From Palermo: Snorkeling Day Trip with Lunch, Wine, and a Marine Biologist
Glide along the Mediterranean with a knowledgeable expert and swim stops, plus enjoy dining on deck
Long before Palermo became a city of palaces and markets, its real wealth was the sea outside its walls. Sailing it with a marine biologist on board will change how you see Sicily. Over 8 hours, drift past the sea cave of Grotta Regina, snorkel the rocky reefs of Addaura, and float through the Capo Gallo Marine Reserve in the company of just 8 other guests. Sicilian lunch and wine are included on deck. Book now before someone else takes the final seat.
What You Get With This Tour
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Float inside a marine reserve
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Marine biologist tour guide
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Round-trip motorsailer cruise
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Snorkel at Capo Gallo Reserve
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Snorkeling gear and wetsuit
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Light Sicilian lunch on board
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Glass of wine or soft drink
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Semi private experience
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Guide tips
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Beach towels and sunscreen
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at Piazza Tonnara in Arenella
Meet your marine biologist guide at Piazza Tonnara in Palermo's seaside Arenella neighborhood. Step aboard the small motorsailer, breathe in the salty air, and set sail along the rugged Sicilian coast for a day at sea. -
2
Drift past the sea cave of Grotta Regina
Marvel at Grotta Regina, a sea cave carved deep into the limestone cliffs above the water. Your guide unspools tales of the fishermen and smugglers who once slipped into its shadowed mouth to wait out storms. -
3
Dive into the wild reefs of Addaura
Slip beneath the surface at Addaura, where a rocky seabed teems with octopus, bream, and damselfish. Your biologist points out hidden creatures clinging to the rocks while sunlight dances on the seafloor below. -
4
Feast aboard in the Gulf of Mondello
Glide on toward Mondello, a glittering crescent bay framed by pastel villas and Monte Pellegrino looming behind. Linger on deck over Palermo rotisserie, Sicilian salumi and cheeses, and a chilled glass of local wine. -
5
Glide through the Capo Gallo Marine Reserve
Sink back into the sea inside Capo Gallo, a protected reserve known for its biodiversity. Hover above swaying posidonia meadows and craggy reefs while your biologist names the species drifting just below your fins. -
6
Bask in the turquoise of Capo Gallo Bay
Float into the famed turquoise water for one last swim. Tilt your face to the sun, drink in the view of pastel beach huts dotting the shore, and soak up the closing hours of your day on the water. -
7
Your tour ends at Piazza Tonnara
Settle in on deck for the slow sail home along the Arenella coast, watching the fishing village glow as the sun dips low. Step ashore at Piazza Tonnara with stories and the taste of Sicilian wine lingering.
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, as it takes place aboard a small motorsailer and involves entering and exiting the water for snorkeling. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Weather Advisory: The itinerary is subject to change based on weather and sea conditions, and may be rerouted or rescheduled in the event of rough seas. Your guide will share any updates as soon as possible.
Seasickness: If you know you're prone to seasickness, we recommend taking preventative medication after breakfast, well before boarding.
Snorkeling Experience: No prior snorkeling experience is required. All equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins) and basic safety instructions are provided on board.
Dietary Restrictions: Please contact us in advance with any allergies or dietary restrictions, so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Alcohol Consumption: This tour includes a glass of local wine. Participants should be of legal drinking age in Italy (18) and should bring a government-issued ID.
ID Requirement: Please bring a passport or valid government-issued ID for boarding.
Children: Kids are welcome on this tour. Families with younger children should confirm suitability directly when booking, as the day involves swimming in open water and time aboard a sailing boat.
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 marine biologist guide
Round-trip transport aboard a small motorsailer
All snorkeling equipment, including mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and fins
Guided snorkeling at multiple protected marine areas
Light Sicilian lunch on board
Glass of local wine or soft drink
Onboard insurance
Free time to swim and explore in the water
Semi private experience
What to bring:
Swimwear (worn under your clothes)
Towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Passport or government-issued ID
Light layer or jacket for cooler stretches at sea
Camera or waterproof phone case
Seasickness medication if needed
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, kids are welcome on this tour. Families with younger children should confirm suitability when booking, as the day involves several hours at sea and swimming in open water. Infants under 1 year of age can join for free, but we recommend bringing your own child seat.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it takes place aboard a small motorsailer and involves entering and exiting the water for snorkeling. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler?
Not at all. The tour welcomes complete beginners. Your marine biologist guide provides all the equipment, including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, plus a basic safety briefing before each in-water stop.
Is lunch included on the tour?
Yes, a light Sicilian lunch is served on board with pasta, salumi, cheeses, and fresh fruit, plus a glass of local wine or a soft drink. Please let us know in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies so we can do our best to accommodate you.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The itinerary is subject to change based on weather and sea conditions and may be rerouted or rescheduled if seas are rough. We'll be in touch as soon as possible if any changes are needed before your tour date.
Will I get seasick on this tour?
The longest stretch of sailing is about 1.5 hours, with frequent stops in protected bays where the water is calm. If you know you're prone to seasickness, we recommend taking preventative medication after breakfast, well before boarding.
