Sail the Sella del Diavolo: A 3-Hour Cagliari Coastline Excursion
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to step on and off a small boat and swim short distances.
Overview
Set sail from Sant'Elmo for a three-hour circuit past the Sella del Diavolo cliffs, secret coves and clear snorkeling spots. This easy sailing excursion blends seaside legends, limestone caves and a sunset Prosecco to cap off a perfect half-day on the Gulf of Cagliari.
Sail the Sella del Diavolo: A 3-Hour Cagliari Coastline Excursion
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You push off from the small Sant'Elmo marina and the city recedes—cobblestones give way to swivel of gulls and the sea that dares you to look away. The skipper trims the sails and the boat heels gently; limestone cliffs of the Sella del Diavolo loom like an old story, their faces scarred by caves and time. For three hours the Gulf of Angels (Golfo degli Angeli) unspools along the starboard rail: Cala Bernat, Cala Mosca and the narrow mouth of Cala Fighera. Each cove answers differently to the wind and light.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early
Staff meet at the Sant'Elmo marina entrance opposite the Bacàn bar; parking is free but boarding requires ID, so allow time.
Guard against seasickness
Even on calm days the boat rolls; take motion-sickness meds beforehand if you're sensitive and sit mid-boat for less movement.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
The deck offers limited shade—use SPF 30+, a hat and sunglasses; reapply after swimming.
Respect the seagrass
Avoid anchoring on Posidonia meadows and follow the crew’s guidance when entering the water to protect marine habitat.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Mediterranean seabirds (cormorants, shearwaters)
History
Sella del Diavolo bears layers of human history—from Phoenician and Roman presence to medieval watch posts—its shape has guided sailors along Sardinia’s southern shore for millennia.
Conservation
The Gulf is home to seagrass meadows (Posidonia) crucial for marine life; follow crew instructions to avoid anchoring on meadows and minimize single-use plastics aboard.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cagliari
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
Protects skin during open-deck sailing and prevents chemical damage to marine life.
summer specific
Swimwear and quick-dry towel
Necessary for the swim stops—snorkeling gear is provided but you’ll want to be comfortable drying off.
summer specific
Non-slip water shoes
Improves grip on wet decks and makes boarding from small platforms safer.
Light windbreaker
Useful for cooler spring or evening crossings when the sea breeze sharpens.
spring specific