11 Giardini Naxos Tours Worth the Day

1.Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 541 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $48Our pick

Set out from Giardini Naxos with Kristal Boat for a relaxed two-hour cruise along Taormina’s coast. Expect sea caves, Mazzarò, Isola Bella views, a swimming stop, English commentary, Prosecco, and almond pastries. Some departures are led by guides such as Kevin, Andrei, Francesco, or Gianluca.

“We had so much fun on the Kristal! The captain knew a lot about the area and very skillfully drove our boat into grottoes and caves. We opted to snorkel and had a blast seeing the fish and swimming in the sea. We would definitely recommend this experience to others!”

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2.Semi-Submarine Tour to Isola Bella

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 280 reviews · from $44

From Marina di Schisò, you’ll ride an air-conditioned semi-submarine past Giardini Naxos, Isola Bella, the Bay of Sirens, and the Blue Grotto. Large underwater windows reveal fish and sea grass, while the upper deck gives you open-water views. Guides speak Italian and English.

“Great activity! The submarine had plenty of windows so we could all see the fish outside. The hatch up to the top stays open so you can go up and down as you please. Up top has railings and room for people to stand, the views over the water were stunning. Very very happy with this activity, amazing for the price!”

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3.Taormina & Isola Cruise Bella with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 263 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Spend two hours aboard the Kristal from Giardini Naxos, cruising past Taormina, Isola Bella, and the Blue Grotto. Guides such as Gianluca and Danielle add local stories and music, with a swim stop, Prosecco, and a Sicilian almond sweet included.

“It was so fun and we went to some really beautiful places! I highly recommend this excursion!!”

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4.Boat excursion Taormina Giardini Naxos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 199 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $48

Join Escursioni in Barca con Daniele e Salvo for a two-hour cruise from Giardini Naxos. Expect coastal views, caves, Isola Bella, a 20-minute swim near the Bay of Sirens, and Prosecco with an almond cookie. The group is limited to 16 people, with English offered.

“We were able to get fully inside a grotto which was absolutely magical! Our guide was super lovely and answered all our questions. The prosecco and classic almond cookie were quite nice. The boat was a little run down, and not the one pictured. It was a very bare bones set up. But we had wooden benches, and shade.”

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5.Giardini Naxos Taormina: Dolphin Watching Sunset Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 179 reviews · from $56

Meet Gianluca, Christina, or another Kristal Boat guide in Giardini Naxos for a 2.5-hour sunset cruise past Isola Bella, the Love Cave, and Blue Cave. Swim, taste arancini, sip prosecco, and search for dolphins before returning with views of Etna.

“The skipper and mate were ready when we arrived at the pier with a friendly greeting for all of the booked tourists, a mix of nationalities including young children. The boat Kristal III was clean and with comfortable banquet seating. The prosecco and local Pistachio Arancini were delicious. Sadly we didn't see any dolphins, although not for want of trying as the skipper Gianluca tried really hard to find them. He pointed out places of interest during the tour including the White Lotus series hotel and competently steered us up and into caverns in tricky sea conditions. You get to see the sun setting behind Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna,…”

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6.Isola Bella and Grottos Cruise with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 161 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Set out from Giardini Naxos on a shared boat for a 2-hour run past Capotaormina, Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, Mazzarò, and the Bay of Sirene. Swim in the marine park, hear stories from your skipper, and enjoy prosecco, soft drinks, and almond sweets.

“Cracking morning out on the boat!! Really informative, and fun. Prosecco on the way back was a lovely touch. No toilets onboard though”

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7.Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Castelmola-White Lotus-From Catania

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $78Top rated

This five-hour EtnaTribe tour picks you up in Catania and visits Giardini Naxos, Castelmola, and Taormina in a minibus for up to eight people. Expect coastal views, medieval streets, White Lotus filming locations, and free time near Taormina’s Greek Theatre. Guides may include Giuseppe, Salvatore, Enzo, or Andrea.

“Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. The tour was beautiful, although a bit difficult at time with little kids. Isola bella is beautiful but is a very rocky beach so make sure you have water shoes. My kids had wanted to go to play in the water but found it difficult to enjoy because there was no shade and all the rocks. Bring an umbrella or bring you wallet to rent an umbrella (I had forgotten mine in the car) Overall 5 stars if only for adults or teens. 4 stars if you are bringing little ones.”

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8.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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9.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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10.The White Lotus Taormina and Giardini Naxos Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204

Spend about eight hours on a small-group boat from Giardini Naxos, visiting Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Grotta Azzurra, and other White Lotus locations. Your skipper chooses the route according to the wind. Swim, snorkel, explore caves, enjoy Sicilian food, and return to the starting point.

“Absolutely the best boat tour! Guides were friendly, fun, played great music. Some fresh fruit and drinks on the boat. Guides took care of everything for us.”

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11.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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