Costa degli Dei: Dinghy Boat Tour, Snorkeling & Tropea Stop

Summary

Capo Vaticano coves by boat, blue caves, Tropea cliffside views

You’ll ride a dinghy along Costa degli Dei from Capo Vaticano to Tropea with a local captain, stopping to snorkel in clear bays and swim inside blue-lit caves. Expect laughter, salty air, stories about ancient ports and hermits’ hideouts — plus time to float under Tropea’s famous cliffs before heading back with that sun-warmed feeling.

What’s the experience like?

There was this slap of salt air the moment we pushed off from Santa Maria’s little fishing bay — you know that sharp, clean smell that hits your nose before you even see open water? Our captain (Antonio, who knew every rock by name) grinned at us as the dinghy picked up speed. The coastline here is all wild ridges and quiet inlets; honestly, I’d only seen Capo Vaticano from above before, but being down at sea level made it feel like a different world. The water was glassy enough to see our own shadows flickering underneath.

First stop: Grotticelle Bay. I fumbled with the snorkel mask (never looks cool), but once I got my face in the water — wow. Fish darting around rocks, bits of sunlight breaking through. Antonio handed me a piece of bread to crumble for the fish; suddenly there were dozens of them right in front of my mask. He told us stories about Praia i Focu and how you can only reach it by sea — apparently some writer used to live up on the cliffs? I tried to picture what kind of person would choose these hidden beaches as home.

We drifted past Formicoli (Antonio called out “Forum Hercules!” with a laugh), then Riaci Bay where the cliffs layer up like old cake. There’s this cave — Grotta dello Skeleton — where the sun turns everything inside blue and white. Swimming into it felt strange at first; it’s quiet except for echoey splashes and your own breathing. I kept thinking how many people have never seen this place because you just can’t get here without a boat.

The last stretch toward Tropea was almost too much beauty at once: that huge cliff with houses perched on top, laundry fluttering from balconies, kids waving down at us. We stopped near Santa Maria dell’Isola Monastery — Antonio said if you squint you can see hermits’ old caves in the rock (not sure if he was joking). On the way back, we had one more swim under Capo Vaticano’s lighthouse. My skin still smelled faintly of salt hours later. It’s funny how some days stick with you longer than others.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from Capo Vaticano to Tropea

• Start at Bay of Santa Maria
• Stop at Grotticelle Bay for snorkeling
• Visit Capo Vaticano lighthouse and Belvedere
• Stop at Praia i Focu beach
• Snorkel at Formicoli ancient port
• Visit Riaci Bay and swim caves
• Stop at Grotta dello Skeleton for snorkeling
• Explore Tropea cliff and town
• Visit Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Isola
• Return to Capo Vaticano for final swim

Top questions

How long does the Costa degli Dei dinghy tour last?

The tour runs about 3 hours, either morning (09:00-12:00) or afternoon (15:00-18:00).

Where does the boat trip start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Santa Maria Bay in Capo Vaticano.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes, snorkeling gear and bottled water are included; alcoholic beverages are also provided.

Can infants join the Costa degli Dei boat tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during the excursion.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Capo Vaticano to Tropea?

No lunch is included, but drinks are provided during the tour.

What are some highlights of this dinghy boat tour?

You’ll visit Grotticelle Bay, Praia i Focu beach (only reachable by sea), Grotta dello Skeleton cave, Riaci Bay, Formicoli ruins area, and see Tropea's cliffs and monastery.

Is this group tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The activity is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can you swim or snorkel during the Costa degli Dei boat trip?

Yes! There are several stops for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Santa Maria Bay in Capo Vaticano, use of snorkeling gear and SCUBA equipment if you want to try it out, bottled water and alcoholic drinks onboard between swims—plus plenty of stories from local captains as you explore coves only reachable by boat before returning in three hours.