Snorkeling in Syracuse: Sea caves and island of Ortigia

Sea caves, snorkeling, and the pearl of the Mediterranean in one morning

A boat excursion from Syracuse that takes you snorkeling in sea caves with clear water, then to the island of Ortigia, with a live English-speaking guide. The trip runs between one and two hours from the departure point on Via Eritrea. Children are welcome from age 10 when accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour to Ortigia and sea caves

• Meet at office in Via Eritrean 2 G
• Present your ticket
• Board the boat
• Sail to sea caves and bays
• Snorkel in clear waters
• Visit the island of Ortigia
• Return to departure point

The Experience

You start at the office on Via Eritrea in Syracuse, where you present your ticket and board the boat. The route takes you out to sea caves and bays where the water is clear enough to snorkel — that's the main stop, and you spend your time in the water with the equipment and setup the operator provides. After snorkeling, the boat heads to the island of Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse and what the operator calls the unique pearl of the Mediterranean, before returning to the departure point.

The guide speaks English and travels with the group throughout. Children from age 10 can join when accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available for younger children. The excursion suits all fitness levels, though the operator notes that diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended, and anyone wishing to dive will need to complete a health questionnaire and provide evidence of dive certification beforehand.

What’s included

• Boat excursion to sea caves and the island of Ortigia.
• snorkeling stop in clear water.
• live English-speaking guide throughout the trip.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by ORTIGIA ISLAND EXCURSION S.R.L. UNINOMINALE

Is this one for you?You board and snorkel yourself rather than watch from the boat, which is what makes the sea caves and clear water the center of the day instead of a backdrop. The shared boat and fixed route suit travelers who want the guide and the stops arranged, without the cost or the logistics of a private charter.

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Top questions

How long does the snorkeling excursion take?

The excursion runs between one and two hours total, from the time you board at Via Eritrea until you return to the departure point.

What happens at the snorkeling stop?

You swim in sea caves and bays with clear water where snorkeling is the main activity — the boat stops there so you can spend time in the water before heading on to Ortigia.

Is the island of Ortigia included in this excursion?

Yes, after snorkeling in the sea caves, the boat takes you to the island of Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse, before returning to the starting point.

Can children go on this snorkeling trip?

Children are welcome from age 10 when accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available for younger children traveling with paying adults.

Do I need diving certification to snorkel on this excursion?

Snorkeling does not require certification. Diving certification is required only if you wish to dive rather than snorkel, and all divers must complete a health questionnaire beforehand.

What's included in the price?

The snorkeling stop and the boat excursion to both the sea caves and Ortigia are included; drinks and food are available to purchase.