Sicily · SICILY SNORKELING TOURS
The good sicily snorkeling tours go early in a Sicilian summer and the great ones go earlier. Below: the 15 to book first, what each includes and how they differ.
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 four hours aboard a small sailing boat from Catania, swimming and snorkeling near Lachea Island, trying SUP, and tasting Sicilian cheese, pistachio treats, vegetables, bread, and sparkling wine. Guides such as Sofia and Gioele add local stories about volcanoes, myths, and Aci Trezza.
“it was just a fantastic experience The Captain was amazing ....congratulations”
Join Pietro, Marino, Giuseppe, or the family crew from Sapore di Mare for a seven-hour boat day around Lampedusa. Expect swimming stops, SUP, snorkeling, a fresh lunch, stories about fishing and island life, and a small group capped at 15 people. Weather shapes the route.
“Our private boat tour with Sapore de Mare had been an unforgettable experience, and maybe the best boat tour we’ve done so far.”
Set out from Giardini Naxos with guides such as Peppe, Alessandro, Angelo, or Antonio for a 2.5-hour boat trip along Taormina’s coast. You’ll receive snorkeling gear, a safety briefing, time at Isola Bella and another bay, plus views of Etna, caves, fish, sponges, and coral.
“So much fun! Would totally recommend to any group or solo person. The boat was nice and they had water and snacks.”
Spend eight hours aboard a small motorsailer with Giuseppe and Michele, exploring Addaura, Mondello, and Capo Gallo. You’ll get snorkeling gear, marine life guidance, Sicilian lunch, water, and wine or juice, with plenty of time to swim or relax.
“Giuseppe and his crew were amazing! Very knowledgeable about the city and marine life. Food and wine were all local and delicious. Highly recommend!”
Join Enzo and his crew for a two-hour boat trip from Giardini Naxos along Taormina’s coast. You’ll see the Blue Grotto, Grotta dell’Amore, Isola Bella, and White Lotus filming spots, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy Prosecco, fruit, music, and Sicilian sweets.
“We had the best time on this trip! Our guides were very knowledgeable and took us by sea to so many beautiful places. They were so happy and fun and welcoming to all aboard the boat. We got to snorkel and have Prosecco on the boat. A really special moment for us was when they called a friend who has a boat at Mazzaro and had him meet us so that we didn’t have to get a cab back home. Just a little boat to boat transfer and we were back at our home beach. I highly recommend this adventure. Excellent boat crew and gorgeous scenery. Do it if you…”
Join Francesco and his small crew for a three-hour cruise from Eolo Café in Cefalù. You’ll stop at Kalura, Mazzaforno, and Cefalù for swimming and snorkeling, then enjoy Sicilian snacks, fruit, and an alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif aboard a boat with a toilet, cabin, and shower.
“A fabulous day out. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the coastline from the water, stopping and snorkelling in multiple beautiful locations, having fun jumping off the boat into crystal clear water. Best day of our trip so far.”
Set out from Spisone Beach for a two-hour cruise along Taormina and Giardini Naxos. Your English or Italian skipper points out coastal sights and local myths, then anchors near Isola Bella for swimming, snorkeling, wine, prosecco, soft drinks, and Sicilian snacks.
“We were lucky and it was just the 2 of us, Great activity”
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!”
Spend four hours sailing from central Palermo to Vergine Maria, Mondello, Capo Gallo, and Grotta dell’Olio. You’ll swim, snorkel, enjoy music and an aperitivo, and travel with up to 10 people. Guides may include Joseph, Giuseppe, Salvo, Gaspare, or Sofia.
“Really loved all the swimming spots and how amazing Joseph was, creating such an experience out in the water and making a beautiful memory”
Cruise from Ortigia with skippers such as Carmelo, Enzo, Gianni, and Corrado. Expect coastal views, swimming stops beneath the castle, sea caves, fruit, and Prosecco. Snorkel gear is available, but ask for it at the office before boarding.
“Fun time - including opportunities to swim in the sea and into a lovely bay. Very nice guy in charge of the boat - knowledgeable and approachable. Good English, and happy to speak in both Italian and English.”
Captain Alex takes you along Cefalù’s coast aboard the mini yacht Étolie, with views of the old fishing village, swims at Mazzaforno and Kalura, snorkeling gear, music, games, and a fresh Sicilian aperitivo with prosecco.
“Was so amazing being on the boat, learning about Cefalu, and soaking in the sun. Definitely was the highlight of our trip and I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone wanting a relaxing beautiful adventure. We got to jump off deck and sunbathe as well.”
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.
Join an English or Italian guide, including captain Tinauro on some departures, for a two-hour cruise from Giardini Naxos. Visit Lover’s Cave, Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, and quiet bays, with time to swim, snorkel, watch for dolphins, and enjoy a Sicilian aperitif.
“Un moment inoubliable avec un capitaine au top — attentionné, drôle et vraiment génial avec les enfants 👏 Pause baignade, explications avec références cinéma, apéro fruits frais et prosecco … tout simplement parfait Une expérience à ne pas manquer pour découvrir Taormine autrement !”
Spend about three hours aboard a small boat from Cefalù’s Porto Presidiana, stopping at clear-water coves for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll see the coast from the sea, enjoy fruit and prosecco, and return to the harbor with a group capped at 14 people.
“Weather was fabulous and the boat was fine with shade. The driver had no English, so didn’t point out any sights. He drove to 3 areas for a swim. Unfortunately, there was just a basic ladder unfolded off the back of the boat with no handrails making it very hard (for someone unable to jump into the water) to enter or exit the sea. I was one of 2 people unable to get in for a swim at all, as I wouldn’t have been able to pull myself up into the boat. Other younger people found it easier to do but would have preferred there to be up a ladder…”
Pick a coast, a volcano or a kitchen.
