Snorkeling in Palermo: private boat with Capo Gallo

You swim in a protected marine reserve where most beach visitors never reach.

A private boat snorkeling trip from Palermo lasting about 4.5 hours, departing from Addaura or Mondello port to four swimming and snorkeling stops across the Gulf of Mondello, Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, and the Islet of Females. The boat carries an underwater camera, shower and full snorkeling gear; a guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian; water and a fruit aperitif are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour with swim stops

• Depart from Addaura or Mondello port
• Swim at rocky coasts of Addaura
• Enter Capo Gallo Reserve for swimming
• Swim in crystal clear waters of Mondello
• Visit ancient fishing village of Barcarello
• Swim near the islet of the females
• Return to port with fruit aperitif

The Experience

You board a private boat at either Addaura or Mondello port and head into the Gulf of Mondello, stopping first at the rocky Addaura coast for a swim. The boat then enters Capo Gallo Nature Reserve—a protected stretch where the water stays clear and the fish stay abundant—and you get two snorkeling stops there depending on the sea conditions. The reserve is where the reef life concentrates, away from the crowded beach zone, and the guide steers you to the spots where you'll actually see something.

After Capo Gallo you swim in the crystal-clear waters off Mondello, then pass the fishing village of Barcarello on the way out to the Islet of Females—an island sitting just offshore from Palermo's coast—for a final swim before heading back. The boat is equipped with a shower, stereo, awning and all the snorkeling gear you need; an underwater camera captures your moments in the water so you don't have to manage a phone. A fruit aperitif and bottled water are served throughout, and the whole route takes about 4.5 hours.

The guide is live and speaks English, Spanish or Italian, so you get the names of what you're swimming past and the timing of each stop. The boat stays private to your group, which means no schedule pressure and no waiting for strangers to get ready. Public transport runs near both departure ports if you're staying elsewhere in Palermo.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear for all stops.
• bottled water and a fruit aperitif.
• use of the boat's shower, stereo and awning.
• an underwater camera to capture your moments in the water.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Italian.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Boat tour Palermo

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Palermo and want to swim in protected waters where the reef and fish life are still intact—the private boat means no crowds at the stops and the guide steers you to the clearest snorkeling spots in the Gulf of Mondello and Capo Gallo.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The snorkeling stops are in shallow, protected waters where you can stand up, and the guide will show you how to use the gear. Suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the trip is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What exactly is the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve?

Capo Gallo is a protected marine area on Palermo's coast where fishing and development are restricted, so the reef and fish populations stay intact. You get two snorkeling stops inside it, which is where the underwater life is most concentrated on this route.

Is the snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the boat. You'll have a mask, fins and snorkel for each stop, and the boat also carries an underwater camera so you can capture photos without managing your own device in the water.

What's the Islet of Females?

The Islet of Females is a small island sitting just offshore from Palermo's coast, and it's the final swimming stop on the route before heading back to port. You'll anchor close to it and swim in the water around it.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

The boat departs from either Addaura or Mondello port—both have public transportation options nearby. You can choose which port works better for where you're staying in Palermo.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a fruit aperitif, and use of the shower and onboard amenities are all included. The boat carries an underwater camera to capture your swimming moments as well.