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 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 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.

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

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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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.