The 15 best boat tours in the Aeolian Islands

Sailboat excursion with aperitif from Catania, a private or group experience that will allow you to discover the coast of Sicily from a different perspective.

An exciting sailing adventure that celebrates nature, a sustainable lifestyle and the art of sailing. A sporting experience rich in discovery, aboard a comfortable and safe yacht.

3-hour tour

We begin with a short meeting at Caffè del Porto, then set sail from the Catania Nautical Club and open the sails along the volcanic coastline, admiring the Cyclops Island, linked to Etna.

During the sailing, you will learn how to sail and enjoy sports activities. You will prepare an aperitif on board to celebrate, toasting with a glass of prosecco or white wine.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to go for a swim near the Cave of Ulysses or the Riviera of the Cyclops. 

Tour available

•    in the morning: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
•    at sunset: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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6-hour tour

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You will enjoy a Full Day sailing experience enhanced by a delicious pasta lunch, and refreshing drinks and fresh fruit will be provided during the cruise.

You will have the opportunity to bathe in front of the fascinating Ulysses Caves, the impressive Medieval Castle of Acicastello and the majestic Faraglioni of the Isole Ciclopi Nature Reserve.

You will explore the beautiful coastline of Catania and can relax in a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, with the support of the ever-helpful staff: do not hesitate to ask them to participate in running the boat, help with the sails and stop for a spontaneous dip in the deep blue waters. While sailing, it will be essential to all work together to experience the pleasure of "going with the wind".

Experience a boat excursion in the Bay of Taormina among the sea, coastal views and a dedicated stop at Isola Bella, one of the area’s best-known sites, with lunch, comfort zone with reserved umbrella and sunbeds and bag with mini guide and characteristic souvenir.

The experience includes an approximately 1 hour and 30 minute sail along the coast, accompanied by a skipper who shares curiosities and information about the area along the way.

The tour takes you to Isola Bella, the central point of the excursion, where you have about 7 hours to relax, swim or explore the area.

The experience includes access to the Isola Bella Museum, a full lunch and a reserved comfort zone with 2 premium loungers on a stone platform, 1 umbrella per couple, positioning in the viewing area and a small bottle of water for each participant.

Embark on an excursion off the Sicilian coast starting from the port of Giardini Naxos on this 2-hour shared boat tour with dolphin spotting.

The first stop is Isola Bella, an authentic jewel set in the bay, connected to the coast by a romantic tongue of sand.

Navigation will then continue to the striking Blue Grotto, where lights and reflections provide a unique spectacle of blue hues.

Afterwards, you will push out to sea for an exciting dolphin watching moment: in the hours near sunset, dolphins swim free in small groups.

The tour will end with a sunset aperitif in the middle of the sea, surrounded by the Sicilian coast and with Mount Etna in the background.

Visit the Bay of Taormina aboard a wooden gozzo boat that will transport you to the most striking beauty of the Mediterranean, passing by Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Grotta degli Innamorati.

The excursion departs from Giardini Naxos and will have you explore the Isola Bella Marine Reserve, the Blue Grotto, the Grotta degli Innamorati, and the Grotta dei Coralli. You will also discover the bays of Mazzarò and San Nicola, cruising the Sicilian coast around Taormina.

During the navigation you will be offered an apericena on board based on typical Sicilian products.

During the navigation you will be able to search for and spot dolphins, with a little luck. You can finally take a dip in the water during one of the stops on the itinerary.

Maximum capacity: 24 people.

The shared boat tour from the port of Giardini Naxos allows you to enjoy a unique experience along the Taormina coastline with friends or family.

The excursion lasts about 2 hours and a swimming stop is planned.

The first stop is the Grotta della Conchiglia, famous for its distinctive shape and turquoise waters.

You will then sail to the Faraglioni of Capo Taormina, imposing rocks that provide breathtaking scenery.

The navigation will continue to the famous Isola Bella, the heart of the nature reserve: here you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the bay.

The next stop is the magical Blue Grotto, where the filtering light creates striking blue reflections.

Before returning to the port of departure you will skirt the Bay of Mazzarò, one of the most fascinating stretches of coastline.

Discover the Gulf of Palermo on board a beautiful boat with the best amenities, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

Departing from Mondello pier you will avoid long queues that can form at the port of Palermo, so you can optimize your time and stay on board longer.

The itinerary guarantees pleasant swimming stops and a tour of the Capo Gallo marine reserve and, when the waves allow, the Grotta dell'Olio, making for a full immersion experience in the beautiful coastline.

On board you will find:

•    seats with cushions for a comfortable ride
•    deck and bow space for sunbathing
•    effortless access to the sea via a swim platform and convenient ladder
•    snorkeling equipment
•    sun canopy for relaxing in the shade
•    Bluetooth speaker
•    freshwater shower
•    on-board toilet

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products both hot and cold. In addition, on board you will find beer, local wine, water or refreshing soft drinks to go with your aperitif.

An experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can tell you the best trivia about the area.

Day trip by sailboat to the Gulf of Mondello from Palermo.

Board a comfortable sailboat that can accommodate up to 10 people and be guided by an experienced skipper, who will share with you stories and trivia about the places you will visit.

Sailing to Mondello Bay you will pass through the fascinating caves of Villa Igea, which you can reach by tender for a refreshing swim.

During the day you can explore the coast by SUP or engage in snorkeling, admiring the colorful seabed and crystal clear waters of Sicily.

The day will be enhanced by a lunch on board with typical products.

If conditions permit, on your return you can enjoy a picturesque sunset over the sea before returning to port.

Half-day sailing excursion from Palermo to Mondello Bay or Capo Zafferano

Set sail aboard a comfortable sailboat that can accommodate up to 10 people.

Depending on the weather conditions, you will head for Mondello Bay or Capo Zafferano.

In the first case, you will pass by the striking caves of Villa Igea, which can be reached by tender for a refreshing swim.

In the second route, you will land at Capo Zafferano, where you can swim at the beach of the Frenchmen or in the crystal-clear waters of Lido del Carabiniere.

Leave Palermo for a’boat excursion along Palermo’s beautiful coastline, with stops for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on board. The experience includes a skipper, an aperitif with drinks and savory snacks, and a chance to discover some of the area’s most beautiful bays.

Sailing from the Tonnara Florio near Arenella beach, you will sail along the coast to the picturesque Gulf of Mondello. Here you will have about an’hour to dive into its crystal-clear waters, snorkel and observe the fish that inhabit this stretch of sea, with a splendid view of the’iconic bathing establishment.

Sailing will then continue to the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, a protected area famous for its rich biodiversity and transparent seabed. You can indulge in another swim stop in one of the most fascinating corners of the Sicilian coast, immersed in a unique natural landscape.

Before returning to Palermo, you will enjoy a pleasant aperitif on board with a drink and savory snacks, the perfect way to end this experience between sea, relaxation and unforgettable views.

Experience a’4-hour excursion along the beautiful coast of Palermo aboard a comfortable dinghy, in the company of an experienced skipper and with a small group of up to 8 participants.

After meeting at the starting point and a brief initial briefing, you will set sail for a scenic cruise along the Palermo coastline, amid crystal clear sea and breathtaking scenery. During the tour there are several swim stops at the most beautiful spots in the area, where you can swim, relax in the water and snorkel with the included equipment.

On board you will also have the opportunity to try SUP, perfect for enjoying the sea in a fun and relaxed way. Snacks, drinks and an aperitif will be served during the excursion, so you can enjoy the experience with the right balance of adventure, relaxation and conviviality.

The dinghy è is equipped with a shade awning, comfortable spaces to relax and a small bathroom cabin with toilet and shower
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At the end of the tour you will return to the starting point with the memory of Palermo.