Palermo Boat Tour: Vintage Sailboat, Swimming & Wine

Summary

Sailing palermo’s coast vintage boat swimming mondello bay

You’ll step aboard a vintage sailboat in Palermo with a small group and local crew, sail past Monte Pellegrino and Addaura’s rocky coast, then stop to swim in Mondello Bay. Enjoy fresh fruit, snacks, and Sicilian wine as you relax on deck—there’s time to soak up sun or just watch the city drift by behind you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Palermo looks like from the water? I hadn’t really thought about it until we found ourselves stepping onto Angela — this old-school sailboat moored just a short walk from the city center. The city noise faded fast, replaced by the slap of waves and someone’s laughter (maybe mine, when I nearly tripped over my own flip-flops). Our skipper, Marco, had that relaxed Sicilian way — he pointed out Vella Igiea and started telling stories about the fishing port of Arenella. I caught the scent of sunscreen and sea air mixing as we drifted along.

We skirted Monte Pellegrino, its cliffs looking even bigger from below. There were caves tucked into the rock — Marco called one “the queen’s cave” but I missed half his explanation because a seagull swooped low right then. Addaura’s jagged coast slid by next; you could see little caves above the beach where people were sunbathing or just waving at us for no reason. It felt like Palermo was showing us a side you’d never get walking those hot streets.

Lunch happened somewhere off Mondello Bay — fruit, cherry tomatoes, olives, and these crumbly biscuits that left sugar dust on my fingers. We jumped in for a swim (the water was colder than I expected), and someone handed me a glass of white wine while I was still dripping wet. That was probably my favorite bit: salty skin, sun-warm wood underfoot, and that quiet moment when nobody said anything at all. If you’re thinking about a Palermo boat tour but aren’t sure if it’s worth leaving land for a few hours… well, I still think about that view back toward the city as we sailed home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Palermo coast

• See Vella Igiea and Arenella port
• Skirt Montepellegrino mountain
• Pass rocky coast of Addaura
• Swim and lunch at Mondello bay

Top questions

How long is the Palermo boat tour?

The experience lasts about one day with several stops along Palermo’s coastline.

Is lunch included on the Palermo boat tour?

You’ll be served fruit and snacks like olives, cherry tomatoes, biscuits, plus a glass of white wine during the tour.

Can children join this sailing tour in Palermo?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap.

Where does the classic boat depart from in Palermo?

The sailboat is moored within easy walking distance from central Palermo.

Will there be swimming stops during the boat trip?

Yes—the tour includes time to swim or snorkel off Mondello Bay using equipment provided onboard.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes—a restroom is available for guests during the trip.

Are there any health restrictions for this sailing tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Does the price include insurance?

Yes—insurance is included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling gear, fruit and snacks like olives and cherry tomatoes served throughout (with extra treats at sunset), one glass of Sicilian white wine per guest, onboard restroom access, insurance coverage for peace of mind, plus fuel costs—all handled by your friendly local crew before returning to port together.