Palermo Sea Caves Semi Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling
Trade the city for Mondello's turquoise water, glowing sea caves, and a chilled prosecco aperitif
Sicily's coastline is impossible to fully appreciate from a beach chair. This semi-private boat tour, hands you the keys to Palermo's most secluded coves. Sail from the Trapezoidal Pier to Spiaggia Vergine Maria, Addaura, and the Gulf of Mondello for a chilled prosecco aperitif on the water. Snorkel through Grotta dell'Olio's glowing chambers and slip into Grotta della Regina before cruising back along the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve. It's the smartest way to spend 4 hours on the Sicilian sea.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Sail to Sicilian coves only accessible by boat
-
Expert English-speaking skipper
-
Round-trip Palermo coastal cruise
-
Multiple swim and snorkel stops
-
Snorkeling equipment
-
Sicilian prosecco and snacks
-
Capo Gallo Reserve access
-
Sea cave snorkeling
-
Semi private experience
-
Guide tips
-
Lunch
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Your tour begins at Molo Trapezoidale in Palermo
Step aboard at Marina Si.Ti.Mar on Palermo's Trapezoidal Pier and meet your English-speaking skipper. Slip on sunscreen, claim a spot on the open deck, and feel the city fall behind as the engine hums to life. -
2
Drift past the golden sands of Vergine Maria Beach
Cruise out of the harbor toward Spiaggia Vergine Maria, a quiet cove ringed by soft golden sand and shimmering turquoise water. Drop anchor, dive in for your first swim, and feel Sicilian sunlight pour over the bay. -
3
Unwind in the Gulf of Mondello with prosecco
Sail past the rocky inlets of Addaura before easing into the Gulf of Mondello, Palermo's most beloved beach. Toast with chilled prosecco, snack on fresh fruit, then slip into the glassy water for a leisurely swim. -
4
Marvel at the wild cliffs of Capo Gallo Natural Reserve
Glide along the towering cliffs of Capo Gallo, a protected stretch of coast etched with archaeological sea caves. Listen as your skipper points out grottoes carved deep into the pale limestone face. -
5
Plunge into the glowing waters of Grotta dell'Olio Cave
Anchor beside Grotta dell'Olio, a cave shaped by centuries of pounding waves. Slip in with your snorkel mask, drift through the cool interior, and watch sunlight scatter across the rocks in shimmering ribbons of gold. -
6
Wander into Grotta della Regina's secret chamber
On the way back to Palermo, slip inside Grotta della Regina, one of Sicily's most enchanting sea caves. Breathe in the cool salt air, gaze at the rippling reflections, and listen to the legend behind its royal name. -
7
Your tour ends at Molo Trapezoidale
After 4 hours along Sicily's coast, your skipper guides the boat back to Marina Si.Ti.Mar on the Trapezoidal Pier. Step ashore with salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and a fresh love for Palermo's wild shoreline.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Boarding involves stepping aboard from the pier and moving around on a moving deck. Service animals are permitted on board.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs only in suitable sea conditions. In case of strong winds or rough seas, access to certain caves cannot be guaranteed, and the skipper may adjust the route for safety. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Health Restrictions: This tour is not recommended for guests with back problems, serious heart conditions, or those who are pregnant.
Children: Kids of all ages are welcome on board. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and guests under 18 should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Alcohol Consumption: This tour includes prosecco as part of the onboard aperitif; guests consuming alcohol should be of legal drinking age in Italy (18). Outside alcohol and drugs are not permitted on board.
Bring Your Own Towel: Please pack a beach towel, as towels are not provided on board.
Please Note: Shoes are typically removed once on board to protect the deck, so guests remain barefoot during the cruise. The skipper may modify the itinerary based on sea and weather conditions to ensure safety.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking skipper
Round-trip coastal cruise from Palermo's Trapezoidal Pier
Multiple swim and snorkel stops along the Sicilian coast
Snorkeling equipment provided on board
Prosecco, soft drinks, water, fresh fruit, and snacks
Access to Capo Gallo Nature Reserve and surrounding sea caves
Free time to swim and explore each cove
Semi private experience
What to bring:
Swimwear (worn under clothes)
Beach towel
Comfortable shoes or sandals
Sunscreen
Sunglasses and hat
Water bottle
Government-issued ID
You might also like...
Day Trip Trusted Partner
From Palermo: Snorkeling Day Trip with Lunch, Wine, and a Marine Biologist
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Flavors of Palermo: Guided Street Food and Markets Tour
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Small Group Palermo Highlights Walking Tour
Family Friendly Trusted Partner
Palermo: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine
Free Cancellation Family Friendly
Classic Palermo Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class
Free Cancellation New Tour
Exclusive Royal Palermo: Palazzo dei Normanni and Palatine Chapel Tour
Free Cancellation Family Friendly
Social Pasta and Tiramisù Cooking & Dine with locals in Palermo
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Erice and Marsala Full Day Tour From Palermo
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Ultimate Palermo Food and Wine Night Tour
Free Cancellation New Tour
Palermo Market Tour and Cooking Class
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and minors should always be accompanied by an adult. Please note that swim stops are in open water, so children should be comfortable around the sea.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Boarding involves stepping aboard from the pier, and you'll be on a moving deck for 4 hours. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us in advance to discuss your options.
Does this tour run if it rains?
The tour operates in suitable sea conditions, not based on rain alone. In case of strong winds or rough seas, the skipper may adjust the route or skip certain caves for safety. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you'll be offered a new date or a full refund.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. The onboard aperitif features prosecco, soft drinks, water, fresh fruit, and snacks, which is enough to keep you fueled for the 4 hours at sea. If you'd like a heavier meal, plan to eat before or after the cruise.
Should I bring my own beach towel?
Yes, please pack your own beach towel, as towels are not provided on board. You'll want one for drying off after each swim and snorkel stop.
Is this tour suitable for guests with back problems or heart conditions?
This tour is not recommended for guests with back problems, serious heart conditions, or those who are pregnant. The boat moves with the waves and there is no medical equipment on board, so please choose a calmer experience if any of these apply to you.
How much swimming and snorkeling is included?
You'll have multiple swim and snorkel stops along the route, including at Spiaggia Vergine Maria, the Gulf of Mondello, and inside Grotta dell'Olio. Snorkel equipment is provided on board, but bring swimwear under your clothes for easy changing.
