Sicily · SICILY SEA CAVE TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 sicily sea cave tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend an hour circling Ortigia with a skipper such as Otto, Ottavio, or Ninni, depending on the departure. You’ll pass the Arethusa Spring, Castello Maniace, Syracuse’s ports, and coastal caves, with live English or Italian commentary and a chance to swim.
“the ability given to reschedule when traffic prevented us from making our original time”
Cruise around Ortigia with a local skipper such as Franco, Laura, or Stefano, seeing Castello Maniace, the Duomo, Fonte Aretusa, and the sea caves. Expect about 35 minutes around the island, 35 minutes along the coast, and a short swim from the boat when weather and sea conditions allow.
“Really beautiful tour the tour guide was really nice but we couldn’t really understand him so we missed out on a lot of the information I would’ve liked to of understood but he was trying. The price can’t be beat so I can’t complain, but if you want his historical tour where you learn some thing That didn’t work out for us”
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.”
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”
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!”
Meet your English or Italian-speaking skipper outside A Surgiva for a 1.5-hour ride around Ortigia and Siracusa’s coast. Expect ancient walls, Fonte Aretusa, Castello Maniace, sea caves, music, and a swim stop. Antonio, Antonino, and Chris have guided many outings.
“Wonderful guide - very funny and played fantastic music. A bit of history without it being the focus of the trip. Lovely, fun experience!”
Set out from Via Senatore Giuseppe Maielli for a boat ride around Ortigia, with sea caves, coastal views, Castillo Maniace, and a possible swim stop. Guides such as Ninni, Nunzio, and Mattia explain local history in English, though commentary can vary by guide and sea conditions.
“Very gentle water. Good guide. Great views of the island and caves. Highly recommend for all ages and abilities”
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”
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”
Spend two hours by boat around Ortigia, the Arethusa Spring, Castello Maniace, and the Plemmirio coast. Your Italian skipper handles the route while recorded English commentary explains the sights. Expect karst caves, cold prosecco, and a swim near Pillirina Grotto. Bring your own snorkel tube.
“Fantastic! Everything was perfect from tour company, to captain, to beautiful Mediterranean Sea! Highly recognized company!”
Paddle about 7 km from Giardini Naxos with an English or Italian instructor to Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, Grotta degli Innamorati, and Fico Rock. You’ll stop to swim, hear coastal stories, and return by kayak. Small groups are limited to 10 people.
“Great way to tour for the active, with nice friendly staff and Davide was a great tour guide! Had an amazing time, completed something off my bucket list! You see all the locations up close that you can’t see on a boat and they gave us a traditional Sicilian sweet treat at the end. Would definitely recommend this activity😊”
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”
Set out from Via Eritrea 2 for a relaxed boat ride around Ortigia and Syracuse. Your skipper takes you to sea caves, Pillirina, Cala Rossa, and Arethusa Spring, with two snorkeling stops, seasonal fruit, prosecco, water, juice, and music on board. Italian and English are spoken.
Pick a coast, a volcano or a kitchen.
