The 15 best boat tours in the Aeolian Islands

The Naxos Bay and Taormina boat tour gives you a unique nature experience off the Sicilian coast.

You will be accompanied by a skipper who will tell you stories and interesting facts about the places you will visit (languages spoken: Italian and English).

You will depart from the port of Giardini Naxos and sail along the entire coastline of the bay until you reach the Grotta dell'Amore (Cave of Love), so called because, when looked at upside down, it appears to be in the shape of a heart.

The navigation will then continue to the coast of Cape Taormina and the Grotto of the Sirens, until you reach the bay of Isola Bella: a small islet connected to the beach by a tongue of sand that can only be crossed when there is low tide.

You will then reach the Blue Grotto, famous for the play of light that is created inside and that makes the mirror of water appear blue and crystal clear, giving an evocative view of the seabed.

The tour will then continue to the Grotta del Corallo (Coral Cave) and the Scoglio dell'Elefante (named for its peculiar shape).

You will then head to the bay of Isola Bella or Mazzarò for a stop of about 20 to 30 minutes during which you can enjoy a soft aperitif with prosecco and/or almond wine accompanied by almond pastries and savory snacks. During this stop you can take a swim in the Taormina waters.

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.

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 group sunset tour in search of dolphins departing from the port of Giardini Naxos gives you a unique experience off the Sicilian coast.

You will be accompanied by a skipper who will tell you anecdotes and trivia about the places you will visit (languages spoken: Italian and English).

You will head about 2 miles off the coast in search of dolphins-a nature experience that will remain etched in your memories.

You will then head to the coast of Naxos and Taormina for a short swim stop.

On board you will be served a reinforced aperitif with prosecco, almond wine, savory snacks and typical Sicilian rotisserie that you can enjoy at sunset.

Depending on the sunset times, departure times may be brought forward to 17:00 and the itinerary may be subject to change. In that case you will be contacted by the facility.

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 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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the most fascinating scenery of Sicily and the Mediterranean waters and explore the Palermo coast aboard an inflatable boat equipped with every comfort to allow you to live a totally relaxing experience.

Departing from Cala Porto in Palermo, the route will be decided on the spot by the skipper, depending on wind conditions, but the main stops that will be touched will be as follows:

•    Virgin Mary Beach
•    Mondello
•    Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
•    Addaura Beach
•    Queen's Cave

During each of the stops there will be a swim stop during which you can swim and snorkel with equipment provided directly by the facility. You will also have the opportunity to explore the town of Mondello and have lunch at one of the typical local restaurants.

The dinghy excursion is organized on a shared basis and lasts a full day. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Sicily in excellent company and take a swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Enjoy the sunset aboard a Motor Yacht while enjoying a great aperitif with your friends or partner.

You will depart at 7 p.m. from Addaura Harbor and continue until you reach Mondello for a swimming stop, followed by the Gallo Trench, the Capo Gallo Lighthouse and the Grotta dell'Oglio Cave where you can swim and enjoy a sunset aperitif.

Aboard the boat you will be served an aperitif consisting of some typical Sicilian snacks, prosecco and other drinks.

The return is scheduled for 21:00 always at Marina Villa Igiea.

For the entire duration of the outing you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will be ready to meet your every request.

We recommend clothing suitable for the evening weather.