A fast sailboat. Real sailing. And that Devil’s Saddle swim. On this trip on Merak, I like how you get both coast views and hands-on sailing time with skipper Paolo, plus snorkeling gear and a simple beachy meal. One heads-up: it’s not a comfy choice if you have mobility limits or get hit hard by motion sickness.

What really works for me is the way the captain keeps the trip moving with wind-first sailing—the engine only shows up when there’s no wind to work with. I also like the small-group feel (max 9), so you can actually talk, ask questions, and even take the helm and help trim sails. The only downside is that the best swimming moments happen off the boat, so you’ll want to be comfortable getting in and out smoothly.

If you time your booking right, you can match the experience to your style: mornings tend to be calmer for swimmers, and afternoons often bring cooler winds that make sailing feel more active. You also get a lot of local color from Paolo, including stories about the coast, sailing tips, and what to do around Sardinia when you’re back on land.

Key Things That Make Merak’s Devil’s Saddle Sail Worth Your Time

• Wind-first sailing on a Beneteau First 33.7 with lots of sails, so you’re not just “on a boat,” you’re actually sailing.
• Hands-on help at the helm, including a quick steering lesson and chances to trim the sails.
• Dolphin spotting is built into the plan, with a good chance even as you leave the harbor.
• A swim stop at a bay under a high white cliff, plus fish action close to the water.
• Purple-wall cave photo time with a smartphone underwater case lent by the skipper.
• A small-group cap of 9 that makes it feel personal, not crowded.

Merak Leaves from Marina di Sant’Elmo, Not a Random Dock

You start at Marina di Sant’Elmo on Calata della Fiera, close to Bacan Bar. The boat is right in front of the blue metal gate, and if you like using maps, the spot is listed as 642G+PXJ Cagliari (handy when you’re arriving in a new port).

This matters because it keeps the day simple. You’re not wasting time on long transfers or hunting for the right pier—once you’re there, the captain gets you through safety and you’re headed out to the Gulf of Cagliari.

Safety Brief + Quick Sailing Lesson Before the Sails Go Up

Before you even hit open water, Paolo explains basic safety rules and covers the sailing basics. This first stretch is also when you might spot dolphins, since the habit of swimming into the harbor is tied to the abundant mullet fish there.

Then the fun part starts: sails go up. Merak is a Beneteau First 33.7 with a lot of sail area, designed to make sailing enjoyable across wind conditions—weak, medium, or strong. That’s a big deal for your expectations: you’re not betting the whole experience on perfect weather.

And if you’re curious, you’ll learn fast. The trip includes a quick lesson so you understand how steering and sail trim affect speed and comfort. Many people appreciate that “what to do” is clear from the start, so you can participate instead of just watching.

Gulf of Cagliari Sailing: Views, Stories, and Real Dolphin Odds

Once you’re out, you move into the Gulf of Cagliari—coastlines, sea air, and a pace that feels more like being out with a sailor than touring by schedule. Paolo keeps the engine limited to moments when there’s a complete absence of wind, so you feel the boat respond to the breeze.

That wind-first approach changes the vibe. You’ll notice more motion from the water and sails, and the trip feels more alive. If you like feeling connected to how sailing works, this is a highlight.

You’ll also get stories along the way—local attractions in Sardinia, interesting angles on history, and plenty of room for personal conversations. Paolo’s style comes through in how he talks about sailing, shares what he knows, and keeps the onboard atmosphere warm and relaxed.

Devil’s Saddle Stop: Swim in Clear Water Under a White Cliff

The usual destination is Sella del Diavolo, a promontory known as Devil’s Saddle, tied to an old legend Paolo explains in detail. From there, you drop anchor in a beautiful bay at the foot of a high white cliff.

This is the “camera plus swim” moment. The water is described as crystal clear, and marine life is active. You’re also not just floating by yourself—fish can be eager around the swimmers, and they even seem to respond when food is offered from the group.

If you’re into snorkeling, this is where your gear matters. The tour provides snorkeling masks and fins, so you don’t have to source anything ahead of time. And if you want to keep it casual, you can simply swim and watch what’s happening underwater without making it a workout.

The Purple-Wall Cave and Underwater Phone Photos

One of the most distinctive parts: Paolo swims with you to a small cave with purple walls. He lends an underwater smartphone case so you can take photos right there.

This is where the trip feels a little different from the standard “anchor and swim.” You’re getting a specific spot with a visual payoff, and you’re doing it safely with the skipper close by.

What You Eat After Swimming (and Why It Works)

After the swim, you get a light sandwich—cheese and salami—plus drinks like soft drinks and water (beer, ice tea, Coke, Orangina are included). For vegans and for gluten intolerant guests, you just need to specify needs when booking.

This is one of those details that sounds small until you’re actually on the water. After salt air and a swim, food tastes simple and right. And since it’s served after you’re back onboard, you don’t lose your momentum to a long “meal break.”

Poetto Beach If Time Allows: Extra Sailing Without Extra Fuss

If the schedule has room, you may continue sailing in front of Poetto beach. This depends on timing and conditions, but it’s a nice “bonus” option because it adds another stretch of coastline without turning the trip into a long slog.

From your perspective, that’s valuable. You get variety—sailing time, swimming time, and then more coastline views—still within a 4-hour window.

Helm Time and Sail Trim: You’re Not Just a Passenger

A major reason people love this experience is that you’re invited into the sailing. Paolo welcomes participants to help steer the sailboat and trim sails.

Even if you’ve never sailed before, the quick lesson at the start helps you understand what you’re doing when it’s your turn. And because the group stays small (max 9), you’re more likely to get actual attention instead of waiting your turn.

If you want a “learning by doing” day, this is a strong fit. If you want to relax and watch, that works too—you can participate at the level you prefer.

Wind, Engine Use, and Motion-Sickness Reality Check

This tour is designed for sailing, so it keeps the engine off as much as possible. When wind dies, the motor covers the gap. That approach gives you authentic sailing, but it also means you’ll experience the natural rhythm of wind shifts.

If you’re prone to seasickness, the trip is marked not suitable for people who tend to get sick easily. That said, the guidance also says people prone to seasickness can participate if they take appropriate motion sickness medication about one hour before the start time. If you’ve been uncertain in the past, treat that seriously and plan for it.

Also note what’s not allowed: no alcohol and drugs, and no alcoholic drinks in the vehicle. This keeps the day safer and calmer, especially on the water.

The Group Size, Languages, and Why Paolo’s Style Matters

You’re in a small group capped at 9 participants, which makes conversations feel normal instead of forced. Paolo guides in English, Italian, and Spanish, so you shouldn’t feel shut out if your travel language changes mid-trip.

From what you’ll experience firsthand, Paolo isn’t just focused on steering the boat. He also shares stories and sailing tips, and he’s willing to adjust the vibe based on what individuals want to talk about. That’s why the trip feels less like a script and more like a local sailor showing you his patch of sea.

Cost: Why $71 Feels Fair for What You Actually Get

At $71 per person for a 4-hour sail, this is a strong value when you look at what’s included. You get:

• Sailing on Merak with a skipper
• A quick steering lesson and chances to help with sail trim
• Snorkeling gear (masks and fins)
• Life jackets (adults upon request, and children as needed)
• Drinks, plus a cheese and salami sandwich after swimming
• Smartphone underwater case for the purple-wall cave photo stop

If you had to pay separately for a boat charter, snorkeling rental, and guided time with a sailor, the math usually climbs fast. Here, the price looks designed for a real outing, not just a viewpoint cruise.

What to Wear and Bring for a Smooth Day on the Water

A few practical rules are important:

• No sandals or flip-flops
• No boots
• Pets are not allowed
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed

The footwear restriction is simple: the deck needs secure footing. Wear something stable and safe for moving around.

Also plan for swim time. The key gear is handled for you (snorkeling masks and fins), but you’ll want to be ready to get into and out of the water as part of the experience.

Should You Book the Merak Sailing Tour to Devil’s Saddle?

Book it if you want a true sailing feel—wind-led sailing, hands-on steering, and a guided swim stop with a photo-worthy cave. It’s also a great choice for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who like meaningful conversation and don’t want a huge crowd.

Skip it if you need step-free access or you use a wheelchair, since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. If seasickness is an issue for you, be extra careful with your decision and consider the medication guidance seriously.

If you’re traveling in the Gulf of Cagliari area and you want one “signature” water experience, this is one of the best bets for mixing scenery, snorkeling, dolphins, and actual sailing skills—all in one clean 4-hour block.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Marina di Sant’Elmo, Calata della Fiera, close to Bacan Bar, right in front of the blue metal gate.

How long is the sailing tour?

The experience lasts 4 hours.

What is included besides sailing?

You get snorkeling gear (masks and fins), life jackets (adult upon request and children), and after swimming you’ll have a sandwich plus soft drinks and water. You also receive a quick sailing lesson and time to steer and trim sails.

Is the engine used during the trip?

The engine is used only when there is a complete absence of wind.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live guide speaks English, Italian, and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness, but people who are prone can participate if they take appropriate motion sickness medication about one hour before the start time.

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