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.

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 sail along the most beautiful and scenic coves of Favignana, such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. The tour also includes two stops on land: a 2-hour stop in Favignana and a 1-hour stop in Levanzo.

Lunch will be served on board before heading to Levanzo. There, 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.

The excursion to Marettimo is guaranteed with a minimum of 40 participants.

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.

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).

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 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.

Adventure 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, upon returning 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, è 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 from 0 to 4 years old do not pay the fee).

Maximum capacity: 28 people.

Children ages 0-4 years old are not allowed on board.

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

The excursion is guaranteed with a minimum of 6 participants.

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.

An aperitif will be served on board, but not lunch. You can bring a packed lunch or eat on the island of Favignana, where you will stop from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

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

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.

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. If the minimum number is not reached, the excursion will be cancelled with a total refund. 

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.

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.

To return, you can take the motorboat that will take you back to the port of Cala Gonone.
The return is possible from Cala Luna at 12:30 pm, 15:30 pm, 16:30 pm and 17:30 pm.

This experience allows you to visit the Bue Marino Caves, Cala Luna and Cala Sisine starting from Cala Gonone.

The first stop you will reach is the Bue Marino Caves where you can stay for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Next you will land at Cala Luna for a stop of about 2 hours where you can relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

The last scheduled stop is Cala Sisine, which will last about 2 hours. Here you can admire all the ravines and wonderful views.

This excursion is suitable for everyone and is perfect for those who want to spend a relaxing day with friends or family.

The experience does not include the ticket to the Sea Ox Caves and the guided tour (to be purchased on site).

The excursion is guaranteed with a minimum of 15 participants.

No animals are allowed.

This daily motorboat tour allows you to admire the most picturesque beaches and coves of the Baunei Coast and the Gulf of Orosei.

You will explore beaches and heavenly waters reliving the emotions of Lina Wertmüller's famous film. 

After being welcomed by the crew, you will begin sailing along the coast of Baunei. Initially you will head to Pedra Longa, an impressive and fascinating natural monument.

The excursion will then continue to the Cave of the Pigeons, followed by a short photo stop in the waters in front of Cala Goloritzé, with its arch and white beach. The unique transparency of the water in this area makes it possible to see the seabed even at a depth of 30 meters.

The first stop at the beach will be at Cala Mariolu. You will stay here for 1 hour and a half or so, during which you can go down to the beach enjoying a refreshing swim.

Returning aboard, you will make your way to Cala Biriala, where you will stop for about 1½ hours. As an alternative to stopping at the beach, for those who wish, it will be possible to visit Grotta del Fico (visit lasting about 1 hour, at the price of 10€, with a ticket that can be purchased directly on the boat).

Next you will head to Cala Sisine, where you will stay for about 2 hours. Those who wish can choose a convenient packed lunch on your own or take advantage of the refreshment point there.

Having finished this last stop, it will then be time to resume the return navigation, during which you will be able to admire Cape Monte Santo with its striking inlets similar to the famous Norwegian fjords.

You will then return to the starting point in Santa Maria Navarrese after an experience lasting about 9 hours.

Embark on a mini cruise of the Gulf of Orosei aboard a nearly 100-year-old sailing ship.

The boat sets sail from the port of Cala Gonone at 10:30 a.m. (check in 10 a.m.) and heads out to discover the coast's most beautiful beaches and caves.

The itinerary includes:

•    Cala Biriola: small rose-colored beach
•    Le Piscine di Venere: small cove with turquoise waters
•    Cala Mariolu or Cala dei Gabbiani (longer stop): two pearls of the Gulf of Orosei
•    Cala Goloritze: natural rock arch that gives the beach its name

You will also be able to admire from the boat: Cala Luna and Cala Sisine. Return is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

During this day you will be able to admire some of the most beautiful places in the gulf aboard a unique boat and dive into crystal clear waters for an unforgettable experience.

It is recommended that you bring a packed lunch to eat at one of the beach stops, as no food or drinks can be consumed on board.

On this very spacious boat, you can enjoy a day in the company of other participants.

Daily boat excursion starting from Arbatax in the Gulf of Orosei to Cala Luna.

The motorboat sets sail at 8:30 a.m. from the port of Arbatax and follows a specific route that will allow you to observe the entire coast of the Gulf of Orosei. The return è is estimated for 5:30 pm.

Leaving from the port of Arbatax you will skirt the Islet d'Ogliastra, Pedralonga, the Grotta dei Colombi, the Piscine di Venere until you reach Cala Luna.

This excursion includes lunch aboard the motorboat. Lunch includes:

•    An appetizer of zero-mile cheeses and cured meats
•    Fregola with seafood, prepared with the ancient Ponza seafood recipe
•    A slice of sapa and walnut cake and seasonal fruit
•    Ogliastrian wine

For children, the menuù includes:

•    Milanese cutlet and French fries
•    Fresh fruit
•    Water

There are 3 stops along the way where è it is mandatory to go down to the beach:

•    Cala Mariolu
•    Cala Sisine
•    Cala Luna

In addition, è there is 1 optional stop at Grotta del Fico that è to be booked in advance and paid exclusively on board (10€ per person for adults and 6€ per person for children between 6 and 12 years old).

Each stop è subject to change according to weather conditions. The price also includes tourist tax and landing tax at Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna

.

È recommended to bring your own beach towel and umbrella for beach stops.

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.