Palermo: Sunset Boat Tour with Sicilian Aperitif & Snorkeling

Summary

Sunset sailing in Palermo with aperitif, music and cave swim

You’ll sail from Palermo as the city softens into evening light, snack on fresh Sicilian street food while anchored by Queen’s Cave, sip an Aperol Spritz (or a Coke if you want), and try snorkeling with all gear included. The captain keeps things easygoing—expect laughter, local stories, and maybe a homemade cannolo or two as you watch the sun set over the bay.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at Marina Yachting’s Trapezoidal Pier just as the sun was starting to dip — not golden hour yet, but you could already smell the sea thick in the air. Our captain, Salvo (who everyone seemed to know by name), grinned and handed out cold drinks. There was this low hum of music playing, Italian pop I think, mixing with the slap of water against the hull as we pulled away from Palermo. I kept catching little whiffs of fried dough from somewhere below deck. It made me hungry before we’d even left the harbor.

The boat glided along toward Queen’s Cave — locals call it Grotta della Regina — and Salvo pointed out old villas on the shore in that way Sicilians do, half proud and half like they’re telling you a secret. The light started to turn pinkish and someone’s kid tried to say ‘arancina’ but got it all wrong; Salvo laughed so hard he nearly dropped his Aperol Spritz. We anchored near the cave and he brought up trays of panelle, sfincione, little arancine that were still warm (I burned my tongue but didn’t care), plus croquettes and these cannoli he filled right there on deck. I’m not sure if it was the salt air or just being hungry from swimming but everything tasted bigger somehow.

I grabbed a mask and one of those underwater scooters — never used one before, felt a bit ridiculous at first but then you just let go and watch fish darting under you. The water was cooler than I expected for summer. There was a moment when I floated on my back looking up at that pink sky over Palermo’s hills and thought: this is what people mean when they talk about slowing down. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear seagulls back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat tour with aperitif

• Depart from Marina Yachting pier
• Sail to Queen's Cave
• Enjoy relaxing music onboard
• Anchor at Queen's Cave
• Have Sicilian aperitif with Aperol Spritz
• Taste local snacks and cannoli
• Use snorkeling equipment and underwater scooters
• Return to pier after 2.5 hours

Top questions

What time does the Palermo sunset boat tour depart?

Departures are at 14:30 in winter and 18:30 in summer; times vary by month.

Is food included on this Palermo boat tour?

Yes, Sicilian street food like arancine, panelle, sfincione, croquettes and cannoli are served onboard.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Aperol Spritz for adults and Coca Cola for children are included; extras like wine or prosecco can be purchased onboard.

Can I snorkel during this sunset boat trip?

Yes, snorkeling equipment including masks and underwater scooters are provided for use during stops.

Where does the tour start in Palermo?

The tour departs from Marina Yachting's Trapezoidal Pier in Palermo.

Are vegan or gluten-free options available?

Yes, with 24 hours notice vegan and gluten-free options can be prepared.

Is this Palermo boat tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in strollers onboard.

How long is this sunset boat tour?

The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours depending on conditions.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes departure from central Palermo’s marina with your local captain choosing between two boats based on group size. Enjoy a salty Sicilian aperitif with Aperol Spritz or Coca Cola for kids plus unlimited water onboard. All snorkeling gear—masks, noodles, underwater scooters—is provided for swimming stops near Queen’s Cave. Vegan or gluten-free snacks can be arranged if requested 24 hours ahead; extra drinks like wine or prosecco are available to purchase during your cruise.