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 by Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Grotta degli Innamorati.

The 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.

Maximum capacity: 24 people.

Visit the Bay of Taormina aboard a wooden gozzo boat that will transport you to the most striking beauty of the Mediterranean, passing by Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Grotta degli Innamorati.

The 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 apericena on board based on typical Sicilian products.

During the navigation you will 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 an excursion off the Sicilian coast starting from the port of Giardini Naxos on this 2-hour shared boat tour with dolphin spotting.

The first stop is Isola Bella, an authentic jewel set in the bay, connected to the coast by a romantic tongue of sand.

Navigation will then continue to the striking Blue Grotto, where lights and reflections provide a unique spectacle of blue hues.

Afterwards, you will push out to sea for an exciting dolphin watching moment: in the hours near sunset, dolphins swim free in small groups.

The tour will end with a sunset aperitif in the middle of the sea, surrounded by the Sicilian coast and with Mount Etna in the background.

The shared boat tour from the port of Giardini Naxos allows you to enjoy a unique experience along the Taormina coastline with friends or family.

The excursion lasts about 2 hours and a swimming stop is planned.

The first stop is the Grotta della Conchiglia, famous for its distinctive shape and turquoise waters.

You will then sail to the Faraglioni of Capo Taormina, imposing rocks that provide breathtaking scenery.

The navigation will continue to the famous Isola Bella, the heart of the nature reserve: here you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the bay.

The next stop is the magical Blue Grotto, where the filtering light creates striking blue reflections.

Before returning to the port of departure you will skirt the Bay of Mazzarò, one of the most fascinating stretches of coastline.

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.

The Naxos Bay and Taormina boat tour gives you a unique nature experience off the Sicilian coast.

You will be accompanied by a skipper who will tell you stories and interesting facts about the places you will visit (languages spoken: Italian and English).

You will depart from the port of Giardini Naxos and sail along the entire coastline of the bay until you reach the Grotta dell'Amore (Cave of Love), so called because, when looked at upside down, it appears to be in the shape of a heart.

The navigation will then continue to the coast of Cape Taormina and the Grotto of the Sirens, until you reach the bay of Isola Bella: a small islet connected to the beach by a tongue of sand that can only be crossed when there is low tide.

You will then reach the Blue Grotto, famous for the play of light that is created inside and that makes the mirror of water appear blue and crystal clear, giving an evocative view of the seabed.

The tour will then continue to the Grotta del Corallo (Coral Cave) and the Scoglio dell'Elefante (named for its peculiar shape).

You will then head to the bay of Isola Bella or Mazzarò for a stop of about 20 to 30 minutes during which you can enjoy a soft aperitif with prosecco and/or almond wine accompanied by almond pastries and savory snacks. During this stop you can take a swim in the Taormina waters.

The half-day mini-cruise allows you to discover Mondello on board a shared or exclusive boat departing from Palermo and guided by an experienced skipper.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing day with friends or family.

You will sail to Mondello making a few stops for swimming in the sea. During the outing you will visit the most beautiful coves on the coast and receive explanations from the skipper who can answer your curiosities about the area.

Before returning you will be offered an aperitif with prosecco, chips and bruschetta.

For the exclusive excursion, you can choose between two options: Seagull II (accommodating up to 8 people) and Wells (accommodating up to 12 people).

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

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

Leaving 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 can enjoy an excellent aperitif of Sicilian products, offered by the boat captain.

For the duration of the outing you will be accompanied by a skipper who will know how to tell you the best anecdotes about the area.

For the exclusive excursion, you can choose between two options: Seagull II (accommodating up to 8 people) and Wells (accommodating up to 12 people).

We recommend appropriate clothing for the evening weather.

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.

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.

The boat tour of Marettimo caves with Walter, the skipper, is a unique experience of relaxation and wonder. Walter deeply loves the Egadi island and wants to share its beauty with everyone. You will explore the main caves and Zone A of the island.

Two boat tours are available departing from Scalo Nuovo in Marettimo: one in the morning at 10:30 a.m. with return at 2:15 p.m. and the other in the afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Following a natural itinerary, we start with a visit to the Camel Cave, the Thunder Cave and the Pipe Cave, among the most famous in Marettimo.

After a 15- to 20-minute swim stop at Cala Libano, we continue to Cala Bianca, one of Marettimo's most picturesque areas. This is followed by Grotta Perciata, Grotta Ficaredda, Grotta del Presepe, Grotta della Palma and finally the spectacular Grotta degli Innamorati, where you can take a dip.

Continuing on, you will visit the Bombarda Cave and conclude with a stop at Sea Fennel for another dip before returning.

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.

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.

The Egadi Islands boat excursion from Marettimo gives you a full tour of these wonderful islands, spending the whole day on board and discovering Favignana and Levanzo.

Embarkation is at 10:00 a.m. and after about 40 minutes you arrive in Favignana to make 3/4 bathroom stops in coves such as Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra or the Grotta degli Innamorati, depending on weather conditions.

During the excursion, you will enjoy a welcome drink with spritz, chips and peanuts. At around 1 p.m., you will reach the port of Favignana to have lunch with local specialties.

After a good hour's break, at 2:45 p.m. you depart for Levanzo, where you will admire boats suspended over a crystal clear sea. We pass by the quaint village of Levanzo and make stops at the Faraglioni, Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola.

Before returning to Marettimo, you will be offered fresh seasonal fruit. Return is scheduled between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. at the Marettimo pier.

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.

The private boat excursion in Marettimo Marine Reserve allows you to discover the Egadi Islands in the company of friends or family.

You will sail in Europe's most extensive marine reserve and visit the area's best-known caves.

You will have access to an exclusive boat and an experienced guide who will give you valuable information about local history, culture and traditions.

Through this private tour, you will have the opportunity to create a flexible and customized itinerary based on your interests and preferences. You can choose which attractions to visit and how much time to devote to each.

On board you will be offered a welcome drink.

This experience is perfect for those who want to spend a day in comfort and privacy: you can travel with friends and family without the presence of strangers, making the experience intimate and personal.

Discover the Sicilian coast thanks to this 3-hour group boat excursion departing from Marzamemi.

This evocative tour will allow you to immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters and admire unique landscapes, thanks to stops at the most striking destinations: Capo Passero Island, Marzamemi, Vendicari Nature Reserve.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will tell you stories and curiosities of the area.

During the excursion you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by a glass of wine, water or soft drinks.

You will board a comfortable boat equipped with seats with cushions, sunshade awning, bluetooth speaker and freshwater shower.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.