San Vito to Scopello: Boat Tour, Sea Caves & Aperitif

Summary

Small group boat ride San Vito to Scopello with sea cave swims and local snacks

You’ll ride from San Vito Lo Capo along Sicily’s wild coast on a small-group boat tour with swimming stops in hidden sea caves and time by Scopello’s famous faraglioni. Snorkel gear is included if you want it, plus an aperitif of local bread and wine served right on deck before heading home salty, tired, and happy.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I booked this San Vito to Scopello boat tour mostly because I was curious about the sea caves. I didn’t expect to feel so at home on a boat full of strangers. Our skipper, Paolo (who everyone seemed to know), greeted us with that quick Sicilian smile and a wave toward the shaded sofas. The morning air had that salty bite, and someone’s sunscreen mixed in with the smell of espresso — not mine, I always forget coffee on travel days.

The first part felt slow in a good way. Paolo pointed out the old tuna fishery as we drifted past — he called it “la tonnara,” said his grandfather worked there before it shut down. There was something about seeing those crumbling stones right by the waterline that made me think about all the hands that’d hauled nets here. We reached the entrance of Zingaro Reserve after about half an hour; cliffs rising up, sunlight bouncing off them so bright I had to squint. I remember thinking, “Okay, this is why people talk about Sicily’s coastline.”

Our first swimming stop was near a cave only reachable by sea — Paolo handed me a mask and just grinned when I hesitated at the cold water. He was right though: once you’re in, you forget everything but the blue around you. The silence inside that cave was weirdly loud; just my own breath and little flashes of fish darting past. We got lucky — no other boats yet, just us floating there for a while.

Later at Scopello’s faraglioni we dropped anchor again for another swim (I lost track of time by then) and they brought out “pane cunzato” — warm bread loaded with tomatoes and olive oil — plus wine that tasted like sunshine and salt somehow. Everyone ate with wet hands, laughing at crumbs stuck to our faces. Maybe it was just hunger or maybe food really does taste better after swimming all morning. Heading back, hair stiff from salt and skin tight from sun, I caught myself already missing it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from San Vito to Scopello

• Start at San Vito lo capo nautical club
• See old tuna fishery and Impiso tower
• View outside of old San Vito trap
• Arrive at entrance of Gypsy reserve
• First swim stop at sea cave for 30 minutes
• Second swim stop with guided sea cave tour
• Final swim stop at Scopello with aperitif
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the San Vito to Scopello boat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from start to finish.

Are swimming stops included on this day trip?

Yes, there are two swimming stops of about 30 minutes each during the tour.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkelling equipment is included for all guests.

What food or drinks are served on board?

You’ll get an aperitif with typical local products like "pane cunzato", plus wine and water.

How many people are on the boat?

The group size is limited to around 12 people for more space and privacy.

Does the tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Nautical Club La Traina in San Vito Lo Capo.

Is there shade or seating available?

Yes, there are shaded sofas as well as sunny spots where you can lie down.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat.

Can infants or children join this boat trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed too.

What’s included

Your half-day includes your spot on a small-group boat (with shaded sofas or sunny deck space), two guided swimming stops in sea caves along Zingaro Reserve, use of snorkelling gear if you want it, an aperitif with Sicilian "pane cunzato", wine and water served by your skipper near Scopello’s faraglioni — plus restroom access onboard before returning to San Vito Lo Capo.