Sailing tour to Tonnara di Scopello from Marina di Balestrate

Three to four hours on a classic sailboat: swim at the Tonnara, snorkel the Faraglioni, eat arancini and panelle at anchor

A half-day sailing tour from Marina di Balestrate to Tonnara di Scopello in Sicily puts you on a 26-foot Italian sailboat built in 1978, with stops to swim and snorkel at the Faraglioni rocks and lunch of local products included. The boat holds a maximum of five passengers, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and swimming near Scopello

• Depart from Marina di Balestrate
• Swim and snorkel at Tonnara di Scopello
• Return and enjoy sunset at Marina di Balestrate

The experience

The boat leaves Marina di Balestrate and heads toward the Tonnara di Scopello, a former tuna fishery that rises from the water as a cluster of stone buildings and towers. You stop in front of it at the Faraglioni (the rock formations that frame the site), and the water is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. Masks are provided. The Tonnara itself sits on the shore, so you see it from the water rather than climbing to it. The rocks and the ruins make the stop distinct from a generic beach swim.

Lunch arrives while you're still anchored: arancini, panelle, croquettes and fruit, with drinks included. The meal is made from local products and eaten on the boat. If conditions allow and the group wants it, the skipper can extend the route to include the Zingaro Reserve, a protected coastline a short sail away. The return to Marina di Balestrate happens in time to catch the sunset there, or at least the light shift as the afternoon ends.

The boat itself is the draw for some travelers: a working sailboat from 1978, not a modern catamaran or a powerboat. It moves under sail when the wind allows, which changes the rhythm of the day. The skipper is on board throughout and handles navigation and safety. You're not crewing the boat, just sailing on it. Public transportation reaches Marina di Balestrate if you're staying in Palermo or elsewhere without a rental car.

What’s included

• The tour includes the skipper and guide (in English, Spanish, Italian or French).
• snorkeling masks.
• lunch with arancini, panelle, croquettes and fruit.
• drinks and soda.
• and pickup at Marina di Balestrate.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Experiencing Sicily

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Marina di Balestrate, which is reachable by public transportation from Palermo, so you don't need a rental car to join. If you're staying in the city or elsewhere without a vehicle, this starting point settles the logistics before you book.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Tonnara di Scopello?

The Tonnara di Scopello is a historic tuna fishery built on the rocks at the water's edge, with stone buildings and towers that date back centuries. You see it from the boat during the swim stop at the Faraglioni. It's the landmark that gives the tour its name and its character.

Can I snorkel on this tour, or just swim?

Snorkeling masks are included, so you can do both. The stop at the Faraglioni is long enough for a swim or a snorkel, depending on what you want to do in the water.

How do I get to Marina di Balestrate if I'm staying in Palermo?

Marina di Balestrate is about 40 kilometers west of Palermo. Public transportation options are available nearby, or you can arrange a rental car or taxi. Pickup is included in the tour, so once you reach the marina, the boat departs from there.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch includes arancini, panelle, croquettes and fresh fruit, all made from local products. Drinks and soda are included as well. The meal is eaten on the boat while you're anchored.