Boat Tours in Sicily — 15 That Justify the Detour

1.From Trapani: Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo with lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,286 reviews · 8 hours · from $53Our pick

Spend eight hours sailing from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo, with free time in both island villages, coastal views, swimming stops, and a Trapanese pasta lunch with wine, water, and fruit. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, and a bar. Bring sunscreen and motion-sickness tablets if needed.

“Apart from the initial trip from Trapani to Favignana, which was quite hairy, we had a wonderful time. Had a great lunch on board and then on to Lavanza where you could take a swim in the beautiful blue waters. I would recommend this trip to anyone. Brilliant day.”

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2.From Milazzo: Panarea and Stromboli Boat Trip by Night

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,605 reviews · 10 hours · from $89

Spend about 10 hours sailing from Milazzo to Panarea and Stromboli. You get free time on each island, views of Panarea’s rocky islets, and a sunset stop offshore from Stromboli’s active volcano. The guide commentary is in Italian, and the boat can become crowded, so arrive early for a good seat.

“Vulcano is spectacular! The stay at the islands too long”

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3.From Trapani: Day Cruise to Favignana & Levanzo with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,483 reviews · 8 hours · from $46

Leave Trapani at 9:30 for Favignana and Levanzo aboard the Mn Gaia, with coastal views, free time on both islands, swimming stops, and lunch of pasta with pesto Trapanese and fruit. You get about two hours on Favignana and one hour on Levanzo. English and Italian are spoken, and Lorenzo has offered helpful local tips on board.

“Better than expected. Two swimming spots. Normal lunch. Very friendly team.”

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4.Boat Tour Egadi Day discover Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,183 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $139Top rated

Join Mare and More in Trapani for an eight-hour boat day around Favignana and Levanzo. With a maximum of 12 people, you’ll swim at Cala Azzurra, Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Fredda, and Cala Minnola, then have two hours to explore Favignana village. Your skipper, often Alessio, Alberto, Cristian, Mauro, or Nico, provides local stories, snorkeling gear, drinks, fruit, and a restroom on board.

“We had a great experience with our captain Ninno. He was knowledgeable and made sure that we felt safe and taken care of. The sea was rough so we didn't get to go to the usual sights but they found some tranquil gems that was beautiful. Lovely experience! The only thing would maybe be to offer more of the drinks, not that we desperately wanted more wine but because cold water would have been good instead of the tempid water we brought ourselves.”

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5.Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 937 reviews · from $23Best value

You’ll circle Ortigia with an English- or Italian-speaking skipper, passing the Arethusa Spring, Castello Maniace, Syracuse’s harbors, bridges, and coastal caves. Guides such as Otto, Ninni, and Davide add local stories, and you may stop for a swim when sea conditions allow. Bring swimwear and a towel.

“We had a wonderful boat trip with an interesting guide who spoke English and Italian. He described where we were going, the sights, and some history. We went inside two of the sea caves. If you alert him he will find a place to stop to swim. We loved this trip. It was worth the price. Had a bit of trouble finding the check-in kiosk which you can map to but its just a kiosk on a street corner.”

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6.From Trapani: Favignana and Levanzo Mini Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 814 reviews · 8 hours · from $47

From Trapani, join a daily boat trip to Favignana and Levanzo from 9:30 AM to about 5:00 or 6:00 PM. You’ll have two hours in Favignana, one hour in Levanzo, a coastal cruise past Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, a swim stop, and lunch with Trapani-style pesto, water, wine, and fruit.

“The service on board was great. More swimming stops would have been nice.”

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7.Syracuse: Boat Tour with Captain Mirko, Snorkeling & Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 746 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $35

Join Captain Mirko, or another friendly local captain, for a 90-minute cruise from Riva della Posta around Ortigia. You’ll see Maniace Castle, the Aretusa Fountain, sea caves, the Umbertino Bridge, and secluded coves, with time to swim and use the provided snorkeling masks. English and Italian tours run from April to November.

“We really enjoyed our trip with Mirko, he is very knowledgeable, friendly and spoke good English. you'll see different caves, landmarks and the famous 84 years old man who loves jumping the cliffs. highly recommendes!”

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8.Cyclops Coast Cruise with Appetizer & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 670 reviews · 4 hours · from $70

Sail from Catania to Lachea Island and Aci Trezza aboard a small yacht carrying no more than 10 people. You can swim, snorkel, try SUP, hear local stories from guides such as Sofia, Gioele, or Carlotta, and enjoy Sicilian cheese, pistachio treats, vegetables, bread, and sparkling wine.

“Our captain Francisco was amazing made our day so relaxing.”

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9.Siracusa: Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 617 reviews · from $45

See Ortigia from a comfortable boat as your skipper points out Maniace Castle, Arethusa Spring, the Umbertino Bridge, and sea caves including the heart-shaped Cave of Love. You get fresh fruit, juice, prosecco, and time for swimming or snorkeling. English, Italian, and Spanish are available.

“Corrado was a fantastic guide, he told us a lot about the history of Syracuse. On top of that he has a great taste in music and takes amazing photos. 10/10 recommend!”

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10.From Trapani: Favignana and Levanzo Egadi Island Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 477 reviews · 8 hours · from $65

From Trapani, you’ll spend eight hours aboard a modern maxi-RIB capped at 12 people, swimming at Cala Azzurra, Cala Rossa, Cala Minnola, and a sea cave. Skippers such as Patrizio, Sandro, Peppe, and Giuseppe are known for friendly guiding and careful service. Lunch in Favignana is your own expense, while drinks, fruit, snorkeling gear, and Sicilian snacks are included.

“Best day in Sicily, highly recommended but nobady told us we wouldn’t be going to Cala Rossa.”

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11.Sunset Boat Tour with Dolphin Watching & Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · from $118

Join Graziella and Captain Saro of Blue Diamond for a 2.5-hour sunset cruise from Giardini Naxos. You’ll see Taormina’s sea caves and bays, watch for bottlenose dolphins, swim or snorkel near Isola Bella, and enjoy fruit, snacks, and drinks aboard a clean, luxurious boat limited to 10 people.

“Great people who were keen to make sure everyone was happy Lovely boat”

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12.Tropea: Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli Boat Tour by Night

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 441 reviews · 11.5 hours · from $69

Spend a long day at sea from Tropea, stopping at Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli before viewing the glowing Sciara del Fuoco by boat. You get free time for island streets, food, shopping, beaches, and sights such as Lipari’s basilica and castle. A live guide speaks English, Italian, French, or Dutch.

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13.Mondello,CapoGallo Reserve Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 439 reviews · from $79

Join a four-hour boat trip from Marina Arenella with a skipper such as Alex, Alberto, or Giuseppe. Swim at Mondello, Capo Gallo, Addaura, and coastal grottoes, snorkel among fish, and enjoy fruit, drinks, music, and Sicilian snacks. Small groups keep the outing relaxed and personal.

“We had the best afternoon on this boat trip! We stopped at 5 locations in total and we were able to watch the sunset which was incredible. Our host was so knowledgable and went above and beyond to make sure our trip was memorable! The boat was really well stocked with classic Sicilian snacks and drinks. Thank you so much!”

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14.San Vito Lo Capo: Boat Trip with 3 Swimming Stops and Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 4 hours · from $59

From San Vito Lo Capo, Samuel Escursioni takes up to 12 people along Sicily’s Zingaro coast and the Faraglioni of Scopello. Expect three swim stops, masks, floats, local sandwiches, sweets, and wine. The tour is mainly in Italian, though captains such as Sebastiano often translate key explanations into English.

“It was amazing! They showed us amazing spots to snorkel and provided delicious snacks and wine :)”

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15.From Milazzo: Panarea & Stromboli Cruise Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 377 reviews · from $80

Spend 10 hours sailing from Milazzo to Panarea and Stromboli. Walk through San Pietro, visit Cala Junco and Capo Milazzese, then watch Stromboli’s volcanic activity from the sea at dusk. Italian, English, and French assistance is available. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and a charged phone.

“It was a nice excursion, but they informed us half an hour before taking the boat that we wouldn't visit Stromboli because it's risky in this period of the year I would like to get informed earlier and be able to decide if I want to do the excursion or not, because finally we spent 4 hours in Panarea. If you want to move in Panarea you have to take a taxi to go to the beach, It's 30 minutes walking distance and you get there at 2'o clock so it is really hard to go to the beach on foot. Although we didin't get off in Stromboli it was…”

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