Capo Vaticano & Tropea: Boat Tour with Snorkeling Stops

Summary

Swim caves & secret beaches by boat from Capo Vaticano to Tropea

You’ll ride with a local skipper along Calabria’s Costa degli Dei, stopping to swim in hidden coves near Capo Vaticano and Tropea. Snorkeling gear is included so you can watch fish dart through clear water or just float quietly by ancient cliffs. Expect laughter with locals, five unique stops, and a glimpse of wild coastline you can’t reach by land.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous stepping onto the little boat at Capo Vaticano — not because of the sea (it was calm, just that salty breeze), but because the captain, Carlo, grinned and said something in dialect I totally didn’t catch. Everyone else laughed. It broke the ice though, and suddenly we were motoring out past rocks that looked like giant sleeping animals. The Costa degli Dei is wild up close — cliffs with tufts of green clinging on for dear life, water flickering between blue and silver. First stop: Baia di Riaci. I dunked my head under and honestly forgot about everything else for a minute except how cold and clear it was.

Carlo handed out masks and snorkels (I always fog mine up, no matter what trick I try), then pointed at a cove where you could hear cicadas even over the slap of waves. There were these tiny fish darting around my ankles — someone said they’re called “donzelle,” which sounds prettier in Italian. At Paradiso del Sub, he told us about old Roman ruins underwater; I didn’t spot them but maybe I was too distracted by trying not to swallow seawater. Lunch wasn’t included but we shared cookies someone brought along — they tasted faintly of lemon and salt from our hands.

By the time we reached Tropea’s edge, the sun had shifted and everything looked softer — even the caves at Sant’Irene seemed less sharp somehow. The last swim was near Paia i Focu beach where Carlo just cut the engine and let us float awhile. You could see all the way to the pebbles below; it felt almost rude to splash too much. On the way back he pointed out a tiny church on a cliff that I’d never have noticed from land. Still think about that quiet moment bobbing there, salt drying on my skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour with five stops and snorkeling

• Start boat trip from Capo Vaticano
• Stop at Baia di Riaci for snorkeling
• Stop at Paradiso del sub for snorkeling
• Stop at Sant'Irene ancient Roman fishpond
• Stop at Blue Grotto
• Stop at Capo Vaticano for snorkeling
• Return to Capo Vaticano
• Final swim near Paia i Focu beach

Top questions

How many stops are there on this boat tour?

The tour makes five stops between Capo Vaticano and Briatico.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on the trip?

Yes, masks, snorkels, jackets, and life jackets are included for use during the tour.

Where does the boat tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at the same point near Capo Vaticano.

Can you reach these beaches by land?

No, most of these coves and beaches are only accessible by boat.

Is this day trip suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are food or drinks included on this boat tour?

No meals or drinks are included; you may want to bring your own snacks.

What are some places visited during this day trip?

You’ll stop at Baia di Riaci, Paradiso del Sub, Sant’Irene ancient Roman fishpond, Blue Grotto, and Capo Vaticano.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling equipment—masks, snorkels, jackets—and guidance from a local skipper as you visit five distinct swimming spots along the coast before returning to your starting point.