Taormina & Isola Bella: Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Swim & Prosecco

Summary

Boat ride from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella with prosecco and swim

You’ll coast along Sicily’s blue-green bays from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella, swimming in clear waters and ducking into sea caves near Taormina. Expect local stories from your guide, a taste of prosecco and almond sweets after your swim, and that feeling of salt on your skin as you watch the cliffs fade behind you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already gliding past Capo Taormina when I realized how salty the air tasted — like you could almost chew it. Our guide, Salvo, kept pointing out these wild names for rocks: Elephant, Prickly Pear. He said locals have stories for each one but honestly, I was still trying to remember which side of the boat not to get splashed on. The sun bounced off the water so hard I had to squint, but it felt good after the shade of those little caves — especially the Blue Grotto, which was colder than I expected and echoed every laugh back at us.

I didn’t know much about Isola Bella before this day trip from Taormina. It’s smaller up close than it looks in photos, all tangled plants and a tiny house tucked away — Salvo told us about Florence Trevelyan planting rare flowers here ages ago. We stopped for a swim in the marine park; the water was clear but pebbly underfoot (I slipped once and pretended it was on purpose). There were a few other boats nearby but mostly just quiet except for someone’s radio drifting over from Mazzarò Beach. Afterward, we clambered back aboard for prosecco and these sweet almond paste things that stuck to my fingers. Not fancy, just good.

It’s funny — you see Taormina’s cliffs differently from the sea. The cable car looked like a toy dangling above Mazzarò Bay. On the way back toward Giardini Naxos, Salvo told us about dolphin spotting sometimes if you’re lucky (we weren’t), and I tried to say “sirena” right but got corrected with a grin. Still think about that view of Isola Bella catching late sun as we drifted by — kind of stays with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour around Taormina and Isola Bella

• Admire Bay of Naxos
• View Grotto of Love
• See Capo Taormina
• Pass Rock of the Prickly Pear
• Explore Cave of the Sirens
• Stop for swimming at Isola Bella
• Enjoy aperitif with almond paste and prosecco
• Observe Bay of Mazzaro
• View Atlantis Bay
• See Rock of the Elephant
• Pass by Isola Bella nature reserve
• Admire Taormina coastline from sea
• Pass Mazzarò beach and cable car station

Top questions

Where does the boat tour start?

The boat tour starts from Giardini Naxos on Sicily’s east coast.

Is there a swimming stop during the tour?

Yes, there is a stop for swimming in the Marine Park of Isola Bella near Taormina.

What snacks or drinks are included?

The tour includes an aperitif with prosecco and almond paste sweets after swimming.

Can infants join this boat tour?

Yes, infants can join; they may sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the boat tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near the departure point in Giardini Naxos.

What main sights do we see on this day trip?

You’ll see Capo Taormina, Isola Bella Marine Park, Mazzarò Bay, various sea grottos including the Blue Grotto, and notable rock formations like Elephant Rock.

Is this suitable for people with low fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat ride along Sicily’s coast from Giardini Naxos past Taormina to Isola Bella Marine Park with time for swimming in clear water caves. Afterward you’ll enjoy prosecco and traditional almond paste sweets served onboard before returning to shore together.