Costa degli Dei Boat Tour: Swimming, Aperitif & Tropea Views

Summary

Swim in clear bays taste Calabrian wine and see Tropea from the sea

You’ll swim in clear bays along Calabria’s Costa degli Dei, taste fresh bruschetta and local white wine as you dry off in the sun, hear stories from your guide about ancient ports below the waves, and catch those wide-open views of Tropea that only make sense when you’re floating offshore.

What’s the experience like?

It’s funny — I thought the Costa degli Dei would just be another pretty coast, but stepping onto the Blue Ocean boat in Tropea, the air already felt different. Salty, warm, kind of sticky in that Mediterranean way. Our guide — I think his name was Marco — waved us aboard with this easy smile and told us to kick off our shoes if we wanted. The boat had these shaded spots where older couples lounged and a few kids darted around chasing each other, which made me relax right away. We set off with some old Italian pop song playing quietly (I wish I could remember the name), and within minutes you could see the cliffs dropping into that glassy blue water. It’s cliché to say “crystal clear,” but honestly? You could see your toes even from up on deck.

The first stop was Riaci beach — Marco pointed out these rocks jutting up like ancient teeth, and he handed out snorkels for anyone who wanted to jump in. I hesitated (cold water always gets me), but then someone laughed and splashed in so I followed. Underwater it was just silence except for my own bubbles, and these little silver fish darting between rocks. After that we drifted past Formicoli beach — Marco started telling a story about a Roman port now underwater here (Porto Erculis), but I got distracted watching sunlight flicker on the surface. Sometimes you just tune out for a second because it’s all too much to take in at once.

We circled Capo Vaticano next — three beaches tucked behind white cliffs, barely anyone on them except maybe a fisherman waving from shore. Marco slowed down so everyone could snap photos; someone tried to get a selfie with the whole bay behind them and nearly dropped their phone overboard (the guide caught it mid-air). That made everyone laugh harder than expected.

The last swim was near Marina del Convento, right between two big rocks locals call S. Leonardo and S. Maria dell’Isola. The water here looked almost fake — turquoise over sand so pale it glowed under the sun. Back on board there was bruschetta piled high on plates (garlicky, crunchy), chips, and chilled Calabrian white wine that tasted like summer itself. I sat there dripping wet with crumbs on my shirt, watching Tropea slide by as we headed back to port while someone hummed “Gente di Mare.” There’s something about seeing the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea from out on the water that just sticks with you long after you’ve dried off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Costa degli Dei

• Bath inside the Grotto
• Swim and snorkel at Riaci beach
• View rocks at Formicoli beach
• Sail around Capo Vaticano beaches
• Swim and enjoy aperitif in bay
• Swim and photograph Marina del Convento
• Return to port with song

Top questions

How long is the Costa degli Dei boat tour?

The boat tour lasts approximately 3 hours along the Costa degli Dei.

Does this day trip include swimming stops?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling in different bays during the tour.

Is food or drink included on board?

Yes, an aperitif with bruschetta, chips, appetizers, and Calabrian white wine is included.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour departs from Tropea port along Calabria’s Costa degli Dei.

Are there toilets available on board?

Yes, there are separate toilets for men and women available on the Blue Ocean motorboat.

Is this suitable for families or children?

Yes, all ages can join; infants must sit on an adult's lap during travel.

Can I bring pets or animals on this boat tour?

No, animals or pets are not allowed for this activity.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the port?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Tropea port.

What’s included

Your day includes several swimming stops along Calabria’s Costa degli Dei coast with use of snorkel gear if you want it; onboard aperitif featuring typical bruschetta, chips and appetizers; chilled Calabrian white wine or ginger soda; plus shaded lounging areas and separate toilets before returning to Tropea port as music plays softly in the background.