Avola boat tour: Swim Vendicari, aperitif at Capopassero

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/8

Duration5h

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN · IT

Mobile ticketAccepted

Five hours on the water: swim among the reserves, taste the aperitif, walk the village

A boat tour departing from Avola that follows the coast south through the Gulf of Noto, stopping to swim in Vendicari Nature Reserve and explore volcanic cliffs, Roman columns, and the Tafuri Castle by water. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a Sicilian aperitif with sparkling wine and arancini, and a 30-minute walk through the fishing village of Marzamemi before returning to port. A live guide in English or Italian leads the group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Gulf of Noto highlights

Depart from Avola heading south
Stop at White Rocks of Lido di Noto
Admire Vendicari tuna fishery remains
Stop at white beach behind Vendicari island
Enter Vendicari Nature Reserve
Swim at Calamosche beach
Observe Roman columns near Marzamemi
Snorkel with provided equipment
Admire Tafuri castle and octopus cave
Aperitif with Sicilian sparkling wine and snacks
Stop on land in Marzamemi village
Visit village and taste local specialties
Stop at volcanic spring or Cicirata beach
Return to port

The Experience

The boat leaves Avola heading south toward the White Rocks of Lido di Noto, where the first stop gives you a sense of the coastline ahead—volcanic cliffs and sandstone formations rising from the water. From there the tour moves into Vendicari Nature Reserve, passing the remains of the old tuna fishery and stopping at Calamosche beach to swim. Snorkeling equipment is provided: fins, mask and snorkel, so you can move between the boat and the water without arranging your own gear.

The route continues past four Roman columns standing about five meters down in the seabed near Marzamemi—second-century relics visible from the dinghy—and then toward Capopassero island, where you'll see the Tafuri Castle and the octopus cave beneath the Spanish fortress. This is where the aperitif happens: Sicilian sparkling wine, arancini with meat sauce, focaccine, cunzato bread, fresh seasonal fruit, beer and non-alcoholic drinks, eaten on the boat while the landscape surrounds you.

After the aperitif, the boat moves to Marzamemi for about 30 minutes ashore. The village is small and old—a former sailors' settlement—and the time is yours to walk it or sit at one of the local spots and order something to eat. Depending on weather and sea conditions, the final stop is either above the volcanic spring of Calabernardo or in front of Cicirata beach before the return to Avola.

What’s included

Snorkeling equipment including fins, mask and snorkel.
Sicilian aperitif with arancini, focaccine, cunzato bread and fresh seasonal fruit.
beer, Sicilian sparkling wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
live guide in English or Italian.
all boat transport and stops along the coast.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sicily Boats - Il modo migliore per scoprire il mare della Sicilia

Is this one for you?Five hours on the water leaves room for a morning or afternoon elsewhere in the day, but not both—book this if you want a full coastal experience without committing the whole day, or pair it with a morning in Avola or an evening meal in Marzamemi after the tour ends.