Crystal water and a legend in one ride. On this south Sardinia 8-meter RIB tour, I like how the route mixes quick viewpoints with real time to swim and snorkel, led by skippers like Francesca who tell stories and keep music moving.

I especially like the boat setup: a telescopic ladder and spacious rear platforms make it easy to get in and out, plus there’s a shower to rinse off salt.

One thing to plan for: this trip is weather- and authority-dependent, and the captain makes the final call if conditions aren’t right.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• La Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle): the signature stop with extra swim and snorkeling time
• Two snorkeling-friendly windows at the Devil’s Saddle, not just a quick dip
• Easy entry and rinse with a ladder, rear platforms, and onboard shower
• Dolphin-watching moments at the Cagliari Cruise Port (brief, but exciting)
• Music + stories with Bluetooth speakers, a microphone for the guide, and often singing energy
• A real aperitivo included: a complimentary pink drink served onboard (spritz-style vibes)

Why This Cagliari Speedboat Tour Makes Sense (RIB vs. Sailboat)

If you want the south coast of Sardinia to feel close and vivid, a fast RIB speedboat is a smart choice. You spend less time motoring around and more time at the spots that matter: coves where you can actually swim, plus viewpoints tied to local legends.

The biggest win here is the pacing. A sailboat tour often gives you long stretches of travel between stops. This one is built for short runs, quick photo moments, and then meaningful water time. That’s why the itinerary includes multiple swim and snorkeling breaks, with the most time concentrated around the Devil’s Saddle area.

That also explains the relaxed tone people seem to love. The skipper isn’t just pointing; they’re narrating and setting the mood, often with music. On one trip, guides like Gianni are described as funny and story-heavy, while Francesca is known for turning the ride into a lively, welcome experience.

Getting Started: Bacan Meeting Point and a Fast Coastline Launch

You start at Bacan Cagliari, right by the restaurant. The instruction is simple: show up and wait just in front of Bacan to meet your skipper. No hotel pickup here, so you’ll want to build in a little buffer time to get to the center and find the exact spot.

Once everyone’s onboard, you’ll settle in one of the boat’s comfortable corner areas and set off fast along the coast. The tempo matters. Even before the first swim stop, you’re already getting that “Sardinia, right now” feeling—coastlines moving past at speed, with the kind of sea colors that don’t show up the same way from shore.

Practical tip: because the tour has clear rules on clothing and shoes (more on that below), plan to arrive already dressed for the water. That way you’re not stuck fiddling with what goes where while the boat is ready to go.

Cagliari Cruise Port Dolphin Watch: Short, But Worth the Hope

One of the earliest moments is dolphin watching near the Cagliari Cruise Port. It’s not a long segment—think about ten minutes—but it’s timed for the right kind of coastal viewing.

Here’s how I’d frame it: don’t book for a guaranteed dolphin sighting. Do book because when dolphins do appear, it’s the kind of moment that makes the rest of the day feel even better. Also, the tour keeps your eyes up. You’re not just staring at the horizon; the skipper is actively watching and scanning, which gives you something fun to focus on right from the start.

Cala Bernat: A First Swim-Ready Cove with a Photo Stop Feel

Next comes Cala Bernat. You’ll get a blend of sightseeing, guided context, and a bit of free time. You’re also getting your first real chance to look closely at the coastline—where coves open up and the water changes color as it moves around the rocks.

This stop is ideal if you’re the type who likes a slow-start into the day. You can take photos, listen to local stories, and then decide when to swim. The tour is built so you can handle both modes—social time onboard and private time in the water.

If you’re nervous about getting in, this is where the boat design helps. The tour uses a telescopic ladder and large rear platforms, so you’re not forced into a tricky jump-in situation.

Cala Mosca: Guided Views and Another Beach Stop

Cala Mosca follows, with more guided touring and a longer on-site window than a pure photo stop. The time works well because it isn’t just a quick “look and go.” It’s enough time to re-orient yourself, get a feel for the bay, and settle into that mid-day rhythm where the boat stops feel like part of a sequence instead of a checklist.

If the weather or sea is slightly choppy, this stop also helps you reset. You’ll have time onboard, time off the boat, and the skipper can choose the safest moments for water access.

Cala Fighera: Where the Views Turn Dramatic

Then you head to Cala Fighera for another guided-and-photo-style moment. This is the kind of stop that’s great for simply taking in the shape of the shoreline—cliffs, coves, and that classic south Sardinia look where the coast feels rugged but inviting.

Cala Fighera is especially good if you like a tour that doesn’t treat the whole day like an all-or-nothing swim session. You can enjoy the scenery, listen to the story side of the skipper’s narration, and still know the best water time is coming later.

La Sella del Diavolo: The Devil’s Saddle, Gasole Pools, and the Main Swim Block

Now for the star. You’ll reach La Sella del Diavolo—the Devil’s Saddle—plus the area known for the Gasole Pools. This is the stop where the tour earns its reputation, because it’s not only scenic. It’s built for water time: swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing.

What makes this portion special is the way time is split. You don’t just get one quick moment. You’ll have two separate windows around the Devil’s Saddle:

• one earlier segment where there’s guided viewing and then swimming and snorkeling time
• a later segment with more sightseeing plus longer water access

That structure gives you a better shot at seeing more. Sometimes the first swim window is for settling in. The second is when conditions feel easier and you can focus on the water.

It’s also tied to the storytelling. The skipper shares legends and coastal history while you’re passing the Devil’s Saddle area, which makes the rocks feel less like scenery and more like a character in the day.

The Second Half: Poetto for a Different Kind of Cagliari

After the main swim highlights, you finish with Poetto. This isn’t described as a snorkeling hotspot. It’s more of a visit-and-walk kind of stop with scenic value and a chance to absorb the energy of Cagliari’s coastline without the constant water gear mindset.

Poetto works like a “landing pad” for the trip. You’ve already had your swim, your photos, your legend stop, and some dolphin hope. Now it’s time to breathe, look around, and enjoy the coast at a slower pace.

Then you return to the meeting point at Bacan Cagliari, where the tour ends back where you started.

Onboard Vibe: Music, Microphone, Bluetooth, and a Pink Drink

This tour isn’t quiet. It’s social in a good way.

Here’s what you get onboard:

• a microphone so you can actually hear the skipper clearly
• onboard speakers that you can connect to via Bluetooth
• a complimentary pink drink served during the tour (often described as spritz-style in marketing terms, and delivered as a pink sangria)

That cocktail isn’t just a nice extra. It fits the day’s rhythm. When you’re in and out of crystal water, a cold drink helps you feel human again. And if you end up staying mostly onboard between swim stops, you’ll still feel included—music and the singing-party energy are part of the experience design.

Also, drinks can be purchased onboard. So if you get the chance to chat with your group between stops, you’re not stuck with only the included drink.

Getting In and Out for Swim and Snorkel (Without the Usual Hassle)

One reason people rate this tour so highly is that it treats water access as a safety and comfort issue, not a “good luck” experiment.

You’ll have:

• telescopic ladder entry/exit
• two large rear platforms for stepping and resting
• showers onboard so you can rinse salt off after swimming

And the snorkeling isn’t random. Stops are timed for safety, and you’ll get in and out when the skipper says it’s OK.

Important note: there are strict rules about touching marine life. So enjoy what you see, but keep your hands to yourself. It keeps wildlife safe and keeps you from turning a fun day into a frustrating one.

If you’re unsure about snorkeling, you can still enjoy the water. The tour is set up so swimming is a major option too, not only snorkeling.

Price and Value: Is $62.31 Worth It?

At $62.31 per person, this is priced like an experience that wants to deliver more than a short “see the coast” cruise. The value shows up in the bundle:

• speedboat RIB tour with fuel included
• skipper guiding the route and the storytelling
• a complimentary onboard pink drink
• equipment-free comfort features (ladder, platforms, shower)
• multiple swim/snorkeling stops clustered around the best water area

If you compare this to tours that only give you one swim stop or just a long boat ride with occasional photos, the difference is time in the water. Here, the day has enough water access to justify the cost for most people—especially if you’re traveling without a car and want the coast served on a schedule.

The only “cost” is your own flexibility: the trip runs only if authorities permit excursions and the captain has the final say. If you’re the type who schedules tightly with no wiggle room, you might want to pick a day where you can handle weather changes.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is great if you want:

• a fast, fun boat day with real beach-and-cove time
• snorkeling and swimming options that aren’t limited to one quick stop
• a guide who mixes local legends with history and music
• a social vibe where people can talk, laugh, and share the day’s highlights

It’s also practical for groups. One group of friends described having the boat for themselves when they booked last minute, which hints at how this format can feel special if you’re traveling with a few people.

You should think twice if:

• you’re pregnant (the tour says it’s not suitable)
• you have pre-existing medical conditions (also listed as not suitable)
• you’re over 331 lbs / 150 kg
• you’re not comfortable with a ride that may get choppy depending on wind and sea conditions

Quick Packing Notes So You Don’t Get Stuck

The tour has a long list of “no” rules, so it’s worth planning ahead. You’re expected to bring:

• a towel
• passport or ID (a copy is accepted)

And expect restrictions like:

• no jeans
• no shoes (and no high-heeled shoes)
• no large bags, strollers, weapons/sharp objects
• no drones
• no smoking
• no touching marine life
• no fishing

So, the best packing strategy is simple: go light, go ready for water, and follow the footwear and clothing rules so you can board smoothly and enjoy the stops.

Final Thoughts: Should You Book This Cagliari RIB Tour?

Yes, you should book if you want the south Sardinia coast the efficient way: fast boat travel, multiple cove stops, and real swimming and snorkeling time centered around the Devil’s Saddle.

It’s especially worth your money if:

• snorkeling is on your list (and you want more than one chance)
• you like guides who tell stories and keep the onboard mood upbeat (music, singing-party energy, and a microphone make it easier to enjoy)
• you’re traveling without a car and want a guided route that saves time

Skip it if you’re tightly schedule-bound with zero flexibility, or if health limitations make a boat day difficult. Also, if you dislike any chance of rougher water, know the captain can adjust or decisions can hinge on daily conditions.

If your goal is a memorable Cagliari day with legends, turquoise water, and an easy rhythm from stop to stop, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Cagliari boat tour?

The tour duration is listed as 195 minutes, and you can check availability for the starting times.

Where do we meet for the boat tour?

You meet at Bacan Cagliari. You wait just in front of the restaurant Bacan. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are the speedboat tour, a complimentary pink sangria served onboard, fuel, the skipper, and a microphone so you can hear the guide.

Does the tour include swimming and snorkeling?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling stops, including time around La Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle).

Are drinks available besides the included one?

Yes. There is a complimentary pink drink served onboard, and additional drinks are available to buy.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring a towel and a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted). The tour does not allow things like jeans, shoes, smoking, drones, large bags, and touching marine life.