Sicily offers some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, perfect for exploring beneath the surface. Its protected marine reserves, colorful reefs, and abundant marine life make snorkeling a must-do activity here. We especially love experiences like the 3 hours Boat excursion in Cefalù for its combination of scenic beauty, convenient location, and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re after a quick trip or a full-day adventure, Sicily’s snorkeling tours deliver unforgettable moments — from spotting sea urchins to swimming through caves.
For travelers eager to explore multiple sites, a boat tour with stops in stunning locations like Isola Bella or the Blue Grotto can be jaw-dropping. Plus, many tours include helpful equipment and safety instructions, making them accessible even for beginners. If your ideal trip involves exploring both land and sea, some tours combine sightseeing with underwater adventures, giving you a fuller picture of Sicily’s coastal charm.
1. 3 hours Boat excursion in Cefalù and snorkeling
Starting from the Cefalù Tourist Pier, this 3-hour boat excursion offers a fantastic way to see the coast’s beaches and hidden coves. The tour includes a stop for snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where you might spot a sea urchin or two. What makes this trip stand out is the laid-back atmosphere combined with a lovely aperitif of fruit and prosecco at sunset, perfect for unwinding after a swim. The boat departs twice daily, at 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm, making it easy to fit into your schedule. With a perfect 5-star rating based on 74 reviews, travelers praise the breathtaking views and the chance to discover Cefalù’s underwater world firsthand.
This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a relaxing yet scenic experience with a taste of local flavor. It’s ideal for those new to snorkeling or those wanting a quick escape to the open water. The price of about $70 per person offers good value, especially considering the inclusion of an aperitif and the chance to explore the coast from the water. The only potential downside is the limited duration — if you want a longer or more in-depth experience, other tours might suit better.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a couple of hours of scenic boat riding and snorkeling with a relaxed vibe and superb views around Cefalù.
2. Snorkeling tour coast to coast Taormina & Isola Bella
This snorkeling tour from Giardini Naxos is a hit for its combination of comfort, small-group intimacy, and vibrant underwater scenery. The tour includes a boat trip along the coast, offering stunning views of Taormina’s shoreline and Mount Etna in the distance. The highlight is visiting two prime snorkeling locations: a protected marine reserve and a colorful bay filled with fish and corals. Equipment is provided, and safety instructions are given, making it accessible for newcomers.
Rated 4.5 stars with nearly 200 reviews, travelers consistently praise the professionalism of guides like Peppe and Alessandro, as well as the well-organized itinerary. Many mention the opportunity to see Mediterranean wildlife like parrot fish and octopus, making it a memorable nature encounter. The tour’s 2.5-hour duration and capped size of 12 participants give it an exclusive feel. For about $49, this experience offers excellent value considering the comprehensive marine life exploration and personalized service.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a guided, small-group experience with multiple snorkeling stops and scenic boat rides along Sicily’s east coast.
3. Taormina and Isola Bella Boat Tour: with Snorkeling and Aperitif
This 2-hour tour offers an exclusive glimpse of the Taormina coast, blending stunning views, snorkeling, and light refreshments. The tour explores caves, coves, and the iconic Isola Bella, with the chance to snorkel in crystal waters against dramatic scenery. Unique features include visiting the Cave of Love, the Blue Grotto, and the Coral Cave — each with its own charm. The experience is intimate, with small groups ensuring personalized attention.
Rated 5 stars from 37 reviews, travelers love the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to explore Sicily’s marine beauty without the crowds. The tour’s highlights include snorkeling stops with seasonal fruit and drinks, making it a well-rounded outing. Its price of just over $46 provides good value for such an exclusive experience, especially considering the diversity of sites visited within a brief period.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a short, intimate tour with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and sightseeing along the Taormina coast.
4. Boat excursion on the island of Ortigia with Snorkeling to the sea caves
For those with a couple of hours to spare, this Ortigia boat tour combines cultural highlights with underwater exploration. It starts in the large port of Ortigia, one of the Mediterranean’s largest natural harbors, and proceeds to the sea caves and the Maniace Castle. The tour includes a swim under the castle and a visit to the impressive sea caves filled with stalactites and marine life.
Rated 4.5 stars from 83 reviews, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see Ortigia from a different perspective. This tour is best suited for history and culture lovers who want to add a splash of underwater adventure. The price is quite affordable at $36, offering a good balance of value and experience. The only consideration is that it’s shorter and less focused solely on snorkeling, so if underwater exploration is your priority, other tours may be more suitable.
Bottom Line: Great for combining cultural sightseeing of Ortigia with a brief snorkeling adventure in sea caves.
5. 5-hour boat trip to Lampedusa with Sandwich, SUP, and Snorkeling
If you want to maximize your time in Sicily’s southernmost paradise, this full-day boat trip to Lampedusa is ideal. For about $125, you get five hours of sun, swimming, and exploring. The tour includes multiple swimming stops around the island, with warm weather and clear waters perfect for snorkeling. You might even see dolphins and turtles, making this a truly memorable outing.
Rated 5 stars from 15 reviews, travelers rave about the relaxed vibe and the opportunity to visit the most beautiful beaches in the world. The trip includes a sandwich, and options such as Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), adding variety to your day. The boat navigates around Lampedusa, giving you multiple chances to swim and spot marine life, all in a small-group setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beach lovers who want a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in Lampedusa’s famed waters.
6. Taormina snorkeling experience
This 3.5-hour snorkeling trip from Taormina focuses on exploring the marine reserves along Sicily’s east coast. The tour visits two snorkeling sites near Isola Bella, with vivid coral reefs and schools of colorful fish. It’s suitable for all levels thanks to included snorkel equipment and a friendly guide who shares insights about the marine environment.
Rated 5 stars from 13 reviews, travelers highlight the stunning underwater scenery and the ease of the experience, even for beginners. Snacks and fresh fruit are provided onboard, making it a comfortable outing. The tour is priced at around $62, offering good value for the quality of snorkeling and the scenic boat ride.
Bottom Line: Recommended for anyone wanting a relaxed and educational snorkeling outing with plenty of opportunities for underwater photography.
7. Snorkeling Tour from Catania
This snorkeling tour from Catania offers a chance to explore Sicily’s volcanic coast with a marine biologist guide. The tour includes visits to volcanic formations, basalt columns, and lava tubes, with most spots accessible from the shore or boat. It’s perfect for geography buffs and those eager to see Sicily’s geological features underwater.
Rated 5 stars from 9 reviews, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the well-organized logistics. The tour lasts about 3 hours and costs roughly $52, representing a solid deal for those interested in both marine life and volcanic landscapes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine geological discovery with snorkeling in a small-group setting.
8. Catania boat tour along the coast with aperitif and snorkeling
This coastal boat tour from Catania combines scenic views of Etna and the lava coast with an enjoyable snorkeling stop. The 4-hour trip features a swim at Ulysses Cave, with masks and fins provided. The tour includes a relaxed atmosphere, with prosecco and local spreads served onboard.
Rated 4.5 stars from 28 reviews, travelers love the balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. The tour costs about $70, which includes the aperitif, making it a good value for a scenic and leisurely experience. It’s especially suited for those wanting to enjoy Sicily’s coast from a boat while having some snacks and drinks.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a combination of coastal scenery, snorkeling, and a leisurely social experience.
9. Pillirina, Ortigia, caves: Boat Tour, Snorkeling & Prosecco
This 2-hour Ortigia boat tour highlights the historic beauty of Ortigia from the sea. It combines a visit to the Maniace Castle with snorkeling in the sea caves, where you can observe marine flora and fauna. The relaxing trip includes a glass of prosecco and a chance to swim in the clear waters.
Rated 4.3 stars from 10 reviews, travelers enjoy the combination of cultural sights and underwater exploration. The tour costs about $47, making it a budget-friendly option for those who want a taste of both land and sea.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers who also want a short, relaxing snorkeling experience with some bubbly.
How to Choose Your Perfect Sicilian Snorkeling Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. For a quick, scenic intro, the Cefalù boat trip offers excellent value and relaxed vibes. If you want to explore multiple sites along the coast, the Taormina and Isola Bella tour is ideal. For full-day adventures, Lampedusa’s trip guarantees diverse marine experiences, while the Ortigia tour combines cultural sights with underwater fun.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and spot. Remember to check your fitness level and comfort with swimming — most tours provide equipment and safety instructions, but some require basic swimming ability.
In summary, Sicily offers a rich variety of snorkeling experiences — from short, scenic boat rides in Cefalù to full-day excursions around Lampedusa. Whether you seek a relaxed outing with prosecco or an educational exploration of volcanic formations, there’s something for all. For first-timers, a guided tour with equipment included ensures a trouble-free adventure, while seasoned snorkelers may prefer exploring more remote sites. Book early, pack your sense of curiosity, and prepare to enjoy Sicily’s underwater treasures.