You’ll circle Procida by boat with a local skipper, stopping to swim in quiet coves and snap underwater photos with provided snorkeling gear. Expect laughter over mispronounced Italian place names, glimpses of pastel fishermen’s houses in Corricella, and peaceful moments drifting near Vivara Island. You’ll leave with sun-warmed skin and memories that stick around longer than any souvenir.
The first thing I remember is the way the boat rocked gently as we left Marina Grande — I nearly dropped my bag overboard, which made the skipper grin (he said it happens more than you’d think). The sea around Procida was this weirdly perfect turquoise, not too showy but almost unreal. Our guide, Marco, pointed out Palazzo D’Avalos up on Terra Murata — he called it “the old prison with the best view in Italy.” I could smell salt and sunscreen and something faintly floral from someone’s towel.
We stopped near Corricella for photos — those fishermen’s houses really are every shade of pastel you can imagine. Marco offered to take pictures with his underwater camera; he even coaxed me into trying on a snorkel mask for the first time (I looked ridiculous, but now I have proof). The water was cold at first but then just right. There were tiny silver fish darting around my feet. I heard laughter echo off the rocks when someone tried to say “Chiaiozza” and totally butchered it — Marco laughed too, but helped us get it right.
At Vivara Island we floated quietly for a while. It’s a nature reserve so you can’t go ashore, but honestly just drifting there felt peaceful enough. Later we passed Postman Beach where they filmed “Il Postino.” Marco told us about Massimo Troisi — his voice got softer for that part. At some point I realized I’d stopped checking my phone completely. There was bottled water on board and a freshwater shower if you wanted to rinse off after swimming, which felt like such a small luxury after all that salt.
I still think about the way the sun hit the pastel buildings as we circled back toward town — not dramatic or anything, just kind of gentle and real. If you want a Procida boat tour that feels easygoing but still gives you stories to tell (and some pretty great underwater photos), this is probably it.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The departure point is Piazza Marina Grande, about 5 minutes from the ferry landing.
Yes, there are two stops for swimming or snorkeling in sheltered coves.
Masks and snorkels are included; fins are available on request at no extra cost.
Yes, free underwater photos and videos are taken with a 5K camera and given to guests at the end of the ride.
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller onboard.
An outdoor freshwater shower and cabin for changing are available on board.
Bottled water is provided for all guests during the trip.
Your day includes pickup at Piazza Marina Grande just five minutes from the ferry landing, all fuel costs covered by your skipper Marco, use of masks and snorkels (with fins if you ask), two relaxed swimming stops in sheltered coves around Procida, free bottled water on board plus an outdoor freshwater shower and changing cabin for comfort after your swim—and at the end you’ll get all your underwater photos and videos taken with Marco’s 5K camera as a gift to keep.
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