The 10 best Boat Tours to the Zingaro Nature Reserve

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.

The Castellammare Gulf sailing tour is a half-day tour during which you will be taken to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a beautiful protected natural area in Sicily located along the northwest coast of the island.

The tour departs from Castellammare del Golfo bound for the Grotta delle Colombe and then stops for swimming at Cala dell'Uzzo fabulous cove that is part of the famous Zingaro Nature Reserve continues to the Faraglioni of Scopello and another stop at Cala Bianca.

During the sailing tour, you can explore the enchanting stacks, and visit some of the coastal caves, which are often full of natural beauty and fascinating geological formations.

To make the experience even more enjoyable, the tour is conducted on a sailboat, offering a pleasant sail along the coast.

Finally, you will be served a light lunch that includes typical Sicilian cunzato bread, fruit, water, and drinks-a light meal while enjoying the spectacular views.

The gozzo excursion from Castellammare Del Golfo to the Zingaro Nature Reserve allows you to experience a unique day aboard a typical gozzo.

During the excursion you can relax and admire the charming coves and caves of the coast that lead from Castellammare to the Zingaro Reserve passing by the "Faraglioni di Scopello".

The gozzo is equipped with sundeck at the bow and seating at the stern, awning, shower with fresh water and a convenient ladder for access to the water.

In addition to mandatory safety equipment (life jackets, life jackets etc.), floating boards and tubes for swimming, masks and fins for snorkeling are also available to guests on board.

During the tour, the following will be offered:

•    seasonal fruit (grapes, peaches, melon or other)
•    fresh non-alcoholic beverages

On request you can also have lunch with seasoned bread or local products (not included in the price).

This experience takes place from May to October, subject to weather and sea conditions, and it is confirmed upon reaching at least no. 6 participants.

Appropriate clothing (swimsuit) is recommended, and please remember to bring sunscreen and beach towel.

Set off on an exciting 4-hour adventure aboard a catamaran or boat to Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve departing from Castellammare del Golfo.

During this excursion there are 3 sea swimming stops and you can visit some of the most famous places in this area thanks to a skipper to a local guide at your disposal.

In particular, you will admire:

•    Vucciria Cave
•    Cave of the Doves
•    Red Cove
•    White Scale
•    Guidaloca
•    Tonnara di Scopello
•    Zingaro Reserve

On board you will also be offered an aperitif with 1 drink, seasonal fruit and chips.

Those who wish may use the snorkeling equipment that is provided by the facility (included in the price).

When booking, you can choose between the Copacabana catamaran (with capacity for 36 people) and the Marinello Eden 22 boat (with capacity for 8 people).

The dinghy excursion to the Zingaro Nature Reserve departs from Castellammare and includes visits to the most striking beaches: Cala Bianca, Cala Rossa, Faraglioni di Scopello, Cala dell'Uzzo, Cala del Leone and San Vito Lo Capo.

During the stops you will also visit the Vucciria Caves, the fabulous Lovers' Cave in the vicinity of Cala dell'Uzzo, the Blue Cave and many others.

Each stop will be given the opportunity to swim and use snorkeling equipment. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the village of San Vito Lo Capo where they will dock for a break.

All boats and dinghies used for excursions are equipped with awnings that cover 3/4 (three quarters) of the craft for shelter from the sun.

The catamaran excursion to the Zingaro Nature Reserve from Castellammare del Golfo is a half-day tour that offers an unforgettable experience of nature and breathtaking scenery.

You will be taken to the Zingaro Reserve, a beautiful protected natural area in Sicily, located along the northwestern coast of the island.

During the boat tour, you will explore the enchanting stacks, and visit some of the coastal caves, which are often full of natural beauty and fascinating geological formations.

To make the experience even more enjoyable, the tour is conducted on a catamaran, offering a pleasant cruise along the coast.

Finally, you will be served an aperitif including sweet puffs, fruit and water, a light meal while enjoying the spectacular view.

A sunset aperitif on a catamaran in Castellammare Del Golfo allows you to experience a relaxing moment while admiring striking views from the sea.

This experience is suitable for everyone and it is perfect for couples and groups of friends who want to spend a fun-filled evening.

On board you will be offered an aperitif with open wine and food accompanied by music. You will enjoy local products while admiring the coastline that is tinged with striking colors at dusk.

Departure is at 9 pm and the tour will last about 2 hours. This experience is only available from July to September.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, you can contact the facility after booking.

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.

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.

Get ready to discover the most striking bays on the west coast of Sicily, sailing between the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Faraglioni of Scopello.

Departing from the port of San Vito Lo Capo, the itinerary includes numerous stops and stops to dive into the crystal-clear waters and practice snorkeling with the equipment mess provided by the captain. You'll begin the sailing with a stop at the Tonnara del Secco, and then head to the Zingaro Reserve, one of Sicily's most popular destinations.

The sailing continues to Scopello to admire its famous Faraglioni rocks and snorkel in the turquoise waters. You will make 3 bathroom stops of at least 30 minutes between Cala dell'Uzzo, Cala del Varo and the Faraglioni, chosen by the captain to avoid overcrowded places. Each stop will be accompanied by light refreshments on board, with sweets, pane cunzatu, pizza and drinks.

The boat trip lasts 4 hours and can be arranged on a shared or exclusive basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may vary.

Maximum capacity: 20 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.

Discover San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Nature Reserve aboard a boat equipped with a skipper, who will tell you the story of Sicily's most hidden and fascinating coves and places.

The excursion departs from San Vito Lo Capo and the itinerary covers several stops. Along the way, you will pass by the old Tonnara of San Vito Lo Capo and Cala Firriato, with a stop at Lake Venus. Your first bathroom stop will instead be at Cala dell'Uzzo, to explore the Lovers' Cave.

You will continue through the coves of the Zingaro Nature Reserve to the Tonnara di Scopello with its renowned Faraglioni rocks. Here there will be another swim stop where you can snorkel among the marine flora and fauna with equipment provided directly by the facility.

The boat trip lasts half a day and can be done in the morning or afternoon. Also included in the tour is an aperitif on board based on local specialties such as cunzato bread, olives, cheese and wine.

The excursion takes place on board the boat Chicca, which is equipped with all comforts and has a maximum capacity of 22 people.

Explore the Zingaro Nature Reserve and Tonnara dello Scopello on board a boat with friends and family and swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to Sicily's most fascinating and hidden caves.

Departing from San Vito Lo Capo, you will visit the Saracen Towers, the Tonnara del Secco, and the Laghetto di Venere, with first swim stop at Cala 'Mpiso. Next, you will explore the Zingaro Nature Reserve and a second swim stop will be provided at Cala Dell'Uzzo. You will then continue to the historic Tonnara di Scopello with its Faraglioni rocks.

On board, typical fig cookies accompanied by almond marsala will be offered. Upon reaching Scopello, you will be served cunzato bread accompanied by white wine.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change. The experience can be done in the morning or afternoon.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.