The 20 best mini-cruises in Italy in 2024

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 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.

Set out to discover Favignana on a day or sunset excursion accompanied by a skipper.

You can choose from 3 different tours:

Day tour

The itinerary for this tour includes:

• Departure from marsala for 9:30 am
• Arrival in Favignana with a visit to Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa
• Disembarkation on the island of Favignana for 12:00 p.m.
• Departure for Levanzo at 13:00 and lunch stop at the Faraglioni rocks
• Swim stop at 15:00 in Cala Fridda and subsequent swim stop in Cala Minnula at 16:00
• Aperitif on board based on local products
• Arrival in Marsala by 5:30 p.m.

Sunset tour to Favignana

The itinerary for this tour includes:

• Boarding and departure from Marsala for 6:30 pm
• Arrival in Favignana, music and aperitif on board at Cala Rotonda from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
• Arrival in Marsala for 9:30 p.m.

Sunset tour to the Stagnone Lagoon

• Boarding and departure from Marsala for 6:30 p.m.
• Arrival at vantage point, music and aperitif on board while watching the sun set
• Arrival in Marsala for 9:30 pm

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

In case of bad weather, the facility may cancel or change the itinerary and its duration.

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 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.

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.

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.

Daily excursion to the Gulf of Orosei aboard a motorboat with an aperitif on board from Cala Gonone.

You can choose from 3 options:

1. Mini cruise

Departing from Cala Gonone you will visit some of the most beautiful coves on the coast with audio guide for explanation included in the price. This itinerary includes 3 beach stops:

1. Sea Ox Cave and Cala Luna
2. Cala Mariolu
3. Cala dei Gabbiani

The visit to Bue Marino 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.

Also, from the sea you will be able to see Cala Goloritzè, the Pools of Venus and the Cave of the Cormorants. On your return you will be offered an aperitif included in the price.

Departure from the port of Cala Gonone at a choice of: 9:00 am, 10:00 am and 11:00 am.
Return always scheduled for 5:30 pm.

2. Cala Luna taxi-boat

From the port of Cala Gonone, you will board the 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.

3. Taxi-boat Cala Luna + Sea Ox Cave.

From the port of Cala Gonone, you will board the motorboat that will take you to the Sea Ox Cave. 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.

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:

1. Cala Biriola: small rose-colored beach
2. Le Piscine di Venere: small cove with turquoise waters
3. Cala Mariolu or Cala dei Gabbiani (longer stop): two pearls of the Gulf of Orosei
4. 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.

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.

Embark on an excursion to the Gulf of Orosei and enjoy an aperitif on board of typical products with local cured meats accompanied by music.

Departing from Cala Gonone, you will travel along the most picturesque coves of the Gulf of Orosei, including Cala dei Gabbiani, Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna, and have the opportunity to swim between these coves during one of two scheduled swim stops. The boat will then take you to Piscine di Venere, where you can make a third stop.

Afterwards, the navigation continues to Cala Goloritzè, where a final stop will be scheduled. You will also be offered an aperitif on board based on typical products and cold cuts, accompanied by wine, soft drinks and music to enjoy a relaxing experience.

The excursion is organized on a shared basis and lasts a full day. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 40 people. It is mandatory to pay the disembarkation fee (2€) in cash before departure.

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. Return is estimated at 5:30 pm.

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

You can choose to book the excursion without lunch, or including lunch aboard the motorboat. Lunch includes:

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

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

1. Cala Mariolu
2. Cala Sisine
3. Cala Luna

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

Each stop is subject to change based on weather conditions. The price also includes the tourist tax and landing fee at Cala Mariolu (1€) and Cala Luna (2€).

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

Sunset aperitif boat ride to the Isle of Ogliastra departing from Arbatax.

The itinerary includes:

• departure from the port of Arbatax for 8:00 p.m.
• circumnavigation of the Isolotto d'Ogliastra, without making stops
• return to the port of Arbatx for 11:00 p.m.

You can enjoy the evening hours and the sunset aboard the motorboat in total relaxation.

The aperitifs range from fresh seafood delicacies to gourmet treats. All accompanied by a selection of refreshing cocktails and fine wines, perfect for raising a glass in a sunset toast.

In addition, you can dance and have fun to the music on board along with the ship's other passengers.