Taormina boat tour: the 10 best boat rides

Half-day sailing excursion from Palermo to Mondello Bay or Capo Zafferano

Set sail aboard a comfortable sailboat that can accommodate up to 10 people.

Depending on the weather conditions, you will head for Mondello Bay or Capo Zafferano.

In the first case, you will pass by the striking caves of Villa Igea, which can be reached by tender for a refreshing swim.

In the second route, you will land at Capo Zafferano, where you can swim at the beach of the Frenchmen or in the crystal-clear waters of Lido del Carabiniere.

Day trip by sailboat to the Gulf of Mondello from Palermo.

Board a comfortable sailboat that can accommodate up to 10 people and be guided by an experienced skipper, who will share with you stories and trivia about the places you will visit.

Sailing to Mondello Bay you will pass through the fascinating caves of Villa Igea, which you can reach by tender for a refreshing swim.

During the day you can explore the coast by SUP or engage in snorkeling, admiring the colorful seabed and crystal clear waters of Sicily.

The day will be enhanced by a lunch on board with typical products.

If conditions permit, on your return you can enjoy a picturesque sunset over the sea before returning to port.

Explore the sea outside Palermo with this relaxing excursion, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart from Marina Villa Igiea at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. and head north to Mondello and Capo Gallo.

On arrival, you can stop to swim in the sea and choose whether to relax in the sun or enjoy the music on board.

As soon as you board you will be offered a welcome cocktail and afterwards you can enjoy an excellent aperitif of local products.

An experienced skipper will be always present on board to meet your every need.

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

The day boat ride between Palermo and the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is a relaxing experience that allows you to discover the Sicilian sea, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart by 10:30 a.m. from Marina Villa Igiea and head north, pushing as far as Isola delle Femmine. Return is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

This tour will allow you to make swimming stops with the possibility of snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots along the coast.

An experienced skipper will be on board at all times to attend to your every need.

You will be offered a welcome cocktail when you arrive on the boat, and at lunchtime you will be served Sicilian dishes to eat on board.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility following your reservation.

This catamaran excursion to Palermo allows you to view the Sicilian coastline from the sea and choose between a morning and an afternoon trip with an overnight stay.

Swimming stops in protected marine areas are provided during the cruise. You can freely use the equipment provided by the facility (snorkeling gear, masks, canoes, sup, water scooters and dinghy).

Between a dip and a swim you can enjoy an authentic dining experience with fresh seasonal fruit, a lunch of typical Sicilian dishes and an open bar always available.

This experience is perfect for getting in touch with the culinary culture of the area while experiencing new flavors and tasting Sicilian wines, fresh fish, cruditè and Palermo finger food.

You can also practice sport fishing and try to catch tuna, amberjack, sea bream, lampuche and many other species that reign in this area of the Mediterranean.

You can choose from 2 options.

Morning excursion with lunch

This 6-hour tour gives you a unique experience among the most striking bays of the Palermo coast. Departure is scheduled at 9 a.m.

You will visit:

•    Mondello
•    Natural Reserve of Capo Gallo
•    Grotta dell'Olio
•    Barcarello/Sferracavallo
•    Natural Reserve of Isola delle Femmine

Lunch, drinks and water games are included.

Afternoon excursion and overnight stay

If you choose this option, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive experience aboard a floating resort with an all-inclusive formula that includes:

•    breakfast
•    lunch
•    dinner
•    drinks

Three cabins are available (1 double for single or couple use and 2 triple) and departure is scheduled at 4:00 pm.

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

Discover the coast of Palermo by sailing through crystal clear waters and some of the mostù suggestive stretches of the Sicilian coastline.

During the excursion you can admire beautiful locations such as Mondello, Sferracavallo, Capaci and the Nature Reserve of Isola delle Femmine, make swimming stops in the most beautiful waters of the coast and relax surrounded by breathtaking views.

The skipper will accompany you during the experience with curiosities, stories and anecdotes, making the sailing even more engaging.

You will also find snorkeling equipment on board and enjoy a typical aperitif.

The excursion è is available in three different tours, with different duration and itinerary, from the most complete full-day tour to the shortest sunset experience.

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.

The dinghy aperitif at the Stagnone in Marsala is a unique opportunity for a romantic sunset experience along the coast of Sicily.

During the excursion, the dinghy will sail slowly to give you the opportunity to relax and take photographs of the islands and the sea. Once you arrive near Isola Lunga, you will have a panoramic view of everything around you: the island of Mozia, the Egadi Islands, and the open sea.

You will be offered an aperitif on board of different kinds of appetizers and fresh fruit, accompanied by music. You will be able to sip Sparkling Wine and other wines produced by Commander Ignatius' local winery in his wine cellar.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. The dinghy trip is ideal for a romantic sunset experience for couples in Sicily.

Private boat excursion to the Egadi Islands departing from Marsala, stopping at the main coves, walking through the historic center of Favignana and lunch on board.

You will depart in the direction of the island of Favignana, Cala Rossa, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, and then continue to Levanzo, where you will linger between Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola, with stops dedicated to swimming and relaxing.

During the excursion you will have lunch on board, accompanied by IGT Wine and typical local products such as pane cunzato, pizza, panelle and arancinette.

Around 1 p.m. you will disembark on the island of Favignana, where you will have free time for a stroll through the historic center. The experience will then continue with a visit to Cala Pozzo, Cala Rotonda, Cala Preveto and finally Cala Azzurra, an ideal destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.

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.

The dinghy excursion to Favignana from Marsala is an experience invites you to explore the beauty of the Egadi Islands. You'll dive into the crystal clear waters with dives straight from the dinghy and discover marine life with surface snorkeling.

During the excursion, either group or private, you will enjoy a typical Sicilian aperitif on board with wines produced by the Gandolfo family and take a walk through the narrow streets of the ancient village, getting in touch with local life and meeting the famous "Tuna Fishermen."

The experience lasts one day and the excursion departs from Marsala. The dinghy will reach the waters of Favignana in about 30 minutes and here you will admire the coastline, caves and the most striking coves, such as Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra and Bue Marino, with the skipper accompanying you at all times.

At lunchtime an aperitif of flatbreads, with fresh cold cuts will be organized by Simona, the hostess, along with a mix of typical appetizers.

The navigation continues and you will reach the port of Favignana. You will have the opportunity to explore the heart of the town, immersed in the charming historic center. Afterwards, navigation resumes and the dinghy will reach Marsala in the late afternoon.

The dinghy excursion to Favignana from Marsala is a unique opportunity to learn about the Egadi Islands and have an unforgettable experience in Sicily.

Daily excursion aboard a sailing ship around the island of Lampedusa.

Departing from the port of Lampedusa, you will sail out to sea and head out to discover the best coves and caves along the coast. The itinerary is not predetermined as it varies depending on the winds and the time of year, but it guarantees that you will see places that cannot be reached by land.

Several stops will be made during this excursion to allow you to swim in the sea at the most beautiful spots along the coast. Bathing in the sea is not mandatory; you can stay on board during the stops.

Throughout the experience you will be accompanied by a captain and his staff, who will be able to tell you about the history of the area and specifically about the different places you will see (also in English). In addition, there will be entertainment for all ages on board with live music.

Included in this experience is lunch on board, which consists of mixed bruschettas and an entrée of fresh local seafood. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also featured. Throughout the trip you will be served unlimited water to drink.

On board the sailing ship you will find:

•    a shaded area and a large sun deck with cushions
•    a trampoline 4 meters high
•    a cocktail bar where you can buy all the drinks you want
•    the parrot Gennarino with whom you will be able to take pictures (to be paid on site)
•    some gadgets from the galleon (to be paid on site)

It is recommended to bring sunscreen, hat to protect your head from the sun (especially for children) and snorkeling equipment.

Return is scheduled for approximately 5:00 pm.

Enjoy a mini cruise on a rubber dinghy to explore the crystal-clear waters of Lampedusa. Relax with stops for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks on board, accompanied by an expert local guide.

During the trip, you’ll visit some of the island’s most spectacular bays and coves. If the wind permits, explore the southern coast with stops at iconic spots such as Tabaccara, theIsola dei Conigli, Cala Pulcino, and Baia delle Acque; alternatively, sail along the northern coast, where the Faraglioni, Sacramento, Muro Vecchio, and Taccio Vecchio await you.

You’ll have four stops of about 45 minutes each to swim, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax in the sun surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

On board, you’ll find a comfortable sun deck, a shaded area, a freshwater shower, and a ladder to help you climb back on board easily after each swim.

During theexcursion, you can enjoy a snack accompanied by cold drinks, while the guide shares interesting facts and anecdotes about Lampedusa.

Set sail from the port of Lampedusa for an excursion to discover the picturesque island of Linosa. Enjoy a full day of guided tours, swimming stops, free time on the island, and an aperitif on board as you return at sunset.

After departure, sail toward Linosa across a stretch of sea where, with a little luck, you may spot dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Once you arrive, join an exclusive guided tour of the island that will take you to discover its most authentic spots, with stops at the most beautiful scenic viewpoints and two breaks for swimming in its crystal-clear waters.

You can choose the option that includes lunch on board or the one without.

Afterward, you’ll have about two hours of free time to stroll through the village’s quaint alleys.

In the afternoon, return on board to explore the coast of Linosa from the sea, reaching wild and secluded coves where you can stop for more swims. During the return voyage to Lampedusa, relax with an aperitif accompanied by a special toast.

Set off to discover Lampedusa at sunset aboard a sailing ship for a completely new experience.

You will set sail from the port of Lampedusa by 6 p.m. and move along the coast to watch the sunset from offshore. There is no set itinerary as it depends on the time of year and winds. This excursion, however, guarantees that you will see parts of the island that cannot be visited by land.

During this outing you will be served an unlimited water apericena. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options. If you would like to have drinks or beverages, you will need to purchase them at the cocktail bar on board the sailing ship.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours in which a stop will be made to allow you to swim in the sea. It is not mandatory to get off the boat during the stop.

Throughout the excursion there will be a captain and his crew on board, ready to welcome you and fulfill your requests as well as give you explanations about the places visited and the culture of the area (also in English).

The highlight of this excursion is definitely the possible sighting of dolphins, which show off at nightfall when the waters are quieter and less inhabited by tourists.

On board the sailing ship you will also find entertainment and live music to keep you entertained and give you lasting memories.

Departing from Lampedusa's new harbor, you will explore the island's south coast and sail along some of its most beautiful coves, with the opportunity to enjoy a lunch on board based on local products.

The tour of the island by boat begins by skirting the harbor and the first stop will be Cala Croce, followed by Portu N'Toni and Cala Madonna. Here you can take photographs, videos and dive into the crystal clear waters of the beaches. Afterwards, the navigation continues to the natural pools of Tabaccara, where the second swimming stop will be scheduled.

Upon returning to the boat, you will be treated to an on-board lunch of raw and cooked appetizers, a pasta course, dessert, fruit and drinks. The courses may vary according to seasonality. Finally, the excursion concludes with a visit to Cala Pulcino.

The boat trip is organized on a shared basis and lasts a full day. It is suitable for everyone and, with luck, you may spot dolphins and sea turtles around Lampedusa.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Day excursion with lunch on board off the coast of Lampedusa.

Experience a unique day on the Lampedusa sea aboard an elegant 24-meter gulet made entirely of fine wood, designed to provide a comfortable, well-maintained and exclusive sea experience.

During the navigation you will visit some of the most suggestive bays of the island, with bathroom stops and dives directly from the gulet, thanks to a convenient side access ladder, safe and suitable for all ages.

Boarding is scheduled 30 minutes before 10:00 am. Upon arrival you will be greeted by the crew and the gulet captain. Once on board, the captain will decide on the best itinerary based on the weather and sea conditions of the day.

During the excursion, you will make stops at the most beautiful coves, such as Isola dei Conigli, Tabaccara, Cala Creta and Scoglio del Sacramento, admiring 132-meter cliffs, emerging stacks and striking sea caves.

Lunch on board will be served at the table, with elegant mise en place and materials coordinated with the style of the boat, and will include:

•    Selection of fresh seafood appetizers
•    First course of fish according to local tradition
•    Dessert and coffee commander's special
•    Water and wine

During the day, you can sunbathe on the comfortable sun loungers at the bow or relax in the shaded area at the stern, taking advantage of the air-conditioned indoor dinette, the always operational bar and the freshwater shower.

The excursion will end with a return to the rendezvous point around 5 p.m., for a total experience of about 7 hours.

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.

Set sail from San Vito Lo Capo for a boat excursion along the coast of the Zingaro Nature Reserve to the picturesque Faraglioni di Scopello. You can choose between private and group options, with half-day or sunset tours.

The excursion includes three stops for swimming in the most beautiful bays of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, where you can swim and relax in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by unspoiled nature. Continuing on toward Scopello, you’ll be able to admire the famous Faraglioni, one of the area’s most iconic sights

If you choose the sunset tour, you’ll experience an even more special atmosphere, with the colors of the setting sun reflecting off the water as you enjoy an aperitif on board with pizza or a platter of cheeses and cold cuts paired with a spritz.

Departures are available in the morning from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or at sunset from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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.

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.

This snorkeling experience will allow you to observe from the surface the extraordinary beauty of San Vito Lo Capo's seabed.

The appointment is at the diving center located inside the tourist port of San Vito Lo Capo. Here you will be greeted by the instructor, who will explain the visiting site chosen according to the weather conditions of the day. Possible destinations are the picturesque Tonnara area or the beautiful coast of Punta Negra.

The snorkeling stop lasts about an hour. During the navigation, which lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, it will be possible to admire the beautiful coast of the Tonnara of San Vito Lo Capo or the coast of Punta Negra.

The total duration is about two hours, including preparation, going out to sea, snorkeling time and return.

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.