo
- More physically demanding than a regular boat tour
- Not the best choice if you mainly want to relax
Effectively, this isn’t a Cagliari boat tour. But it’s so much fun, and the views and overall experience during the tour are so amazing, that I wanted to include it anyway.
I took this tour myself recently with my best friend, and we loved it. The tour lasts 4 hours and departs from Marina Piccola, one of Cagliari’s tourist harbors and a popular local landmark too.
You’ll meet your guide – an expert local guide and a kayaking instructor too – who will explain the basics of kayaking (perfect if it is your first time), and provide you with a life jacket (which you are meant to wear while you kayak) before departing.
You will be paddling around the Sella del Diavolo, which is a favorite spot among locals and tourists for an easy yet rewarding hike in the city. You will be going in small grottoes such as the Grotta dei Colombi (in some cases, you will even go inside with the kayak!), learn about the history of the city, observe local bird species and learn about their lives and migration cycles.
The tour stops at various hidden beaches in the Sella del Diavolo, passes by Calamosca Beach (the second most popular beach in Cagliari), goes to Cala Fighera (a famous nudist beach in Sardinia) and a few historical landmarks too.
When we took the tour, we paddled for a total of 8 km (about 5 miles) but it was done at a nice and slow pace and we never felt it was too challenging (and trust me, I am anything but good at kayaking). We stopped regularly to admire the views, get information and obviously to jump in the water.
The tour usually departs at 9:00 am, when the sea is very calm. It may also be offered at sunset during the weekend.
It’s an overall memorable experience that I truly recommend.
Sailing boat trip to the Devil’s Saddle
- Best for couples and relaxed travelers
- Slower pace with more time spent enjoying the scenery
- Usually quieter and less crowded than dinghy tours
- Good option if you prefer sailing over speedboats
- Better for atmosphere than lots of swimming stops
If you want a slow-paced tour, then a sailing boat trip to the Devil’s Saddle is probably the best option for you. In fact, this is one of the most popular Cagliari boat trips!
The tour, which lasts 3 hours, is open to no more than 10 participants, which means you will be in a small group.
It departs from Su Siccu, one of the city’s tourist harbors and a place locals love to go for a walk, a run, to watch sunset, and simply hang out in every season.
This Cagliari boat tour stops at Cala Bernat, Calamosca, Cala Fighera, and the Devil’s Saddle before making its way back to Su Siccu harbor. You’ll have plenty of chances to snorkel in the clear waters (don’t worry, snorkeling gear is provided) and a local guide who will share interesting information about the rock formations and local marine life.
Depending on the day of the week, there are one or two departures – generally at 10:00 am and at 3:00 pm.
Catamaran tour with swim stop, snorkeling and sea cave
- Good all-round option for first-time visitors
- Stable and comfortable even for travelers worried about seasickness
- Usually suitable for families and mixed-age groups
- Good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing
- Sea caves and snorkeling stops make it more varied
If kayaking or sailing are not your thing, then this Cagliari boat tour that departs from the Cagliari city center is a great choice. The tour is open to up to 10 passengers, so you will be moving in a small group.
You will have many stops during the tour, including the lovely Cala Bernat Beach, Calamosca, Cala Fighera, the small coves in the Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto Beach. This means lots of chances for snorkeling, for which you will be provided with snorkeling gear.
The tour also includes a glass of prosecco and – if you pick the longer tour – also an aperitif. Keep in mind that this is a catamaran tour, which means there are amenities such as a toilet on board.
There are options for a morning departure and an afternoon departure. The morning departure is definitely better if you want to snorkel as much as possible. Depending on how late you visit in the summer, the afternoon departure may also mean the chance of seeing the sunset on the boat.
It’s a fun way of seeing Cagliari from a different angle and enjoying the pristine waters of Sardinia without having to leave the city.
Sunset boat tour with aperitifs and Prosecco
- Best for couples and groups of friends
- More about atmosphere and views than snorkeling
- Ideal if you do not want to spend a full day at sea
- Great for photography and sunset light over the Gulf of Cagliari
- Usually one of the most popular options in summer
Romantic people reading this will have no doubt that the best Cagliari boat tours would be sunset ones! And I have to say, Cagliari can offer some pretty impressive sunsets, and admiring it from the sea is certainly a fantastic experience.
The tour – which lasts up to 3 hours – departs from Lungomare New York 11 Settembre, 396, which is in the center of Cagliari, and it is open to no more than 10 participants. It’s a speedboat tour, so it moves quite fast on the sea.
You’ll just have two stops during the tour – a snorkeling stop at the Devil’s Saddle (snorkeling gear in this case is not provided) where you’ll get to spend up to one hour swimming in the sea, and a sunset stop at Calamosca, where you will be offered an aperitif and a drink before heading back to the harbor.
Departure time is in the afternoon and it may vary so as to make sure that you get to see the sunset.
It’s a great tour if you are keen on seeing the sunset in Cagliari and are looking for a more romantic and intimate experience.
3-hour boat tour in the Gulf of Cagliari
- Best value for most travelers
- Ideal if you are short on time
- Usually includes several swim and snorkeling stops
- Good introduction to the coastline around the Sella del Diavolo
- Often the best overall choice for first-time visitors
This dinghy boat tour in Cagliari is one of the best choices if all you want to do is swim. It departs from Marina Piccola, which means that once you get off the boat, you can head right back to the beach (it’s around the corner from Poetto) and you can still hang out, soak in the sun, and swim some more.
The tour lasts 3 hours and is open to no more than 10 participants, so you’ll never feel like it is crowded.
It makes many stops in the Gulf of Cagliari, which include the coves of the Devil’s Saddle, Cala Fighera and Calamosca. You will be provided with snorkeling equipment to take in all that the waters of Cagliari have to offer, and will have plenty of stunning views along the way.
There are two daily departures – one in the morning and one around lunch time. I recommend picking the morning tour as the sea tends to be calmer then and it’s just more enjoyable.
Boat rental Cagliari
- Best for independent travelers
- Lets you explore at your own pace
- Good option if you already have boating experience
- Not ideal if you are uncomfortable navigating at sea
- Always check whether fuel is included in the price
If you can drive a boat, you could also consider renting one for half a day to go around the Gulf of Cagliari. It’s not too expensive – the price is usually per boat (you’ll have a small dinghy with a 40 HP engine), and boats take up to 5 passengers, so it’s a good option if you are traveling with your family or a small group of friends.
Rental usually starts in the morning and lasts 3 to 4 hours. You can pick your small zodiac in Marina Piccola and start exploring from there. You will be briefed on a few security measures, then you are free to explore at your own pace.
One thing to point out is that the price does not include fuel, so you’ll have to pay for that separately once you return the boat.
In general, renting your own boat is a great idea if you want to be a bit more independent.
Full-day sailing at Mari Pintau
- Best if you want a full beach-and-sea day
- Longer and more relaxed than Gulf of Cagliari tours
- Usually includes more time swimming and sunbathing
- Great option if you have already seen central Cagliari beaches
- Better for travelers who do not mind spending many hours at sea
This specific tour doesn’t take just you around Cagliari, but it also goes to Mari Pintau, one of the most famous beaches near the city, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
It’s a full-day tour – it lasts 8 hours, so it is perfect if you have more time, or if you just can’t get enough of Sardinia’s glorious waters. Depending on the departure day, the boat takes just 5 passengers and never more than 10, so you’ll be going in a small group, which makes the day more pleasant altogether.
During the tour, you’ll admire the same small coves and beaches in the Gulf of Cagliari that other boat tours go to – namely Cala Bernat, Calamosca, Cala Fighera, and the Grotta dei Colombi (Doves’ Grotto) before heading to Poetto and then sailing to the beautiful Mari Pintau.
Each time, you’ll have the chance of jumping in the water to snorkel (snorkeling equipment is provided).
As this is a full-day tour, you will also be offered lunch and drinks.
The tour departs almost every morning from the main port of Cagliari, in the city center.
How To Choose The Right Cagliari Boat Tour
Not all Cagliari boat tours are the same, and the best experience really depends on what kind of day you want to have. Some tours focus on swimming and snorkeling, while others are more about relaxing at sea and enjoying the scenery.
Choose A Dinghy Tour If You Want Swim Stops
Small-group dinghy or zodiac tours are usually the best option if your priority is swimming and snorkeling. They are faster than sailing boats, can easily reach small coves around the Sella del Diavolo, and usually include several stops at places such as Cala Fighera and Calamosca.
These tours are also typically the best value if you want to spend a few hours at sea without committing to a full-day experience.
Choose A Sailing Tour If You Want A Slower Pace
Sailing tours are generally quieter and more relaxed. They are ideal if you want to spend time at sea without rushing from one stop to another.
I particularly recommend them for couples or anyone looking for a more scenic and peaceful experience rather than an activity-focused tour.
Choose A Kayak Tour If You Are Active
Kayak tours are perfect if you enjoy being active and want to experience the coastline more closely. They often reach caves and rocky sections that larger boats cannot access easily, especially around the Grotta dei Colombi and the cliffs of the Sella del Diavolo.
That said, they are still physical activities, especially in the summer heat, so they are not the best option if you simply want to relax.
Choose A Sunset Tour For The Atmosphere
Sunset tours are less about swimming and more about enjoying the scenery and the atmosphere as the light changes over the Gulf of Cagliari.
These experiences are usually shorter and more relaxed, they usually include drinks or aperitivo on board. They are especially popular with couples.
Choose A Mari Pintau Tour If You Want A Longer Day
If you want to spend a full day at sea and visit beaches farther from the city, choose a sailing trip toward Mari Pintau.
These tours usually involve longer navigation times but also more time swimming and relaxing away from the busier parts of the Gulf of Cagliari.
Don’t Choose A Boat Rental Unless You Are Comfortable At Sea
Self-drive boat rentals can be fun, but they are not for everyone. You are responsible for navigation, anchoring, and fuel management, and must bear in mind the weather conditions.
The sea around Cagliari can become rough surprisingly quickly when the wind picks up, especially in the afternoon, so I only recommend this option if you already have some boating experience and feel comfortable at sea.
Practical Tips Before Booking A Cagliari Boat Tour
Before booking your Cagliari boat tour, there are a few practical things you should know to avoid surprises and make the most of your day at sea.
Check The Departure Point Carefully
Not all tours depart from the same marina. Some leave from Marina Piccola by Poetto, others from the port area near Via Roma, some leave from the Marina di Sant’Elmo (locals call it “Su Siccu”) and kayak tours start directly from Poetto Beach or Marina Piccola.
Always double-check the exact meeting point before the day of your tour, especially if you are not traveling by car.
Expect Routes To Change Depending On Weather
Sea and wind conditions can change quickly around the Gulf of Cagliari, especially when the mistral is strong. For safety reasons, captains may change swimming stops, shorten routes, or cancel tours altogether.
This is completely normal and usually done to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Dinghies Do Not Have Toilets
Zodiac and dinghy tours operate on relatively small boats without toilet facilities on board. This is rarely an issue on shorter trips, but it is something worth knowing in advance, especially if you are traveling with young children.
Larger sailing boats and catamarans will have a bathroom.
Bring More Water Than You Think You Need
Summers in Cagliari are extremely hot, and the sun feels even stronger at sea because of the reflection on the water.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel. I also recommend carrying a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables.
Boat Rentals May Not Include Fuel
If you decide to rent a boat independently, always check exactly what is included in the final price. Fuel is hardly ever included and you will likely have to pay it separately at the end of the rental.
You should also verify whether any boating license or previous experience is required.
Book Early In The Summer
The best Cagliari boat tours, especially sunset cruises and small-group experiences, can sell out several days in advance during July and August.
If you are traveling in peak season, I recommend booking ahead rather than waiting until the last minute.
FAQs About Cagliari Boat Tours
The best boat trip from Cagliari for most travelers is a small-group tour around the Sella del Diavolo with swimming and snorkeling stops. These tours usually offer the best balance of scenery, swimming, price, and duration, making them ideal for first-time visitors.
Yes, especially in summer. Boat tours are one of the best ways to experience the coastline around Cagliari, and go to beaches, swimming and snorkeling spots that are otherwise difficult to reach such as Cala Fighera or the coves of the Sella del Diavolo.
Most Cagliari boat tours last between 3 and 4 hours, though sunset cruises are often shorter and full-day sailing trips can last up to 8 hours. The exact duration depends on the type of tour and itinerary.
Departure points vary depending on the tour. Many tours leave from Marina Piccola near Poetto Beach, while others depart from the port area in central Cagliari or from the Marina di Sant’Elmo. Kayak tours often start directly from Poetto or Marina Piccola.
Yes. Full-day sailing trips from Cagliari usually head toward Mari Pintau and other beaches east of the city. These experiences typically include longer swimming stops.
Morning tours are generally better for snorkeling and calmer sea conditions. Sunset tours are more about atmosphere, views, and relaxing on board with drinks while watching the sun set over the Gulf of Cagliari.
Depending on the wind, they will run, but they don’t run if it threatens to rain. Usually, tours can be delayed, modified, or canceled if sea or wind conditions are considered unsafe. Strong mistral winds in particular can make the sea rough around Sella del Diavolo and the Gulf of Cagliari.
Yes, many Cagliari boat tours are suitable for children, especially catamaran and dinghy tours with short navigation times and swimming stops. Kayak tours may have minimum age requirements depending on the operator.
It depends on the type of boat. Small dinghies and zodiac tours do not have toilets, while larger sailing boats and catamarans usually do.
Yes, especially in July and August. Sunset cruises and small-group tours often sell out several days ahead during peak season, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts on The Best Cagliari Boat Tours
As you can see, there are many excellent boat tour options in Cagliari, and there really is something for every travel style, budget, and level of activity.
Whether you want a relaxing sunset cruise, a snorkeling-focused zodiac tour, a more active kayak experience, or a full sailing day toward Mari Pintau, spending time at sea is one of the best things to do in Cagliari in summer.
Tours typically operate between May and early October. Personally, I think July and September are some of the best months to go out at sea around Cagliari, thanks to the warm weather and pleasant water temperatures.
Keep in mind that itineraries and swimming stops may change depending on sea and wind conditions. Likewise, tours may occasionally be delayed or canceled in case of strong winds or bad weather. This is completely normal and done for safety reasons. If that happens, operators will usually offer an alternative departure date or a refund.
Having been born and raised in Cagliari, I genuinely think seeing the city and the coastline from the water gives you a completely different perspective of my hometown. The Gulf of Cagliari is beautiful, the sea around the Sella del Diavolo is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and even after living here my entire life, I still love going out on a boat whenever I can.
Whatever Cagliari boat tour you decide to book, I hope you have an amazing time exploring this part of Sardinia.
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If you want a beach holiday in Sardinia (which includes boat tours), the best months to visit are July and August. Yes, it is more crowded, but that’s also when the water is warm and pleasant to swim. Comes September, the weather can be amazing, but it can also start raining and get windy so… your choice! If you need more help with your trip, you can book a consultation with me https://strictlysardinia.com/sardinia-travel-consultation/
Hi Claudia,
My childhood girlfriend and I are planning to be in Sardinia in a year. You say these boat tours are available into the beginning of October. We had planned to be there mid-October but I’m rethinking this because I don’t want to miss out on a boat tour or two. Do I understand this correctly?