Ischia: Schooner Sailing Tour & Swim Stops with Lunch

Summary

Sailing Ischia’s coast by schooner, swimming in secret coves, lunch at sea

You’ll sail around Ischia on a vintage schooner with local guides, stopping to swim in five beautiful bays like Citara and Sant’Angelo. Homemade lunch is served right on board—expect fresh flavors and good company. Snorkel gear is included if you want to explore underwater. It’s relaxed, warm-hearted, and honestly feels like summer should.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the deck of the old schooner felt under my bare feet—warm from the sun but not too hot, just enough to remind you this was summer in Ischia. We’d barely left the port when someone pointed out a little fishing boat bobbing near Citara bay, and our guide (Antonio? I think that was his name) started telling stories about his childhood here. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen and something cooking below deck—garlic maybe. It was quieter than I expected, except for the soft slap of water against wood.

We stopped five times for swimming—Citara, Sant’Angelo, the Grotte, Aragonese Castle, Lacco Ameno. Each spot looked different; some had these pale rocks you could almost touch from the boat, others were all green water and silence. At Sant’Angelo a couple of us tried snorkeling (the mask straps always pull my hair but it’s worth it), and Antonio laughed when I called a fish “pesce piccolo” with my terrible accent. Lunch was homemade pasta with tomatoes so sweet I actually asked if there was sugar in them (there wasn’t). People passed around cold drinks and someone spilled soda but nobody cared.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything—even though we never really left Ischia’s coast. There was this moment after lunch when everyone got quiet for a bit; just wind and sunlight flickering on the water. If you’re thinking about a day trip around Ischia by schooner, don’t overthink it. Just bring sunscreen and let yourself drift for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing tour with swimming stops

• Board vintage sailing ship
• Sail along Ischia coast
• Stop for swim at Citara bay
• Stop for swim at St. Angelo
• Stop for swim at Grotte
• Stop for swim near Aragonese Castle
• Stop for swim at Lacco Ameno
• Enjoy onboard meals with local products

Top questions

How many swim stops are included on the Ischia schooner tour?

The tour includes five swim stops at Citara bay, Sant’Angelo, Grotte, Aragonese Castle, and Lacco Ameno.

Is lunch included during the Ischia sailing tour?

Yes, homemade lunch is served on board during the tour.

Are drinks provided on the schooner trip?

Bottled water, soda or pop, coffee and tea are included.

Can I use snorkelling equipment during this tour?

Yes, use of snorkelling equipment is included in your day trip.

Is this Ischia boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Are there restrooms available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat.

Can infants or small children join this sailing trip?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes swimming stops at five different bays around Ischia’s coast with time to snorkel using provided gear; homemade lunch served right onboard along with bottled water, soda or pop, coffee or tea; plus access to restrooms throughout your trip before returning to port in the afternoon.