The Best Boat Tours in Sicily: Where to Set Sail on Your Next Vacation
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, which means one very important thing for travelers: we have a lot of coastline to explore.
While exploring the ancient ruins and bustling markets on land is incredible, the true heart of Sicily is found on the water. With deep blue seas, dramatic volcanic cliffs, and protected marine reserves, booking a boat tour is arguably the best thing you can do during your Sicilian holiday.
If you are mapping out your itinerary and wondering where to drop anchor, you are in luck. As local boating experts, we’ve put together a guide to the best boat tours in Sicily, from the western shores to our beautiful home here on the East Coast.
- The Aeolian Islands: A Volcanic Adventure
Located off the northern coast of Sicily, the Aeolian archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of seven volcanic islands. A boat tour here is an absolute must if you love dramatic nature. Most tours depart from Milazzo and offer day trips to islands like Lipari and Vulcano.
The Highlight: Taking a sunset or night tour to Stromboli. Watching an active volcano erupt against the night sky from the deck of a boat is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.
- The Egadi Islands: Caribbean Colors in the Mediterranean
If you are traveling to the western side of Sicily, a boat tour departing from Trapani to the Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo) should be at the top of your list.
The Highlight: The water around Favignana, specifically at Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, is so clear and bright turquoise that you might mistake it for the Caribbean. It is a fantastic destination for swimming and snorkeling.
- Syracuse and Ortigia: History from the Sea
Further south on the eastern coast lies Syracuse, with its stunning historical center, the island of Ortigia. A boat tour around Ortigia offers a completely different perspective of the city’s ancient Spanish walls, Venetian palaces, and the imposing Maniace Castle.
The Highlight: Many Ortigia boat tours also take you into the nearby sea caves and the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, combining incredible architecture with beautiful natural swimming spots.
- Taormina & Isola Bella: The Crown Jewel of the Ionian Sea
We might be a little biased, but we firmly believe that the coastline of Taormina offers the most perfectly balanced boat tour experience in all of Sicily. Departing from the Port of Giardini Naxos, the Taormina coast provides a mix of high-end luxury, ancient history, and untouched nature.
When you book a tour with Taormina Boat Tours, you get to experience the very best of this region without the massive crowds.
The Highlight: Gliding into the glowing Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), marveling at the elephant-shaped rock formation (Scoglio dell’Elefante), and dropping anchor for a private snorkeling session at the Isola Bella marine reserve. Plus, the Ionian sea off our coast is famous for its playful pods of dolphins. Watching dolphins jump in the wake of our boat while sipping a glass of chilled Italian Prosecco and enjoying traditional Sicilian almond paste is, in our opinion, the ultimate Sicilian experience.
Ready to explore the East Coast?
Whether you are looking for a romantic happy-hour sunset cruise or a fun, family-friendly snorkeling adventure, Captain Giosue is ready to welcome you aboard.
