Sailing yacht excursion from Tropea: White cave, Capo Vaticano

Sail a stretch of coast ranked among the world's most beautiful, stopping to swim where the seabed is visible from the surface.

A 3.5-hour sailing excursion from Tropea along the Calabrian coast to the white cave, Formicoli and Capo Vaticano, with swimming and snorkeling in clear water at coves accessible only by boat. The boat carries snorkel masks, prosecco and fruit. You swim at stops chosen for their seabeds and fish. Infants travel on an adult's lap. The pace suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing excursion along Tropea coast

• Depart from Tropea port
• Visit the white cave
• Stop at Formicoli in Baia di Riaci
• Arrive at Capo Vaticano
• Stop at Praia i Foco coves
• Swim or snorkel in clear sea

The experience

You board a sailing yacht at Tropea's port and head south along the coast. The first stop is the white cave: named for the optical effect when you enter it, where sunlight reflecting off the sand below makes submerged skin appear bone-white. From there the boat passes Formicoli in the Bay of Riaci, a stretch of coast with views across clear water, then continues to Capo Vaticano, where you anchor near Cala di Fuoco and other small beaches cut into the cliffs.

At each stop you can swim or snorkel. Snorkel masks are on board. The seabeds are shallow enough to see schools of colored fish and the sand below. The boat carries prosecco and fresh fruit, and there is a restroom on board. The whole excursion runs 3.5 hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Snorkel masks.
• prosecco.
• bottled water.
• fresh fruit.
• restroom access on board.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and FridayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 16

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by CST Tropea

Is this one for you?The boat is a sailing yacht, so the pace depends on wind and sea conditions (some days are faster, some slower), and you spend the afternoon on the water rather than on land. Book this if you want to swim and snorkel in clear water at spots only reachable by boat, and you're comfortable with a few hours at sea.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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 is the white cave and why is it called that?

The white cave is a sea cave you enter by boat near Tropea. When you swim inside it, the sunlight bounces off the pale sand on the bottom and reflects onto your skin, making it look white, like a skeleton, because of the play of light and color in the water.

Can I snorkel on this excursion, or just swim?

You can do both. Snorkel masks are provided on board, and the water at each stop is clear and shallow enough to see the seabed and fish. You choose whether to snorkel or swim at each anchorage.

What food and drink are included?

Prosecco, bottled water and fresh fruit are on board throughout the excursion. There is no meal, but the refreshments and snacks are included in the price.

How long does the whole excursion take?

The excursion lasts 3.5 hours from when you board at Tropea's port to when you return. That time includes sailing, stops for swimming and snorkeling, and the time spent at each cove.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board for use during the excursion.