Scilla is a fantastic place for boat tours — its stunning coastlines, shimmering waters, and legendary sea caves make for memorable outings. Whether you’re after a family-friendly cruise, a snorkeling session, or a romantic sunset sail, there’s a tour that fits. Personally, I love the 3 hours Costa Viola Boat tour: Scilla-Bagnara-Cala Janculla for its variety and scenic stops, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or manta rays if luck’s on your side. It offers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and discovery.
While some tours emphasize snorkeling or cultural exploration, others focus on pure scenic cruising or sunset aperitifs. The diversity means you can tailor your experience to your interests—whether it’s swimming in crystal waters, exploring caves, or simply lounging on deck with a drink in hand. With so many options, it’s worth comparing the details below to see which best matches your holiday style.
Quick Overview
The best boat tours in Scilla cover a range of experiences — from shorter, active snorkel trips (Scilla Tour Costa Viola in barca 2 ore con snorkeling) to leisurely scenic cruises (2 hours Tour boat tour: Scilla – Costa Viola) that include cultural highlights. Some tours, like the Alfotour tour 2 ore giro della costa viola, even venture into night swimming, adding a magical touch. For a mix of cave exploration and beach stops, check out the Scilla – Tour Grotte + Cala Jankulla Escursione + bagno. Each offers a different way to enjoy the coast, suited for different interests and travel styles.
Now, let’s look at each tour in detail to help you pick the right one for your trip.
1. 3 hours Costa Viola Boat tour: Scilla-Bagnara-Cala Janculla
This three-hour scenic cruise along Calabria’s Costa Viola is perfect for those wanting a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and fun. The tour starts at Scilla In Barca, where you’ll hop onto a comfortable boat and set off to explore the coast’s most beautiful spots, including Bagnara and Cala Janculla. The itinerary features multiple stops for refreshing swims in the clear waters and exploring caves, with masks and floating tubes provided so everyone can join in the fun.
What makes this trip stand out is the relaxed pace and family-friendly vibe, making it ideal for travelers with kids or anyone wanting a laid-back day on the water. A refreshing drink on board keeps everyone hydrated, and the possibility of dolphin or manta ray sightings adds a dash of thrill. Reviewers rate it at 3.8/5, praising the scenery and swimming stops, although some note that the experience could be more polished. Still, for a fun, casual trip with plenty of swimming and cave exploration, this tour hits the right notes.
Bottom Line: Excellent for families or those looking for a relaxed cruise with multiple swimming and sightseeing stops.
2. Scilla Tour Costa Viola in barca 2 ore con snorkeling
For about two hours, this snorkeling-focused tour offers a quick yet immersive glimpse into the Calabrian Sea’s beauty. The tour is highly rated (4.5/5 from 26 reviews), emphasizing its popularity among travelers eager to explore underwater life. You’ll visit the most picturesque stretches of the coast, with plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The boat used is a small motorized dinghy, which makes for an intimate experience, though some might find it a bit basic—no roof, and a small group.
The highlight here is the chance to see marine life up close, making it perfect for snorkeling fans or those wanting a brief escape to the sea. Despite some comments about the boat’s simplicity and the absence of an aperitif, many reviewers find the experience enjoyable and relaxing. Since it’s a shorter trip, it’s best for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick, active outing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for snorkelers and water lovers wanting a short, focused ocean adventure.
3. 2 hours Tour boat tour : Scilla – Costa Viola
Sailing along the coast for just two hours, this compact cruise is perfect if you’re short on time but want a taste of Scilla’s seascape. The tour includes visits to Chianalea, the charming fishing village known for its colorful houses and narrow streets. You’ll also get to dive into Favazzina’s waters and enjoy views of the legendary Strait of Messina.
What sets this tour apart is its personalized approach and the chance to see both cultural and natural highlights in a short window. The reviews are glowing (5/5), especially praising the guide’s friendly attitude and the scenic stops. The trip is suitable for families or couples looking for a quick romantic escape on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, scenic outing that combines sightseeing, swimming, and a dash of local culture.
4. Alfotour tour 2 ore giro della costa viola
This two-hour tour is driven by a clear passion for the sea and local landscape. It offers a relaxing cruise with stops in enchanting hidden bays, perfect for swimming or just soaking up the views. Notably, this tour includes a bottle of prosecco to enjoy while cruising, enhancing the laid-back vibe. An unusual feature is the option to swim at night, which adds a magical element if your schedule allows.
The crew, led by Loredana, is praised for professionalism and friendliness (4.2/5 from 18 reviews). Some mention that the aperitif could improve, suggesting adding some snacks. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a leisurely pace and romantic or intimate settings. It’s a great pick for couples or those wanting a peaceful day on the water with a touch of elegance.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, intimate cruise with a chance for night swimming and enjoying local wines.
5. tour in barca-visita grotte con sosta bagno a cala janculla
This three-hour boat tour takes you to explore stunning sea caves and coves along the coast, with a swimming stop at Cala Janculla. It’s one of the more culturally rich options, offering not just sightseeing but also a local guide who shares insights into the region’s history and traditions. The boat is equipped with toilets and showers, making it comfortable for a longer outing.
The focus on caves and bays makes this tour ideal for those interested in geology and local lore. With a rating of 3.6/5, it’s slightly more mixed but still appealing for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience. The highlight is the opportunity to swim in clear waters and learn about the area’s cultural background.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a mix of scenic cave exploration and cultural storytelling.
6. Scilla – Tour Grotte + Cala Jankulla Escursione + bagno
This three-hour tour offers a full day of cave exploration, beach stops, and sightseeing along the coast. You’ll visit the famous Grotte, relax at Cala Jankulla, and enjoy swimming in pristine waters. The tour is perfect for active travelers eager to see multiple highlights in one trip, and it promises a relaxing day with plenty of opportunities for swimming and sightseeing.
Rated at 4.5/5, this tour provides a good balance of exploration and leisure, suitable for those wanting an all-in-one experience. The itinerary includes visiting caves, relaxing at beautiful beaches, and enjoying the natural scenery, making it ideal for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a comprehensive day of exploring caves, beaches, and local sights.
7. tour in barca con sosta bagno nelle acque di scilla
This two-hour cruise focuses on relaxation and enjoying the water, with a swimming stop in the waters of Scilla. It includes a dinner on the boat and a sunset aperitif, perfect for romantic evenings or couples celebrating a special occasion. Its intimate setting and scenic views make it a popular choice for sunset lovers.
Despite the shorter duration, reviews reflect a pleasant experience, especially for those wanting a calm, idyllic sail with the added bonus of dinner and drinks. It’s best suited for couples or small groups seeking a more luxurious, relaxed experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for romantic sunset cruises with good food and quiet, scenic surroundings.
How to Choose
Picking the right boat tour in Scilla depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re after family-friendly fun and swimming, the 3 hours Costa Viola Boat tour is excellent. For snorkel enthusiasts, the 2-hour snorkeling tour offers quick, underwater fun. Those wanting a short cultural cruise should consider the 2-hour Costa Viola tour.
For a more intimate experience, the Alfotour night tour with prosecco and night swimming is perfect. If caves and cultural stories appeal, the Grotte and Cala Janculla trip fits the bill. For those wanting an all-in-one day of exploring, the Grotte + Cala Jankulla tour combines sightseeing and swimming in a longer trip.
Consider the time you have available, your interest in snorkeling or caves, and whether you prefer a casual or a more luxurious experience. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
Final thoughts
Scilla’s boat tours offer a wide range of ways to enjoy the coast — from quick snorkeling jaunts to romantic sunset sails. For families, the 3 hours Costa Viola Boat tour provides great variety and fun, while couples seeking intimacy might prefer the Alfotour night tour for its relaxed vibe. Adventurers eager to explore caves and learn about local traditions should consider the Grotte and Cala Janculla.
No matter your choice, booking early and thinking about your main interests will ensure you make the most of your time on Calabria’s beautiful coast.