The 20 best mini-cruises in Italy in 2025

Enjoy a day cruise to the Cinque Terre with friends, exploring the villages of Portovenere, Vernazza and Monterosso, where you can swim or enjoy lunch overlooking the sea.

The sailing departs from La Spezia at 10:00 a.m. aboard a motorboat that will reach Portovenere after a few minutes, where the first stop will be scheduled. Afterwards, the itinerary continues to Monterosso and, finally, you will visit Vernazza, before returning to the pier around 6:00 pm.

At each stop, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the villages, take a swim in the clear waters, enjoy a lunch overlooking the sea, and store in local stores.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

The motorboat excursion a unique opportunity to visit the renowned Cinque Terre and take a swim in the Ligurian sea.

Departing from La Spezia at 10:00 a.m., you will travel along the Golfo dei Poeti and immediately begin skirting the Cinque Terre. The first scheduled stop is at Riomaggiore, known for its ancient village. Next, the motorboat will stop in Monterosso, where you can swim at Fegina beach. The sailing ends with a visit to Vernazza, the "pearl" of the Cinque Terre.

At each stop, travelers can explore villages, take a swim in the clear waters, have lunch overlooking the sea, and store in local stores. A guide on board is included during the excursion.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

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.

This excursion allows you to have a unique experience in the Egadi Islands admiring Favignana and Levanzo.

At 10 a.m. you will set sail from Trapani. After about 30 minutes of navigation, you will reach the island of Favignana, where all the swimming stops in the most beautiful areas of the Egadina island will be carried out under the coast and in total safety.

You will visit all the main attractions, such as the islet of Preveto, Cala Azzurra, Cala Rotonda, Grotta degli Innamorati and Palazzo Florio.

At around 13:00 we will stop in town, where we will have a lunch break. Alternatively, you will be able to have lunch on board the’boat and provide your own packed lunch or, upon request, ask the facility to provide lunch on board.

Once the lunch break is over, it will be possible to visit the island.

At about 15:00 you will leave with direction Levanzo Island; also there you will explore under the coast and in total safety the beautiful Cala Tramontana (the largest cove of the Egadi Islands, an evocative place full of anecdotes of the famous battles of the Egadi Islands).

Following this, you will visit the Grotta del Buco, the Faraglione, Cala Camaro and make a short scenic stop in the village and then conclude the Tour on Cala Fredda, Cala Minnula, Cala Calcara and Capo Grosso.

Each passenger will be offered a welcome toast consisting of prosecco “La Gioiosa” and local products, all accompanied by good music and lots of merriment on board!

The return is scheduled for about 6:30 pm. 

You can also enjoy various services on board for free, such as beverages (water, tè, coke, coffee), snorkeling accessories, underwater flashlights, underwater camera and a video/photo “souvenir” service included in the price that will be sent to you at the end of each tour. 

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

Discover Favignana on a day or sunset excursion accompanied by a skipper.

You can choose from 3 different tours:

Daily tour

The itinerary for this tour includes:

•    Departure from marsala for 9:00 a.m.
•    Arrive in Favignana with visit to Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa 
•    Landing on the island of Favignana for 12:30 and lunch stop
•    Departure for Levanzo at 2 p.m. and swimming stop at the Faraglioni 
•    Swimming stop at 15:00 at Cala Fridda and subsequent swimming stop at Cala Minnula at 16:00 
•    Aperitif to end the day on a high note
•    Arrive in Marsala for 17:30

Sunset tour to Favignana

The itinerary for this tour includes:

•    Barking and departure from Marsala for 6:30 pm
•    Arrival in Favignana, music and aperitif on board in Cala Rotonda from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
•    Arrive in Marsala for 21:30

Sunset tour to the Stagnone Lagoon

•    Barking and departure from Marsala for 6:30 pm
•    Arrive at the viewpoint, music and aperitif on board while watching the sun set
•    Arrive in Marsala for 9:30 p.m.

For each tour you will be accompanied by a skipper who will know how to tell you the best anecdotes about the area.

In case of bad weather the excursion could be cancelled or the itinerary and its duration could be changed.

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.

Discover Elba Island with fantastic motorboat ride. An ideal experience for those who want to swim along the coast of the island and discover its beauty in total relaxation.

Departing from Marina di Campo at 09:30, you will explore the Cannello beach and Porto Azzurro, skirting the mines of Rio. The trip continues along the spectacular Costa Verde and stops are planned at Viticcio and Sansone bays.

Four bathroom stops are planned during the excursion, before returning to Marina di Campo at 3:30 pm.

The boat tour is organized on a shared basis and lasts 6 hours. In addition, you will be offered a light lunch on board consisting of rice salad accompanied by drinks and small snacks.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 150 people.

Embark on a day trip to Elba Island, visiting its north coast to Sant'Andrea, with drinks on board and stops to take a dip in the turquoise waters and practice snorkeling.

Departing from Portoferraio, the boat trip sails along the island's coast to the Scoglietto Nature Reserve and as far as Sant'Andrea, with the opportunity to have lunch on board and enjoy a spritz during the day.

The boat trip is shared includes lunch, drinks and surface snorkeling equipment.

Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, stops may vary.

Maximum capacity: 12 people. The excursion takes place if there are at least 7 people on board.

Afternoon motorboat excursion departing from Marina di Campo to the Wreck and Grotta Azzurra, among the most picturesque spots on Elba Island.

The trip, which proceeds in the southwest direction of the island, allows you to discover Galenzana Beach, a small beach connected to Marina di Campo, Grotta Del Vescovo, Colle Palombaia an isolated pebble beach and the Costa del Sole. Within it are the beaches of Cavoli, Seccheto, with its enchanting natural pools, and Fetovaia.

Another favorite stop is the Blue Grotto, named for the play of colors that stand out near the Grotto, which also houses a small sandy beach that can be easily reached by swimming.

Navigation will then continue to the village of Pomonte, which has become famous for the presence of the Wreck. Today the wreck lies on the seabed right next to the rock and is home to an incredible natural marine habitat.

Upon returning from the excursion you will go in search of dolphins, which, with a bit of luck, can be spotted at any point of the trip, as the island is part of the Pelagos Sanctuary: a marine protected area for cetaceans and a true paradise for marine mammals.

Maximum capacity: 80 people.

The Taxi Boat excursion from Cala Gonone allows you to board a motorboat that will take you to Cala Luna.

Here you will be dropped off and can stay on the beach for as long as you wish.

To return, you will be able to re-board the motorboat that will take you back to the port of Cala Gonone.

Departures are scheduled from Cala Gonone port at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

While return is possible from Cala Luna at 12:30, 15:30, 16:30 and 17:30.

Discover Sardinia's most fascinating coves aboard a motorship in total relaxation and get ready to discover the beauty of the Gulf of Orosei and its crystal-clear waters, where you can dive in and go for a swim.

Departing from Cala Gonone, you will first reach Cala Luna, one of Sardinia's most enchanting beaches, where you will have the opportunity to take your first dive of the day. Afterwards, you can choose to visit the Bue Marino Caves or venture to Cala Mariolu. During the navigation, you will also be served an aperitif on board based on typical Sardinian products.

In the afternoon, the next stops will be Cala Sisine or Cala Biriola, for another swim in turquoise waters and to take breathtaking photos at Cala Goloritzè. Finally, you will board the motorboat again, which will return to the port of Cala Gonone.

The motorboat excursion lasts a full day and is organized on a shared basis. Also, depending on the skipper's decisions and weather conditions, the stops may be changed.

Maximum capacity: 149 people. More than one boat is available. Depending on numbers and season, at the time of departure, the port coordinator will decide which boat to take out for the mini-cruise.

If you wish to visit the Sea Ox Caves, there is an additional fee to be paid on the Dorgali Municipality website, the price of which varies according to seasonality. Finally, it is mandatory to pay the environmental fee of 2€ per person before departure.

This experience allows you to reach Cala Luna by transfer from Cala Gonone.

You will have the opportunity to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon in the company of friends and immersing yourself in crystal clear waters.

Once you reach Cala Luna, you can stop for about 3 hours at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

The experience does not include the Environmental tax of 2€ per person payable on site before departure in cash only.

Animals are not allowed.

This experience allows you to reach the Sea Ox Caves by transfer from Cala Gonone. 

The excursion is suitable for everyone and is perfect for spending a relaxing day with friends or family.

On arrival at the Sea Ox Caves you can stop for about 2 hours before returning to Cala Gonone.

The entrance fee to the Sea Ox Caves is not included and you will need to purchase it on site.

No animals are allowed.

This experience allows you to reach Cala Sisine by transfer starting from Cala Gonone.

The excursion is suitable for everyone and is perfect for spending a fun-filled day with friends or family.

Two departures are scheduled from Cala Gonone: at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. Once you reach Cala Sisine you can stay for the entire day (returns are scheduled at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.).

This experience does not include the ecoticket which costs 2€ per person (payable locally in cash).

Animals are not allowed.

The Taxi Boat experience to Cala Luna and Sea Ox Cave allows you to experience a day trip to the Gulf of Orosei aboard a motorboat.

From the port of Cala Gonone, you will board the motorboat that will take you to the Grotta del Bue Marino.

After visiting the cave, you will sail to Cala Luna. Here you will be dropped off and can stay on the beach for as long as you wish.

To return, you will be able to take the motorboat back to the port of Cala Gonone.

The visit to the Sea Ox Cave is optional and involves an additional ticket of 10€ per person for adults and 5€ per person for children (not included in the price and purchasable at the port).

Departures are scheduled from Cala Gonone port at 10:00 am, 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.

While return is possible from Cala Luna at 12:30, 15:30, 16:30 and 17:30.