Ischia Boat Excursion: Lunch & 4-5 Swimming Stops
A Day Circling Ischia by Boat, With Lunch Cooked Onboard
You board at Forio, swim in four or five different coves and caves around Ischia, eat a proper Neapolitan lunch on deck with local wine, and see the Aragonese Castle and thermal bays without arranging transport or timing yourself. The boat handles all the stops and the meal, so you show up and the day unfolds.
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Step-by-step itinerary
- Citara Beach20m
- Aragonese Castle20m
Boat tour discovering Ischia island
- Depart from Forio port
- Observe Church of Soccorso
- Stop at Baia di Citara for bruschetta and wine
- Pass by Punta Imperatore lighthouse
- View Sorgeto bay thermal waters
- Swim stop at Sant'Angelo village
- Visit Maronti beach and fumaroles
- Optional stop at La Sgarrupata coast
- Excursion to Grotta Verde and lunch on board
- Pass by Cartaromana beach and Aragonese Castle
- Swim stop at English beach
- Pass by Fungo di Ischia rock
- View mountainous coast of Zaro
- Optional stop at San Francesco beach
- Return sailing to Forio port
The experience
The boat leaves Forio port in the morning, and within minutes you're watching the white plaster of the Chiesa del Soccorso slide past: the church that sits on the rocks like a lighthouse, glowing against the blue. From there, the route unfolds in stops: first Citara Bay, where bruschetta and local wine arrive before you've even anchored, then Punta Imperatore with its lighthouse story, then the thermal waters of Sorgeto Bay where the sea itself is warm because of what's happening beneath. You'll swim four or five times across the day, each stop a different cove or cave, each one chosen by the captain depending on the water and wind.
The Grotta Verde, the Green Grotto, is where lunch happens. It's a sea cave you have to swim into, and once inside the light turns phosphorescent green. The boat anchors nearby and the crew serves a traditional Neapolitan lunch on deck: not a sandwich, but proper food, the kind that takes time. Wine comes with it, also local. After lunch there's Sant'Angelo, the pedestrian village with the tuff tower, then Maronti Beach where the volcanic fumaroles rise from the sand at nearly 100 degrees Celsius. If the sea is calm, you'll see the Aragonese Castle: a 113-meter rock fortress built on an island that formed over 300,000 years ago, connected to the mainland by a 220-meter bridge. The route ends back at Forio port as the afternoon cools.
What makes this different from a standard boat tour is the swimming itself. You're not just looking. Four or five stops means you're in the water at Citara, then Sorgeto's thermal bay, then Sant'Angelo, then Maronti, possibly the English Beach on the north coast. The boat carries restrooms, coffee, tea, bottled water and soda. Children need close supervision, and the crew says they'll help anyone with mobility concerns, though rough seas or certain health conditions make the boat not suitable. They're honest about that upfront.
What’s included
- Your day includes hotel pickup (check availability with operator), entry to all stops and swimming areas, bruschetta with Ischia tomato and basil accompanied by local wine before lunch, a full traditional Neapolitan lunch served on board, coffee, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks.
- Restrooms are available on board.
- The route visits the Chiesa del Soccorso, Citara Bay, Punta Imperatore lighthouse, Sorgeto thermal bay, Sant'Angelo village, Maronti Beach, the Green Grotto, Cartaromana Beach, the Aragonese Castle, and other coastal landmarks depending on sea conditions and the captain's choice.
Before you book
Lasts 7h–8h, runs every day with no fixed time, from € 70 per person, with a live guide in English and Italian and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by Alcione Boat
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to swim multiple times around Ischia and eat lunch without arranging a rental boat, a restaurant reservation, or transport between stops: the fixed route and included meal are what make a full circuit possible in one day.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): 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.
How long is the excursion?
The itinerary covers the full day, departing from Forio port in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Exact duration depends on sea conditions and stops chosen by the captain.
What's included in the lunch?
Traditional Neapolitan cuisine served on board, plus bruschetta with Ischia tomato and basil and local wine before lunch. Coffee, tea, bottled water and soda are also included.
How many times do we swim?
Four to five swimming stops, depending on weather and sea conditions. Stops typically include Citara Bay, Sorgeto thermal bay, Sant'Angelo, and Maronti Beach.
Is the boat suitable for pregnant travelers?
No, this excursion is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the motion and physical demands of boarding and swimming.
What if the sea is rough?
The captain adjusts the route and stops based on sea conditions. Some planned stops may be skipped or changed for safety.
Where do we depart from?
The boat departs from Forio port on the western side of Ischia.
Ischia Boat Excursion: Lunch & 4-5 Swimming Stops
7h–8h · EN · IT
from € 70 per person