Sunset aperitif on a boat in Scilla: Swim and snorkel the Strait

Swim at the foot of Ruffo Castle where the Strait of Messina narrows.

A two-hour boat trip from Scilla along the Calabrian coast where you swim and snorkel in crystalline water, then sit on deck with an aperitif of local seafood, peppered mussels, fried fish and bruschetta, plus prosecco for each couple. The boat is a 25-seat Gozzo with a shower, sun awning and all the gear you need. The guide speaks English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour with swimming and aperitif

• Enjoy boat tour in Calabrian sea
• Swim and snorkel at scenic coast points
• Have aperitif with white wine and local products
• Swim at Favazzina di Scilla
• Swim near Ruffo Castle at Strait of Messina

The experience

The boat leaves from Scilla and heads out along the Strait of Messina, stopping at the clearest coves and beaches on the Calabrian coast. You swim and snorkel in water so transparent you can see the bottom. The snorkelling equipment is on board. One stop takes you to the foot of Ruffo Castle, where the Strait narrows and the water is coldest and most vivid. Another brings you past Favazzina di Scilla, a smaller village tucked into the coast.

Between swims, you sit on deck under the sun awning with an aperitif: peppered mussels, fried fish, bruschetta and a bottle of prosecco split between couples. There is a dining table, a refrigerator, hot-water shower and USB sockets on board. The whole outing runs two hours, long enough to swim twice and linger over the food without rushing back to shore.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment.
• sun awning and dining table on deck.
• hot-water shower.
• refrigerator and USB sockets.
• aperitif of peppered mussels, fried fish and bruschetta.
• one bottle of prosecco per couple.
• live guide in English or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Seaside Tour In Barca

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Scilla or nearby. The boat departs from town itself, and the two-hour evening slot fits between lunch and dinner without eating into your day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

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 Ruffo Castle and why does the boat stop there?

Ruffo Castle stands at the entrance to the Strait of Messina on the Calabrian side, marking the narrowest point where the strait is deepest and the water clearest. The boat stops there so you can swim and snorkel in that exact spot, where the geography itself makes the water most transparent.

Can I snorkel if I have never done it before?

Snorkelling equipment is provided on board and the activity is suitable for all fitness levels. The water at the stops is shallow and clear enough to see the seabed, so beginners can stay in their depth and watch the marine life without difficulty.

Is the aperitif included, or do I pay extra?

The aperitif is included: peppered mussels, fried fish, bruschetta and a bottle of prosecco for each couple, served on deck during the sail.

How do I get to the boat in Scilla?

The boat departs from Scilla itself. If you are staying in the town or nearby, you walk to the departure point. If you are elsewhere in Calabria, you arrange your own transport to Scilla or ask the operator about pickup options when you book.

What happens if the weather is rough?

The Gozzo is a sturdy fishing boat designed for the Strait. It is equipped for the sea conditions there. The operator will advise if conditions are unsafe for departure, but the Strait is typically calmer than open water.