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Local boat operator · Marina di Sant'Elmo, Calata Mercedari

A whole day in the gulf

An 8-hour day on a boat with a captain, from Marina di Sant'Elmo past the Devil's Saddle and Poetto and on east to Mari Pintau, Torre delle Stelle and Solanas when the weather allows. Pick it when 3 hours feels too short: a Sardinian aperitif, lunch cooked on board and a paddleboard to take out at the stops.

Full Day in the Gulf with Lunch

About this experience

The day starts at Marina di Sant'Elmo on Calata Mercedari, in the Su Siccu part of the harbor. Getting there is up to you, since transport to the meeting point is not included. The boat has a captain, and guests name the same one again and again in their reviews, Stefano, as host, skipper and cook.

The route goes further than any other trip on this site. First the Devil's Saddle, then Poetto, which Sardegna Turismo puts at 8 km of sand. Then on east along the coast towards Villasimius to the Mari Pintau beach, Torre delle Stelle and Solanas, known for their coves. All of that is weather permitting. If the only wind of the day is the mistral, from the northwest, the listing says the trip stays with the Devil's Saddle and Poetto. You still get the whole day at sea, just closer to town.

On the water: 8 hours, and guests describe several swim stops along the way. Included: the captain, the boat tour, a traditional Sardinian aperitif of sausage, cheese and guttiau bread, a lunch on board you can adjust, and a SUP paddleboard. Not included: getting to the marina and visits to other ports. Guests mention pasta made on board, wine with the cheese board and dolphins alongside on some days; the dolphins are luck, never a promise.

  • A full day at sea, the longest trip on this site
  • The Devil's Saddle and Poetto, then east to Mari Pintau and Solanas, weather permitting
  • A Sardinian aperitif of sausage, cheese and guttiau bread
  • Lunch cooked on board, adjusted to your group
  • A SUP paddleboard to take out at the swim stops

How the day runs

  1. StartMarina di Sant'Elmo

    Calata Mercedari, in Su Siccu. Make your own way there, then board with the captain.

  2. First stretchThe Devil's Saddle

    Along the white cliffs of the Sella del Diavolo, the first view of the gulf.

  3. NextPoetto from the sea

    The long city beach, with the Molentargius salt pans behind it.

  4. Further eastMari Pintau, Torre delle Stelle, Solanas

    Coves and beaches up the coast, when the weather allows. With a mistral only, the day stays nearer the Saddle and Poetto.

  5. At anchorAperitif, lunch and the SUP

    Sausage, cheese and guttiau bread, a lunch made on board, swims and the paddleboard.

  6. After 8 hoursBack to the marina

    The return run west along the coast to Marina di Sant'Elmo.

A tall rock stack off a limestone coast with a boat and a paddleboarder nearbyA green headland with an old watchtower above deep blue water, a small boat in the bayAerial view of a white motorboat anchored over turquoise water, swimmers beside it

What's included

Included

  • 8-hour boat tour with a captain
  • Traditional Sardinian aperitif (sausage, cheese, guttiau bread)
  • Lunch on board, customizable
  • SUP paddleboard
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

  • Transport to and from the meeting point
  • Visits to ports other than the one of departure

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want a full day at sea, not a 3-hour loop
  • You want lunch included and cooked on board
  • You like a paddleboard at the swim stops
  • You travel with mixed ages: guests have brought children and grandparents

Skip it if

What guests say

★★★★★

A very nice excursion, with several stops for swimming. We really enjoyed the paddle boarding! Stefano was very professional and friendly. He made the excursion enjoyable and, above all, safe for everyone, on board and in the water, from my 4-year-old son to my father-in-law, who is over 80. The aperitif and lunch were also excellent. Thank you again, Captain!

Linda · Aug 2026
★★★★★

Highly recommend a cruise with Stefano. The ship was lovely, comfortable and welcoming. Stefano was a great host. The charcuterie board was delicious as was the pasta Stefano made. The stops were perfect and the sights along the gulf of Cagliari are magnificent. [...] We also experienced a small school of dolphins along side the ship during the excursion.

David · Oct 2026
★★★★★

We thoroughly enjoyed the day of sailing, the cheese board snacks, wine and lunch on board were an awesome addition. Having the SUP board was good fun too.

Sophie · Sep 2026
★★★★★

The cruise was fantastic! Great time on the boat! Stefano is lovely guide, he prepared tasty snacks and pasta :) we were swimming, snorkling (beautiful views underneath), relaxing and having best time. highly recommended :)

Magdalena · Sep 2026

Tips before you book

  • Tell the captain about diets early. The lunch is customizable, per the listing, and it is easier to plan ahead.
  • Pack your own mask and snorkel. Guests snorkel, but the listing names only the SUP board as gear.
  • Expect the route to follow the wind. With a mistral the day stays near the Devil's Saddle and Poetto, and that is still a full day out.
  • Bring proper sun cover. Eight hours at sea is a long day under the Sardinian sun.
  • Choosing a month? Our guide to the best time for a boat trip covers the sea and the wind.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cagliari boat trip with lunch?

8 hours, per the listing, from Marina di Sant'Elmo on Calata Mercedari.

Where does the full-day boat trip go?

Past the Devil's Saddle and Poetto, then east to Mari Pintau, Torre delle Stelle and Solanas, weather permitting. If the only wind is the mistral, the trip covers the Devil's Saddle and Poetto.

What food is included on the full-day trip?

A traditional Sardinian aperitif of sausage, cheese and guttiau bread, and a customizable lunch on board.

Is a paddleboard included?

Yes. The listing includes a SUP paddleboard for use during the day.

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Eight hours east along the coast with an aperitif, lunch on board and a paddleboard.

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Eight hours east along the coast with an aperitif, lunch on board and a paddleboard.

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