Snorkeling in Palermo: Capo Gallo Nature Reserve & caves

Swim and snorkel through sea caves carved by waves, then float past archaeological rock formations at Capo Gallo.

A shared boat snorkeling activity departing from central Palermo that sails four hours along the coast to Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, stopping at coves and caves accessible only by sea. You swim and snorkel in turquoise water at Vergine Maria beach and Addaura Wave, explore the Oil Cave and Grotta della Regina, and return to port. Snorkel equipment, cold drinks, fresh fruit, snacks and a beach towel are included. The boat carries small groups to keep the experience unhurried.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour along Palermo coast

• Start at Trapezoidal Pier
• Sail along Palermo coast
• Stop at Vergine Maria beach
• Continue to Addaura Wave village
• Swim and aperitif at Golfo Di Mondello
• Navigate Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
• Explore and snorkel at Oil Cave
• Visit Grotta della Regina
• Return to Palermo port

The experience

The boat leaves from the Trapezoidal Pier in central Palermo and heads along the coast toward Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, a protected area dotted with caves of archaeological interest. You stop first at Vergine Maria beach, where golden sand meets turquoise water clear enough to see the seafloor, and swim before the boat continues toward Addaura Wave, a seaside village with coves set into the cliffs.

The Oil Cave is where the snorkeling gets specific: it's a sea cave carved entirely by wave action, and you enter by water to see light play across the rock walls as you float through. Grotta della Regina, the final stop before returning to port, sits on the same stretch of coast: a cave system the crew describes as one of Palermo's hidden landmarks. Throughout the day you have snorkel equipment on board, and the boat pauses at Golfo di Mondello, Palermo's main beach, where you swim again and eat an aperitif of Sicilian specialties with prosecco and cold drinks.

Groups stay small by design, which means you're not packed onto a large tour boat. The crew speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language, so commentary about the coast and the sites comes through clearly. Beach towels are free on request, and everything you need to snorkel is provided.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• cold drinks, fresh fruit and snacks.
• beach towel on request (free).
• live guide commentary in English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 80 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SEAGOLD BOAT RENTAL

Is this one for you?The guide speaks your language, so you follow the commentary about the coast and the caves without strain. Small groups mean you're not competing for space or the crew's attention, which matters when you're entering sea caves or floating in coves accessible only by boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (3 to 7 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 exactly is the Oil Cave and what will I see snorkeling inside it?

The Oil Cave is a sea cave formed entirely by wave erosion over time. You snorkel into it by water and see the interplay of light reflecting off the rock walls as you float through the cave opening. It's one of the stops where the snorkeling is most sheltered and visually distinct from the open water.

How long is the boat ride from Palermo to the first snorkeling stop?

The boat departs from the Trapezoidal Pier in central Palermo and sails along the coast, stopping first at Vergine Maria beach. The exact timing depends on sea conditions, but the entire activity runs four hours from departure to return.

Is snorkel equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel equipment is provided on board. You don't need to bring your own or pay extra for it.

What's included in the aperitif at Golfo di Mondello?

The aperitif features Sicilian specialties, prosecco and cold drinks served during the swim break at Golfo di Mondello, Palermo's main beach.