Snorkeling in Catania: lava coast with aperitif

Two swims in the shadow of Etna, wine in hand between them.

A four-hour snorkeling trip from Catania port aboard a sailboat takes you to Ulysses Cave and the Nature Reserve, with a guide leading both underwater stops. The boat carries snorkeling gear, a cutting board of Sicilian products, prosecco and water; you choose the morning or afternoon departure, or book the sunset dinner option instead. Not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries.

The Experience

The sailboat leaves Catania port and sails along the lava coast toward Ulysses Cave, where you'll enter the water for your first snorkel with a guide. The underwater moment is the point—you operate the gear, follow the guide's lead, and see what the rocky seabed holds. Between the two stops, the boat passes the ancient Arab towers, the stacks of Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, and you'll have time on deck with the aperitif: a cutting board of typical Sicilian products, one bottle of prosecco for every six passengers, and fresh water and drinks.

The second swim happens at the Nature Reserve, another guided snorkel in the same clear water. The whole trip runs four hours. Restrooms are on board. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you arrive with nothing but a swimsuit and a willingness to get in. The guide speaks English or Italian depending on the group.

Three departure options exist: morning, afternoon, or sunset dinner on the boat instead of the snorkeling route. Morning and afternoon trips follow the itinerary above. If you're under 18, you won't be served the prosecco, though the food and the snorkeling stay the same. Public transport reaches the port; a boarding fee of €15 per person applies at check-in.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• two guided snorkel stops at Ulysses Cave and the Nature Reserve.
• cutting board of typical Sicilian products.
• prosecco (one bottle per six passengers) and fresh water.
• on-board restroom.
• guide in English or Italian.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sicilying SRL

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want the clearest water and the least crowded snorkeling; the afternoon trip suits a later start. The sunset dinner option replaces snorkeling entirely, so pick it if you'd rather eat on the water than swim.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the snorkeling stops in Catania?

A guide leads you into the water at Ulysses Cave and again at the Nature Reserve, both times in the lava-stone coast where the seabed is rocky and clear. You wear the provided snorkeling gear and follow the guide's pace; the stops are built around what you see underwater, not a fixed time limit.

Is the aperitif included in the Catania snorkeling trip?

Yes. The boat serves a cutting board of typical Sicilian products, one bottle of prosecco for every six passengers, and fresh water and drinks throughout the four hours. Passengers under 18 receive the food and water but not the alcohol.

How long is the snorkeling trip from Catania?

The trip runs four hours from departure to return. Two snorkeling stops are built into that time, along with sailing past Aci Trezza, Aci Castello and the Arab towers, and time on deck for the aperitif.

What's included in the snorkeling gear for the Catania boat trip?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, so you don't need to bring your own. A restroom is also available during the four hours.

Can I book a sunset dinner instead of snorkeling in Catania?

Yes. The listing offers three options at checkout: morning snorkeling, afternoon snorkeling, or dinner on the boat at sunset. The dinner option replaces the snorkeling route.

Do I need experience to snorkel on the Catania boat tour?

No. A guide leads both snorkeling stops, and the trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The guide speaks English or Italian. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you're in shallow, clear water along the lava coast.