San Vito Lo Capo to Castellammare: Small Boat Coves & Snorkeling

Summary

Swim Zingaro’s coves, lunch in San Vito Lo Capo, snorkel Scopello

You’ll float in quiet coves only small boats can reach, snorkel over pebbled seabeds near Scopello’s ancient tuna fishery, share Sicilian bread at lunch in San Vito Lo Capo’s port, and watch sunlight flicker through Zingaro Reserve’s caves. It’s less about ticking sights off a list—more about feeling part of this coastline for a day.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to the sound of water slapping gently against the hull — not loud, just steady, like a heartbeat. The boat was smaller than I’d pictured (they said max 12 people, but it felt more like a group of friends by midday). We left San Vito Lo Capo behind in that soft morning haze, and our guide — Gianni, with sunburned arms and a grin that never really faded — pointed out the first stretch of turquoise. “This is why people come here,” he said. I could smell sunscreen and salt; someone opened a bottle of Coke and passed it around. The sea was so clear you could count pebbles on the bottom.

We stopped at these tiny beaches inside the Zingaro Reserve — places you can’t reach unless you’re on a boat this size. At Cala del Leone, I slid into the water and lost track of time floating on my back, staring up at cliffs with tufts of wild rosemary clinging everywhere. There was this cave they called the Cave of Lovers (Gianni winked when he said it). Inside: cool shade, echoey laughter bouncing off stone, and a little patch of sand where we all sat for a minute just listening to our own breathing. I tried snorkeling for the first time — kept fogging up my mask but saw flashes of silver fish anyway.

Lunch was at San Vito Lo Capo’s port — not fancy, but fresh bread and something with capers that tasted way better than I expected (I still think about that). Walking through the village after, you hear Sicilian mixed with German and French from other travelers. One old man sat outside his shop watching us go by; he nodded when I smiled at him. Later we drifted past Scopello’s tonnara — those big old tuna buildings leaning over blue-green water and those crazy rock stacks (faraglioni? I probably mispronounced it). The air smelled different there — kind of mineral, almost metallic.

The last swim near Castellammare del Golfo was quieter. Maybe everyone was tired or maybe we’d just run out of words for how clear the sea looked in late afternoon light. No one rushed us back on board; Gianni poured some local vino into plastic cups and we toasted nothing in particular. So yeah — if you want a day trip from San Vito Lo Capo that doesn’t feel like you’re herded around, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from San Vito to Castellammare

• Navigate towards Zingaro nature reserve
• Admire San Vito lo Capo beach
• Pass by tonnara del Secco
• Swim near coves and crystal waters
• Visit the cave of lovers and snorkel
• Bathing stop at Cala del Leone
• Explore Scopello’s old tuna fishery
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Arrive at Castellammare port
• Visit Castellammare fishing village

Top questions

How many people are on the boat tour from San Vito Lo Capo?

The boat takes up to 12 people per tour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Where do you stop for lunch on this day trip?

The lunch stop is at the port of San Vito Lo Capo with time to visit the village.

Are there swimming stops during the tour?

Yes, there are multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling along coves and beaches.

Does the tour include drinks?

Yes, water, Coca Cola, and local wine are included onboard.

What are some highlights along the route?

The Zingaro Reserve coves, Cave of Lovers, Cala del Leone, Scopello’s tonnara with faraglioni rocks, and Castellammare del Golfo harbor.

Is this boat tour suitable for families?

Infants can ride on an adult's lap or stroller; suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

How long does the full day boat trip last?

The tour lasts a full day with several stops along the coast between San Vito Lo Capo and Castellammare del Golfo.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling gear so you can dive right in at every cove stop; bottled water to keep cool under Sicilian sun; Coca Cola if you want something sweet; local vino poured as you drift back toward shore; all fees and taxes covered; restroom onboard; plus time ashore in San Vito Lo Capo village for lunch before continuing along Sicily’s coast.