Fontane Bianche is more than just a pretty beach; it’s a prime spot for memorable boat tours and coastal excursions. With its clear waters, stunning seaside landscapes, and proximity to historic sites, this small seaside village offers a variety of ways to explore Sicily’s coast. Whether you want a relaxing day on the water or an active adventure, you’ll find options that suit your style. We especially like the exclusive dinghy tour for its comfort and personalized approach, and the full-day boat trips that combine snorkeling, scenic stops, and local food. These experiences truly showcase Sicily’s marine beauty and cultural highlights.
For those craving a more intimate experience, the private tour to Ortigia and the Tonnara di Santa Panagia offers a tailored day exploring charming streets and hidden caves. Meanwhile, the tour of Sicily’s tuna factories reveals a fascinating piece of local maritime tradition, perfect for history buffs or seafood lovers. With such a diverse range, Fontane Bianche makes an excellent base for discovering Sicily’s coastline and culture. Below, we detail each tour to help you decide which fits your interests best.
1. Fontane Bianche – Ognina: Exclusive tour by dinghy
At number 1 on our list, the Exclusive tour by dinghy offers a relaxed, personalized way to explore the coastline south of Syracuse. Starting from Piccolo Porto di Ognina, this 4-hour trip promises plenty of space and comfort on board, making it ideal for travelers who dislike cramped spaces. The guide will recommend the best spots, but you get to decide how long to stay at each stop—a mix of flexibility and local insight. The tour includes high-quality tastings and drinks, making it a delightful way to enjoy Sicily’s flavors amidst scenic views.
This tour’s highlight is the small group setting and tailor-made itinerary, which ensures you avoid the crowds and focus on what you love. It navigates through three water transport stops, each around an hour, with the chance to swim, relax, and take photos along the way. The boat itself is described as spacious and comfortable, a rarity in small-group tours.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a private, leisurely experience, with good food and stunning coastlines. The flexible itinerary makes it suitable for families and couples alike.
2. Magic South of Syracuse: Vendicari, Marzamemi & Capopassero
This 8-hour full-day boat tour hits the high points of the southern Sicilian coast, ideal for travelers looking for variety. Starting at Molo Zanagora, the trip covers sea caves like Grotta degli Innamorati, snorkeling in the Plemmirio Marine Reserve, and visits to the Vendicari Nature Reserve. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views, photo stops, and swims, plus a Sicilian aperitif on deck.
What sets this tour apart is its comprehensive nature—visiting beaches, marine reserves, and charming fishing villages like Marzamemi. You’ll get to snorkel in clear waters and explore sea caves, with the guide pointing out local marine life and geological features. The itinerary is packed, with about twelve stops, including Lovers’ Cave, Castello Tafuri, and the white rocks of Fontane Bianche.
Guests praise the blend of sightseeing, snorkeling, and cultural stops, calling it “a perfect way to see the coast in one day.” The tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy water activities and want an in-depth look at Sicily’s southern coast.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want a full day of exploring, swimming, and tasting Sicily’s famed seafood and wines in a scenic setting.
3. Avola: Private tour to Ortigia & Tonnara Santa Panagia
Number 3 is the private 10-hour tour that combines the historic charm of Ortigia with the natural beauty of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve. Starting from Avola, this trip offers a tailored experience with the flexibility to visit caves, bays, and iconic sites like the Lovers’ Cave. The highlight is exploring Ortigia’s labyrinth of streets and markets, giving a real taste of Sicilian life.
The tour also includes snorkeling in the Plemmirio Reserve, where you’ll see abundant marine life, and a visit to the Tonnara di Santa Panagia, a centuries-old tuna fishing site. The guide shares stories about the tuna fishing tradition that dates back centuries, adding cultural depth to the day. The plan features a Sicilian aperitivo with arancini, fruit, and sparkling wine, plus time for shopping and wandering in Ortigia.
Reviewers note this tour’s excellent value for a private experience, with personalized attention and flexible timing. It’s best suited for history lovers, foodies, and those seeking a more relaxed pace.
Bottom line: If you prefer a privately tailored day with cultural and natural highlights, this tour offers great value and personal service.
4. Siracusa Boat Tour: Tuna Factories of South East of Sicily
Our final pick, the Siracusa Boat Tour, emphasizes Sicily’s fishing heritage with visits to historic tuna fisheries such as Tonnara di Terrauzza, Avola, and Vendicari. Starting from Molo Zanagora, the eight-hour trip combines scenic views, snorkeling around Roman Undersea Columns, and visits to marine caves.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Sicilian tuna fishing traditions, with stops at iconic tuna factories and historic sites. You’ll learn about the tuna fishing process and enjoy swims around ancient Roman columns, adding a historical twist to your day. The itinerary includes swimming at Fontane Bianche and the white rocks of Gallina, plus relaxing time in Marzamemi.
The reviews highlight that guests appreciated the combination of cultural history and marine activities. It’s ideal for travelers interested in Sicily’s maritime past and who want to see undersea Roman ruins.
Bottom line: Perfect for history and marine life lovers who want to explore Sicily’s fishing legacy while enjoying beautiful coastal scenery.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which Fontane Bianche experience to book, consider your interests and stamina. If you prefer a private, relaxed outing with high comfort, the exclusive dinghy tour is a top pick. For a full-day adventure packed with snorkeling, sightseeing, and local eats, the Magic South of Syracuse tour offers a comprehensive experience. History buffs or those seeking a tailored day should consider the private tour to Ortigia & Tonnara Santa Panagia.
Budget-wise, the private tour is more costly but offers personalized attention, while the full-day tours deliver great value for active travelers eager to explore multiple sites. For best results, book early, especially in peak summer months, and check availability for the specific start times.
Final Thoughts
These four tours in Fontane Bianche showcase Sicily’s coast from different angles—relaxing private trips, full-day explorations, cultural insights, and historic traditions. If your goal is to relax on a boat with some good Sicilian food, the exclusive dinghy tour is ideal. For a more active day combining snorkeling, sightseeing, and tastings, the full-day options are hard to beat.
Travelers with a passion for history and local culture will find the private tour to Ortigia rewarding, while those interested in Sicily’s fishing past will enjoy the Tuna Factory boat tour. Whichever you choose, booking early helps ensure you get your preferred time—and plenty of sunshine along the way.