The 7 Boat Tours in Messina That Are Worth the Money

1.Naxos: Isola Bella, Blue Grotto, & Mazzarò Bay Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 568 reviews · 2 hours · from $43Our pick

Set out from Pontile Pizzichella with an Italian- and English-speaking captain, often Francesco, Antonio, or another member of the team. Cruise past sea caves and Capo Taormina, swim near Isola Bella, see the Blue Grotto and Mazzarò Bay, and enjoy snacks with a welcome drink.

“35 4 minimum 18 176 total This was definitely a fantastic, memorable experience for our entire family. We were 10 people and much to our surprise we had the privilege of a private tour. Francesco was super funny and had great tunes to jam out on. The captain certainly makes a difference in your experience. He was interactive with our young adult kids, took pics and joked around a lot. An unforgettable experience for sure. Thank you”

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2.Boat Trip Isola Bella with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 89 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Join a skipper and crew for a two-hour boat trip from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella. You’ll see Taormina, Castelmola, Capo Taormina, the Faraglioni, and Mount Etna, then spend about an hour snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the solarium.

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3.Boat Tour with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 67 reviews · from $36Best value

Captain Filippo takes you from Giardini Naxos along Taormina’s coast, past *White Lotus* and *Le Grand Bleu* filming sites, sea caves, and Isola Bella. Expect a two-hour cruise with swimming, snorkeling gear, prosecco, Sicilian snacks, music, and guides including Gianluca and Chiara.

“The boat ride was amazing! The crew extremely nice and joyful, we loved it!!! The weather was also perfect, everything was perfect, lots of prosecco for everybody! Thank you!”

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4.Boat Tour to Taormina & Giardini Naxos with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Board a small boat from Giardini Naxos for a two-hour cruise past Taormina’s Blue Grotto, Lovers’ Grotto, Horse Grotto, Isola Bella, Mazzarò, and Letojanni. You’ll get time to swim, sip a soft drink, and taste Sicilian almond paste. Guides speak English or Italian.

“We had a lovely boat trip, our host on the boat sailed up with a big smile on his face and he was very accommodating and informative the whole trip. We had plenty of time to swim and were given a nice chilled glass of Prosecco when we got back on board. I would definitely recommend this trip and I think it's very good value for money.”

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5.Boat excursions Isola Bella

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 16 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Join Captain Marco and his team for a two-hour cruise from Porticciolo Saya in Giardini Naxos. You’ll see Isola Bella, Mazzarò Bay, sea caves, and Giardini Naxos, with time for swimming, snorkeling, prosecco, almond pastries, and possible dolphin sightings.

“We really enjoyed the whole experience! Everything was amazing! I totally recomand this trio and the team!”

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6.HALF-DAY TAORMINA BOAT TOUR

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 7 reviews

Take a private boat around Taormina and Giardini-Naxos for four hours, with a skipper, swim stops, snorkeling, coastal caves, and a local aperitif. The boat carries up to six people, giving families and small groups room to shape the route. English communication should be confirmed before booking.

“Beautiful scenery, gorgeous water. Very relaxing day after 2 weeks of traveling through Italy.”

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7.Private Boat Tour Isola Bella Taormina Giardini Naxos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews Top rated

Join skipper Gianluca and hostess Cristina aboard Kristal for a private cruise from Giardini Naxos. You’ll see Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, Naxos Bay, and Taormina’s sea caves, with time to swim, enjoy prosecco, fresh fruit, almond paste, and music.

“Great trip, good music and friendly guide. Exactly as described in tour description.”

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