Aci Trezza, a charming fishing village on Sicily’s eastern coast, is a perfect place to explore through memorable tours and experiences. Its famous Cyclops Coast with towering cliffs and fascinating sea caves makes boat trips especially popular. I personally love the Aci Trezza: Cyclops Coast Boat Tour with Food and Swimming, which combines stunning scenery, local cuisine, and a chance to swim in the clear waters—something that captures the essence of Sicily’s maritime charm. The blend of history, nature, and good food makes it a top pick for many travelers.
If you’re more into underwater adventures, the Aci Trezza: 2-Day Basic Scuba Diver Course offers a hands-on way to learn diving basics in a safe, supportive environment. For those interested in wildlife and preservation, the Catania: Dolphin Monitoring Sailing Experience with Marecamp provides a rare opportunity to watch dolphins and contribute to marine research. Each of these experiences offers something unique—whether it’s the sea, the waves, or the creatures that inhabit them.
Quick Overview
Here’s a brief snapshot of the top tours you can enjoy in Aci Trezza:
- A scenic boat tour along the Cyclops Coast with food, swimming, and historical narration (details here).
- A two-day scuba diving course perfect for beginners wanting to learn underwater skills (more info).
- A dolphin monitoring sailing experience in Catania, supporting cetacean research and enjoying Mediterranean wildlife (see details).
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail, so you can see what suits your interests and travel style best.
1. Aci Trezza: Cyclops Coast Boat Tour with Food and Swimming
Taking a boat trip in ancient Sicily is a must-do. This tour combines natural beauty, history, and Sicilian flavors, making it perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded experience. Over three hours, a guide will narrate stories about the Cyclops coast, famous for its imposing cliffs over 300,000 years old. The itinerary includes stops at Lachea Island, the Faraglioni, and Norman Castle, all accessible via traditional long-tail boats.
One of this tour’s highlights is the visit to the Ulysses Caves, where you can swim and explore the caves’ mysterious tunnels. The boat is equipped with a bathroom inside a characteristic cave, making the trip comfortable. After swimming, you’ll enjoy a lunch onboard featuring regional Sicilian dishes, paired with organic wines. The food, coupled with the scenic views, creates a genuine taste of Sicily.
This tour is rated 4.8/5 with many enthusiastic reviews. Travelers rave about the informative narration and the delicious Sicilian lunch. A key point: you should be comfortable swimming, as the cave swimming involves some open water.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want a mix of history, nature, and food. Ideal for active travelers who enjoy storytelling, scenic views, and a relaxed boat ride with a meal included.
2. Aci Trezza: 2-Day Basic Scuba Diver Course
For those curious about underwater exploration, this two-day scuba course is an excellent way to get your feet wet—literally. It covers all the basics: classroom theory, practical lessons, and supervised dives in Aci Trezza’s calm waters. The course is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is necessary, but a willingness to learn and some comfort in the water are essential.
The course features multilingual guides and a focus on safety, making it accessible to international travelers. You’ll learn how to breathe underwater, control your buoyancy, and handle basic equipment. The small group sizes ensure personalized attention, and the course is well-rated at 4.8/5. It’s a cost-effective way to dip into scuba diving without committing to a full certification right away.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want to add something active and memorable to their trip, especially if they’re considering diving later. The underwater scenery includes rock formations and marine life, showing off Sicily’s rich biodiversity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beginners eager to learn diving skills in a safe environment. Expect to gain confidence and maybe catch the bug for more advanced dives later.
3. Catania: Dolphin Monitoring Sailing Experience with Marecamp
If watching dolphins and supporting marine research sounds appealing, this sailing experience in Catania offers a unique window into Mediterranean cetacean populations. Marecamp is Sicily’s only High-Quality Whale Watching accredited provider, which means they meet strict standards for sustainability and scientific contribution.
During this tour, you’ll join experts who have monitored the Gulf of Catania for over a decade. The activity’s goal is scientific research and conservation, giving you a chance to observe dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat. The boat cruise offers spectacular sea views, with high chances of spotting dolphins thanks to the experienced observers onboard. The trip is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, making it a flexible choice for families or wildlife enthusiasts.
Rated 4.8/5, travelers commend the professionalism of the crew and the opportunity to contribute to dolphin conservation. This tour balances fun with purpose, giving you meaningful insight into marine life while enjoying the beauty of Sicily’s coastline.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick if you’re interested in wildlife, conservation, and marine biology, with the added thrill of dolphin sightings.
How to Choose
When deciding between these experiences, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. For those wanting a full-day adventure full of scenery and local flavors, the boat tour (Aci Trezza: Cyclops Coast Boat Tour) offers a rich mix of history, nature, and food. If you’re more adventurous and want to learn scuba diving basics, the 2-day course (Aci Trezza: 2-Day Basic Scuba Diver Course) is a great fit. For wildlife lovers or families, the dolphin monitoring trip (Catania: Dolphin Monitoring Sailing Experience) provides an educational and nature-focused outing.
Budget-wise, the boat tour with food and swimming offers good value with a comprehensive experience. The scuba course is more time-intensive but offers a skill that can last a lifetime. The dolphin trip has a broader focus on conservation and wildlife viewing, making it more niche but equally rewarding.
Booking early is recommended for the boat and dolphin tours, especially during peak season. Each experience has its charms—think about what excites you most, whether it’s diving, history, or marine life.
Aci Trezza offers a variety of ways to connect with Sicily’s stunning coast and culture. Whether floating along the Cyclops coast, exploring underwater worlds, or watching dolphins in their natural environment, these tours provide authentic experiences that go beyond just sightseeing. Take your pick, and don’t forget to book in advance—these adventures fill up fast!