Siracusa, the enchanting city on Sicily’s southeastern coast, beckons travelers to explore its captivating Ortigia island. This private boat excursion promises an immersive maritime experience, combining the beauty of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area with the historic charm of Ortigia. Guests will savor a refreshing prosecco toast as they glide across the azure waters, setting the stage for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and guided sightseeing – all tailored to their preferences. With a wheelchair-accessible boat and high customer satisfaction, this excursion…
- Key Points
- Excursion Overview
- Itinerary and Activities
- Amenities and Inclusions
- Customer Experiences
- Meeting Point and Important Information
- What to Expect on the Boat Trip
- Exploring the Marine Protected Area
- Discovering the Charms of Ortigia
- The Sum Up
- The Best Of Syracuse!
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Key Points
- Private boat excursion from Siracusa to Plemmirio Marine Protected Area and Ortigia, lasting 3 hours and priced at $652.84 for up to 10 people.
- Discounted rate of $522.27 available for groups, with reservation options including pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling at Plemmirio, sightseeing in Ortigia, and a complimentary prosecco toast on the boat.
- Excursion is accompanied by a local guide providing live commentary in English and Italian, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.
- Overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 25 evaluations, with high praise for the swimming and snorkeling experiences, views of Ortigia, and the flexibility of the local guide.
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Excursion Overview

This private boat excursion takes passengers from Siracusa to the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area and the historic island of Ortigia.
It’s a 3-hour journey, priced at $652.84 for up to 10 people. A discounted rate of $522.27 is available for groups.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
The excursion includes a local guide, a bottle of prosecco, and accessibility for wheelchair users.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Syracuse
Itinerary and Activities

Upon meeting the captain at the port, travelers can discuss the itinerary for the day. The private boat excursion offers swimming stops and snorkeling opportunities to explore the hidden wonders of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area. Guests will marvel at the breathtaking views of Ortigia, including the iconic Maniace Castle, Arethusa Fountain, and coastal caves. A table outlining the itinerary and activities is provided below:
| Time | Activity | Location |
| — | — | — |
| 10:00 AM | Meet captain | Port |
| 10:30 AM | Swimming and snorkeling | Plemmirio Marine Protected Area |
| 12:00 PM | Sightseeing | Ortigia |
| 12:45 PM | Prosecco toast | Boat |
Amenities and Inclusions

The private boat excursion includes several amenities and services to enhance the overall experience.
A local guide accompanies the group, providing live commentary in both English and Italian to share insights about the historic sights. Passengers can enjoy a complimentary bottle of prosecco as they take in the scenic views.
The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive option for travelers.
With these thoughtful touches, the excursion caters to the needs and preferences of your, elevating the maritime adventure to a truly memorable experience.
Customer Experiences
Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the private boat excursion, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 25 customer evaluations.
Guests highlighted memorable experiences, including:
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Swimming and snorkeling in the marine protected area, discovering hidden coves and rock formations.
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Enjoying a complimentary bottle of prosecco while taking in views of Ortigia, Maniace Castle, and the Arethusa Fountain.
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Interacting with the friendly and flexible local guide, who tailored the itinerary to their preferences.
Positive feedback focused on the exceptional value and the seamless transportation, with ratings of 4.7 and 4.6 out of 5, respectively.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Important Information
To reach the meeting point for the private boat excursion, guests should head to Dolphin Excursion and Rental, easily identifiable by its big blue flag.
Once there, participants are advised to bring their passport or ID card, as this may be required.
The overall customer ratings for this tour are impressive, with 4.7/5 for transportation and 4.6/5 for value for money, indicating a high level of satisfaction.
With the free cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later option, booking this unique experience is both convenient and risk-free.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Syracuse
What to Expect on the Boat Trip

After meeting the captain at the port, guests can expect an intimate, private boat excursion to the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area and the historic island of Ortigia.
The trip offers several highlights:
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Opportunities to swim and snorkel, discovering hidden rock formations and picturesque coves in the marine protected area.
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Panoramic views of Ortigia’s landmarks, including the Maniace Castle, Arethusa Fountain, and coastal caves.
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The inclusion of a complimentary bottle of prosecco, adding to the relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Throughout the 3-hour journey, a live guide will provide insights in both English and Italian, ensuring guests have an informative and memorable outing.
Exploring the Marine Protected Area
As the boat navigates the pristine waters of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, guests can expect to enjoy a world of natural wonders.
Hidden rock formations and picturesque coves dot the coastline, inviting exploration. The captain points out the unique geological features and marine life, sharing insights into the protected ecosystem.
Guests have the opportunity to don snorkeling gear and discover the vibrant underwater landscape, catching glimpses of colorful fish and other marine creatures.
Snorkel through the vibrant underwater landscape, catching glimpses of colorful fish and other marine creatures.
The flexibility of the private excursion allows for ample time to soak in the breathtaking sights and make the most of this natural sanctuary.
Discovering the Charms of Ortigia
Leaving the tranquil marine protected area behind, the private boat now approaches the enchanting island of Ortigia.
This historic heart of Siracusa captivates with its:
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Baroque architecture, including the iconic Duomo di Siracusa, a stunning cathedral built atop an ancient Greek temple.
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Bustling Piazza del Duomo, where locals gather and travelers marvel at the ornate buildings and fountain of Arethusa.
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Charming alleyways, where the scent of espresso and fresh seafood linger, inviting visitors to explore the island’s timeless character.
With the knowledgeable guide at the helm, guests can truly enjoy the captivating essence of Ortigia, a timeless jewel in the Sicilian landscape.
The Sum Up
The private boat excursion to Ortigia in Siracusa offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city’s maritime beauty. The combination of swimming, snorkeling, and guided sightseeing, complemented by a refreshing prosecco toast, creates an unforgettable adventure. With a wheelchair-accessible boat, personalized itineraries, and high customer satisfaction, this excursion promises to be the highlight of any visit to Siracusa.






















