Seven hours, zero roads, full sea time. This Lampedusa yacht trip on Sciatumia focuses on spots you can’t reach by land, with guided water stops like Tabaccara and Rabbit Island. I love the way the captains and guides talk you through what you’re seeing, and I love that lunch is served properly at a table, not as a snack. One thing to consider: you’ll want to bring your own mask and fins since they’re not included.
The crew is the real engine here. Names you’ll hear include Gianfranco and Francesco (and you may also meet Franco and Giuseppe), and the vibe is friendly, organized, and safety-first. You’ll also get real comforts for a day at sea: shade, showers, separate toilets, and life jackets for adults and kids.
The itinerary isn’t fixed like a theme park. It’s adjusted by weather, aiming for the best conditions—like time at Tabaccara for at least 30 minutes when it works out. Expect a full circuit of Lampedusa’s coasts, with guided stops that set you up for snorkeling.
In This Review
- Key takeaways before you go
- A motor yacht day built around swims, snorkeling, and silence
- Meeting on Via Alessandro Volta and how timing works
- Tabaccara, Rabbit Island, and Cala Pulcino: the first water hits
- Capo Ponente and Punta Muro Vecchio caves on the north coast
- Mare Morto, Cala Creta, and the Grotta del Bue Marino on the way back
- Fish lunch on board: what you actually eat
- Safety and comfort details that matter at sea
- Price value for $101: what you get and what to bring
- Should you book this Sciatumia yacht excursion?
- FAQ
- How long is the Lampedusa yacht excursion?
- Where do I meet the boat?
- What time does the boat depart?
- What snorkeling and swimming times should I expect?
- Is lunch included, and what is it like?
- Are masks and fins provided?
- What safety and comfort items are included?
- Can the food be adapted for dietary needs?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Key takeaways before you go
- Weather-based routes so you’re more likely to hit the cleanest water and calmer sea
- Longer swim windows at Rabbit Island and shorter, well-timed stops elsewhere
- Snorkel support and explanations so you know what to watch for underwater
- Fish lunch served at a table with wine, dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestivo
- Safety gear that’s actually there: lifeguard assistance, life jackets, and a ladder for re-entry
- Shade and basic comfort so you’re not baking on a bare deck all day
A motor yacht day built around swims, snorkeling, and silence
This is a Lampedusa yacht excursion that feels designed for water lovers, not photo hunters. The main idea is simple: you move around the island by boat and stop at places that land travelers can’t easily reach. That’s why spots like Tabaccara and Isola dei conigli (Rabbit Island) matter so much—you’re getting the turquoise water close-up, with the guide pointing out what’s worth seeing above and below the surface.
I like that the crew keeps things practical. You’re not just dropped off. You get explanations that help you understand the island’s scenery, plus tips geared toward snorkeling so you don’t miss the underwater highlights. You’ll also notice the tone from the staff: friendly, professional, and focused on making sure everyone feels comfortable on the yacht.
One subtle benefit: the pacing lets you actually enjoy the sea instead of racing from stop to stop. Tabaccara is typically set for at least 30 minutes when conditions are right, and Rabbit Island has a longer window. Between swim breaks, the cruise itself becomes part of the experience as you pass rocks and coastlines tied to Lampedusa’s sea life and history—told in a way that’s easy to follow.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Sicily
Meeting on Via Alessandro Volta and how timing works
You meet in front of Hotel Paladini di France, on Via Alessandro Volta. The appointment is at 9:00 am, and departure is roughly 9:15 am so the yacht can get moving and avoid other boats when possible.
The day is about 7 hours total, and you’ll return around 5:00 pm. Lunch happens around midday, once the route has reached the most fitting location for a proper break. That matters because you don’t end up eating too early (still hungry) or too late (too tired to enjoy it).
What I’d plan for: you’re leaving the dock in the morning sun and you’re not rushing back. So bring the basics and protect yourself. Sunscreen needs to be biodegradable, and you’ll want a hat and towel since you’re doing multiple swims and snorkel stops.
A small but important note: the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is limited, this may be difficult due to getting on and off the water and moving around the yacht.
Tabaccara, Rabbit Island, and Cala Pulcino: the first water hits
Your first featured stop is Tabaccara Bay. The plan here is guided time plus swimming and snorkeling for about 30 minutes. When weather cooperates, the crew aims for Tabaccara in a calmer moment—so you can enjoy clear water with less crowd pressure. For snorkeling, the value is in the guide’s hands-on cues: you’ll get pointers on what to look for underwater so your swim time feels like it has a purpose.
Then comes Isola dei conigli, or Rabbit Island. This is where you get one of the longer breaks—about 2 hours—with swimming and snorkeling included. You’ll approach with great viewpoints of the island and the isthmus that separates it from the mainland. One of the reasons people love this stop is that it often pairs the scenery with a direct-feeling swim setup. When lunch timing and sea conditions line up, the crew may even stop near the rabbit bay so you can reach the rabbit beach directly from the sea.
Next you might head to Cala Pulcino for another shorter swim window—around 30 minutes. It’s a good balance stop: enough time to get in the water, but not so long you lose the rhythm of the day.
Practical tip: snorkeling gear isn’t included (masks and fins). If you want to actually snorkel comfortably, bring your own so you’re not improvising mid-day.
Capo Ponente and Punta Muro Vecchio caves on the north coast
After the first coast turns, you’ll start seeing more of Lampedusa’s “from-the-sea” coastline personality. The route may pass by Madonna rock and the sacramento stack, then continue toward the north coast where some of the most talked-about stops sit.
At Capo Ponente, you’re set up for swimming and snorkeling for about 30 minutes, with a guided look at one extra-interesting feature: a submerged wreck of an old steam ship. Even if you’re not a dive pro, this kind of underwater context makes snorkeling more interesting because you’re not just floating—you’re looking for a story under the water.
Then the day often builds toward Punta Muro Vecchio, the north coast highlight. Think “pure sapphire waters” and a site the crew treats as a priority when conditions allow. You’ll typically get another guided stop around 30 minutes, focused on swimming and snorkeling.
The really special part is the caves. With the captains’ skill, you’ll get close to cave formations, and sometimes you can enter some of them—always with safety as the rule. You’re not hanging out in a risky spot; you’re experiencing it in a controlled way, with lifeguard assistance on board and life jackets provided.
If you’re the type who loves natural rock shapes and wants your snorkeling to feel connected to place, this north-coast section is where the tour starts to feel like more than “a boat with stops.”
Mare Morto, Cala Creta, and the Grotta del Bue Marino on the way back
The cruise keeps moving along the east and then back toward the south side of Lampedusa. You may pass by Mare Morto and Cala Creta, and the pacing usually gives you enough time to appreciate each coast without feeling like you’re constantly switching plans.
On the return, the tour typically passes in front of the Grottacce and the Grotta del Bue Marino. The nice detail here is that the Grotta del Bue Marino can be visited by snorkeling too, by entering where conditions allow. That’s a big deal for people who like underwater exploration, because it turns a “view from above” moment into an actual water-based experience.
Even when you aren’t getting out to snorkel at every single spot, the passing segments matter. You’re learning what you’re seeing—anecdotes and explanations about the island’s coastline and underwater world—while the yacht glides you between stops.
You’ll head back around 5:00 pm. By then, you’ve had a steady rhythm: morning swim and snorkel stops, a proper lunch break in the middle, and a final stretch that keeps the coast-hopping feeling moving.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sicily
Fish lunch on board: what you actually eat
The lunch is a major part of why this is good value. Around midday, you sit comfortably at a table on the yacht while lunch is served. This isn’t a boxed meal. It’s a full course layout.
You start with a first course of pasta made with very fresh fish. Then you’ll get various second courses, including caponata with homemade aubergines from the Lampedusa chef. There are also raw seafood options such as prawn crudités and scampi crudités, plus marinated anchovies.
Dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestivo are included too. Water is included without limits, and wine is part of the meal. One review also mentioned limoncello around mid-afternoon, so you might get that kind of extra treat depending on the day.
If you’re vegetarian, you can request a variation. Gluten-free can also be arranged on request. The key is to ask ahead, since these are noted as available options rather than automatic substitutions.
The takeaway for your planning: you won’t need to pack lunch or buy snacks unless you have personal preferences. This tour is set up so you can focus on the water and enjoy a real meal without turning the day into a food quest.
Safety and comfort details that matter at sea
A big reason people trust Sciatumia is the combination of comfort and active safety. You’ll have life jackets for every adult and child, plus a lifeguard instructor for assistance. That matters because the day includes swimming and snorkeling, so you want real support, not just “good luck.”
Comfort is handled in the basics that make a yacht day easier. There are different toilets for men and women, fresh water showers on board, and a place in the shade. There are solarium cushions on deck and a convenient ladder for entering and leaving the water.
The shade and ladder details are more important than they sound. Without shade, everyone gets cranky fast in the strong sun. Without a ladder setup, getting in and out becomes a time-waster and a safety concern.
Also, bring biodegradable sunscreen. It’s recommended as part of what you should bring, and it’s the kind of detail that helps keep the marine environment in mind when you’re snorkeling in sensitive coastal areas.
Price value for $101: what you get and what to bring
At $101 per person, you’re paying for an all-day boat excursion plus a full lunch, drinks, and safety and comfort support—not just transportation. If your plan in Lampedusa is mostly beaches and swimming, the value here comes from not having to organize the route yourself and from getting guided stops at sites that land access can’t provide.
What’s included:
- Boat trip from late morning into the mid-afternoon range (about 9:30 to 5:00)
- Lunch on board served at a table, plus water and wine, dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestivo
- Fresh water showers on board, shade, solarium cushions, and a ladder for water access
- Life jackets and lifeguard assistance
- Toilets separated by gender
What’s not included:
- Masks and fins
What you should bring:
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Towel and beachwear
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Snorkeling gear (mask and fins)
This is also a smart fit if you like guided storytelling. The crew explanations help you connect the coastlines you see with what’s happening underwater, which makes snorkeling more fun and less random.
Should you book this Sciatumia yacht excursion?
Book it if you want a Lampedusa day that combines guided sightseeing with real swim time and a proper fish lunch on board. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re comfortable getting in the water a few times and you want your snorkeling to come with guidance.
Skip it if mobility is an issue. It isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the day depends on getting around the yacht and using water access.
Finally, if weather matters to you (and it should), take comfort in the fact that the route adjusts by day. That flexibility is part of what helps the tour land on the best sites and keep the experience enjoyable.
FAQ
How long is the Lampedusa yacht excursion?
The duration is about 7 hours, with an appointment at 9:00 am and return around 5:00 pm.
Where do I meet the boat?
You meet in front of Hotel Paladini di France, on Via Alessandro Volta.
What time does the boat depart?
You have an appointment at 9:00 am and the boat departs at approximately 9:15 am.
What snorkeling and swimming times should I expect?
You can expect multiple stops with guided snorkeling and swimming time, such as about 30 minutes at Tabaccara and Cala Pulcino, around 2 hours at Isola dei conigli, and additional 30-minute snorkeling stops at other coastal sites depending on the route.
Is lunch included, and what is it like?
Yes. Lunch is served on board at a table and includes pasta based on fresh fish, second courses such as caponata with homemade aubergines and various seafood options, plus dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestivo. Water and wine are included.
Are masks and fins provided?
No. Masks and fins are not included, so bring your own snorkeling gear.
What safety and comfort items are included?
Life jackets for every adult and child are provided, along with lifeguard assistance from a lifeguard instructor. There are also fresh water showers, separate toilets for men and women, shade, solarium cushions, and a ladder to enter the water.
Can the food be adapted for dietary needs?
Vegetarian options are available on request. Gluten-free options are also available on request.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
