The 10 best Boat Tours in Palermo

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.

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 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 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.

A full day exploring the wonders of the Egadi Islands aboard the Yacht Azzurra, with only 25 passengers for an exclusive and comfortable experience.

•    09:30 am - Departure from the Port of Trapani.
•    Arrival in Favignana: stop for about two hours to freely visit the town, explore the tuna museum or reach the nearest beaches
•    Tour by sea along the island's most beautiful coves, including Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, with stops for swimming
•    Typical lunch on board: rustic appetizer, cold first course, fruit, water and wine
•    Panoramic navigation with aperitif on board
•    Arrival on the island of Levanzo: stop for about an hour to visit the village and swim from the coast
•    Panoramic navigation along the most picturesque coves of Levanzo
•    17:30/18:00 - Return to the Port of Trapani

For the day trip to the Egadi Islands departing from Marsala, you will have a choice of 3 different tours:

Favignana Tour

The first stop will be at Bue Marino and Cala Rossa, including landing on the island of Favignana. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and then move on to Cala Pozzo, Cala Rotonda, Cala Preveto and Marasolo beach. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

Favignana and Levanzo tour

The first stop will be at Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa and Scalo Cavallo, including landing on the island of Favignana. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and then move to Levanzo, where you will visit Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

Marettimo

The first stop will be at Grotta del Cammello, followed by Castello di Punta Troia, Scalo Maestro and Secca del Cretazzo. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and a visit to the seaside village of Marettimo. After skirting Favignana, you will be treated to an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

The one-day boat tour to the Egadi Islands is guaranteed upon reaching at least 6 people. The maximum capacity of the boat is 12 people.

embark on a not-to-be-missed excursion in a motorboat equipped with every comfort and experience a mini cruise in the crystal clear waters of Sicily.

Leaving from Trapani, the motorboat trip will take you to different destinations, visiting the most famous caves and enjoying a typical lunch on board.

During the excursion to Favignana and Levanzo you will skirt the most beautiful and suggestive coves of Favignana such as Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra. There are also two shore stops: a 2-hour stop in Favignana and a 1-hour stop in Levanzo.

You will be scheduled to have lunch on board before reaching Levanzo. Here you will visit Cala Fredda, Cala Minnola and the small fishing village.

Don't miss a unique opportunity to swim in the waters of the Mediterranean and visit the Egadi Islands as a group or as a couple.

Maximum capacity: 185 people.

This day trip by group boat departing from Marsala allows you to admire Favignana and Levanzo.

Departure is scheduled from Marsala marina at 9:00 am. Once embarked, you will be served a breakfast of various croissants and coffee.

The first scheduled stop is in Favignana. Here you can relax with a refreshing swimming or snorkeling break in two bays: Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa.

Next you will reach the port of Favignana for a free tour of the town lasting about 1 hour.

On your return to the ship, you will enjoy an aperitif of mixed bruschetta with matarocco, olive patè and sun-dried tomato patè accompanied by chips, pretzels and a local prosecco.

Following that, you can enjoy a lunch consisting of:

•    Antipasto (eggplant caponata, seasoned local olives, seafood salad, slices of local pecorino cheese, sun-dried tomatoes)
•    1 first course (seafood pasta or fish or vegetable couscous)
•    seasonal fruit
•    water
•    wine
•    Coca Cola
•    coffee

The next stop will be the nearby island of Levanzo. Here a swimming and snorkeling stop is planned in a bay (Cala Fredda or Cala Minnola).

Before returning to the port of departure, a final swimming stop is planned in a bay on the island of Favignana (Grotte Marine or Bue Marino).

Return to the Marsala marina is scheduled for about 5:30 pm.

During the return navigation to Marsala, a typical Sicilian dessert (Cannolo di ricotta) accompanied by a typical fortified wine (Zibibbo or Passito) will be offered.

The itinerary and times may be modified and agreed with the group according to needs and weather conditions.

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Discover the most striking bays of the Egadi Islands with an excursion aboard a spacious, fully equipped boat.

Departing from Trapani, the excursion will guide you along the picturesque Sicilian coast, stopping at hidden coves such as Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino and Cala Rossa, before reaching the village of Levanzo. Here, you will enjoy a swim stop in one of the coves. Next, you will set course for Favignana for another swim stop.

On board, a full lunch with Trapani specialties and fresh fish will be served. After lunch, you will have free time to explore Favignana, enjoy Sicilian granita and visit the Grotta degli Innamorati before returning to Trapani.

Two embacations are available: the Egadi Star and the Luxury Shalimar IV. Both carry a maximum of 30 passengers on board. The Luxury Shalimar boat will give you a luxury experience in a mini-cruise equipped with a larger size for a totally relaxed excursion.

Maximum capacity: 30 people. It is mandatory to pay the ecological fee of €5 at the ticket office before departure.

This half-day boat excursion with 3 swimming stops allows you to discover the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Faraglioni of Scopello starting from San Vito lo Capo.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will share with you stories and curiosities of the places you will visit.

During this excursion there are 3 swimming stops:

•    at Cala dell'Uzzo (Lovers' Cave)
•    at Cala del Varo (Blue Grotto)
•    at the Tonnara di Scopello

On board you will also be offered an aperitif that will allow you to taste typical local products and includes cunzato bread, fig cookies and white wine.

Experience a unique Mediterranean experience in Sicily aboard a gulet, exploring the Zingaro Nature Reserve and enjoying an on-board lunch of typical Sicilian products.

Leaving from San Vito Lo Capo, the sailing will take you to visit the Nature Reserve and the Bay of Scopello, where you will be served a lunch of appetizers, fresh fish entrée, fruit, water and wine.

During the excursion there will be several swimming stops, during which you can take a dip in the sea or snorkel with the equipment provided directly by the facility. 

The gulet trip can be half-day or full-day in duration and is an unmissable opportunity to explore the beauty of the Mediterranean with friends.

The half-day trip runs in May, June and September, while the full-day excursion is available in July and August.

Maximum capacity: 40 people.

Discover the most hidden bays of the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Faraglioni of Scopello thanks to this group inflatable boat tour.

You can swim, snorkel the waters of Sicily and visit the village of Castellammare del Golfo in total relaxation with friends and family.

Leaving from San Vito Lo Capo, the sailing will touch several stops, including Cala del Leone, Cala Bianca and Cala Rossa. You will also visit the Grotta degli Innamorati and the Blue Grotto among the many destinations chosen by the skipper. During the stops, you can take a dip in the Mediterranean waters and practice snorkeling.

During the sailing, you will also be scheduled to stop in the village of Castellammare del Golfo, where you can walk around the town and enjoy typical Sicilian cuisine.

The excursion lasts a full day. Stops may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and skipper decisions.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Half-day group boat excursion from San Vito Lo Capo to the Zingaro Nature Reserve and Monte Cofano.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing time with friends or family while admiring the Sicilian coastline from the sea.

You will board the wooden boat "Sabiha" which offers a large sun-protected walking area, ideal for a comfortable and safe sailing experience.

The first scheduled stop is the ancient Tonnara dell’Uzzo, witness to stories of sea and fishermen, and then continue along the spectacular Zingaro Nature Reserve, rich in wild cliffs and crystal clear waters.

Finally, you will reach the picturesque Tonnara di Scopello. Here you can relax and be won over by the authentic flavors of Sicily. You will be offered a refined aperitif, accompanied by local food and wine excellences, which will celebrate the marriage of sea, nature and tradition.

During the cruise, swimming stops are planned and they will allow you to cool off in the crystal clear waters. You can also explore the seabed grasie the snorkeling equipment provided by the facility.

The private dinghy excursion to the Zingaro Reserve is an unmissable opportunity to visit the Sicilian coast from San Vito to the most fascinating coves such as Cala Bianca and Cala Rossa, as well as the renowned Faraglioni of Scopello.

You will depart from the Sanvitese Nautical Department. The navigation will then continue to the Zingaro Reserve where you can admire the Saracen tower of Sciere, the Tonnara del Secco and other typical local attractions. Once in the reserve, stops are planned at Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo and the museum of maritime activities.

During the navigation, you will pass through several coves, including Cala Marinella and Cala Berretta. The second stop is at the Faraglioni of Scopello, while the third stop è at Castellammare del Golfo, to explore its charming village. This is followed by final stops at Cala Bianca, ideal for snorkeling, and Cala Rossa.

The tour includes an on-board lunch of Sicilian specialties. In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

The excursion has a duration of one full day. The facility will provide you directly with the appropriate equipment to snorkel and admire the marine flora and fauna of Sicily. 

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

The group dinghy excursion to the Zingaro Reserve is an unmissable opportunity to visit the Sicilian coast from San Vito to the most fascinating coves such as Cala Bianca and Cala Rossa, as well as the renowned Faraglioni of Scopello.

Departing from the Diporto Nautico Sanvitese, the sailing continues to the Zingaro Reserve where you can admire the Saracen tower of Sciere, the Tonnara del Secco and other typical local attractions. Once in the reserve, stops are planned at Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo and the museum of maritime activities.

On the way, you will pass several coves, including Cala Marinella and Cala Berretta. The second stop is at the Faraglioni of Scopello, while the third stop is in Castellammare del Golfo, to explore its charming village. This is followed by final stops at Cala Bianca, ideal for snorkeling, and Cala Rossa. The tour includes an on-board lunch of Sicilian specialties.

The facility will directly provide you with the appropriate equipment to snorkel and admire the marine flora and fauna of Sicily.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.