SICILY
Sicily’s best days out.
The 15 most popular sea cave boat tours in Sicily, with what each costs, how long it runs and the operator behind it. The handful worth planning a whole day around.
One-hour boat trip from Syracuse around Ortigia with sea caves, a swim stop, and live English-Italian commentary. From $23.
Most Popular“We really enjoyed the trip around in the water in the caves. We don’t pay much so it was well worth the money!”
Short Ortigia boat tour with sea-cave sightseeing and a swim from the boat, led by a local skipper in English.
“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…”
Ortigia boat tour from Siracusa with marine grotto caves, the heart-shaped Cave of Love, Arethusa Spring, Prosecco, and snorkeling.
“Wonderful trip, very enjoyable. Friendly skipper Giovanni. The length of the trip of 2 hours was just right to enjoy the scenery, the caves and two relaxed swims. You go all the way around d Ortigia and swim just off Cala Rossa, then after Prosecco go under the bridge Umberto 1 to get back to…”
2-hour Taormina coast boat tour from Giardini Naxos: Isola Bella swim, Faraglioni views, Blue Grotto light, Mazzarò bay.
“being close to the land gives you a good perspective of the area. This was an English speaking tour and his English was poor”
Small-group boat cruise from Giardini Naxos to Taormina, Isola Bella, and the Blue Grotto area, with Prosecco, music, and a swim.
“Beautiful boat ride. Only downfall was that it is a bigger boat and could not go into the grottos like other boats were. This was a "Blue Grotto & Isola Bella" tour but we only passed by.”
Siracusa to Ortigia and sea caves by speedboat with a swim stop, guided sights, and optional music, for a solid 1.5-hour outing.
“We had a great charter around the Island of Ortigia and into the sea caves with Antonio. He was a considered guide and happy to share lots of information about what we were seeing. We do recommend.”
Small-boat Ortigia sea cave tour in Siracusa: circumnavigate Ortigia, visit caves, and enjoy sea views. English, $24.20, about 1 hour.
“We hopped on a small boat with a canopy and explored the coast of Siracusa and its sea caves, then circled the Isle of Ortigia. So beautiful to sea the island and Castillo Maniace from the water! We were running late due to a traffic jam but made it just in time to enjoy this…”
2-hour Syracuse boat tour through Plemmirio sea caves and Pillirina, with swim and snorkeling from the water.
“Loved everything about it. Engaging, exciting (water was a bit rough) but the skipper has 20 years experience. What made it even more special is that we were such an awesome group together. 2 hours of none stop fun, caving and snorkeling AND swimming! I highly recommend this experience! BALLISSIMO!!!”
1-hour Ortigia boat tour from Syracuse with sea caves, the heart-shaped cave, Castello Maniace views, and a Prosecco toast.
“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.…”
50-minute Crystal transparent boat tour along Siracusa’s coast, sea caves, seabed views, swim stop, and underwater photos.
“We had the most amazing time on our boat trip with Antonio. The boat was so unique, and the whole experience was just fantastic.”
Sail Syracuse’s coast with prosecco, swim at Pillirina sea caves in Plemmirio, and tour Ortigia for 2 hours.
“It was amazing! We had so much fun and would definitely do it again.”
A relaxing 1-hour boat loop around Ortigia plus Syracuse sea caves, with a swim stop and captain commentary—great value at $23.
“It was a great trip, we loved every moment of it!”
Paddle Taormina’s coast by kayak to Isola Bella and caves, with a small-group instructor and gear included for a fun 2-hour outing.
“Very chill excursion (vibes-wise - the actual kayaking required effort!) We were a group of four (two pairs) and the guide. Enjoyable experience kayaking from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella. Opportunity to get out and swim at Isola Bella. Enjoyable experience. Would recommend getting the bus if you’re coming from Taormina as the walk down…”
2-hour Syracuse boat trip from Ortigia with sea-cave swims, possible snorkeling, and Prosecco. Small group, English offered, weather matters.
“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.”
Sail Siracusa and Ortigia sea caves at sunset with swims and an on-board Sicilian aperitif with Prosecco for $77.
“This was the best part of our trip. I would recommend this highly to everyone. Antonino was a very good guide and the food was fabulous.”
From Mount Etna to the Valley of the Temples, the markets of Palermo to the islands offshore. Every way to spend a day on the island.
