Giardini Naxos is a prime spot for cruise and boat tours, thanks to its stunning coastline, clear waters, and proximity to iconic sights like Isola Bella and Taormina. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset sail, a lively day trip, or a luxury private yacht experience, this small town offers plenty of options. We particularly like the Dolphin Searching Sunset Boat Tour for its chance to see dolphins in the wild and the spectacular caves, and the Private Yacht Tour for those wanting a personalized, luxurious day on the water. Both offer a different vibe—one more adventure, the other pure indulgence—giving travelers a taste of Sicily’s coast in style.
Looking for a quick escape? The Isola Bella Boat Tour with Prosecco onboard combines sightseeing with bubbly, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. More dedicated boat lovers might prefer the longer Exclusive sailing cruise with snorkeling and a local aperitif, or the privacy of a Private Yacht. With all these choices, you’ll find a trip that fits your style and schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best cruises and boat tours in Giardini Naxos covers everything from short sunset cruises to full-day private yacht adventures. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- A dolphin-spotting sunset boat tour exploring caves and filming sites (more info)
- A 2-hour tour to Isola Bella with Prosecco onboard, including a swim (more info)
- An exclusive sailing cruise with snorkeling and aperitif (more info)
- A private yacht experience exploring Taormina’s coast and enjoying local treats (more info)
- A motorboat rental for a more flexible experience in Taormina waters (more info)
Now, let’s dive into each of these adventures to see what makes them special.
1. Giardini Naxos: Dolphin Searching Sunset Boat Tour
This 2.5-hour sunset cruise stands out for its combination of adventure and scenery. Departing from Porto di Giardini Naxos, this tour offers a chance to spot dolphins in the wild—an unforgettable experience—while cruising along the coast. The boat visits the Grotta Azzurra and other spectacular caves, which are illuminated at sunset, creating perfect photo opportunities.
What makes this tour unique is the focus on dolphin watching during the magical golden hour. The guide shares stories about Sicily’s marine life and the filming sites from popular movies like “WHITE LOTUS” and “LE GRAND BLEU”. After the caves and the dolphin search, you’ll have time to swim in crystal-clear waters, making this a well-rounded trip. An onboard Sicilian aperitif is included, letting you toast to the sunset and the possibility of dolphin sightings.
Guests rave about the friendly crew and the scenic beauty, with a 4.8/5 rating from nearly 500 reviews. The price of $65 per person offers good value for a memorable experience in Sicilian waters. This trip is perfect if you love wildlife, caves, and a relaxed sunset atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A lively, scenic cruise blending wildlife spotting, caves, and sunset views, ideal for nature lovers and sunset hunters.
2. Taormina: Isola Bella Boat Tour with Prosecco Onboard
For a relaxed half-day in Sicily, this 2-hour boat tour departs daily from Porto di Giardini Naxos and focuses on exploring Isola Bella and the nearby Grotta Azzurra. The highlight? Enjoying Prosecco onboard while soaking up the sun and the scenic views. The yacht is well-equipped, ensuring comfort as you cruise along the coast.
This tour provides a 40-minute swim break in the reserve around Isola Bella, giving you time to snorkel and explore the marine life. The route also includes scenic views of Capo Taormina and a photo stop at the island, making it a great blend of sightseeing and leisure. The intimate size of the tour means fewer crowds and more personal attention, especially with friendly guides sharing local insights.
Rated 4.7/5 from 37 reviews, travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and Prosecco. At $41 per person, it’s an affordable way to see the coast and enjoy some bubbly. It’s especially suited for those who want a short, scenic escape with plenty of time to relax and swim.
Bottom Line: An easy, intimate cruise with snorkeling and Prosecco, perfect for a quick, fun, and scenic outing with a laid-back vibe.
3. Taormina: Exclusive sailing cruise with aperitif included
This 4 to 6-hour private sailing cruise offers a more luxurious experience, departing from Porto di Giardini Naxos. It’s designed for those seeking exclusivity, comfort, and a personalized touch. The boat includes an expert crew, and the itinerary is flexible, allowing you to customize stops along the east coast of Sicily.
Highlights include visits to Mazzaro Bay and Isola Bella, with time for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing onboard. An aperitif with local wines, fresh fruit, and prosecco is served while you enjoy panoramic views of Taormina and the coast. The cruise provides a private, intimate setting for couples, families, or small groups, with plenty of space on the boat.
Guests love the chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the coast in style, with many describing the crew as attentive and knowledgeable. The high price reflects the exclusivity and length of the tour but offers excellent value for a personalized Sicilian sea experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, flexible day on the water with snorkeling, gourmet snacks, and scenic coastlines.
4. From Giardini Naxos: Taormina Private Yacht Tour
This private yacht experience spans between 4 and 8 hours, offering a customizable and luxurious way to explore the coast. Departing from Via Vulcano, 9, you’ll enjoy welcome aperitifs, fresh fruit, and prosecco while cruising along Sicily’s famous coastline. The skipper and dedicated staff ensure a smooth, personalized trip tailored to your interests.
The itinerary includes stops at Isola Bella, Mazzaro Bay, and other scenic spots, with opportunities for snorkeling, sightseeing, or simply relaxing onboard. The tour also features a scenic drive and long-tail boat rides, giving a comprehensive water-based exploration. This experience is ideal for travelers wanting privacy and flexibility, or celebrating a special occasion.
Rated 4.3/5, reviewers mention the comfortable boat and attentive service, though the price is higher—reflecting the exclusivity. It suits travelers who value privacy, customization, and a touch of luxury.
Bottom Line: The ultimate private tour for those wanting tailored experiences, luxury, and complete control over their Sicilian coast adventure.
5. Taormina: Boat Tour
If you prefer a straightforward, budget-friendly option, renting the EUREKA ERIKA motorboat provides a spacious, private setting to explore Taormina’s waters at your own pace. This 2-hour tour offers a flexible way to see the coast without fixed itineraries, perfect for spontaneous adventures or family fun.
With professional skippers, you can choose your own route and stop wherever catches your eye—whether that’s a quiet cove, a swim spot, or a scenic lookout. The boat’s size provides plenty of space for relaxing, sunbathing, or picnicking onboard. This option suits travelers comfortable with boating who want independence and control.
While specific reviews aren’t available, the focus on customization and comfort makes it a good choice for experienced boaters or those seeking a private experience without the fuss of large tours. The price, at $53 per person, makes it competitive for a private boat rental.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private motorboat rental that’s perfect for independent explorers and those looking to craft their own Sicilian coast adventure.
How to Choose Your Best Water Adventure
When selecting the perfect cruise or boat tour in Giardini Naxos, consider your budget, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you’re after. If wildlife watching and caves appeal, the Sunset Dolphin Search is a fantastic mix of adventure and scenery. For a quick yet scenic escape, the Isola Bella tour with Prosecco hits all the right notes.
Looking for exclusivity? The Private Yacht or Exclusive Sailing Cruise offers privacy, luxury, and tailored stops, ideal for special occasions or a relaxed day. Budget-conscious travelers or those seeking flexibility might prefer renting a motorboat for a self-guided exploration.
Booking early is recommended—especially in summer—since these tours tend to fill quickly. Consider what kind of pace and amenities suit your style best, and don’t forget to check the reviews to ensure the crew’s professionalism matches your expectations.
Final Thoughts
Giardini Naxos offers a rich variety of boat experiences, from quick sightseeing trips to luxurious private charters. If you’re after a scenic, wildlife-rich adventure, the Dolphin Searching Sunset Tour is a top pick. For more relaxed afternoons, the Isola Bella cruise with Prosecco is perfect. And for ultimate privacy and customization, the Private Yacht Tour is hard to beat.
No matter what you choose, booking in advance will help ensure you get the date and experience that best fits your plans. Now, all that’s left is to decide which water adventure will make your Sicilian trip unforgettable.