Boat Tour of Scilla and Bagnara Caves: Small Group, 3 Hours

Three hours exploring sea caves and hidden beaches by boat, swimming in crystalline water between stops.

A 3-hour boat tour of Scilla and the Bagnara caves in Calabria for small groups, with a live Italian-speaking guide. The boat coasts the ancient fishermen's village, stops for swimming in clear water at multiple coves and caves, and visits the Sirens' Cave, Arch of Aiace, and a protected white-sand beach surrounded by cliffs. Snacks, one beverage per person, masks and floating tubes are included. Children from age 1 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour exploring Scilla and Bagnara

• Coast along ancient fishermen's village
• Swim break in clear waters
• Visit a beautiful sea-accessible cave
• View the Arch of Aiace
• Explore the Sirens' Cave
• Admire cave near Bagnara Calabra
• Swim break at a secluded beach
• Optional swim stop at Chianalea
• Return to Scilla Port

The experience

The tour runs three hours and departs from Scilla Port, moving at a leisurely pace along the coast. You'll travel with a qualified crew in a small-group boat, which means the experience stays intimate and away from the crowded mass-tour circuit. The boat first coasts along the ancient fishermen's village, where houses and restaurants sit built on stilts over the sea. A vantage point you can only get from the water.

Swimming breaks anchor the route. You'll stop in the clear, crystalline waters near the Sirens' Cave, a sea cave with evocative rock formations and transparent seabeds. Another stop takes you to a protected beach with fine white sand and violet-tinted water, part of a Special Protection Area in the Calabria Region. Its secluded location and cliff-backed setting make it ideal for a longer swim. The boat also passes the Arch of Aiace and a cave near Bagnara whose rocky walls are covered with stalactites and stalagmites. If time allows on the return, a final swim stop happens in the waters of Chianalea before you arrive back at port. Masks and floating tubes are on board. Snacks and one beverage per person come with the ticket.

The guide speaks Italian and can share the history and traditions of the place as you move between stops. Infants and small children are welcome. They can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller. Public transportation options are available near the port if you need to reach the departure point.

What’s included

• Snacks.
• one beverage per person.
• masks and floating tubes for swimming.
• a live guide in Italian.
• multiple swim breaks at sea caves and protected beaches.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 to 74 years) · Senior (75 to 80 years) · Youth (5 to 10 years) · Child (3 to 4 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideItalian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Scilla In Barca

Is this one for you?The small-group format keeps the experience intimate and unhurried, so you spend the three hours exploring at a leisurely pace rather than moving through a crowded itinerary. This suits anyone seeking authenticity and tranquility over the mass-tour experience, and families with young children benefit from the relaxed rhythm and multiple water stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 10 years); Child (3 to 4 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

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's the Sirens' Cave like, and do we swim there?

The Sirens' Cave is a sea cave with crystal-clear water and intriguing rock formations. It's one of the stops where the boat pauses for a swim break, so you'll have time in the water there.

How many swimming stops are included in the three hours?

There are multiple swim breaks built into the route: one near the Sirens' Cave, another at the protected white-sand beach with cliff views, and a possible third stop in Chianalea waters on the return if time allows.

What's included in the ticket price?

Snacks, one beverage per person, masks and floating tubes for the water are all included. The guide is a qualified crew member who speaks Italian.

Where does the boat depart from, and how do I get there?

The tour departs from Scilla Port. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have your own transport to the port.