Palermo Boat Tour: Snorkeling, Sicilian Food & Cannoli

Summary

Palermo’s coast by boat with street food, swims and Sicilian laughter

You’ll join a small group led by a local captain, stopping to swim and snorkel off Palermo’s coast, snack on Sicilian street food at Mondello Beach, share laughs over baked pasta at Capogallo, and finish with fresh cannoli filled right on board. It’s relaxed, salty-aired fun—expect both good food and real Sicilian warmth.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest: I almost bailed when I saw the marina crowd that morning — too many sun hats, not enough coffee. But then our captain (Antonio? Maybe Antonino? He kept joking about his “sea legs”) waved us over with a grin and suddenly it felt like we were joining a friend’s outing instead of a tour. The boat smelled faintly of sunscreen and last night’s sea air. We set off from Marina Yachting right on time, the city shrinking behind us as the water turned that impossible blue you only see in Sicily.

First stop was Vergine Maria beach. I’m not much of a snorkeler — I always get water up my nose — but the others dove straight in with masks and those funny noodle things. Our guide handed me a Coke (“For courage!” he said) while pointing out little details about Palermo’s coastline that you’d never notice from land. The next bit surprised me: at Mondello Beach, they passed around Aperol Spritz for adults (I took two sips; it was barely noon) and trays of sfincione, arancine, panelle… all those fried things Sicilians somehow eat without ever looking greasy. Kids got Cokes and immediately started bargaining for more arancine.

Capogallo was quieter — just wind and the slap of water against rock. Some people went back in for more snorkeling; I sat near the bow picking at baked pasta (the kind with crispy edges) and listening to Antonio tell stories about growing up here. He tried to teach us how to say “Grotta della Regina” properly; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Italian — probably butchered it. The last swim at the Queen’s Grotto was chilly but worth it just for that moment when our captain filled cannoli right there on deck. You could smell the ricotta before he even handed them out.

I still think about that view leaving Capogallo — late afternoon sun on the water, everyone quiet for once except for some gulls overhead. If you’re looking for a Palermo boat tour that feels less like a checklist and more like an actual day out with locals (plus unlimited snacks), this is honestly it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day boat tour with stops

• Depart from Marina Yachting at 09:30
• Snorkel and take photos at Virgin Mary beach
• Visit Mondello Beach and enjoy aperitif and local snacks
• Snorkel and take photos at Capogallo nature reserve
• Swim and enjoy Sicilian cannoli at Queen's Grotto
• Return to Marina Yachting by 16:00

Top questions

What time does the Palermo boat tour start?

The tour departs from Marina Yachting at 09:30.

Is lunch included on this Palermo boat trip?

Yes, lunch is included—a typical baked pasta plus drinks are served onboard.

Are vegan or gluten-free options available?

Yes, vegan or gluten-free options can be requested at least 24 hours in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear including masks and noodles is included in the price.

Can children join this Palermo boat tour?

Yes, children are welcome and will be offered Coke instead of alcoholic drinks.

Where does the Palermo boat tour depart from?

The departure point is Marina Yachting in Palermo.

How long does the full day Palermo boat tour last?

The tour returns around 16:00—so it lasts most of the day.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Aperol Spritz is served for adults during the stop at Mondello Beach; wine, beer and prosecco are also available onboard as extras.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Marina Yachting in Palermo with your local captain choosing the best boat based on group size; all stops for swimming and snorkeling (with equipment provided); Sicilian street food snacks like sfincione, arancine and panelle; unlimited fresh water; Aperol Spritz or Coke depending on age; lunch featuring baked pasta plus drinks; and finally fresh cannoli filled onboard before returning to port in the afternoon.