Snorkeling in Palermo: Boat tour with Sicilian food

Snorkel four stops and eat what the captain prepares

A 6.5-hour boat tour from Palermo that departs at 09:30 and returns at 16:00, with snorkeling at Virgin Mary Beach and Capo Gallo Reserve, plus Sicilian aperitif, street food and lunch on board. The captain chooses between Lady Grace (max 8 people, vintage style) or Baloo (max 18 people, modern) based on your group, and stops may shift depending on weather for safety.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day boat tour in Palermo

• Depart from Marina Yachting at 09:30
• Snorkel and take photos at Virgin Mary Beach
• Enjoy aperitif and local street food at Mondello Beach
• Relax and snorkel at Capo Gallo Reserve
• Swim and taste Sicilian cannoli at Cave of the Queen
• Return to Marina Yachting at 16:00

The experience

The boat leaves Marina Yachting at 09:30 and heads first to Virgin Mary Beach, where you snorkel and take photos in clear water. Snorkeling equipment (masks, noodles, underwater scooters) is included, so you bring nothing but yourself. From there the route moves to Mondello Beach for an aperitif: Aperol Spritz for adults, Coca Cola for children, paired with Sicilian street food (sfincione, arancine, panelle, croquettes). The stops are built around what you'll eat and where you'll swim, not around sitting and watching.

Lunch comes at Capo Gallo Reserve, a natural reserve where the captain serves typical Sicilian baked pasta and a drink on board. You have time to swim and explore the reserve between courses. The final stop is the Cave of the Queen, where you take one last dip before the captain prepares Sicilian cannoli and espresso on the spot: filled fresh, not plated in a kitchen hours before. Unlimited fresh water runs throughout the day.

The boat itself depends on your group size. Lady Grace holds a maximum of 8 people and has a vintage style. Baloo is modern and holds up to 18. The captain decides which one suits the day and the number of people booked. Guaranteed departure requires a minimum of 3 to 4 participants. Weather can shift the stops around, but the route and the meals stay the same: the captain reroutes to keep everyone safe.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment including masks, noodles and underwater scooters.
• Aperol Spritz for adults and Coca Cola for children at Mondello Beach.
• Sicilian street food (sfincione, arancini, panelle, croquettes).
• lunch with typical Sicilian baked pasta and a drink at Capo Gallo Reserve.
• Sicilian cannoli and espresso prepared fresh by the captain at the Cave of the Queen.
• unlimited fresh water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (2 to 10 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Palermo in Boat

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a small group (the boat holds between 8 and 18 people depending on the day), and you'd rather eat what the captain prepares than pack a lunch or stop at a restaurant. The fixed route and meal timing mean the day holds together without you planning the stops or the food.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 10 years); Infant (under 2).

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.

What's included in the snorkeling equipment?

Masks, noodles and underwater scooters come with the tour, so you can explore the underwater reserve at Virgin Mary Beach and Capo Gallo without renting gear separately or bringing your own.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Stops may shift depending on weather for maximum safety, but the tour still departs with a minimum of 3 to 4 participants. The captain reroutes to calmer waters while keeping the same meals and snorkeling time.

Is the aperitif and lunch really included, or are there hidden costs?

Aperol Spritz or Coca Cola, Sicilian street food, lunch with baked pasta and a drink, plus unlimited fresh water are all included in the price. Wine, beer and prosecco are available to buy on board if you want them.

How many people will be on the boat?

The boat holds either a maximum of 8 people on Lady Grace or up to 18 on Baloo. The captain picks which boat based on how many are booked, so you won't know the exact number until closer to the date.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Vegan and gluten-free options are available on request with 24 hours' notice, so let the operator know when you book if you have dietary needs.