Ischia Boat Tour: Coves, Grotta Verde & Neapolitan Lunch

Summary

Swim in volcanic bays taste bruschetta at sea and drift past Castello Aragonese

You’ll board in Forio for an Ischia boat tour full of swim stops in volcanic coves, stories from your captain about island legends and lighthouse keepers, plus lunch on deck with Neapolitan flavors and local wine. Expect laughter over bruschetta at Citara Bay, warm thermal waters at Sorgeto, glimpses of Castello Aragonese, and that feeling of salt drying on your skin as you head home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the white flash of the Chiesa del Soccorso as we pulled out from Forio’s port — honestly, it looked almost painted against the blue. Our captain, Antonio, waved at a fisherman hauling nets nearby (they all seem to know each other), then pointed out how the church’s bell tower leans just a bit. The air already smelled salty, with that faint whiff of sun-warmed rope you only get on small boats. I was still fussing with my hat when someone handed me a glass of cold local wine and a bruschetta topped with tomatoes so sweet they tasted like summer itself. We drifted into Baia di Citara, and I tried to repeat one of the old legends Antonio told us about Venus crying over Adonis — but Li laughed when I tried to say it in Italian. Probably butchered it.

Each stop felt like its own little world. At Sorgeto Bay, some folks climbed down for a swim where hot springs bubble up right into the sea — you can actually feel pockets of warmth swirling around your legs (weird but kind of wonderful). The cliffs there are streaked with ochre and purple; I caught myself just staring while others jumped in. Later, we floated past Sant’Angelo’s pastel houses stacked up like toy blocks, and then Maronti Beach where steam curled off the sand near the fumaroles. Antonio told us about Lucia Capuano, the lighthouse keeper who took over after her husband died — he sounded proud retelling her story. It made me think about all these quiet lives tucked into Ischia’s corners.

Lunch happened somewhere between Cartaromana and Grotta Verde — honestly lost track because everyone was half-drying off from swimming and half-leaning over for seconds of pasta with clams. You could smell basil and garlic mixing with sea air; even now that combination brings me right back. Someone dove into the Green Grotto (the light really does turn your skin greenish) while others sipped espresso on deck. The Aragonese Castle loomed ahead, looking both ancient and somehow alive — gulls circling above its ramparts.

By late afternoon we’d circled past Lacco Ameno’s mushroom rock (“Il Fungo” — looks more like a giant loaf of bread if you ask me) and Zaro’s piney slopes where locals say miracles happen every month. Last swim was off San Francesco beach: emerald water, tiny fish darting around our toes, sunburn setting in just enough to remind you this isn’t a dream. There was laughter, some silence too — that good kind when nobody needs to talk because they’re just watching light skip across the water. I still think about that view as we motored back toward Forio; it all felt oddly familiar by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour exploring Ischia island

• Depart from Forio port
• View Church of Soccorso
• Stop at Baia di Citara for bruschetta and wine
• Pass Punta Imperatore lighthouse
• See Sorgeto bay thermal waters
• Swim stop at Sant'Angelo village
• Visit Maronti beach and fumaroles
• Optional stop at La Sgarrupata coast
• Lunch near Grotta Verde and San Pancrazio
• Pass Cartaromana beach with Aragonese castle view
• Optional stop at Aragonese Castle
• Swim stop at English beach
• View Fungo di Ischia rock formation
• Pass mountainous coast of Zaro
• Optional stop at San Francesco beach
• Return sailing to Forio port

Top questions

How long is the Ischia boat tour?

The tour lasts most of the day, typically departing from Forio port in the morning and returning by late afternoon.

Is lunch included on the Ischia boat excursion?

Yes, lunch featuring Neapolitan dishes is served on board along with local wine.

Can you swim during this Ischia boat trip?

Yes, there are 4-5 swim stops at different coves including Sorgeto Bay and Maronti Beach.

Does the tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Forio port.

Are drinks provided on board?

Soda, bottled water, coffee/tea, and local wine are included during the tour.

Is this suitable for children or infants?

Infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap; children must be supervised by parents throughout.

What are some highlights visited during the tour?

You’ll see Chiesa del Soccorso, Baia di Citara, Sorgeto Bay hot springs, Sant’Angelo village, Maronti Beach fumaroles, Grotta Verde cave, Cartaromana beach near Castello Aragonese, Lacco Ameno “Fungo”, Zaro woods and San Francesco beach.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat.

I have mobility issues—can I join?

The crew offers assistance but certain health conditions may limit participation; check before booking if unsure.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Forio port with dedicated assistance from your local crew throughout; all drinks (soda/pop, bottled water); morning bruschetta snack with Ischian wine; a freshly prepared Neapolitan lunch served onboard at anchor; multiple swim stops at scenic coves; coffee or tea after lunch; plus use of onboard restroom facilities before returning to port in late afternoon.