Marzamemi: Private Tour to Ciriga Sea Stacks with Aperitif

Planning a day to explore Sicily’s coast can be overwhelming with so many options, but a private boat tour from Marzamemi to the Ciriga Sea Stacks offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Sicilian flavor. As someone who’s researched this experience, I can tell you it’s a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most captivating sights in a personalized, laid-back setting.

What I love about this tour are three key things: the opportunity to snorkel above ancient Roman columns, the chance to visit the historic Spanish Fortress, and the stunning sunset views paired with local Sicilian snacks and sparkling wine. The only caveat? It’s a full 10-hour experience, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy spending a complete day on the water and exploring at a leisurely pace. If you’re after a mix of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and great food, this tour is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Authentic Sicilian experience with personalized guidance and private group.
• Multiple snorkeling stops including Roman columns and scenic caves.
• Panoramic views of the sea, cliffs, and historic fortresses.
• Delicious aperitif featuring Sicilian sparkling wine, arancini, and fresh fruit.
• Visits to key sights like Capopassero island, Correnti island, and Tafuri Castle.
• Ideal for those wanting a full-day, flexible, and scenic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Departure

Your journey begins at Sicily Boats in Marzamemi, a charming fishing village known for its relaxed vibe and colorful harbor. The meeting point is easy to find using the provided Google Maps link — just ask for Stefano, the friendly skipper, who guides you on this 10-hour adventure. Keep in mind, parking isn’t available directly at the departure site, so plan to use nearby paid or free parking areas behind the nautical club.

The Roman Columns of Marzamemi

Within minutes of leaving the harbor, your first stop is a true treasure for history buffs and snorkelers alike: the Roman columns lying about 5 meters beneath the surface. These columns date back to the second century AD and are an incredible sight to swim over or snorkel above. We loved the way the water clarity allows for excellent visibility and how the ancient stones seem to tell their stories beneath the waves. The tour includes all snorkeling gear—fins, masks, and snorkels—so you can focus on floating lazily above these relics.

Exploring Capopassero Island

Next, the boat heads toward Isola di Capopassero, where the Spanish Fortress stands as a reminder of Sicily’s layered history. From the boat, you get eye-catching views of the fortress, and there’s a chance to snorkel around its base or simply enjoy the scenic backdrop. Reviewers mentioned the octopus cave as a highlight, with some attempting to enter it—though it’s more of a visual treat than an accessible cave. The island itself offers a dramatic setting, with rugged cliffs and crystal waters perfect for swimming or taking photos.

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Crossing the Sea of Sicily and Ionian Sea

A highlight of this cruise is reaching the southernmost point of Sicily, where the Sea of Sicily and the Ionian Sea meet at the island of Correnti. This crossing is just six nautical miles and offers a chance to enjoy the open water and panoramic views. The moment feels like standing at the edge of two worlds, and it’s ideal for snapping some memorable photos.

The Faraglioni of Punta Ciriga

After crossing to the Faraglioni of Punta Ciriga, you’ll find striking sea stacks that rise dramatically from the water. This spot is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on deck while soaking in the views. The tour includes some time for photos, with reviewers noting the Caribbean-like colors of the water—a true postcard scene. The small gully of the Octopus cave near the stacks is also a popular stop, providing yet another opportunity to snorkel and explore.

Beachside Stop at Playa Carratois

The boat then moves along the coast to Lido Playa Carratois, where you can enjoy further swimming and snorkeling. The rugged coastline offers plenty of scenic vistas, and the water invites you for a refreshing dip. Reviewers appreciated the relaxed pace here, describing it as a peaceful spot to unwind while watching the waves roll in.

The Aperitif and Scenic Stops

One of the tour’s best moments arrives at Punta delle Formiche, where you can savor an authentic Sicilian aperitif. Toast with sparkling wine, nibble on arancini, scones, and fresh fruit—each bite complemented by stunning sea views. This part of the trip is designed to be relaxed, giving you time to enjoy the flavors of Sicily while taking in the scenery.

Tafuri Castle and Sunset

As the day winds down, the boat makes a final stop at Castello Tafuri, an evocative fortress overlooking the sea. Here, you can take photos, swim in the clear waters, and witness the breathtaking sunset that paints the sky in warm hues. Many reviews mention the spectacular colors of the late afternoon, making this a truly memorable end to the day.

Returning to Marzamemi

The tour wraps up with a gentle cruise back towards the harbor, just in time to catch the last of the sunset. The entire experience is about 10 hours, with approximately two and a half hours of active navigation—plenty of time to enjoy all the stops, swim, snorkel, and relax.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the price are all snorkeling equipment, the gourmet aperitif with Sicilian sparkling wine, and the guidance of a knowledgeable skipper. Fuel costs are covered, ensuring no hidden fees. The tour is private, accommodating groups of up to 12, but most reviewers suggest that 8-10 people provide a more comfortable experience.

Things to bring include sun protection, swimwear, towels, and a camera. There are no hotel pickups included, so plan your transportation to the starting point ahead of time. The tour doesn’t permit smoking, which helps keep the boat environment comfortable for everyone.

The Value of This Experience

Though the tour may seem pricey at first glance, the value lies in the personalized attention, exclusive access to stunning spots, and the quality of the included amenities. Snorkeling over Roman columns or relaxing at sunset paired with local Sicilian snacks make this more than just a boat ride—it’s a curated experience of Sicily’s best coastal scenery.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, especially those who appreciate authentic local flavors and scenic beauty. If you’re comfortable on a boat for several hours and enjoy snorkeling, it’s an ideal way to spend a day. It’s also well-suited for couples, small groups, or families with older children looking for a memorable Sicilian escape.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Marzamemi offers a well-rounded glimpse into Sicily’s spectacular coastline, combining history, nature, and gastronomy. The stops at Roman relics, historic forts, and sea stacks ensure a diverse experience, while the aperitif and sunset provide a perfect Sicily-style finish.

It’s a day that rewards patience and curiosity, creating memories of crystal waters, ancient stones, and warm Sicilian hospitality. For anyone craving a personalized, scenic adventure with cultural highlights, this experience hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most reviews focus on adult travelers, older children who enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and boat trips generally find it enjoyable. Younger children might find the full day too long.

How many people are in each private group?
The tour accommodates up to 12 guests, but most recommend 8-10 for comfort and ease of movement.

What should I bring?
You should bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), swimwear, a towel, camera, and perhaps a light jacket for the return journey in the late afternoon.

Are meals included?
No, but the tour features a delicious aperitif with Sicilian sparkling wine, arancini, scones, fresh fruit, and drinks. You might want to bring additional snacks if desired.

Can I snorkel above the Roman columns?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and the underwater Roman columns are a highlight for snorkelers. Visibility is excellent, making for a memorable experience.

Is there parking available at the departure point?
Direct parking isn’t available at Sicily Boats, so plan to use nearby paid or free parking areas behind the nautical club.

How long is the navigation?
The total navigation time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, spread throughout the day with stops.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the specific season isn’t mentioned, Sicily’s best weather generally runs from spring to early fall, with warm, calm seas ideal for boating and snorkeling.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with health issues?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or heart problems, given the full-day, active nature of the trip.

Final Summary

For travelers craving a private, scenic day on Sicily’s waters, this tour offers a compelling mix of history, natural beauty, and local flavor. With stops at Roman relics, historic forts, and stunning sea stacks, paired with a delicious Sicilian aperitif and sunset views, it’s a deeply memorable way to experience the island’s coast. The flexible, private setting makes it particularly suitable for those who want a more personalized adventure.

Whether you’re a snorkeling enthusiast, a lover of scenic vistas, or simply after a relaxing day at sea, this experience is well-worth considering. It balances sightseeing, active fun, and culinary delights, ensuring you leave with a full heart and a camera full of stunning photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: