Cagliari: Sailing tour to Devil’s Saddle aboard Merak

The best part of this Cagliari outing is that you sail the Gulf rather than simply cruise across it. Paolo keeps the engine for windless moments, then hoists Merak’s sails as soon as you clear the harbor. You may even take the helm or help trim the sails after a quick lesson.

I like two things right away: the small group, limited to nine, and the personal touch from Paolo, who mixes sailing instruction with local history, practical Sardinia tips, and easy conversation. I also like the swim stop below the white cliffs of Sella del Diavolo, where fish gather in clear water and a small purple-walled cave adds a memorable touch.

The main consideration is comfort at sea. This is not a good choice for anyone with serious mobility limits or a strong tendency toward seasickness, and even experienced swimmers should remember that conditions and wind can shape the day.

What makes this sailing trip worth considering

• A real sailing boat: Merak is a Beneteau First 33.7, and engine use is limited when wind allows.
• Hands-on sailing: You can learn to steer and help trim the sails instead of sitting passively.
• A swim beneath Devil’s Saddle: The usual stop has clear water, fish, a white cliff, and access to a small cave.
• Paolo’s local perspective: He combines sailing know-how with Cagliari history and suggestions for the rest of your Sardinia visit.
• Small-group setting: With no more than nine participants, conversation and deck space feel more personal.
• Simple food included: After swimming, you get a cheese and salami sandwich, soft drinks, water, iced tea, Coke, or Orangina.

Setting out from Marina di Sant’Elmo

You meet at Marina di Sant’Elmo on Calata della Fiera, close to Bacan Bar and directly in front of the blue metal gate. Searching for 642G+PXJ Cagliari on Google Maps should take you to the meeting point.

Allow yourself enough time to find the marina. The boat is in a working harbor, not at a famous city landmark, so the final approach may feel less obvious than the rest of the experience. The meeting spot is still quite specific, and the blue gate provides a useful visual marker.

Once everyone is aboard, Paolo releases the mooring lines and motors through the harbor. He gives a short safety briefing and explains basic sailing principles before the boat reaches open water. These first minutes also offer one of the better chances to spot dolphins, since dolphins sometimes enter the harbor to feed on mullet fish.

That possibility is exactly the kind of bonus that makes a harbor departure worthwhile. It is not guaranteed, so treat dolphin watching as a lucky extra rather than the central promise of the trip.

Merak turns the Gulf into a hands-on lesson

Merak is a Beneteau First 33.7 sailboat fitted with several sails for weak, medium, and stronger wind. As soon as the boat leaves the harbor, Paolo normally raises the sails and lets the Gulf of Cagliari provide the power.

I like this approach because it gives the outing a proper sailing character. You are not simply being carried to a swimming spot on a motorboat. When the wind is right, you feel the boat heel, watch the sails respond, and see how small adjustments change the boat’s movement.

Paolo also invites participants to take part. After a quick lesson, you can try steering and help trim the sails. That makes this a good fit for a first sailing experience, while people who already know the basics can ask more detailed questions and spend more time working with the boat.

The tradeoff is that sailing depends on wind. The trip promises limited engine use, not a guarantee that the boat will sail every minute. In calm conditions, the engine must do more of the work. On the morning tour, winds are usually lighter, which can make swimming more pleasant. The afternoon outing is generally better for cooler air and livelier sailing.

Sella del Diavolo and the story behind its name

The usual destination is Sella del Diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle, the prominent headland near Cagliari. Its name comes from an old legend, which Paolo explains during the trip.

The stop is more than a photo opportunity. Merak anchors in a bay below a tall white cliff, giving you time to swim in clear water and look below the surface. Fish gather around swimmers and are eager to take food, creating an up-close marine-life encounter.

Snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins, is provided. You may also use your smartphone for underwater photographs with a case Paolo lends you. That is a thoughtful touch, though you should still handle your phone carefully and remember that water conditions can affect visibility.

Paolo swims with the group to a small cave with purple walls. The cave gives the stop a clear sense of place, and it is one of the details that separates this outing from a simple open-water swim. You get scenery above the water, marine life below it, and a small feature to explore without turning the stop into a long shore excursion.

You should be a reasonably confident swimmer to get the most from this portion. The information provided does not describe a beach landing or an accessible entry, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

A simple Sardinian lunch on deck

After the swim, Paolo serves a light meal of cheese and salami sandwiches. Drinks include water, beer, iced tea, Coke, Orangina, and other soft drinks listed for the outing.

This is not a full restaurant lunch, and it is best to think of it as a convenient bite between sailing and swimming. It saves you from packing a meal and fits the relaxed rhythm of a half-day on the water.

If you are vegan or gluten intolerant, state that when you book. The tour specifically asks for special dietary needs in advance, so do not wait until you are already on the boat.

The food also adds to the sense of Sardinian hospitality Paolo aims to share. His role is not limited to handling the sails. He talks about local attractions, Cagliari’s past, and places you may want to visit after the trip. Several people have found that the conversation becomes as memorable as the route, especially when they ask questions and take an active interest in the area.

Sailing past Poetto Beach

If time allows, Merak continues in front of Poetto Beach. This part gives you a broader view of Cagliari’s coast and lets you settle into the rhythm of sailing after the swim and lunch.

The exact amount of time here depends on the day’s conditions and the earlier parts of the trip. That flexibility is sensible. A good captain may spend longer at the swim stop if the water is inviting, or adjust the route if the wind changes.

Paolo can talk about Sardinian tourism, local history, sailing, or personal experiences. The tone is informal rather than scripted. If you prefer a quiet ride, you can focus on the coast and the wind. If you enjoy conversation, you will have plenty to ask about.

There is also a chance, not a promise, of seeing Luna Rossa training in the Gulf. The sailing team practiced in the area for the October 2024 America’s Cup. A close sighting would be an exciting extra for anyone interested in racing, but you should not book the trip solely for that possibility.

What the four-hour format feels like

The experience lasts about four hours, including the harbor departure, sailing, the swim and snorkeling stop, and the return through the Gulf. That is enough time to make the boat feel like the main event without consuming an entire day in Cagliari.

The schedule is active but not rushed. You begin with a safety briefing and sailing lesson, move into open-water sailing, anchor beneath Devil’s Saddle, swim and snorkel, eat on board, and continue along the coast if time remains.

Small groups matter here. With up to nine people, the boat can feel social without becoming a crowded excursion. You have a better chance to ask Paolo questions, get a turn at the helm, and find a comfortable spot on deck.

Still, a sailboat is not a floating resort. Space is more limited than on a large sightseeing vessel, and the boat’s movement is part of the experience. Wear practical clothing and secure anything that could blow away. Boots, sandals, and flip-flops are not allowed, so choose sturdy footwear suitable for moving around a boat.

Is $71 a fair price?

At $71 per person, the outing offers solid value if you want more than a sightseeing ride. The price includes four hours on a skippered sailboat, a hands-on sailing lesson, snorkeling masks and fins, a swim stop, food, soft drinks, and guiding in English, Italian, or Spanish.

The strongest value comes from the combination of activities. A short boat ride might give you coastal views, while a beach stop might give you swimming. Here, you get sailing instruction, local stories, marine-life viewing, food, and a chance to steer.

The price makes less sense if you dislike open water or want a purely relaxed cruise with no participation. You may also find a larger boat more comfortable if you prefer lots of room, though that would change the character of the outing.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 63 reviews, and 92 percent of participants gave the transport a perfect score. The repeated praise centers on Paolo’s warmth, sailing ability, historical stories, and effort to tailor conversation to the people on board. That pattern matters because the guide is central to the day. You are choosing a personal sailing experience, not only a route.

Who should book Merak?

I would choose this for couples, solo visitors, friends, and families with children who can manage a small sailboat and enjoy being involved. It suits curious first-time sailors especially well because Paolo explains the basics and lets you participate.

It is also a good option for anyone spending only a weekend in Cagliari. A four-hour trip gives you a strong introduction to the Gulf while leaving part of the day for the city, Poetto Beach, or another Sardinian sight.

Swimmers will probably prefer the morning, when conditions are often less windy. Sailors and people who care more about movement on the water may prefer the afternoon, when cooler winds usually make the sailing more enjoyable.

You should reconsider if you are prone to seasickness. The tour advises taking appropriate motion-sickness medicine one hour before departure if you still plan to participate. The experience is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

For safety and comfort, alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks cannot be consumed in the vehicle or boat setting. Life jackets are available for children and for adults upon request.

Final verdict: a personal way to meet Cagliari from the water

I would book this tour if I wanted a small, active outing with a captain who clearly enjoys teaching and talking about his home. The strongest reasons are the chance to sail Merak rather than simply ride on a powered craft, the swim below Devil’s Saddle, and Paolo’s mix of local stories and practical advice.

I would skip it only if seasickness, limited mobility, or a dislike of swimming makes the boat a poor fit. Wind can change the balance between sailing and motoring, and dolphin sightings or Luna Rossa are never guaranteed.

For most able swimmers who want a hands-on look at Cagliari’s coast, $71 is a fair price. You get a personal guide, a small group, a real sailboat, a memorable swim stop, and a taste of Sardinian hospitality in one well-sized half-day.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour start?

The meeting point is Marina di Sant’Elmo on Via Calata della Fiera, close to Bacan Bar and directly in front of the blue metal gate. You can search for 642G+PXJ Cagliari on Google Maps.

How long does the experience last?

The sailing trip lasts four hours.

What boat will I sail on?

You will sail aboard Merak, Paolo’s Beneteau First 33.7 sailboat.

Can I steer the sailboat?

Yes. After a quick sailing lesson, participants may take a turn steering and help trim the sails.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. Paolo offers the experience in English, Italian, and Spanish.

How many people can join?

The group is limited to nine participants.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, including masks and fins, is provided.

What food and drinks are included?

After swimming, you receive a cheese and salami sandwich. Drinks include water, beer, iced tea, Coke, Orangina, and other soft drinks. Vegan or gluten-free needs should be stated when booking.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness or with mobility impairments?

The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, though those who take appropriate motion-sickness medicine one hour before departure may participate. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.