Messina, on Sicily’s northeastern coast, offers some of Italy’s most engaging dolphin watching adventures. Its combination of calm bays, clear waters, and diverse marine life makes it an ideal spot for spotting these playful creatures. Among the options, we’re especially fond of the Sunset tour in search of dolphins with aperitif for its perfect blend of scenic views, local food, and a chance to see dolphins at sunset. It combines the thrill of wildlife with the pleasure of relaxing in a beautiful setting, plus a tasty snack and prosecco to toast your luck. Other tours like the Taormina and Giardini Naxos: 2 Hour Dolphin Tour & Grotto and the Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching also offer memorable experiences, with a focus on scenic stops, caves, and islands.
If you’re trying to choose the right dolphin tour in Messina, this guide will help by breaking down what each experience offers, what makes it special, and who it’s best suited for. Whether you want a quick cruise, a sunset adventure, or a full-day exploration, there’s a trip here that fits your interests and travel style.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at the three best dolphin watching experiences in Messina. Each offers something unique: from sunset aperitifs and snorkeling to visits to caves and islands. All tours feature dolphin sightings as a highlight, but their itineraries vary in length, scenery, and included amenities. For more details, you can visit the individual tours: Sunset tour in search of dolphins with aperitif, Taormina and Giardini Naxos: 2 Hour Dolphin Tour & Grotto, and Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching.
1. Sunset tour in search of dolphins with aperitif
This 3-hour tour immerses you in the coastal beauty of Sicily’s northeastern bays, with a special focus on dolphin sightings around Taormina and Giardini Naxos. It starts at Via Vulcano, 7, and ends at Porto di Giardini Naxos, making for a relaxed and scenic trip. The highlight is the chance to see dolphins at sunset, a magical time when the light turns golden and the water is at its calmest. The tour includes a 30-minute stop for snorkeling or swimming, giving you a break from the boat’s gentle rocking.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of wildlife spotting with local culinary delights. You’ll enjoy small arancini or slices of pizza and prosecco while watching the sunset, creating a perfect blend of nature and local flavor. The reviews are glowing, with many describing it as a “brilliant” experience where they saw numerous dolphins and enjoyed the food and music. The hosts are praised for their helpfulness and kindness, often arranging taxis for easy return.
Bottom line: This tour offers great value, especially if you love a relaxed pace, a scenic sunset, and a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat while tasting Sicily’s famous snacks.
2. Taormina and Giardini Naxos: 2 Hour Dolphin Tour & Grotto
At number two, this 2-hour adventure takes you along Sicily’s coast where you’ll explore the Bay of Taormina, the Blue Grotto, and Isola Bella. The tour departs from Pizzichella Escursioni, and the compact itinerary is packed with highlights. The boat is described as comfortable and safe, perfect for families or anyone wanting a quick yet scenic outing.
The main draw is the chance to observe dolphins in the wild, alongside visits to the stunning Blue Grotto and Isola Bella. The boat cruise lasts about 40 minutes dedicated to dolphin watching, while the rest of the time is spent exploring caves and scenic photo stops. The sunset aperitif adds a relaxing touch, and the tour’s reviews mention the breathtaking views and the hopeful dolphin sightings.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a balanced mix of wildlife, caves, and islands, without committing to a full day on the water. It’s especially suited for those with limited time but still eager to experience Sicily’s marine beauty.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, scenic cruise that balances dolphin watching with visits to key coastal sights, perfect for a quick but memorable outing.
3. Sunset tour with dolphin watching
This 2.5-hour experience departs from Ristorante da Angelina, with the captain taking you out for a relaxing ride along the coast of Taormina. The focus is on enjoying the scenery, swimming in clear waters, and of course, searching for dolphins. The tour combines a peaceful boat cruise with the thrill of marine wildlife encounters.
What makes this tour attractive is its simplicity and focus on nature. It’s a shorter trip but offers an intimate experience in the late afternoon, when the light makes everything glow. The highlight is the possibility of spotting dolphins, which many reviews mention as a “highly rewarding” aspect. The tour includes an aperitif, and many travelers appreciate the personal touch and the relaxed pace.
This option is best suited for those seeking a laid-back experience with a good chance of dolphin sightings, especially if they value swimming and enjoying Sicily’s waters without a packed schedule. It’s perfect for couples or travelers who want a romantic sunset on the water.
Bottom line: An intimate, relaxing cruise ideal for dolphin lovers seeking a peaceful, scenic end to their day.
How to Choose Your Dolphin Watching Experience
When choosing between these tours, consider your priorities. If you want a longer, more comprehensive experience with food, snorkeling, and sunset views, the Sunset tour in search of dolphins with aperitif is the top pick. For a quick, scenic jaunt with cave visits and island stops, the Taormina and Giardini Naxos: 2 Hour Dolphin Tour & Grotto offers a balanced itinerary. If a shorter, more intimate experience with swimming and dolphin sightings appeals, the Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching is ideal.
Think about your budget, how much time you have, and whether you prefer a lively social atmosphere or a quiet, contemplative cruise. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, since dolphin sightings are not guaranteed but most tours do their best to ensure a memorable encounter.
Final Thoughts
Messina offers a diverse range of dolphin watching experiences, from sunset aperitifs to full scenic tours. For those seeking a mix of wildlife and Sicilian charm, the Sunset tour in search of dolphins with aperitif stands out for its combination of chance, scenery, and local food. If you’re pressed for time but still want the highlights, the Taormina and Giardini Naxos is a good choice. Meanwhile, the Sunset Tour with Dolphin Watching offers a peaceful, intimate experience.
No matter which you pick, booking early can help secure your place on these popular trips. With a little luck, you’ll find yourself sharing the water with curious dolphins in one of Sicily’s most beautiful coastal settings.