Boat tours in Sicily: the 20 best excursions

Sailboat excursion with aperitif from Catania, a private or group experience that will allow you to discover the coast of Sicily from a different perspective.

An exciting sailing adventure that celebrates nature, a sustainable lifestyle and the art of sailing. A sporting experience rich in discovery, aboard a comfortable and safe yacht.

3-hour tour

We begin with a short meeting at Caffè del Porto, then set sail from the Catania Nautical Club and open the sails along the volcanic coastline, admiring the Cyclops Island, linked to Etna.

During the sailing, you will learn how to sail and enjoy sports activities. You will prepare an aperitif on board to celebrate, toasting with a glass of prosecco or white wine.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to go for a swim near the Cave of Ulysses or the Riviera of the Cyclops. 

Tour available

• in the morning: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• at sunset: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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6-hour tour

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You will enjoy a Full Day sailing experience enhanced by a delicious pasta lunch, and refreshing drinks and fresh fruit will be provided during the cruise.

You will have the opportunity to bathe in front of the fascinating Ulysses Caves, the impressive Medieval Castle of Acicastello and the majestic Faraglioni of the Isole Ciclopi Nature Reserve.

You will explore the beautiful coastline of Catania and can relax in a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, with the support of the ever-helpful staff: do not hesitate to ask them to participate in running the boat, help with the sails and stop for a spontaneous dip in the deep blue waters. While sailing, it will be essential to all work together to experience the pleasure of "going with the wind".

Embark on a unique experience in Catania, with which you can visit the Caves of Ulysses and the fishermen's town of Aci Trezza aboard a sailboat, passing under the medieval castle of Aci Castello.

Departing from the Etneo boatyard in Catania, you can choose from 3 different tours, each with a specific itinerary and possibility of bathroom stops with lunch or dinner on board.

Romantic Dinner (2-4 people)

The tour with romantic dinner can only be arranged exclusively for 2 to 4 people. The sailing will take you to a quiet spot where you can swim at sunset, accompanied by a dinner of a fish appetizer, a fish entrée (variable depending on availability), fresh fruit and Etna DOC wine.

Half-day (with aperitif)

The half-day tour has a similar itinerary to the full-day tour. It visits the Caves of Ulysses and the medieval castle.

During the navigation there will be an opportunity to stop for a swim, and upon returning to the boat, you will be offered an aperitif of local products in oil, cold cuts, cheeses and seasonal fruits, along with local wine.

Full day (with lunch)

The day tour includes an itinerary that goes past the Caves of Ulysses to the fishing port of Aci Trezza. Here, you will admire the striking medieval castle of Aci Castello from the sea and have the opportunity to visit the town and its village.

Back on the boat, you will be treated to an on-board lunch of rustic aperitif, seafood entrée (variable depending on availability), water, fruit and wine.

The experience is suitable for everyone and will give you a unique time with friends aboard a fully equipped sailboat.

Maximum capacity: 8 people.

The sunset aperitif boat tour in Taormina lasts two hours and is a sunset aperitif tour, ideal for those who want to spend an evening on a boat enjoying the lights of the sunset.

During this boat tour the atmosphere is magical, as this is the dolphins' favorite time to show up and accompany you on this magnificent adventure.

Departure is between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm depending on the season, at the port of Taormina, disembarkation is between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm.

The excursion can be shared or exclusive. On board you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products, while you can admire the sun setting behind Mount Etna.

Enjoy a romantic moment on the Taormina coast by visiting the most fascinating caves and Naxos Gardens in the company of your other half. With any luck, you may spot dolphins playing and chasing each other.

The boat tour departs from Spisone Beach the itinerary touches all the area's most renowned bays and caves, such as Grotta Azzurra, Grotta dell'Amore and Isola Bella. The navigation also touches on destinations such as Cape Taormina and Giardini Naxos.

The excursion takes about 2 hours and includes some bathroom stops during which you can dive into the crystal clear waters and snorkel with the equipment provided by the facility. You will also enjoy a delicious sunset aperitif with local products and views of Mount Etna.

The experience can be arranged on a shared or exclusive basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stages may change.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Visit the Bay of Taormina aboard a wooden gozzo boat that will transport you to the most striking beauty of the Mediterranean, passing Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto. You can choose between two tours:

Classic (2 hours)

This 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.

Evening (2 1/2 hours)

The evening boat tour has the same itinerary as the classic tour and includes an apericena, based on typical Sicilian products. During the cruise you will also 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 a relaxing excursion along the coast of Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos with views of the striking beaches, caves and coves that characterize the area.

Departing from the port of Giardini Naxos, you will visit the Isola Bella nature reserve, the Grotta degli Innamorati, the Grotta Azzurra, the Grotta del Corallo, where coral colonies can be observed, the Bay of Mazzarò and the Bay of the Sirens. The tour will be accompanied by music and the captain's explanations of the history of the caves and bay you will explore.

There will be a swim stop during the navigation and you will be offered a snack of "almond paste," a local dessert, along with fresh fruit and prosecco. If you choose the tour with snorkeling, you will also snorkel along the coast and view the marine flora and fauna with equipment provided directly by the captain.

The boat is equipped with sun shades so you can enjoy the experience in total relaxation. The tour is organized on a shared or exclusive basis and is suitable for everyone. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 17 people. Two boats are available.

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.

Daily excursion by dinghy from Trapani to explore the islands of Favignana and Levanzo.

You will set sail from the port of Trapani at 10:00 am and head to Favignana. The first stop will be Cala Azzurra, one of the most beautiful coves on the island, and then go to Bue Marino and Cala Rossa. Once you arrive at the Lovers' Grotto you can dive into the sea and swim in the crystal clear waters.

At 1 p.m. you will stop on the island of Favignana where you will enjoy a lunch of typical products in an affiliated restaurant (included in the price) and visit the village of Florio.

In the afternoon you will continue the excursion to Levanzo. You will go to see Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola where you can make other stops for swimming in the sea.

You will then return by 18:00 to the port of Trapani.

Throughout the excursion you will be accompanied by a skipper who can tell you the history of the area and answer all your questions.

The boat is equipped with a mini bar to keep drinks such as prosecco, wine and soft drinks cool.

Day trip to explore Favignana and Levanzo perfect for spending a day with friends or family.

The itinerary for this excursion includes:

• departure from the tourist pier of Favignana for 10:30 a.m.
• visit inside the Grotta degli Innamorati by swimming
• continuation to Levanzo and visit to the stacks with another bathroom stop
• docking at the fishing village of Levanzo and visit for 30 minutes
• docking at a quiet cove and lunch served on board
• return to Favignana with explanation of the wonderful quarries and bathroom stop
• continuation to Cala Rossa, sea ox to Cala Azzurra where snorkeling is available

Lunch includes a traditional Sicilian pasta dish and a sampling of various bruschetta, with water and fresh local white wine.

The boats are equipped with both a sun and shade area with sunshades. In addition, there is snorkeling equipment on board available to all boat guests.

The staff, always on board, can answer your questions and assist you with any of your requests.

During the day sailing to the Egadi Islands from Trapani, the skippers will guide you to discover the wonderful coves of the Egadi archipelago so you can enjoy the exciting days aboard the fully equipped sailboats.

The excursion will begin at 9:30 a.m. from the port of Trapani and will end at approximately 6 p.m. Cast off the moorings and hoist the sails, your adventure on the routes to Favignana and Levanzo will begin.

Throughout the day there will be bathroom stops at Cala Fredda, Cala Minnola on Levanzo and at Cala Azzurra, Bue marino, Cala Rossa on Favignana. Each stop will be given the opportunity to swim and use the snorkeling equipment available to each guest.

Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the island of Favignana where they will dock for a break and delight in typical Trapani cuisine while wandering the streets of the town.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

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.

Discover the wonderful island of Favignana through a sailing boat tour and experience direct contact with the sea.

The sailing excursion is held by a licensed skipper and is intended both for beginners who are approaching sailing for the first time, and for those who have already taken a basic sailing course in the past and want to take a tour of the 'enchanting island of Favignana, followed by a trained and competent instructor.

During the excursion you will visit Cala Rossa, Bue Marino and Cala Rotonda, with swimming and snorkeling stops. On your return, the captain will offer you a tasting of typical Favignanese products, water, coffee and snacks.

Get ready to discover the whole island of Favignana with its fantastic crystal clear waters and famous coves directly from the sea.

Sailing tour from Palermo with a duration of about half a day discovering the coast directly from the sea, with aperitif included executable both in the morning and in the afternoon.

The excursion begins from the port of Palermo, once you leave you will embark on a leisurely coastal sail at a moderate speed along the Addaura coast.

Next, you will drop anchor in the beautiful Mondello Bay, where you will have the opportunity to swim and use the free snorkeling equipment and inflatable mattresses we provide. You will be escorted to the Capo Gallo Reserve, until you reach the Lighthouse.

Finally, you will reverse course and head to the Grotte della Regina, where in addition to swimming, you will be offered an aperitif on board based on typical products accompanied by a glass of wine and return to the port of Palermo.

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 by 7 p.m. from Marina Villa Igiea and continue until you reach the Queen's Grotto. After listening to a brief explanation about the place from your captain, you will relax while watching the sunset.

On board the boat you will be served an aperitif consisting of some typical Sicilian appetizers, prosecco and other drinks.

Return is scheduled for 9 p.m. always at Marina Villa Igiea.

Throughout 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.

Set out to explore the sea outside Palermo with this relaxing excursion, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You have a choice of 2 options:

Half-day tour

You will depart from Marina Villa Igiea at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm and head north to Mondello and Capo Gallo. Once you arrive, 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 a great aperitif of local products.

Full-day tour

With this option, you will depart for 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, having a longer duration, will allow you to make more stops at sea with the possibility of snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots on the coast.

Again, you will be offered a welcome cocktail upon arrival on the boat and at lunchtime you will be served Sicilian dishes to eat on board.

For both excursions, an experienced skipper will always be on board to attend to your every need.

Discover Mondello on board a boat shared with other participants starting from Palermo and guided by an experienced skipper.

You can choose from 2 excursions depending on the duration:

Half-day excursion

Departing from Palermo, 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.

Full day excursion

Departing from Palermo, you will make your first swim stop at Marina di Villa Igea with a visit to the Queen's Cave. You will then continue in the direction of Vergine Maria beach, doing an initial tasting.

You will then set off again heading for Mondello beach with the second stop for swimming in the sea and here you will then enjoy an excellent lunch with tasting of typical Sicilian products.

The third stop will be at the Capo Gallo nature reserve with a stop for snorkeling and an afternoon aperitif. You will return to the port of La Cala around 6 p.m.

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.

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.

Boat excursion until sunset, departing from Avola with a stop in Marzamemi.

You will leave for about 3:30 pm and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve and San Lorenzo.

Once you arrive at Marzamemi you will make a stop and get off the boat to visit the small town. You will then get back on the boat until you arrive at Capo Passero Island.

Return is scheduled for 8:00 pm.

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco to be consumed on board.

In addition, there are several stops to swim in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board to snorkel.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

1. Shared excursion with other participants aboard a raft, for a maximum of 12 people. The boat must carry at least 6 people on board.
2. Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for a maximum of 10 people
3. Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.

Morning boat excursion, leaving from Avola and skirting the beaches and coves to Marzamemi.

You will leave by about 9:00 a.m. and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve, San Lorenzo and Marzamemi until you arrive at Capo Passero Island. Return is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

There will be several stops for swimming in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board for snorkeling.

In addition, you will be served an aperitif on board based on typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

1. Excursion shared with other participants on board a raft, for a maximum of 12 people
2. Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for up to 10 people
3. Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.

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.

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

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.