Sicily Boat Tours: the 20 best boat rides

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

Leaving from the center of Palermo, this boat tour offers you the chance to explore the Sicilian coast from the sea, admiring some of its most beautiful views, such as the famous Gulf of Mondello.

Aboard a modern boat designed to accommodate up to 10 people, you will enjoy a comfortable and relaxing experience.

The boat is equipped with everything you need: swim ladder, awning for shelter from the sun, deck shower, stereo system, sunbathing area, stern platform and teak deck.

The departure is from the "Trapezoidal Pier", right in the center of town. From there, one skirts the Palermo coastline, with the clear sea all around and the sea breeze accompanying the navigation.

Two formulas are available: the shared tour lasting 4 hours and the private tour, which canò last 4 or 8 hours.

During the tour you will be served prosecco, cold drinks, fruit and snacks.

Group tour

The first stop is Vergine Maria beach, where the turquoise sea meets the golden sand, perfect for an initial swimming stop.

You continue to Addaura and then arrive at the Gulf of Mondello, where you'll stop for an aperitif on board and a nice dip in the water.

Sailing continues to the Capogallo promontory, from where you can enjoy spectacular views, until you reach Grotta dell’Olio, a natural cave sculpted by the movement of the waves.

Here you can swim, snorkel and observe the play of light inside the cave. This stretch of sea is ideal for a new break and exploring the seabed.

Finally, before returning to port, you will make a stop at the Queen's Cave, a charming place hidden among the cliffs.

Private tour

Those who choose the private tour can define the itinerary together with the skipper, with the possibility’of customizing stops, duration and places to visit, to live a’tailor-made experience.

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 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.

Discover the Gulf of Palermo and Marina di Villa Igea at sunset aboard a boat guided by an experienced captain.

Departing from Palermo, you will sail to Marina di Villa Igea, a location where you can relax while watching the sunset.

During the outing, which lasts a couple of hours, you will enjoy an excellent aperitif of Sicilian products, offered by the boat captain.

Throughout the outing you will be accompanied by a skipper who will be able to tell you the best anecdotes about the area.

We recommend appropriate clothing for the evening weather.

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.

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.

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, visiting the best-known caves and enjoying a typical lunch on board.

Departing from Trapani, the motorboat trip will take you to several destinations, depending on the itinerary you choose, and you will have a choice of two routes.

Favignana and Levanzo (8 hours)

During the excursion to Favignana and Levanzo you will skirt Favignana's most beautiful and picturesque coves such as Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra. Lunch will be provided on board before reaching Levanzo. Here you will visit Cala Fredda, Cala Minnola and the small fishing village.

Marettimo (9 hours)

During the excursion to Marettimo you will visit the pebble beaches on the slopes of Punta Troia and other sandy coves such as Cala Bianca and Cala Nera. With luck, you may spot rare Mediterranean monk seals.

The excursion lasts a full day and includes an onboard lunch of typical Sicilian products.

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

Maximum capacity: 185 people.

Discover the wonderful island of Favignana through a sailing boat tour and experience direct contact with the sea.

The sailing excursion is held by a licensed skipper and is intended both for beginners who are approaching sailing for the first time, and for those who have already taken a basic sailing course in the past and want to take a tour of the 'enchanting island of Favignana, followed by a trained and competent instructor.

During the excursion you will visit Cala Rossa, Bue Marino and Cala Rotonda, with swimming and snorkeling stops. On your return, the captain will offer you a tasting of typical Favignanese products, water, coffee and snacks.

Get ready to discover the whole island of Favignana with its fantastic crystal clear waters and famous coves directly from the sea.

Prepare to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Egadi Islands with a boat excursion from Trapani, during which you will explore the islands' most beautiful coves and enjoy surface snorkeling.

This daily yacht tour to the Egadi Islands is scheduled to depart at 09:30 a.m.

Long stops are scheduled for swimming and snorkeling in Favignana and you will be offered a tasting of typical Sicilian products.

You will visit the towns of Favignana and Levanzo, before returning to Trapani around 17:30 / 18:00. 

Maximum capacity: 30 people.

The excursion is shared and it is suitable for everyone. It is mandatory to pay the Egadi Islands ecological entrance fee in cash before departure (5€ per person, children from 0 to 4 years old do not pay the fee).

Embark on a unique adventure along the most fascinating coves and bays of Favignana and Levanzo aboard a motorboat, enjoying a hearty lunch on board and diving into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

You can choose from two different tours, each itinerary includes stops in Favignana and Levanzo for sightseeing and swimming.

Minicruise

The daily Egadi Islands minicruise offers a comfortable way to visit the islands. Departing Trapani at 09:30, you will arrive in Favignana for two hours of sightseeing and beaches. You will visit Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra with bathroom stops, and while sailing you will be treated to lunch on board, which includes:

•    Primo pasta with Trapanese pesto sauce
•    Fruit
•    Water and wine

In the afternoon, you will visit Levanzo and a bathroom stop will be provided. Return to Trapani is scheduled around 5:30-6:00 pm.

Shuttle Tour

The Shuttle tour allows you to visit Favignana and Levanzo without an organized tour. Departing from Trapani at 10:30 a.m., after about 45 minutes of sailing you will arrive in Favignana, where you can visit the island in total freedom. You will then reach Levanzo for a scenic tour and a bathroom stop. Return to Trapani is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Maximum capacity: 200 people. It is mandatory to pay the Egadi Islands ecological entrance fee in cash before departure (5€ per person, children 0-4 years old do not pay the fee).

Venture to the Egadi Islands with a unique excursion to Marettimo, a small hamlet of Favignana, where you can dive into the Mediterranean waters and snorkel, all accompanied by a typical tasting of Sicilian products.

Departing from Trapani at 09:30, you will take a complete tour of the island with visits to the most beautiful coves and caves where you can swim and snorkel. You will have the opportunity to visit the small town and, on your return by boat, you will be offered a typical tasting. This will be followed by a panoramic tour of Levanzo with a final stop for swimming near the Faraglione, before returning to Trapani at 6:30 pm.

The tour will be done on a shared basis. In addition, it is mandatory to pay the ecological fee for entry into the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area in cash before departure (€5.00 per person, children 0-4 years old do not pay the fee).

Maximum capacity: 28 people.

The boat excursion to Marzamemi has a half-day duration departing at 09:00 or 15:00, during which a reinforced lunch or aperitif will be served on board.

The boat tour includes two or three stops in the crystal clear sea of Sicily and offers a unique culinary experience.

In the morning, you will be greeted with a delicious breakfast accompanied later by an aperitif lunch full of typical local products. In the afternoon, on the other hand, some welcome food and an aperitif will be served.

Typical Sicilian dishes include fried foods, fresh fish dishes, bruschetta, fresh fruit, and, of course, drinks.

This boat tour will allow you to explore the sea, enjoy local delicacies, and experience an unforgettable day of boating in Marzamemi.

The sunset boat aperitif in Marzamemi is a unique experience on a private boat with skipper and local food. The tour Starts at 7:30 pm and lasts until 10 pm.

This is a very special sunset aperitif where a magical atmosphere is created. The tour is organized for couples, groups or family members on a private basis.

An aperitif of fish and local products, drinks and seasonal fruits will be served during the tour.

You will enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting on the horizon, accompanied by the relaxing and engaging melody of sax played live on the boat.

Embark on a unique excursion to Marzamemi and enjoy an aperitif or lunch on board in excellent company, overlooking Sicily's most fascinating beaches. You can choose from two tours:

Sightseeing Tour (4 hours)

After visiting Tafuri Castle, you will head to the enchanting island of Capo Passero and then return to Marzamemi to explore its quaint old harbor. Afterwards, you will dive into the waters above the ancient Roman columns, then end the day with a refreshing swim at Vendicari Island.

Delicious bruschetta with Pachino cherry along with fresh seasonal fruit, local wine and water are offered on board to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Snorkeling equipment is also provided.

Exclusive (6 hours)

You may also choose to have lunch or dinner on board. The itinerary remains the same and the menu includes:

•    bruschetta with Pachino cherry tomatoes
•    grilled fresh fish
•    peperonata
•    Pachino salad
•    seasonal fruit, local wine, water

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change. The menu is subject to change related to seasonal availability.

Dinghy excursion starting from Avola and sailing up north to discover the Island of Ortigia.

Departing from Avola, you will sail north and skirt the coast visiting the most beautiful coves and caves such as Fontane Bianche beach, the tower of Ognina, Arenella beach, Capo Murro di Porco and Punta della Mola until you reach the island of Ortigia.

During the outing, some stops will be made to swim in the sea and you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products.

You will, in addition, be accompanied for the duration of the excursion by an experienced skipper who can guide you along the coast and tell some anecdotes about the area.

For this experience you can choose between 2 options with the same itinerary:

•    Private excursion with the whole boat exclusively. Duration is about 5 hours, you can choose between morning and afternoon and maximum 6 people can participate.
•    Group excursion with the boat shared with other participants. The duration is about 6 hours and the maximum number of participants is 12 people.

Sail to Portopalo di Capo Passero starting from Avola aboard an inflatable boat guided by an experienced skipper.

You will depart from Avola, either by 9 a.m. or 2 p.m., and sail south. You will skirt Calamosche Beach and the Vendicari tuna fishery until you reach Marzamemi. At this point you will dock and disembark to visit the village. Once back on board you will continue to Portopalo di Capo Passero.

During the trip, some stops will be made to swim in the sea and you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products.

You will, in addition, be accompanied for the duration of the excursion by an experienced skipper who can guide you along the coast and tell some anecdotes about the area.

For this experience you can choose between 2 options with the same itinerary:

•    Private excursion with the whole boat exclusively. Duration will be about 5 hours with a maximum of 6 participants
•    Group excursion sharing with other participants in the morning with departure for 9:00 am and duration of 6 hours for a maximum of 12 participants
•    Group excursion sharing with other participants in the afternoon with departure for 2:00 pm and duration of 5 hours for a maximum of 12 participants

Boat excursion until sunset, departing from Avola with a stop in Marzamemi.

You will leave for about 3:30 pm and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve and San Lorenzo.

Once you arrive at Marzamemi you will make a stop and get off the boat to visit the small town. You will then get back on the boat until you arrive at Capo Passero Island.

Return is scheduled for 8:00 pm.

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco to be consumed on board.

In addition, there are several stops to swim in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board to snorkel.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

•    Shared excursion with other participants aboard a raft, for a maximum of 12 people. The boat must carry at least 6 people on board.
•    Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for a maximum of 10 people
•    Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.