The 7 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 Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto. You can choose between two tours:

Classic (2 hours)

This 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.

Evening (2 1/2 hours)

The evening boat tour has the same itinerary as the classic tour and includes an apericena, based on typical Sicilian products. During the cruise you will also 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 looking for a boat tour in Taormina, don't miss the opportunity of this boat tour to sail along the Sicilian coast and delve into all its most renowned bays and caves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto.

You will have a choice of two boat tour options in Taormina. In each case, the boat tour departs from Spisone Beach.

With aperitif (2 hours)

The excursion with aperitif will have you visit the Bay of Sirens, Scoglio dell'Elefante, Mazzarò Beach, Isola Bella and many other destinations, including the well-known Giardini Naxos. You will have the opportunity to take a dip in the waters of the bays and practice snorkeling.

During the boat tour you will be offered an aperitif on board with beer, wine, prosecco and drinks, accompanied by snacks and typical Sicilian products.

With tasting (3 hours)

The excursion with tasting includes the same itinerary as the excursion with aperitif, with a visit to the Taormina Caves and Giardini Naxos. In addition, the tour will be accompanied by a tasting of three different types of wine (prosecco, white wine and red wine), paired with a board of Sicilian cold cuts and cheeses.

Both boat tours are suitable for everyone, and you can decide to swim or relax on the beaches near the caves you will visit, so you can have a totally relaxing time.

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.

If you would like to try snorkeling or are interested in discovering the marine flora and fauna of the Mediterranean, don't miss the opportunity to take an excursion along the coast of Taormina and the picturesque Isola Bella Nature Reserve.

Departing from Isola Bella beach, you will embark on an inflatable boat that will sail along the bays of Isola Bella, Grotta Azzurra and Capo Taormina. You will also have a choice of two different snorkeling tours.

Sea Baptism

If you are interested in diving the seabed like a real diver, this tour will provide you with an introductory course in the company of a certified instructor to make your "first bubbles" underwater, among the bays of Isola Bella. You will be guided to a maximum depth of 6 meters. You will be provided with full equipment to carry out the experience (wetsuit, fins, masks and snorkel).

Snorkeling tour

The classic snorkeling tour is suitable for all ages, and you will be provided with the full snorkeling equipment to carry out the experience safely (wetsuit, fins, masks, and snorkel). For this tour, light refreshments are provided on board during the break.

Gotevei an adrenaline-pumping snorkeling or diving experience from an inflatable boat in the beautiful setting of Taormina and the Mediterranean Sea.

Two inflatable boats with 10 seats each are available.

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.
•    .

6-hour tour

.

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".

Embark on a unique experience in Catania, with which you can visit the Caves of Ulysses and the fishermen's town of Aci Trezza aboard a sailboat, passing under the medieval castle of Aci Castello.

Departing from the Etneo boatyard in Catania, you can choose from 3 different tours, each with a specific itinerary and possibility of bathroom stops with lunch or dinner on board.

Romantic Dinner (2-4 people)

The tour with romantic dinner can only be arranged exclusively for 2 to 4 people. The sailing will take you to a quiet spot where you can swim at sunset, accompanied by a dinner of a fish appetizer, a fish entrée (variable depending on availability), fresh fruit and Etna DOC wine.

Half-day (with aperitif)

The half-day tour has a similar itinerary to the full-day tour. It visits the Caves of Ulysses and the medieval castle.

During the navigation there will be an opportunity to stop for a swim, and upon returning to the boat, you will be offered an aperitif of local products in oil, cold cuts, cheeses and seasonal fruits, along with local wine.

Full day (with lunch)

The day tour includes an itinerary that goes past the Caves of Ulysses to the fishing port of Aci Trezza. Here, you will admire the striking medieval castle of Aci Castello from the sea and have the opportunity to visit the town and its village.

Back on the boat, you will be treated to an on-board lunch of rustic aperitif, seafood entrée (variable depending on availability), water, fruit and wine.

The experience is suitable for everyone and will give you a unique time with friends aboard a fully equipped sailboat.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

This catamaran excursion to Palermo allows you to view the Sicilian coastline from the sea and choose between a morning and an afternoon trip with an overnight stay.

Swimming stops in protected marine areas are provided during the cruise. You can freely use the equipment provided by the facility (snorkeling gear, masks, canoes, sup, water scooters and dinghy).

Between a dip and a swim you can enjoy an authentic dining experience with fresh seasonal fruit, a lunch of typical Sicilian dishes and an open bar always available.

This experience is perfect for getting in touch with the culinary culture of the area while experiencing new flavors and tasting Sicilian wines, fresh fish, cruditè and Palermo finger food.

You can also practice sport fishing and try to catch tuna, amberjack, sea bream, lampuche and many other species that reign in this area of the Mediterranean.

You can choose from 2 options.

Morning excursion with lunch

This 6-hour tour gives you a unique experience among the most striking bays of the Palermo coast. Departure is scheduled at 9 a.m.

You will visit:

•    Mondello
•    Natural Reserve of Capo Gallo
•    Grotta dell'Olio
•    Barcarello/Sferracavallo
•    Natural Reserve of Isola delle Femmine

Lunch, drinks and water games are included.

Afternoon excursion and overnight stay

If you choose this option, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive experience aboard a floating resort with an all-inclusive formula that includes:

•    breakfast
•    lunch
•    dinner
•    drinks

Three cabins are available (1 double for single or couple use and 2 triple) and departure is scheduled at 4:00 pm.

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

The day boat ride between Palermo and the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is a relaxing experience that allows you to discover the Sicilian sea, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart by 10:30 a.m. from Marina Villa Igiea and head north, pushing as far as Isola delle Femmine. Return is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

This tour will allow you to make swimming stops with the possibility of snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots along the coast.

An experienced skipper will be on board at all times to attend to your every need.

You will be offered a welcome cocktail when you arrive on the boat, and at lunchtime you will be served Sicilian dishes to eat on board.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility following your reservation.

The half-day mini-cruise allows you to discover Mondello on board a boat shared with other participants starting 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.

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

The boat tour departing from Palermo allows you to admire the Sicilian coast from the sea while visiting some of the island's best-known spots, such as the Gulf of Mondello.

You will sail aboard a modern boat that holds up to 8 people and features a swim ladder, awning, deck shower, stereo system, sundeck, aft platform and teak deck.

Leaving from the "Trapezoidal Pier" located in the center of the city of Palermo, you will sail along Palermo's coast where you can admire the crystal clear waters and enjoy the sea breeze.

You can choose between the group tour (lasting 4 hours) and the exclusive tour (lasting 4 or 8 hours).

You will be offered prosecco, soft drinks, fruit and various snacks on board.

Group tour

The first scheduled stop is the Virgin Mary beach, characterized by the presence of golden sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.

The navigation will continue towards Addaura and then arrive in the Gulf of Mondello where, in addition to stopping for a swim, you can enjoy a delicious aperitif.

You will later reach the promontory of Capogallo, and you can admire a series of breathtaking views until you reach the Grotta dell'Olio, a cave created by the incessant force of the waves.

Here you will have the opportunity to explore this unique cave and observe the play of light reflecting off the rock walls and snorkel.

This picturesque corner will be the perfect place for another rejuvenating break: you can swim in the crystal clear waters and explore the seabed.

Finally, you will return toward the port of Palermo by making the last stop: Grotta della Regina, one of the jewels of Palermo, a fascinating and mysterious place.

Private tour

For the private tour the itinerary is flexible and customizable, to be agreed with the skipper.

Explore the sea outside Palermo with this relaxing excursion, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart from Marina Villa Igiea at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. and head north to Mondello and Capo Gallo.

On arrival, you can stop to swim in the sea and choose whether to relax in the sun or enjoy the music on board.

As soon as you board you will be offered a welcome cocktail and afterwards you can enjoy an excellent aperitif of local products.

An experienced skipper will be always present on board to meet your every need.

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

Discover Mondello aboard a boat shared with other participants starting from Palermo and guided by an experienced skipper.

You will make your first swimming stop at Marina di Villa Igea with a visit to Grotta della Regina. You will then continue in the direction of the beach of Virgin Mary, making an initial tasting.

You will then depart en route to Mondello beach with the second stop for swimming in the sea and here you can 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 p.m.