Taormina & Isola Bella: Boat Tour with Swim & Prosecco

Half a day on the water, three grottos and a swim at Isola Bella

You board at Giardini Naxos port and spend the morning swimming at Isola Bella, exploring three sea caves including the blue-lit Grotta Azzurra, and snorkeling in clear water with gear provided. Prosecco and Sicilian snacks are served during a swimming stop. The boat returns by early afternoon, and you don't arrange transport, entry fees or timing yourself. It's all included and coordinated.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Taormina and Giardini Naxos

• Start tour at Giardini Naxos port
• Visit Isola Bella and swim
• Enjoy aperitif with prosecco and Sicilian specialties
• Admire Grotta Azzurra
• Pass by Faraglioni di Taormina
• Pass by Grotta dell'Amore
• Pass by Baia di Mazzarò and Baia di San Nicola

The experience

So you're standing at the port in Giardini Naxos at the start time, and the boat's already loaded with maybe twenty people, mix of couples and families, and the crew hands you a snorkel mask before you even sit down. That's when you know this isn't a floating bus tour. It's the kind of thing where you're actually going in the water. The boat leaves the dock and heads straight toward the cliffs, and within ten minutes you're passing under Faraglioni di Taormina, those massive rock formations that jut out of nowhere, and the captain slows down so everyone can get photos without the boat rocking.

The route takes you past Grotta dell'Amore and then into Grotta Azzurra, where the water turns this impossible blue-green color because of how the light hits the cave opening. It's not edited, it's just geology and timing. You're maybe thirty meters from the rock face, close enough to see the texture but far enough that you're not crammed with other boats. After that comes the stop everyone's actually waiting for: Isola Bella. The boat anchors in the shallows, and they bring out the prosecco and Sicilian snacks (olives, cheese, bread), and people start peeling off their shirts and jumping in. The water's cold for about three seconds, then it's perfect. You can snorkel right there if you want, or just float and look back at the coastline. The crew keeps an eye on everyone, and there's a toilet on board if you need it, which is the kind of detail that matters when you're out for a few hours.

The whole boat tour from Giardini Naxos takes around four to five hours depending on how long people linger in the water, and you pass the spots where White Lotus and Le Grand Bleu were filmed: the captain points them out, though honestly the rocks and the water are the real draw. On the way back you're usually tired in that good way, and the boat's quieter, people sitting with their eyes closed or scrolling through the photos they just took. It's the kind of half-day that doesn't feel rushed, even though you're covering a lot of coastline.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel or port pickup (confirm location when booking), boat transport from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella and the surrounding caves, snorkeling masks and equipment, a swimming stop in crystal-clear water, prosecco and Sicilian snacks during the aperitif, use of the onboard restroom and WiFi, and return to the departure port by early afternoon.

Options for this experience

2 options

2-Hour Boat Tour in Taormina with Captain FilippoGuide in English or Italian · 10:00 and 12:00Lasts 2 hours, with a prosecco aperitif included; the route passes the coast of Giardini Naxos and Taormina and the Blue Cave by boat.

Dolphin tourGuide in English or Italian · 18:00After the classic tour, the boat searches for dolphins off the Taormina coast, with a complimentary aperitif of rustici and prosecco. Duration: 3 hours.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and FridayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 18:00Last departure this season: 30 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Youth (5 to 10 years) · Child (under 5): free

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Audio guideFrench

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Escursioni Poseidon

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a half-day on the water without renting a boat or arranging your own transport and stops: the fixed route and timing let you swim, snorkel and see the coastline without planning the logistics yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 10 years); Child (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.

What time does the boat leave Giardini Naxos?

The tour departs from the port of Giardini Naxos at a set time each day. Confirm the exact departure when you book, as it varies by season.

Can I swim if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes. The swimming stop at Isola Bella is in shallow, calm water, and snorkeling gear is provided. The crew supervises, and life jackets are available on request.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are provided for all passengers. Bring your own fins if you prefer, or use the ones on board.

What's included in the aperitif?

Prosecco, Sicilian cheeses, olives, bread and snacks. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

How long is the tour?

Around four to five hours, depending on how long passengers spend swimming and exploring the caves.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board, plus WiFi.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours may be rescheduled or cancelled in rough seas. Check the cancellation policy when you book.