Syracuse boat tour with dolphin sighting: Blue Grotto & Plemmirio
Dolphins swim in the waters you're traveling through, not behind glass.
A boat tour from Syracuse explores the Ionian Sea coast, skirting the island of Ortigia to view the Duomo, Palazzo Veneziano and Castello Maniace from the water. The route passes sea caves with stalactites and stalagmites, stops at the Blue Grotto with its crystal clear waters, then continues to Plemmirio Marine Protected Area where dolphins often appear. You can swim in the clear waters, and beverages are served throughout the 2.5-hour journey.
Step-by-step itinerary
Boat tour exploring Syracuse coast
- Admire monument to fallen of Africa
- Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites
- Visit the Blue Grotto
- Skirt Ortigia island and see historic sights
- Spot dolphins in Plemmirio Nature Reserve
- Ortigia Market 50m
- Isola di Ortigia 40m
- Plemmirio Marine Protected Area 50m
What’s included
- Cool drinks, water, white wine, red wine and soft drinks throughout the excursion.
- live guide in English or Italian depending on your departure.
Next departure: 20 Mar 2027
Information
Boat tour from Syracuse along the Ionian Sea to the Blue Grotto and Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, with swimming stops and dolphin spotting opportunities.
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The experience
The tour departs from Syracuse and takes you along the coast by boat, starting with a view of the monument to the fallen of Africa on the shoreline. From there, you skirt Ortigia, the historic heart of the city, where the boat passes landmarks including the Duomo, the church of Santa Lucia, Palazzo Veneziano, Ponte Umberto I, the small port, the former Bourbon prison, the Spanish Walls, Forte Vigliena, Castello Maniace, Fonte Aretusa and Porta Marina. Seeing these sights from the water gives a perspective you don't get from the streets.
The journey continues north to sea caves carved into the coastline, where you'll see stalactites, stalagmites and coral formations shaped by centuries of water and stone. The route includes a stop at the Blue Grotto, where sunlight entering through cave openings creates bright blue reflections on the water. This is where most travelers take photos. You have the chance to swim in the clear waters here before moving on to the final destination.
Plemmirio Marine Protected Area is a marine reserve with rich biodiversity, and dolphins often swim in these waters. This is the part of the tour where sightings happen, not guaranteed, but frequent enough that the operator builds the tour around it. Cool drinks, water, white wine, red wine and soft drinks are served throughout the excursion. The guide speaks English or Italian depending on the departure you book.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 14 years); Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (under 5): 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.
Can I swim during the Syracuse boat tour?
Yes, you have the opportunity to dive into the clear waters, particularly at the Blue Grotto stop. Snorkelling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it.
What is the Blue Grotto like when the boat arrives?
The Blue Grotto is a natural cave with crystal clear waters and bright blue reflections created by sunlight penetrating the cave openings. The atmosphere is what makes it worth the stop. The light and the color are what photographers come for.
How often do dolphins appear in Plemmirio Marine Protected Area?
Dolphins often swim in the waters around Plemmirio, and the tour is built around the chance to spot them. Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed, as the dolphins move freely through the marine reserve.
What historic sites does the tour pass?
The boat skirts Ortigia and passes the Duomo, Palazzo Veneziano, Castello Maniace, Fonte Aretusa, the Spanish Walls, Forte Vigliena and several other landmarks. You see them from the water rather than walking through the streets.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed on board. Transportation options to the departure point are also wheelchair accessible.
Operated by Escursioni in barca Siracusa | Excursion Boat Ortigia | Tour en bateau by Dolci Escursioni. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Syracuse boat tour with dolphin sighting: Blue Grotto & Plemmirio
2h 30m · EN · IT
from € 75 per person
≈ US$ 84 in your currency
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