Taormina & Isola Bella: Boat Tour with Aperitivo & Swim

Summary

Boat trip from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella with swim stops and Sicilian aperitivo

You’ll set off from Giardini Naxos by boat, glide past Taormina’s coves and famous caves, then stop to swim near Isola Bella’s wild shoreline. Enjoy Sicilian snacks and prosecco as your guide shares stories and points out film locations along the way. It’s relaxed but full of those little moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about stepping onto the boat at Giardini Naxos — the sea looked almost too blue to be real, like someone cranked up the saturation. Our guide, Salvo, grinned and helped my friend with her bag (she’d overpacked for a two-hour tour, classic). The engine hummed awake and we slipped away from the dock, passing fishermen who waved like they knew us. Maybe they did? Sicily has that vibe.

The first thing that hit me was the smell — salty air mixed with something sweet I couldn’t place (turns out it was almond pastries in the snack basket). We cruised along the coast toward Taormina. Salvo pointed out spots where “White Lotus” and “Le Grand Bleu” were filmed. He tried to teach us the name of one cave in Sicilian dialect — I completely butchered it and he just laughed. The Grotta Azzurra glowed this weird electric blue inside; honestly, it didn’t look real. Then came Isola Bella — tiny but dramatic, all tangled greenery and rocky edges. We dropped anchor nearby for a swim.

I’m not much of a swimmer but couldn’t resist jumping in. The water was cold for half a second then perfect — clear enough to see my own feet kicking around. Floating there with prosecco in hand (yes, risky but worth it), I watched sunlight flicker on the surface while someone else tried snorkeling for the first time. There was this silence except for distant voices on another boat and gulls overhead. For a minute I forgot about everything else.

Back on board we passed around arancini and olives while Salvo told stories about growing up here — apparently his uncle still fishes these waters every morning before sunrise. I think that’s what stuck with me most: feeling like you’re part of some slow-moving scene that’s been playing out forever along this coast. If you’re looking for a boat tour in Taormina or want to see Isola Bella up close (and snack like a local), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at the port of Giardini Naxos.

Is swimming included during the tour?

Yes, there is a stop for swimming near Isola Bella.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

Yes, an aperitivo with prosecco and Sicilian specialties is included.

What are some places visited during the tour?

You’ll see Isola Bella, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta dell’Amore, Faraglioni di Taormina, Baia di Mazzarò, and Baia di San Nicola.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes, snorkeling masks are provided on board.

Are restrooms available on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

Can infants join this boat trip?

Infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Giardini Naxos port.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Giardini Naxos port with a local guide at the helm; all drinks including soda and prosecco; plenty of Sicilian snacks; use of snorkeling masks; WiFi onboard if you want to share photos right away; plus access to a restroom so you’re comfortable throughout your time at sea.