Ortigia & Syracuse: Boat Tour, Sea Caves & Swim Stop

Summary

Circle Ortigia by boat see sea caves Pillirina & swim

You’ll circle Ortigia by boat with a local skipper, slip quietly into sea caves north of Syracuse, and get a chance to swim or snorkel off Pillirina’s coast. Feel the city fade behind you as you pass under bridges and watch sunlight flicker on ancient stones—then return with salt on your skin and maybe a new way of seeing Syracuse.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour around Ortigia and Syracuse

• Depart from Ortigia
• Visit north coast and sea caves
• Pass through Syracuse city and port
• Sail south along Marina del Plemmirio
• Explore south coast and seaside resorts
• Admire Costa del sole, Fanusa, Arenella beach
• Stop for swimming or snorkeling
• Admire rocky coasts of Ognina
• Bathroom stop (optional)
• Pass Syracuse Cathedral from outside
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the Ortigia boat tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours in total.

Does the tour include a swimming stop?

Yes, there is an optional bathroom/swim stop during the tour.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour departs from Ortigia in Syracuse.

Is there a local guide or skipper on board?

Yes, a local skipper guides you throughout the trip.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board.

What main sights will I see?

You’ll see Ortigia Market, Syracuse Cathedral (from outside), sea caves, Plemmirio coast, Costa del Sole resorts, Arenella beach, and Ognina cliffs.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2-hour cruise around Ortigia and Syracuse’s coastline with a local skipper at the helm—plus all comforts on board for relaxing or swimming stops along Pillirina or other scenic spots before returning to your starting point.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small watching Ortigia slip past from the water. We set off with our skipper Paolo, who grew up around here — he waved at fishermen like old friends. The city looked different from the boat, all those honey-colored stones and tangled balconies. I kept catching whiffs of salt and diesel as we drifted under the bridges, passing the market where you could just make out people shouting over tomatoes and swordfish. It’s funny how sounds travel across water.

Paolo steered us north toward the sea caves — he called them “grotte” — and slowed down so we could see inside. The light got weird in there, kind of blue-green and echoey. There was this moment when everyone went quiet, except for a kid giggling when a drop of water landed on his nose. After that we crossed into the big port of Syracuse (it’s huge, honestly — ships look tiny here) and then headed south along Plemmirio and those wild rocky coasts.

I wasn’t sure about swimming but Paolo insisted — “You have to try!” So I jumped in near Pillirina, water colder than I thought but so clear you could see your toes wiggling. Some folks snorkeled; I just floated for a bit, looking back at Ortigia’s skyline with its cathedral poking up above everything else. There’s something about seeing familiar places from the sea that makes them feel new again. Anyway, we circled back slowly, sun drying us off before we even reached land.