Cagliari: Sailing tour to Devil’s Saddle aboard Merak

Sea time beats sightseeing from shore. This four-hour sailing trip aboard Merak gives you a hands-on look at the Gulf of Cagliari, with time to help steer, trim the sails, swim beneath the Sella del Diavolo, and listen to Paolo’s stories about Sardinia. I especially like the limited engine use and the small group of no more than nine people. The main consideration is that this is a proper sailboat, not a wide sightseeing boat, so it suits confident swimmers and people comfortable with open water better than anyone prone to seasickness.

Paolo’s warm, personal approach is another strong point. He shares sailing skills, local history, restaurant and sightseeing tips, and stories from his own life, rather than delivering a fixed speech. Just keep in mind that wind controls the day: the boat may sail briskly, move slowly in light air, or use the engine when the breeze disappears.

Key Things to Know Before You Step Aboard

• Merak is a Beneteau First 33.7 sailboat: You get a real sailing experience, with sails raised soon after leaving the harbor.
• Paolo invites you to take part: After a short lesson, you may steer and help trim the sails.
• The Sella del Diavolo stop is the centerpiece: Expect an anchor stop, clear water, fish, snorkeling, and a swim toward a small purple-walled cave.
• Dolphins are possible near the harbor: They sometimes enter to feed on mullet, though sightings cannot be promised.
• The group is limited to nine people: That makes conversation and hands-on sailing easier than on a large cruise boat.
• Morning and afternoon trips feel different: Morning usually favors swimming, while afternoon often brings cooler, stronger wind for sailing.

What This Cagliari Sailing Trip Feels Like

This is not a boat ride where you sit in one place while someone points at the shore. Merak is a working sailboat, and Paolo wants you to understand how it moves. He explains basic safety rules and sailing principles, then welcomes you into the process.

That distinction matters. If you like learning by doing, the trip has far more character than a standard harbor cruise. You can have a turn at the wheel and help adjust the sails. You will not simply see the Gulf of Cagliari. You will feel how wind, sail position, and the boat’s direction work together.

Paolo is the captain and guide. His strongest qualities are his enthusiasm for sailing and his ability to make conversation feel natural. He can talk about local history, the coastline, places to visit in Sardinia, and everyday life. Several people who sailed with him described him as warm, funny, and especially good at creating a relaxed mood on board.

The boat carries no more than nine participants. That is a useful size for a sailing lesson because Paolo can give attention to individuals without turning the outing into a formal class. It also means the atmosphere depends partly on the group sharing the space well. If you prefer privacy or dislike close quarters, remember that a 33.7-foot sailboat has limited room compared with a ferry or catamaran.

Leaving Marina di Sant’Elmo

You meet at Marina di Sant’Elmo, at Calata della Fiera, close to Bacan Bar and directly in front of the blue metal gate. For map directions, the listed Google Maps code is 642G+PXJ Cagliari.

The first part takes place inside the harbor. After the mooring lines are released, Merak motors through the harbor water toward the open Gulf. Paolo uses this quieter stretch to explain how to stay safe on board and to give you a short introduction to sailing.

This is also your best chance for a possible dolphin sighting. Dolphins sometimes enter the harbor to feed on mullet fish. That is a lovely possibility, but it is not a scheduled part of the trip, so treat it as a bonus rather than a promise.

The early harbor section also gives you time to get used to the boat. Listen carefully to instructions, keep your footing steady, and avoid wearing anything loose or slippery. Sandals, flip-flops, and boots are not allowed. Practical shoes with a secure fit are the sensible choice.

Sailing the Gulf Under Wind Power

Once Merak clears the harbor, Paolo raises the sails when conditions allow. The boat has several sails, which helps it keep moving in weak, medium, or stronger wind. The engine is intended mainly for periods when there is no wind at all.

I like this approach because it preserves the point of booking a sailing trip. You are not paying for a motorboat ride with a sail as decoration. When the breeze fills the sails, the boat becomes quieter and the movement feels more connected to the sea.

The pace can vary. Strong wind may produce an exciting, active ride, while light wind can make the journey calmer and slower. That unpredictability is part of sailing, but it also means you should not expect a tightly timed sightseeing schedule. The listed route includes several sailing segments, and the total timing may shift with conditions.

There is one practical detail worth noting. The published itinerary describes two hours of sailing, one hour at the swimming stop, and additional one-hour sailing sections. Those segments add up to more than the advertised four-hour duration, so consider the timetable approximate rather than fixed. Paolo may adjust the amount of sailing, swimming, or time near Poetto Beach according to wind and the day’s pace.

If you want to participate, ask early about steering or sail trimming. Paolo provides a quick lesson, and this is one of the most distinctive parts of the outing. You get a small taste of what makes sailing different from simply being carried across the water.

Sella del Diavolo and the Swimming Stop

The usual destination is the Sella del Diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle, a prominent headland near Cagliari. Its name comes from an old local legend, which Paolo tells during the trip. The white cliff and sheltered bay below it create the most striking setting for the swimming stop.

Merak anchors in clear water at the foot of the cliff. You can swim, use the provided mask and fins, and look at the marine life below. Fish are plentiful in the area and may come close when food is offered. That makes the snorkeling lively, although you should follow Paolo’s instructions about feeding and interacting with the fish.

Paolo also swims with the group toward a small cave with purple walls. You can take underwater photographs with your smartphone using an underwater case that he lends out. This is a useful touch because many people have a phone but no snorkeling camera, and the cave gives you something more memorable to photograph than a routine swim around the boat.

The stop is best for people who are comfortable in open water. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it is specifically not recommended for people prone to seasickness. If you do suffer from motion sickness but still want to participate, the instructions advise taking appropriate medication one hour before departure.

The morning departure is usually better for swimmers because the sea is often less windy. If your main aim is to spend time in the water, choose the morning when possible. The afternoon trip usually has cooler, stronger wind, making it more appealing if sailing is your priority.

Food, Drinks, and Sardinian Hospitality

After swimming, Paolo provides a light sandwich with cheese and salami. Drinks include water, beer, iced tea, Coke, Orangina, and other soft drinks listed for the trip.

This is not a full meal, so eat appropriately before you board if you need something substantial. Still, a sandwich and a cold drink are exactly the right scale for a four-hour outing. You can have something to eat after the swim without turning the boat into a floating restaurant.

Vegetarian options are not listed as standard, so ask when booking if you need a special meal. Vegan and gluten-free needs should be specified in advance. The same advice applies to any dietary restriction, since choices are easier to arrange before the boat leaves the marina.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks cannot be brought for use on the boat. The included beer is listed among the refreshments, but the outing is not designed as a party cruise. The focus is sailing, swimming, conversation, and the coast.

Poetto Beach and Possible Dolphin Sightings

If time allows, Merak sails in front of Poetto Beach. This gives you another view of Cagliari’s shoreline and lets you compare the open Gulf with the more familiar beach setting.

The Poetto section is not guaranteed. Wind, swimming time, and the group’s pace all affect how much of the route fits into the day. I would not book this trip mainly for Poetto. Think of it as an added coastal view if conditions permit.

The same principle applies to dolphins. Their presence near the harbor is possible because they sometimes follow the mullet fish inside. Keep your eyes open during departure, but do not let a missed sighting spoil the day. The sailing and swim are the reliable parts of the experience.

A particularly lucky encounter could involve Luna Rossa, the fast sailing boat that was practicing in the Gulf for the October 2024 America’s Cup. That possibility adds a nice local connection to Cagliari’s sailing scene, but it is naturally dependent on where and when the boat is practicing.

Why Paolo Makes the Difference

The boat and the setting are important, but Paolo is the part that gives this trip its personality. He is an experienced sailor who clearly enjoys explaining what he does. His guidance goes beyond naming coastal features. He can talk about how the sails work, why the boat moves differently in changing wind, and what makes this part of Sardinia special.

I also like that the conversation is flexible. You can ask about places to visit, local history, or practical ideas for the rest of your stay. If you enjoy personal stories, Paolo is happy to talk about broader life experiences as well. That makes the trip feel less like a recorded tour and more like time spent with a local who happens to know the sea extremely well.

The praise for his hosting is unusually consistent. People describe him as friendly, engaging, professional, and passionate. One person who sailed with him said the trip was the highlight of a short weekend in Cagliari. Another appreciated how he made the experience personal rather than delivering a standard sightseeing circuit.

That personal style will suit you if you enjoy conversation. If you want silence and complete independence, it may feel more social than expected. The small group makes interaction easy, so be ready for a shared experience rather than a private charter.

Is $71 a Fair Price?

At $71 per person, the price is reasonable for four hours on a small sailboat with a professional skipper, a swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, a sandwich, drinks, and a basic sailing lesson.

The value is strongest if you take part. Steering, helping with sail trim, asking questions, and joining Paolo in the water make this much more than a scenic transfer. A large boat may offer more room, but it is unlikely to give you the same level of contact with the captain or the sailing itself.

You are also paying for a small group rather than a crowded excursion. With a maximum of nine participants, there is a better chance to get a turn at the wheel and receive direct answers to questions.

The value is less clear if you do not swim, dislike being on a moving boat, or want a guaranteed route. Wind can change the pace, dolphin sightings are uncertain, and the Poetto portion depends on available time. In that case, a land-based coastal outing may give you more predictable sightseeing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Who Should Book Merak?

I would recommend this trip to you if you:

• Want a real sailing experience instead of a motorboat cruise
• Enjoy learning practical skills such as steering and sail trimming
• Like small groups and direct conversation with a local captain
• Are comfortable swimming and snorkeling in open water
• Want a coastal outing that combines scenery, history, and local advice
• Have four hours available and can accept a flexible route

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, cannot move comfortably around a sailboat, or need wheelchair access. Flip-flops, sandals, and boots are not allowed, and the boat is not set up for mobility impairments.

Families can ask for children’s life jackets. Adult life jackets are available on request. Because the activity includes swimming, boat movement, and a compact deck, you should decide based on each person’s comfort and ability rather than age alone.

Final Verdict: A Personal Day on Cagliari’s Water

Book Merak if you want to understand Cagliari from the sea, not just photograph it from the shore. The combination of sailing instruction, the Sella del Diavolo swim, the purple-walled cave, simple refreshments, and Paolo’s personal guidance gives the trip real substance.

Choose a morning departure if swimming matters most. Choose the afternoon if you care more about stronger wind and cooler sailing conditions. Bring secure footwear, swimwear, sun protection, and a phone case if you want underwater pictures.

I would not choose this tour for a guaranteed dolphin encounter or a rigid sightseeing schedule. I would choose it for the chance to help sail a proper boat, hear local stories from an experienced mariner, and spend several unhurried hours in one of Cagliari’s most beautiful coastal areas. With a 4.9 rating from 63 ratings, it has earned strong approval, and the repeated praise for Paolo points to the real reason to book: this is a personal sailing outing, not just a ride with a view.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour begin?

It begins at Marina di Sant’Elmo, Calata della Fiera, near Bacan Bar and in front of the blue metal gate in Cagliari. The Google Maps code is 642G+PXJ Cagliari.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is four hours. The route timing can change based on wind, swimming time, and the pace of the group.

What boat will I sail on?

You will sail aboard Merak, a Beneteau First 33.7 sailboat operated by Paolo.

Can I steer the sailboat?

Yes. Paolo gives a quick sailing lesson and welcomes participants to help steer and trim the sails.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and fins are provided for the swimming and snorkeling stop.

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 and gluten-free needs should be given when booking.

Can I see dolphins?

Dolphins may sometimes be seen near the harbor because they enter to feed on mullet fish. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The activity is not considered suitable for people prone to seasickness. Anyone who still chooses to participate should take appropriate motion sickness medication one hour before the tour begins.

What languages are offered, and how large is the group?

The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish. It is limited to nine participants.