Sicily · BOAT TOURS IN SYRACUSE
The 15 best boat tours in Syracuse you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Join Captain Mirko or another local captain for a 90-minute cruise from Riva della Posta around Ortigia Island. See Maniace Castle, Aretusa Fountain, the harbor, and Umbertino Bridge, then visit sea caves and stop for swimming. Masks and fresh water are included.
“We really enjoyed the trip. Captain was experienced and nice guy!”
Spend two hours circling Ortigia with an English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking skipper. See Maniace Castle and Arethusa Spring, enter sea caves, swim and snorkel, and enjoy seasonal fruit, juice, and Prosecco aboard a comfortable boat.
“Great couple of hours spent going around the bay seeing caves and stopping for a 20 minute swim. Fresh fruit and Prosecco and a nice little boat. We had a lovely time.”
Spend two hours circling Ortigia with a local skipper, visiting sea caves, Maniace Castle, Arethusa Spring, and Plemmirio’s Pillirina cove. Swim and snorkel from the boat, with masks, fresh water, shade, and Italian or English guidance. Captains such as Francesco and Alessandro may use a translator app.
“The boat tour was great and we loved the opportunity for a swim in the warm Mediterranean waters!”
You’ll cruise from Via Malta around Ortigia with an Italian or English-speaking guide, passing sea caves, the heart-shaped cave, Castello Maniace, Fonte Aretusa, and Porta Marina. The hour includes a short swim stop, onboard safety gear, a freshwater shower, and a glass of Prosecco.
“The hour long trip was perfect! We delayed our trip by one day on the advice of the trip provider because of the high sea. That meant we were able to access two of the sea caves which were amazing and not to be missed! Nice touch to have the Prosecco during the trip too. So lovely to see Ortigia from the sea.”
Cruise Siracusa’s coast and Ortigia aboard Crystal Boat, a fully transparent boat with a shaded awning. English or Italian-speaking skippers such as Antonino and Stefano guide you past sea caves, coves, and the seabed, with time for a swim and an underwater photo.
“it was fun and on time . and get to stop for few minutes to swim too”
Meet at Dolphin Excursion and Rental beneath the big blue flag for a one-hour cruise around Ortigia. An English- or Italian-speaking captain points out Maniace Castle, Arethusa Spring, coastal forts, sculptures, and sea caves before a swimming and snorkeling stop.
“It was a great trip, we loved every moment of it!”
Circle Ortygia with an Italian and English-speaking skipper, then enter Syracuse’s sea caves, including the Ear of Dionysius and Lovers’ Grotto. You’ll see castles, walls, and Fonte Aretusa from the water, with time for a swim when weather allows. Salvo, Beppe, and Stefano have led recent trips.
“We left on time with a small group so there was lots of space to move around the boat for comfort and to take photos. Our English speaking skipper (Salvo) was super friendly and had lots of info. about the environment to share with us. The swim was wonderful.”
Spend 2.5 hours aboard a small boat from Ortigia with an English or Italian-speaking skipper. See Castello Maniace, Fonte Aretusa, coastal caves, and swim in clear water before a generous Sicilian aperitif and Prosecco at sunset. Guides such as David, Chris, Antonio, and Stefano are praised for warm hosting and local stories.
“This was the best boat trip we experienced on our two week tour of Sicily! David spoke good English and told stories while pairing the music he played perfectly with the sunset. This is the trip to take! Don’t miss it. Well worth it!”
Spend four hours circling Ortigia and Syracuse with an English or Italian guide, swimming in Plemmirio, and eating a generous onboard meal with wine, prosecco, fruit, and local starters. Laura has guided some departures. Bring swimwear and your own snorkeling gear.
“Must do activity in Syracuse. The captain was amazing, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”
Sail around Ortigia, pass Syracuse’s sea caves and the Pillirina area, and stop for a swim in clear water. The skipper may add music, stories, or even a brief turn at the wheel. Prosecco and fruit are served, but bring your own snorkel: masks may be available, tubes are not.
“Boat was not comfortable and quite old. Driver did not speak English. We didn’t have snorkeling equipment except what looked like child’s masks which you could not see out of. There was one bottle of Prosecco for 12 people and no water. We were told to meet very far from the boat only to have to circle back. We got lost and were 15 minutes late. Not worth the money. The boat driver didn’t tell us anything about what we were seeing along the coast or the caves.”
Circle Ortigia from the water, pass beneath Umberto I Bridge, enter Syracuse’s sea caves, and stop for a 10-minute swim. Your skipper, including Nuncio on some departures, provides Italian or English commentary on caves, monuments, and local geography.
“A very nice boat tour. Our skipper Nuncio was really kind!! I recommend for sure !”
Set out from Ortigia with an English or Italian-speaking guide, often Nini, for a two-hour cruise past Castello Maniace, Arethusa Spring, Pillirina, sea caves, and the Plemmirio coast. Expect guided sightseeing, canal views, and time for swimming.
“Wonderful & exclusiveTrip with plenty of historical facts, time for a swim and fun. Really recommended.”
Spend 2.5 hours along Syracuse’s coast with a local skipper, visiting Ortigia, Pillirina Bay, and sea caves. Swim in clear water, see Castello Maniace and Fonte Aretusa from the boat, and enjoy a generous Sicilian picnic with prosecco or wine.
“My friend and I had an amazing time on this boat trip, we were lucky enough to be the only 2 which made it really special! Beautiful views of the coast, caves and turquoise blue water, we got 2 swim stops and snorkelling masks were provided. Lovely host who ensured to explain everything and was very polite, we got provided with plenty of food ; fruit, arancini, pizza, panini and cannolis. We really enjoyed our time and would recommend this trip!”
Set out from Syracuse’s Ortigia canal with a live English or Italian guide, then circle Ortigia, pass sea caves and Castello Maniace, and follow the coast to Pillirina and Minareto. Lucia and Captain Diego have led especially friendly outings. Expect two hours and one or two swim stops.
“Très belle balade en bateau. Nous avons eu la chance de voir des dauphins. Juste dommage que le guide ne parlait pas un mot de français.”
Spend one hour circling Ortigia Island by boat, passing under Umbertino Bridge, Arethusa Spring, the Duomo, and Maniace Castle. Stop for a 10-minute swim, then visit the Capuchin, Coral, Big, and heart-shaped Love caves. English and Italian guides, skipper, and music are included.
“Molto piacevole, peccato che un’ora sia veramente poca”
Pick a coast, a volcano or a kitchen.
