Avola boat tour: Swim Vendicari, aperitif at Capopassero
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
- Lido di Noto 30m
- Riserva di Vendicari 30m
- Spiaggia Calamosche 20m
- Isola di Capo Passero 1h
- Marzamemi 1h
- Calabernardo 30m
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.
Information
Boat tour from Avola along the Gulf of Noto with swimming in Vendicari Nature Reserve, snorkeling gear included, Sicilian aperitif with wine and arancini
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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.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (2 to 17 years).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What exactly do I swim in during this tour from Avola?
You swim in Vendicari Nature Reserve at Calamosche beach, where the water is clear and shallow enough to see fish. Snorkeling equipment (fins, mask and snorkel) is provided, so you can explore the underwater landscape without bringing your own gear.
Is the aperitif included in the price, or do I pay extra?
The aperitif is included in the tour. You get Sicilian sparkling wine, arancini with meat sauce, focaccine, cunzato bread, fresh seasonal fruit, beer and non-alcoholic drinks served on the boat after the Capopassero stop.
How long do we actually spend in Marzamemi?
The stop in Marzamemi lasts about 30 minutes. It is a walk-ashore break in the old fishing village where you can explore on your own or order food and drink at a local restaurant at your own cost.
What are the Roman columns I see mentioned, and can I get close to them?
Four Roman columns from the second century AD stand about five meters deep in the seabed near Marzamemi. You observe them from the dinghy as the boat passes. They are underwater and part of the ancient landscape the tour shows you from the water.
Does the tour run in bad weather, or is it cancelled?
The tour operates in normal sea conditions. The final stop (either the volcanic spring of Calabernardo or Cicirata beach) is chosen based on weather and sea conditions on the day, so the route adapts but the tour still runs.
Operated by Sicily Boats - Il modo migliore per scoprire il mare della Sicilia. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated today
Avola boat tour: Swim Vendicari, aperitif at Capopassero
5h · EN · IT
from € 77 per person
≈ US$ 87 in your currency
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