Syracuse: boat tour of the sea caves and Ortigia, Papyrus Excursion

If you’re visiting Sicily and looking to combine scenic views with fascinating stories, the Papyrus Excursion in Syracuse offers a charming way to experience the coast and the historic island of Ortigia. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the detailed reviews and descriptions paint a clear picture of what to expect: a relaxed, informative, and visually stunning boat ride led by the charismatic Captain Roberto.

What makes this tour stand out? It offers a perfect mix of beautiful scenery, engaging storytelling, and authentic local charm. Plus, the opportunity to explore sea caves—including a truly special heart-shaped one—adds a touch of adventure. We love that the tour includes a swimming stop in crystal-clear waters, and the overall duration of just over an hour feels ideal for a relaxed sightseeing experience.

One potential consideration is that the tour’s success depends on sea conditions. If the weather is rough, some parts of the experience might be less enjoyable or even canceled. This tour suits those who love scenic boat rides, local stories, and a bit of downtime in nature—perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a peaceful escape from busy city sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Led by Captain Roberto, known for his storytelling and friendly approach.
• Stunning Views: From Ortigia’s architecture to caves and rocky coastlines.
• Active and Relaxing: Includes a swim stop in clear waters and sightseeing from the sea.
• Compact Duration: About 1 hour 20 minutes, ideal for a relaxed outing.
• Local Highlights: Monuments like the Cathedral, Fonte Aretusa, and Maniace Castle seen from the water.
• Weather Dependent: Sea conditions can affect the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love This Tour

This boat tour is a smart way to see Syracuse from a different perspective. You’ll glide past the spectacular coastline, catching views of historic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Syracuse and the Fonte Aretusa. The guide, Captain Roberto, brings the area’s stories to life—something that sets this experience apart from a simple boat ride.

What truly stands out is the sea caves, especially the heart-shaped cave, which travelers rave about for its photogenic charm. The caves are more than just pretty formations; thanks to the boat design, you’ll be able to visit inside some of them, adding an element of small-scale adventure.

The swimming stop in pristine waters is another highlight, giving you a chance to cool off and relax in a tranquil setting. Reviewers mention that Captain Roberto isn’t in a rush and makes sure everyone feels comfortable and taken care of—”non aveva fretta di farci tornare,” meaning he was patient and considerate about timing.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting at the Largo Porta Marina, you’ll meet Simona at the Papyrus Excursion stand for a quick briefing in multiple languages—English, French, Italian, and Spanish. This helps set expectations and provides some background before you board.

Once aboard, the first stop is the island of Ortigia. From the water, you’ll get a fantastic view of its iconic landmarks: the Marina promenade, the Cathedral, the Fonte Aretusa, and the Maniace Castle. These sights are particularly striking from the sea, where you can appreciate their scale and beauty without the crowds.

Next, the boat turns toward the northeast coast of Syracuse, revealing rugged rocky ridges and sea caves. This part of the coast is where you’ll see caves that are often inaccessible from land, making the boat’s ability to visit inside especially valuable.

The heart-shaped cave is a major draw—its unique form makes for memorable photos, and many guests find it the most Instagram-worthy spot on the tour. The boat then offers a swimming stop—a perfect chance to enjoy the transparent waters and unwind. Reviewers describe this as a “pleasent and unhurried” addition to the trip, where the captain’s willingness to stay longer than other boats is appreciated.

The return journey takes you past Porto Piccolo, with a picturesque passage under the three bridges connecting Ortigia to Syracuse’s mainland. This scenic route adds a charming ending to a delightful experience.

The Boat and Group Size

The tour uses a small boat, designed for a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to caves and waterside views. The group size isn’t specified, but the personalized nature of the tour and the mention of the captain’s friendly, engaging style suggest a small to medium-sized group.

The boat’s design allows for inside visits to caves, which not all tours offer. This means you’ll get up close to natural formations, making the experience more immersive. The duration of about 1 hour 20 minutes strikes a balance—enough time to see everything without fatigue.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Captain Roberto is a major highlight. Guests describe him as charismatic, informative, and very involved with the group. His stories about the area’s history and legends add depth to the sights, transforming the trip from a mere cruise into a storytelling adventure.

Simona, who handles the check-in, is also praised for her friendly attitude and clear communication, helping new guests feel comfortable from the start. The multilingual commentary ensures everyone, regardless of language, can follow along and appreciate the sights.

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Pricing and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the tour’s length and inclusions suggest it’s quite a good value for the price. You’re getting a well-organized, guided experience with stunning scenery, insider stories, and a swim in crystal-clear waters—all in about 80 minutes.

Compared to larger, more commercial boat trips, this smaller experience feels more intimate and personalized, often translating to better service and access to caves. The free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially if weather conditions look uncertain.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive 20 minutes early at the Papyrus Excursion stand for check-in and to ensure a smooth start.
• Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, especially on hot days, as much of the experience is outdoors.
• Swimwear and a towel are recommended if you want to take advantage of the swimming stop.
• Comfortable shoes and clothing are advisable for the short walk from the meeting point to the boat.
• The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, wheelchairs, or those prone to seasickness—the sea conditions and boat design might pose challenges.
• Check the weather forecast before booking, as sea conditions can affect the tour’s operation.

Final Verdict

This Syracuse boat tour offers a great way to see the city’s coastline and historic sites from a different vantage point. The combination of stunning natural formations, engaging storytelling, and a relaxed pace makes it particularly appealing for travelers wanting a peaceful, scenic experience.

Perfect for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable, authentic outing, this tour balances sightseeing with leisure. The inside visits to caves and the swimming stop add extra value that many similar tours don’t include.

While weather can impact the experience, the overall impression is one of a charming and well-organized trip that delivers both beautiful views and a hearty dose of local charm.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, with starting times available throughout the day.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at the Papyrus Excursion Information Point at Largo Porta Marina, 2, just next to the Porta della Marina monument.

Is swimming included?
Yes, there is a dedicated swimming stop in crystal-clear waters, giving you a chance to cool off and relax.

What landmarks will I see from the boat?
You’ll view Ortigia’s Cathedral, Fonte Aretusa, Maniace Castle, the Marina promenade, and the Levante seafront, plus scenic rocky coastlines and caves.

Can I visit the caves inside the boat?
Yes, thanks to the boat’s design, you can explore some caves from within, which adds an adventurous touch.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or those prone to seasickness, as it involves outdoor movement and boat access.

What language is the commentary in?
Guides provide commentary in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, ensuring broad accessibility.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for spontaneous plans or weather concerns.

In summary, the Syracuse boat tour by Papyrus Excursion offers a relaxed, scenic, and storytelling-rich experience that’s ideal for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and local culture. Whether you’re eager to see the iconic landmarks from the water, explore unique caves, or enjoy a refreshing swim, this trip provides a memorable way to spend time along Sicily’s stunning coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: