Snorkeling Taormina & Isola Bella: Mask, fins & marine life

Mask on, fins on, schools of fish and octopus below

Snorkeling activity departing from Giardini Naxos port, sailing past the Taormina coastline and Etna volcano to Isola Bella nature reserve for roughly two hours in the water. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, a safety briefing and an English-speaking guide who explains the Mediterranean flora and fauna you'll encounter: starfish, encrusting corals, sponges, octopus and schools of bream and parrotfish. Wheelchair accessible. Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

The experience

You start at the port of Giardini Naxos. The boat heads out along the bays, and for about twenty minutes you're sailing past the Taormina coastline with Etna rising behind it: the volcano frames the whole approach to Isola Bella. Once you reach the nature reserve, the staff walk you through a briefing on how to use the snorkeling set safely and what you're about to see down there.

In the water, the Mediterranean opens up. The typical life of these bays (starfish, encrusting corals, multicolored sponges, octopus, schools of glances, bream, parrotfish and other varieties) is what you're looking for with the mask on. The snorkeling equipment is provided and stays with you for the duration. You're not on a tight schedule. The half-day is built around relaxing among the colors and the life, not rushing through a checklist of sights.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins).
• boat transport from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella.
• safety briefing and marine life guidance from an English-speaking guide.
• free time to explore the nature reserve at your own pace.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Taormina Diving Center

Is this one for you?The boat ride and the briefing mean you don't need prior snorkeling experience, though the water entry and time underwater do require comfort in the sea. The roughly two-hour outing fits a free afternoon rather than a full day, and the pace is yours once you're in the reserve.

Traveler reviews

4.71★★★★★★★★★★

242 verified traveler reviews

5 ★196

4 ★29

3 ★10

2 ★6

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): 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 marine life will I actually see while snorkeling at Isola Bella?

Isola Bella's nature reserve holds starfish, encrusting corals, multicolored sponges, octopus, and schools of bream and parrotfish, along with other Mediterranean varieties. The guide points out what's typical for these bays during the briefing before you enter the water.

Where does the boat leave from and how long is the sail to Isola Bella?

The boat departs from the port of Giardini Naxos and sails along the Taormina bays for about twenty minutes before reaching Isola Bella nature reserve, passing views of the Etna volcano along the way.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) is provided free of charge by the staff at the start of the activity and remains yours to use throughout the outing.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The total outing lasts roughly two hours, with the sail taking about twenty minutes and the remainder spent snorkeling and relaxing in the Isola Bella reserve.

Do I need snorkeling experience, or is this suitable for beginners?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The staff conducts a safety briefing before you enter the water to ensure you're comfortable with the equipment and the environment.