Cagliari: Sailing tour to Devil’s Saddle aboard Merak

Discover Sardinia’s Coastline with a Sailing Adventure in Cagliari

The Cagliari sailing tour to Devil’s Saddle aboard Merak offers an engaging mix of sailing, swimming, and storytelling in the stunning waters of Sardinia. Priced at $67.97 per person, this 4-hour experience departs from Marina di Sant’Elmo and features a well-equipped sailboat, Merak, a Beneteau First 33.7, which is ready to handle all wind conditions with its large array of sails.

Led by a passionate and knowledgeable sailor, this tour provides a true sailing experience rather than just a boat ride. Participants get opportunities to steer the boat, trim sails, and learn about local legends such as the story behind the Devil’s Saddle. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy active participation, beautiful scenery, and marine life encounters.

However, it is important to consider that the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues or those prone to seasickness, and sandals, flip flops, pets, and alcohol are not allowed onboard. The tour balances sailing in moderate winds, swimming, and relaxing with snacks and drinks, making it a versatile choice for a half-day adventure.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $67.97 for 4 hours of sailing, the experience offers great value for a combination of adventure and relaxation.
• Departure Point: The tour begins at Marina di Sant’Elmo, easily accessible in Cagliari.
• Active Sailing: Participants can help steer and trim sails, experiencing hands-on sailing.
• Variety of Stops: Expect to visit the Sella del Diavolo, swim in crystal waters, and possibly see dolphins and the fast Luna Rossa boat practicing for the Americas Cup.
• Inclusive Offerings: After swimming, enjoy a cheese and salami sandwich with soft drinks, and snorkeling gear is provided.
• Small Group: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Multilingual Guides: Conducted in English, Italian, and Spanish, with an engaging skipper eager to share local stories.
• Suitability: Best suited for active participants comfortable in the water, not for those with mobility issues or seasickness.

Starting Point and How to Find It

The tour meets at Via Calata della Fiera, in front of the Bacan Bar, with the landmark being the blue metal gate. Travelers can simply type “642G+PXJ Cagliari” into Google Maps for precise directions. The activity ends at the same location after the 4-hour trip, making it easy to plan transport.

The Sailing Vessel: Merak

Merak is a Beneteau First 33.7, equipped for enjoyable sailing regardless of wind conditions. The skipper limits engine use to calm moments without wind, emphasizing true sailing. The boat’s large sail inventory allows for smooth, enjoyable passages whether winds are weak, moderate, or strong.

Participants get to learn sailing basics during a quick lesson at the start, giving a tangible feel for how sailing works. As the winds pick up, the transition from motoring to sailing adds a fun, dynamic element to the trip.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour’s main destination is the Sella del Diavolo, a prominent promontory linked to a local legend, which is stunningly visible from the water. Here, the boat drops anchor for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters at the foot of a white cliff. Marine life is abundant, and the waters are friendly to those with underwater cameras, especially since a purple-walled cave is included in the exploration.

Expect to see dolphins in the open waters of the Gulf of Cagliari, particularly during the dolphin-watching segment. The guide often points out local wildlife and shares interesting stories about Sardinia and the coast’s history.

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Swimming and Snorkeling: Up Close with Marine Life

The anchoring at the bay near Sella del Diavolo provides clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The underwater cave with purple walls becomes a highlight, and snorkel gear—fins and masks—are included. Participants are encouraged to take underwater photos, making the experience accessible even for beginners.

Post-swim, a light sandwich and drinks are served onboard, giving a chance to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. The crystal waters and marine life create a vivid, up-close experience that enhances the sense of adventure.

Marine Life Encounters and Dolphin Watching

The Gulf of Cagliari is known for dolphins, and the tour offers the opportunity to spot these intelligent creatures in their natural environment. The dolphin-watching segment typically takes place in calmer waters where dolphins often swim close to the boat, adding a special touch to the trip.

There’s also a chance to see the Luna Rossa sailing boat, which practices nearby for the 2024 Americas Cup. Watching this high-speed racing vessel in action provides an exciting glimpse of Sardinia’s vibrant sailing scene.

Sailing in Front of Poetto Beach

If time allows, the boat will sail along the coast in front of Poetto Beach, one of Cagliari’s most popular beaches. This offers a different perspective on the shoreline and allows passengers to enjoy scenic views of the city’s coast from the water.

The Skipper: Knowledgeable and Passionate

The tour is guided by a skipper passionate about sailing and sharing Sardinian culture. The guide is known for engaging storytelling, including local legends like that of the Devil’s Saddle.

Participants can ask questions about sailing techniques, local attractions, or Sardinia’s history. The guide is also happy to personalize the experience, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Practicalities and Safety Considerations

The tour requires no previous sailing experience but does include a quick sailing lesson at the start. Life jackets are available upon request for adults and children. It is recommended that people prone to seasickness take medication at least one hour before the trip.

Participants should avoid wearing sandals or flip flops and note that pets and alcohol are not permitted onboard. The group size is limited to nine participants, ensuring plenty of space and personal attention from the skipper.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This sailing tour appeals to those who enjoy hands-on experiences, like helping steer or trimming sails. The combination of active sailing, marine encounters, and storytelling makes it ideal for adventurous travelers, families, and water lovers.

It’s particularly suited for people who appreciate learning about local culture, as the guide shares stories about Sardinia’s legends and coast. While not designed for travelers with mobility impairments or those sensitive to seasickness, the tour offers a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this experience special is the dedicated guide’s passion for sailing and local storytelling. The small group format fosters a personalized experience, and the participatory nature of sailing makes it more than just a boat ride.

The diverse activities—sailing, swimming, dolphin watching, and exploring marine caves—ensure that every part of the trip feels lively and engaging. The value for money is solid, given the inclusion of snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the chance to learn sailing skills.

This Cagliari sailing tour to Devil’s Saddle provides a thrilling yet relaxing adventure on the water, with hands-on sailing, marine life encounters, and local legends. The expert skipper makes sure each participant feels involved and informed, creating a personalized and informative experience.

At $67.97 for four hours, it offers good value alongside breathtaking scenery and marine encounters. It’s a fantastic choice for water enthusiasts and those interested in sailing in Sardinia. However, travelers should be aware of the limited accessibility and sea conditions that might not suit everyone.

This tour shines through its passionate guiding, beautiful locations, and interactive sailing—making it a memorable way to connect with Sardinia’s coast.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and life jackets are available upon request.

Can I participate if I have no sailing experience?
Absolutely, a quick sailing lesson is included, and the experience is suitable for beginners.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities; avoid sandals or flip flops.

Are drinks and snacks provided?
Yes, after swimming, you’ll enjoy a cheese and salami sandwich with soft drinks like water, beer, iced tea, Coke, or Orangina.

Can I help steer the boat?
Yes, participants are encouraged to participate in steering and trimming sails.

What marine life might I see?
Dolphins are commonly spotted, and marine caves are part of the swimming segment.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 9 participants for a personalized experience.

Are there specific times to join?
Check availability for start times, which typically last four hours; morning and afternoon tours may differ slightly in wind conditions.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

How do I find the meeting point?
Type “642G+PXJ Cagliari” into Google Maps, and the tour departs from Via Calata della Fiera in front of the Bacan Bar.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby