Discover the enchanting waters of Ortigia Island on this captivating boat tour. Explore the stunning marine grottos, including the Capuchin and Coral caves, while taking in the breathtaking Sicilian coastline. Enjoy refreshing Prosecco, juice, and seasonal fruit as you swim in picturesque coves. With knowledgeable guides fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, you’ll uncover the rich history and natural wonders of this exceptional destination. Prepare to be swept away by the beauty and charm of Syracuse’s hidden gems.
Key Points
- This 2-hour Ortigia Island boat tour includes exploring fascinating sea caves, swimming in a scenic cove, and enjoying Prosecco, juice, and seasonal fruit.
- The tour departs from Siracusa, passing along the coast towards Maniace castle and the sea caves, with an opportunity for a 10-minute swim.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, offers live guides in Italian, English, and Spanish, and has a high overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- Guests should arrive 15 minutes early at the Ortigia Island excursion office and may request photos taken during the tour.
- The experience includes viewing the Arethusa Spring and historic sites on Ortigia Island, as well as the natural beauty of the coastline.
Tour Overview and Details
The Syracuse: Ortigia Boat Tour + Marine Grottos + fruit + prosecco is a 2-hour excursion that allows visitors to admire the natural beauty and historic sites of the area from the water.
Priced from $43.67 per person, the tour operates with live guides in Italian, English, and Spanish.
It’s wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can also opt for the reserve now, pay later option.
The tour runs on a set schedule, so guests should arrive 15 minutes early at the Ortigia Island excursion office to board the boat.
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Highlights and Activities
As visitors embark on the Syracuse: Ortigia Boat Tour, they can admire the natural beauty and historic sites that line the coast.
The tour offers a chance to explore several fascinating sea caves, including the Capuchin cave, Coral cave, and the heart-shaped Cave of Love. Guests can even enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the warm waters.
The refreshments provided, such as Prosecco, juice, and seasonal fruit, add to the enjoyment of the experience.
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View the legendary Arethusa Spring and ancient buildings on Ortigia Island
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Explore the sea caves and stop for a 10-minute swim in a scenic cove
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Enjoy snorkeling in the warm waters
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Savor Prosecco, juice, and seasonal fruit during the tour
Itinerary and Route
The tour departs from Siracusa, passing under the Umbertino bridge. Next, it travels along the coast, offering views of luxurious yachts at Foro Italico and glimpses of a cathedral dome. The route continues toward Maniace castle and several sea caves, including the Capuchin cave, Coral cave, and the heart-shaped Cave of Love. Partway through, the boat stops for a 10-minute swim in a scenic cove. The itinerary provides an immersive experience to admire the natural beauty and historic sites from the water.
| Itinerary | Route |
| — | — |
| Depart from Siracusa | View luxurious yachts at Foro Italico |
| Pass under Umbertino bridge | Catch glimpses of a cathedral dome |
| Travel along the coast | See Maniace castle and sea caves |
| Stop for 10-minute swim | Explore Capuchin, Coral, and Cave of Love |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Tourists have overwhelmingly praised the Syracuse boat tour, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 608 reviews.
Guests commended the tour guides, with a 4.6/5 rating for their hospitality and informative commentary. The transportation received a 4.7/5 rating, and the overall value for money was rated 4.6/5.
Guests praised the tour guides’ hospitality and informative commentary, as well as the transportation and overall value for money.
Highlights from reviews include:
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Enjoying the scenic vistas and warm swimming cove
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Praising the guide Salvo for his excellent service
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Visiting the caves, swimming, and spotting dolphins
Clearly, this boat tour offers a memorable experience that delivers on its promises.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information and Meeting Point
Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The meeting point is the Ortigia Island excursion office, where travelers can look for the Ortigia Island boat.
Visitors should note that the boat’s roof may not be accessible in bad weather.
Upon request, photos taken during the tour can be obtained at the end of the excursion. This allows guests to have lasting memories of their Sicilian boat adventure, which includes viewing the legendary Arethusa Spring, exploring sea caves, and enjoying a refreshing swim in a scenic cove.
Exploring the Natural Beauty of Ortigia Island
As the boat glides along the coast, guests are treated to a captivating glimpse of Ortigia Island’s natural wonders.
The tour explores several sea caves, including:
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The Capuchin Cave, known for its unique rock formations
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The Coral Cave, with its vibrant underwater ecosystem
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The heart-shaped Cave of Love, a romantic hideaway
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Arethusa Spring, a legendary freshwater source
Visitors have the opportunity to swim in the warm, crystalline waters and enjoy refreshments like prosecco, juice, and seasonal fruit.
The tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending history, natural beauty, and leisure for an unforgettable adventure.
Discovering the Legendary Arethusa Spring
The legendary Arethusa Spring is a captivating natural wonder that has long captured the imagination of visitors to Ortigia Island.
This ancient freshwater spring, named after the Greek mythological figure Arethusa, emerges from the rocks and flows directly into the sea.
As part of the boat tour, guests can marvel at the spring’s striking turquoise waters and learn about its mythological significance.
The spring is believed to be connected to a subterranean river and is considered sacred, having been revered since ancient times.
Exploring this iconic landmark is a highlight of the Ortigia boat excursion.
Enjoying the Refreshments and Swim
During the boat tour, visitors can look forward to enjoying refreshing complimentary refreshments.
Visitors can look forward to refreshing complimentary refreshments during the boat tour.
This includes:
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A glass of Prosecco, the iconic Italian sparkling wine
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Fresh seasonal fruit, such as juicy oranges or crisp apples
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Refreshing fruit juices to quench one’s thirst
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A chance to swim in the warm, inviting waters of a scenic cove during a 10-minute stop.
These delightful treats enhance the overall experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the beauty and charm of Ortigia Island and its legendary marine grottos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Based on the provided information, it appears that the tour includes refreshments such as prosecco, juice, and seasonal fruit. Bringing one’s own food and drinks is not mentioned, so it’s likely not allowed or encouraged during the tour.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. The boat can accommodate individual travelers as well as small groups. The tour runs even with just one person signed up.
Can I Book a Private Tour for My Group?
Yes, you can book a private tour for your group. The tour operator offers private bookings, allowing you to customize the experience to your group’s preferences without any minimum size requirements.
Are Pets Allowed on the Boat?
Pets are not allowed on the boat tour. The tour operator has a strict no-pets policy to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers. Service animals may be permitted with prior arrangements.
What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?
If the weather is bad, the roof may not be accessible. However, the boat trip will still run, so guests can enjoy the tour and activities below deck. The provider offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
The Sum Up
The Ortigia Boat Tour offers a captivating way to explore the stunning marine grottos and coastline of Syracuse. Guests can enjoy swimming in picturesque coves, while sipping Prosecco and savoring seasonal fruit. With knowledgeable guides providing insights into the area’s rich history and natural wonders, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for all visitors to Ortigia Island and the Arethusa Spring.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Syracuse
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