The 10 best boat tours in the Aeolian Islands

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Private boat excursion, half-day or full-day, departing from Catania with aperitif on board.

Enjoy a day of relaxation and fun with your closest family and friends.

Amire breathtaking scenery and dive into the crystal clear waters of the picturesque Cyclops Sea.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper, who will tell you stories and curiosities about the places you will visit.

You will have the opportunity to admire some of the most famous places in the area, such as the famous Ulysses Caves and the Faraglioni.

During the navigation there are stops for swimming in the sea and, once on board, you will be offered an aperitif with snacks and prosecco.

You will also have access to a two-person canoe, a SUP and snorkeling masks.

The boat tour departing from Palermo is a perfect opportunity to admire the Sicilian coast from the sea, with stops at some of the most beautiful places on the island, such as the Gulf of Mondello.

You will board a modern boat, with a maximum capacity of 6 people, equipped with all the comforts: swim ladder, awning for shade, outdoor shower, stereo system, sunbathing area, stern platform and teak deck.

The departure is from "Trapezoidal Pier", located in the center of Palermo. From here, you will start your navigation along the coast, where you can enjoy the views, crystal clear waters and sea breeze.

Two options are available: the group tour, which lasts 4 hours, or the private tour, which can last 4 or 8 hours.

During the tour you will be offered prosecco, soft drinks, fresh fruit and various snacks.

Group tour

The first stop is Virgin Mary beach, with golden sand and a turquoise, transparent sea.

We continue to the Addaura area, then arrive in the Gulf of Mondello, where a stop for a swim and an aperitif on board is planned.

You will then continue to the Capogallo promontory, where the landscape changes and becomes even more evocative, until you reach the Grotta dell’Olio, a natural cavity carved out over time by the waves of the sea.

Here you can explore the cave, snorkel and watch the play of light reflecting off the rock walls. This will also be an ideal time for another swim stop at a very special spot.

The last stop before the return is the Queen's Cave, a fascinating and mysterious place, considered one of the hidden jewels of the Palermo coast.

Private tour

In the private tour the itinerary is free and fully customizable, to be decided together with the skipper according to your wishes.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Boat trips from Palermo with a typical aperitif are perfect for those who like to enjoy the sea on a boat and enjoy delicacies on board.

After leaving the port of Palermo, you will sail along the coast of Addaura. You will then arrive in the beautiful bay of Mondello, where you can swim using the snorkeling equipment and inflatable mattresses that will be provided free of charge.

After agreeing on a time, you will retrieve your anchor and head toward the Capo Gallo Reserve to the Lighthouse.

Next, you will head to the Regina Caves, where in addition to swimming, an aperitif with typical products and a glass of wine will be offered on board. Finally, you will return to port.

The excursion is guaranteed with a minimum number of 6 people. In case this number is not reached it will be carried out on the sailboat.