The 10 best boat tours in the Aeolian Islands

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 aperitif on board based on typical Sicilian products. In addition, during the different stops you will be able to swim in the waters of the Reserve and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Maximum capacity: 24 people.

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.

If you are a dolphin lover and want to enjoy a romantic moment on a boat at sunset, this experience is a unique opportunity to admire the marine flora and fauna of the Mediterranean while enjoying an aperitif of Sicilian specialties.

Departing from the port of Giardini Naxos, the excursion will take you along the coast of Taormina so you can take in the beauty of the area including Isola Bella, and caves such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto.

Bathing stops are provided during which you can dive into the Mediterranean waters or search for dolphins at sea from the boat. You will be treated to an onboard aperitif of Sicilian arancini and a traditional prosecco. Upon returning to port you will be able to observe the volcano Etna rising above the bays of the coast.

The boat tour lasts 2 hours and is organized on a shared basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 17 people.

The snorkeling excursion along the bays of Giardini Naxos and Taormina will have you exploring the Mediterranean's most fascinating beaches aboard a comfortable boat with snorkeling facilities.

The boat departs from the port of Giardini Naxos, and the itinerary includes two swim stops in the bays of Taormina and Giardini Naxos. It continues to the Faraglioni del Capo and the Isola Bella Marine Reserve, passing by the Blue Grotto and the Grotta degli Innamorati.

Light refreshments with drinks, snacks and fresh fruit will be provided during the excursion.

On board you will be provided with equipment for snorkeling and underwater biowatching, a form of eco-tourism to observe the behaviors of marine animals on the seabed. Otherwise, it will be possible to stay on the boat or take a swim in the sea.

The boat trip can be arranged on a shared basis (3 hours) or an exclusive basis (4 hours). Both options are suitable for everyone, even those who have never snorkeled before.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 20 people.

Enjoy a romantic moment on the Taormina coast by visiting the most fascinating caves and Naxos Gardens in the company of your other half. With any luck, you may spot dolphins playing and chasing each other.

The boat tour departs from Spisone Beach the itinerary touches all the area's most renowned bays and caves, such as Grotta Azzurra, Grotta dell'Amore and Isola Bella. The navigation also touches on destinations such as Cape Taormina and Giardini Naxos.

The excursion takes about 2 hours and includes some bathroom stops during which you can dive into the crystal clear waters and snorkel with the equipment provided by the facility. You will also enjoy a delicious sunset aperitif with local products and views of Mount Etna.

The experience can be arranged on a shared or exclusive basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stages may change.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Embark on a relaxing excursion along the coast of Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos with views of the striking beaches, caves and coves that characterize the area.

Departing from the port of Giardini Naxos, you will visit the Isola Bella nature reserve, the Grotta degli Innamorati, the Grotta Azzurra, the Grotta del Corallo, where coral colonies can be observed, the Bay of Mazzarò and the Bay of the Sirens. The tour will be accompanied by music and the captain's explanations of the history of the caves and bay you will explore.

There will be a swim stop during the navigation and you will be offered a snack of "almond paste," a local dessert, along with fresh fruit and prosecco. If you choose the tour with snorkeling, you will also snorkel along the coast and view the marine flora and fauna with equipment provided directly by the captain.

The boat is equipped with sun shades so you can enjoy the experience in total relaxation. The tour is organized on a shared or exclusive basis and is suitable for everyone. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 17 people. Two boats are available.

Discover the beauty of the Palermo sea aboard a comfortable boat for a half-day excursion to discover hidden beaches and pristine bays of the Sicilian coast.

The excursion lasts 4 hours and will introduce you to hidden beaches and coves and you can also admire the Sicilian coastline from the sea.

Bath stops are planned in the crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and diving in the seabed with the snorkeling kit provided. Stops planned by the excursion are Mondello, Addaura, Capo Gallo and Grotta dell'Olio. 

Cool drinks and fruits will be served during the tour to make your day even more enjoyable.

In case of bad weather, the facility may change or cancel the itinerary and its duration.

Discover the Gulf of Palermo and Marina di Villa Igea at sunset aboard a boat guided by an experienced captain.

Leaving from Palermo, you will sail to Marina di Villa Igea, a location where you can relax while watching the sunset.

During the outing, which lasts a couple of hours, you can enjoy an excellent aperitif of Sicilian products, offered by the boat captain.

For the duration of the outing you will be accompanied by a skipper who will know how to tell you the best anecdotes about the area.

For the exclusive excursion, you can choose between two options: Seagull II (accommodating up to 8 people) and Wells (accommodating up to 12 people).

We recommend appropriate clothing for the evening weather.

Discover Mondello aboard a shared or exclusive boat departing from Palermo and guided by an experienced skipper.

You will make your first swim stop at Marina di Villa Igea with a visit to the Queen's Grotto. You will then continue in the direction of Vergine Maria beach, doing an initial tasting.

You will then depart again heading towards Mondello beach with the second stop for swimming in the sea and here you will then enjoy an excellent lunch with tasting of typical Sicilian products.

The third stop will be at the Capo Gallo nature reserve with a stop for snorkeling and an afternoon aperitif.

You will return to the port of La Cala around 6 pm.

The half-day mini-cruise allows you to discover Mondello on board a shared or exclusive boat departing from Palermo and guided by an experienced skipper.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing day with friends or family.

You will sail to Mondello making a few stops for swimming in the sea. During the outing you will visit the most beautiful coves on the coast and receive explanations from the skipper who can answer your curiosities about the area.

Before returning you will be offered an aperitif with prosecco, chips and bruschetta.

For the exclusive excursion, you can choose between two options: Seagull II (accommodating up to 8 people) and Wells (accommodating up to 12 people).

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

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.

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.