Snorkeling in Cilento: Hidden coves and sea caves

Swim through the Blue Grotto and explore eight coastal landmarks in one morning or afternoon

A guided snorkeling boat tour along the Cilento coast departing from Ficocella Beach, with stops at eight named sites including Europe's largest Blue Grotto, Palinuro's five capes, the lighthouse, and Cala Fetente's mineral-rich waters. The tour runs 2.5 hours with professional snorkeling equipment, shuttle transport to the boat and a live guide in English or Italian. Three departure times let you choose the slot that fits your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour along Cilento coast

• Start at Ficocella Beach
• Visit five capes of Capo Palinuro
• See Punta Fortino and Punta Quaglia
• Explore the Blue Grotto cave
• Admire Capo Palinuro lighthouse
• Observe Grotta dei Monaci and Grotta Sulfurea
• Swim in Cala Fetente
• Swim and snorkel at Cilento Thailand beach
• Pass by Marinella Beach and Scoglio del Coniglio
• Stop at Spiaggia della Molpa and explore caves
• View the Natural Arch rock formation

The experience

The boat leaves from Ficocella Beach, named for the fig plants that line it, and the guide explains the local tradition that once divided the beach into separate areas for men and women. From there, you move along the five extreme capes of Capo Palinuro, passing Aragonese towers and two strategic points: Punta Fortino, which sheltered weapons and food in centuries past, and Punta Quaglia, named for the quails that once crossed there. The Capo Palinuro lighthouse stands 202 meters above the water and still functions as a radio beacon for maritime navigation and military aircraft orientation.

The centerpiece is the Blue Grotto, Europe's largest sea cave, where an underwater tunnel refracts light to create shifting blue patterns inside the cavern. You'll also see the Grotta dei Monaci, Grotta Sulfurea and the Architiello from outside, then stop to swim in Cala Fetente, whose sulphurous waters are said to benefit the lungs and skin. The tour includes a snorkel session at Cilento Thailand, a beach named for its resemblance to tropical waters and elected the most beautiful in Italy for four consecutive years, where you use the provided equipment to explore the underwater landscape. Two more stops round out the route: Marinella Beach, which frames the Scoglio del Coniglio rock formation, and Spiaggia della Molpa, a site halfway along the coast with majestic cliffs, caves and climbing crags.

Professional snorkeling gear is included, along with the shuttle that takes you from Ficocella to the boarding point. A live guide leads the tour in English or Italian. You choose between a morning departure (9:00am–11:30am), midday slot (11:30am–2:00pm) or afternoon option (2:00pm–4:30pm), so the 2.5-hour experience fits into the rest of your day without conflict.

What’s included

• Professional snorkeling equipment.
• shuttle transport to the boarding point.
• live guide in English or Italian.
• eight named stops including the Blue Grotto, Palinuro lighthouse, Cala Fetente and Cilento Thailand beach.

Options for this experience

3 options

9:00am-11:30am availabilityGuide in English or Italian · No fixed timePickup is included

11:30am-2:00pm availableGuide in English or Italian · No fixed timePickup is included

2:00pm-4:30pm availabilityGuide in English or Italian · No fixed timePickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cilentodamare

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want the full route before midday crowds, or the afternoon slot if you prefer to spend the morning elsewhere on the coast. The fixed 2.5-hour window means you can plan the rest of your day around it without guessing how long the boat will stay out.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

34 verified traveler reviews

5 ★33

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 Blue Grotto and why does it look the way it does?

The Blue Grotto is Europe's largest sea cave, located along Capo Palinuro. An underwater tunnel refracts light as it enters the cave, creating spectacular plays of blue light inside. A natural phenomenon that makes it a one-of-a-kind formation and the centerpiece of the tour.

Can I snorkel during this boat tour, or is it just sightseeing from the water?

You snorkel at two stops: Cala Fetente, where the sulphurous waters are said to benefit the lungs and skin, and Cilento Thailand, a beach elected the most beautiful in Italy for four consecutive years. Professional snorkeling equipment is provided for both swims.

What are the Aragonese towers and where do I see them?

Aragonese towers are historic defensive structures that line the Cilento coast. During the tour, you pass several of them while visiting the five capes of Capo Palinuro, including Punta Fortino, which once served as a hideout for weapons and food.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 2.5 hours. You can choose from three departure times: 9:00am–11:30am, 11:30am–2:00pm, or 2:00pm–4:30pm, so you can pick the slot that works best with the rest of your plans.

Is transportation to the boat included, or do I need to get to Ficocella Beach on my own?

A shuttle to the boarding point is included in the tour. You meet at Ficocella Beach, and the operator arranges transport from there to the boat.

What happens at Cala Fetente and why is the water different there?

Cala Fetente is named for the sulphurous fumes that rise from its waters. You stop to swim there. The mineral-rich water is said to offer benefits for the lungs and skin, making the swim both scenic and therapeutic.