A boat day around Lampedusa feels like the only honest way to see it. With Gite in barca con Zorro, you leave around 9:30 and spend the day hopping from cove to cove, with a proper lunch in the middle and time to swim where the water looks too clean to be real.

Two things I love: the no-pressure hospitality from Gianni and his son, and the fact that lunch is handled on board start-to-finish (not a sad snack). One consideration: it’s weather-dependent, so you’ll want flexible plans.

If you’re after an easy, long day that still feels personal, this works. You’ll get a full rhythm to the trip—morning swims, a big midday meal, then more coves and north-coast caves before you’re back by about 4:30. Just remember that private transportation isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll get to the meeting point.

Key things to know before you go

• Gianni’s fast communication: quick WhatsApp replies can make planning in low season much less stressful.
• A real lunch, not a filler: appetizers, first course, coffee, cannoli, fennel, and fruit are part of the package.
• North-coast cave route (weather permitting): after morning swimming, you continue around the island to see multiple cave areas.
• Swim time for different comfort levels: even if you don’t swim confidently, you’re supported with a life jacket.
• Private tour = your group only: this is not a mixed-boat free-for-all.
• Water time is the point: you’ll be stopping often, so bring what you need for a full sun-and-sea day.

Why Lampedusa makes more sense by boat

Lampedusa is one of those places where the “view from the road” just doesn’t do the job. The coves and caves are the show, and the only way to string them together in one day is by water. That’s what you get here: a structured loop with multiple swim stops, plus the option to keep moving around the north coast when conditions allow it.

What makes this trip especially appealing is the mix of movement and comfort. You’re not stuck on a rigid schedule with nowhere to stretch—there’s time to enjoy the sea, then to slow down for lunch, then back out again. And because it’s a private tour for your group, the day feels less like a checklist and more like a tailored outing.

Also, I like when a boat day respects the basics: clean setup, clear attention from the crew, and food that’s treated like part of the experience, not a last-minute add-on.

Your day on the water: the timing that keeps it fun

You’ll depart from the meeting point at 9:30 and return to port at about 4:30. That’s a solid ~8 hours, which is long enough to actually see the island’s “sea side,” not just poke around for an hour or two.

The flow matters. First comes the morning sequence—there’s a quick local stop near the tobacconist, then you head to swim at Cala Pulcino. After that, you move to the Acque swimming pool area for more water time. Midday is when you get the lunch on board (with multiple courses), and then—weather permitting—you continue around Lampedusa to hit more coves and cave spots on the north coast.

This pacing is helpful if you don’t want your day to feel rushed. It also means lunch isn’t just thrown in at random; it lands right around midday when you’ll be ready for a break and something filling.

Morning stops: tobacconist pause, Cala Pulcino, and Acque swimming pool

The morning has a practical start, not a dramatic one. You leave at 9:30, and the first stop is a quick visit near a tobacconist. After that, the day turns into pure water time.

Cala Pulcino is one of the named stops you’ll reach early, which is a good idea because early water time usually feels calmer and more enjoyable. Then you go to the Acque swimming pool. The name gives you an idea of what you’re looking for: a spot where the water feels like a swimming area, not a chaotic surf zone. That matters for comfort. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, the crew’s support helps you enjoy the stop.

One small “make it easier” tip: pack for a full day. You’ll be getting in and out of the water multiple times, and the schedule doesn’t suggest you’ll have long dry breaks until lunch.

Lunch on board: the Sicilian spread that becomes the highlight

Midday lunch is the centerpiece here, and it’s not just included—it’s built as a full meal. Your lunch includes appetizers, a first course, coffee, cannoli, plus fennel and fruit afterward. That’s a lot of food for a boat day, and it’s the part that people tend to remember.

Here’s why it’s valuable for you: boat tours can sometimes treat meals like an obligation. On this one, the lunch feels like it’s meant to slow the day down. You sit, eat properly, and recharge so you can enjoy the afternoon coves without feeling like you’re running on empty.

The reviews also underline that lunch is prepared and served with care, with a “from appetizer to dessert” approach. If you care about food quality while on the move, this is one of the biggest reasons the trip earns so much praise.

If you’re the type who gets hangry on day trips, you’ll like this format. And if you’re picky, remember that you’re in a set menu situation—still, the menu is clearly local and substantial.

Afternoon around the north coast: caves and coves you can actually reach

After lunch, the itinerary shifts from “swim and enjoy” to “see more of the island.” The plan is to continue around Lampedusa to visit caves on the north coast, with additional stops scheduled along the way.

Some of the named afternoon areas include Mare Morto, Cala Creta, and Cala Francese. The day is designed so you’re not repeating the same type of scenery over and over—you’re moving through different coves and cave areas, which helps keep the afternoon feeling varied.

One standout that shows up in the most positive comments is Tabaccara. If that’s a stop on your route, take it seriously as a “don’t rush this one” moment. In general, the best boat stop is the one you enjoy without feeling like you have to sprint to the next thing.

Because the cave portion is explicitly weather permitting, keep in mind that the sea state can affect how far you go and how the schedule feels. If conditions are rougher than expected, the crew’s goal is still to keep the day enjoyable and safe rather than force the most dramatic stops.

Crew vibe and comfort: small details that change the whole day

A boat trip lives or dies on the people running it. What you’ll find here is a family feel—Gianni is the key name you’ll interact with, and his son is part of the operation too. It’s not just friendliness; it’s practical help.

The standout communication point is that Gianni responds quickly on WhatsApp. That sounds small until you hit low season planning and you’re trying to confirm what’s running. Fast replies make the difference between anxious “did I book the right thing?” and calm “we’re good.”

On board, people emphasize comfort and cleanliness, plus a calm, professional approach. Safety shows up in real ways too. One detail that’s especially useful to you: if you don’t swim well, the crew can help by providing a life jacket so you can still enjoy the coves without panicking.

You may also have luck with wildlife. Some days include dolphins up close, and that’s the kind of moment that turns a good trip into a great memory—especially when it happens while you’re already enjoying a swimming stop.

Price and value: what $116 really buys you

At $116 for roughly 8 hours, you’re paying for more than “a ride.” You’re buying a full day on the water with multiple stops, plus lunch included (not a small plate, but a multi-course meal with cannoli). That shifts the value calculation.

Two things to weigh:

1. Included meal value: If you had to eat on your own—especially in a resort island situation—lunch could easily become one of your biggest costs. Here, it’s bundled in.
2. Not included transport: Private transportation isn’t included, so your real cost depends on how you’ll reach the meeting point and get back.

If you’re already planning to be in Lampedusa for most of the day, the price starts to make sense as a “one purchase, one long experience” deal. If you’d need extra expensive transport, then it’s worth budgeting that into your total.

Who this boat trip is best for (and who should think twice)

This trip is a good match if you want:

• A full day by the sea with multiple swimming coves
• A set lunch that’s actually substantial
• A private experience for your group (not a crowded, mixed schedule)
• A crew that’s friendly and practical about comfort and safety

You might reconsider if:

• You have tight weather-proof plans and hate day-trip uncertainty, since the trip requires good weather.
• You need private transport included in the price, since that’s not part of what you’re paying for.

For families, it also seems like a solid fit. The day has swimming stops, a schedule that doesn’t sound chaotic, and food breaks that keep everyone satisfied.

Should you book Boat trips with Zorro?

If you’re going to Lampedusa and you want your day to feel like the island—not a quick photo-and-coffee stop—this is an easy “yes.” The big reasons are the private-group feel, the serious lunch on board, and the overall attention from Gianni and his team. Add in the north-coast cave route when weather allows, and you’ve got the ingredients of a classic Lampedusa sea day.

My practical decision rule: book it if you can be flexible about sea conditions and you’re okay handling your own local transport. Skip it if your plans can’t bend at all when the weather changes.

FAQ

What time does the boat tour start and end?

The tour departs at 9:30 and returns to the port at about 4:30.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

What’s included in the lunch?

The lunch includes appetizers, a first course, coffee, cannoli, fennel, and fruit.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Where is the meeting point?

The start point is Gita In Barca Zorro Lampedusa, Via Alessandro Volta, 92010 Lampedusa AG, Italy.

Do I need a phone to show anything?

You’ll use a mobile ticket.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. It requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.