Taormina: Boat Tour with Aperitif on Isola Bella

Getting to experience Sicily from the water offers a different perspective—one filled with scenic beauty, gentle breezes, and the sense of adventure that only a boat trip can provide. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect from this two-hour cruise around Taormina’s stunning coast. If you love scenic views, a relaxed atmosphere, and a taste of local flavors, this tour might be just the thing for you.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to admire Taormina from the sea, which reveals a side of this famed town most visitors overlook. Second, the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters among seabeds full of colorful marine life—a real treat for nature lovers. Lastly, the inclusion of a refreshing aperitif, with local fruit and drinks, makes the time on board both relaxing and delicious.

However, one consideration to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include hotel transportation, so you’ll need to arrive at the meeting point on your own. It’s a good fit for travelers seeking a laid-back, scenic activity that offers excellent value, especially those who love the water, gentle sailing, and local flavors.

Key Points

Stunning Coastal Views: See Taormina from the water and capture breathtaking scenery.
Snorkeling Opportunity: Refresh in crystal waters among colorful seabeds and marine life.
Expert Guides and Friendly Atmosphere: Knowledgeable skippers and guides make the experience engaging.
Authentic Local Touch: Tasty aperitif with fruit, almonds, and drinks add a Sicilian flavor.
Ideal for Relaxation: Slow-paced, 2-hour cruise perfect for unwinding and soaking up the scenery.
Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or those needing extensive assistance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Highlights

This boat tour departs from the port of Giardini Naxos, a convenient starting point for exploring the eastern coast of Sicily. We love that the trip packs several memorable stops into just two hours, focusing on the area’s top sights and hidden gems.

First Stop: Isola Bella
This tiny, rocky island is one of Sicily’s most iconic spots, famous for its dramatic rock formations and lush surroundings. Tourists often visit to snap photos of the island’s striking landscape or relax on the small beach. The boat stays nearby, allowing for a walk on the rocky terrain or a quick photo session, making it ideal for a brief visit.

Second Stop: Giardini Naxos & Bay of Naxos
Cruising along the expansive bay, you’ll get sweeping views of the coastline, with notable sights like the White Lotus viewpoint and impressive limestone cliffs. Several reviewers mention how these views are best appreciated from the water, offering a perspective that’s hard to match on land.

Capo Taormina and the Bay of Mazzaró
The boat heads towards the tip of Capo Taormina, home to rugged cliffs and secluded coves. The Bay of Mazzaró, within the protected marine park, is a highlight—ideal for swimming and relaxing in calm, clear waters. One reviewer describes this stretch as a “stunning spot,” perfect for a quick dip and enjoying the serenity of the sea.

The Blue Grotto of Taormina
Perhaps the most magical part of the trip is entering the Blue Grotto. The boat glides into this famous sea cave, where sunlight filters through submerged rocks, illuminating the seabed with a fluorescent blue glow. Several reviews emphasize how captivating this sight is, with one describing the seabed as “illuminated by the sun’s rays, creating an intense fluorescent blue backdrop.”

The Islet and Snorkeling
The tour concludes at the rocky islet close to the coast, featuring a small beach and vibrant underwater landscapes. This spot is perfect for a swim—crystal-clear waters reveal seabeds filled with colorful fish and corals. Some guests mention they wish they brought their own snorkeling gear, as the underwater scenery is truly worth exploring.

The Experience on Board

The boat itself is described as a traditional Sicilian vessel, adding an authentic touch to the journey. Most trips are guided by skilled skippers and guides, including names like Nunzio and Giorgio, who get high praise for their friendliness and local knowledge. They not only point out landmarks but also share fun anecdotes about the coastline and caves, making the trip both entertaining and informative.

Music often accompanies the cruise, creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere. The included aperitif—featuring fresh fruit, almond paste, and local drinks—enhances the laid-back vibe. Several reviewers mention how much they appreciated the Prosecco and snacks, noting they made the experience feel special without extra effort or cost.

Snorkeling and Swimming

While the tour emphasizes snorkeling, guests should be aware that snorkeling gear isn’t provided, so bringing your own is recommended if you want to fully enjoy the underwater scenery. The stops for swimming are praised as relaxing and well-timed, with enough time to cool off and soak up the sun.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Guests consistently mention the guides’ friendliness and their ability to balance informative commentary with a fun, easygoing style. Nunzio and Giorgio stand out as particularly engaging, often making extra efforts to ensure guests are comfortable and entertained. One reviewer mentions that the guide asked whether the group preferred more swimming or sightseeing, a sign of the personalized approach that adds to the tour’s appeal.

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Value for Money

Considering the inclusion of multiple scenic stops, snorkeling opportunities, aperitif, and a knowledgeable guide, many guests feel this tour offers excellent value. The price is justified by the quality of sights, the intimate boat experience, and the authentic Sicilian hospitality.

This boat tour is perfect for travelers who want to see Sicily’s coast from a relaxed, scenic perspective. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy gentle sailing, swimming, and discovering caves and bays at a leisurely pace. Families, couples, and solo travelers will find the tour flexible and fun, especially if they want to avoid strenuous hikes or long bus rides.

It’s less ideal for guests with mobility issues or those seeking extensive land-based exploration, as the activity involves boat boarding and some walking on rocky surfaces. Also, if snorkeling gear is important, remember to bring your own.

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early at the Giardini Naxos port to check in and settle on the boat.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—protection from the Sicilian sun is essential.
• Consider bringing a small waterproof camera to capture the caves and coastline.
• The tour lasts around 2 hours, so plan your day accordingly to include this relaxing break.
• Since no hotel pickup is included, plan your transport to the departure point in advance.

This boat trip around Taormina offers a delightful slice of Sicilian coast, blending scenic beauty, local flavor, and gentle adventure. It’s a fantastic way to relax, take in spectacular views, and enjoy some cooling swims in crystal waters—all complemented by friendly guides and tasty snacks.

The experience provides great value, especially for those who cherish authentic encounters over large crowds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a peaceful escape, this tour is a reliable choice for soaking up the island’s charm from the comfort of a traditional Sicilian boat.

If you’re after a memorable, laid-back day on the water that combines natural beauty with local hospitality, this tour deserves serious consideration.

What is the duration of the tour?
The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with starting times depending on availability. Be sure to check the schedule when booking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Guests need to arrive at the port of Giardini Naxos on their own.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
No, snorkeling gear is not included. It’s recommended to bring your own if you wish to snorkel in the clear waters.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof camera can also be a good idea for capturing underwater and cave views.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to boat boarding and rocky surfaces around the stops.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the boat ride, visits to the Blue Grotto, the island, and the bays, plus an aperitif with fresh fruit, almonds, and drinks, plus music.

Can I expect to see dolphins?
The boat sails along the entire bay of Giardini Naxos in hopes of spotting dolphins, but sightings depend on the day’s conditions.

How many people are usually on the boat?
Most reviews mention small, intimate groups, with enough room for comfort. Specific group size isn’t detailed but is generally described as friendly and manageable.

This detailed review should help you decide whether a relaxing day on the water, with fantastic views and authentic Sicilian touches, fits your travel plans. It offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to see the coast of Taormina and create lasting memories by the sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: