Taormina & Isola Bella: Coast to Coast Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Swim Taormina’s bays, see Etna’s silhouette, meet local guides

You’ll start from Giardini Naxos with a small group and local guides who know every cove by heart. Snorkel twice — once near Isola Bella’s reserve and again in another bay — spotting Mediterranean sea life with all gear included. Expect laughter, salt on your skin, and views of Etna that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Antonio grinned as he handed me my mask at the little port in Giardini Naxos. “Don’t worry, you’ll see more fish than people,” he promised — and honestly, I was hoping he was right. The boat felt like someone’s living room on water: towels slung over railings, a faint smell of sunscreen and salt. We drifted out past the beach umbrellas, and suddenly the coast opened up — cliffs, old villas tucked into green, and that wild outline of Etna behind everything. There was this moment where the wind picked up and I could hear nothing but water slapping the hull and someone’s laughter from the bow.

Before we jumped in at Isola Bella, our guide (I think her name was Giulia?) did a quick briefing about what we might spot while snorkeling — starfish, parrot fish, even octopus if we got lucky. She spoke in this mix of Italian and English that made it feel like she was letting us in on some secret. The water was colder than I expected; I yelped when it hit my neck but then just floated there watching little silver fish dart around my fins. At one point I tried to say “spugna” (sponge) like she’d taught us — Li laughed at my accent so hard she almost lost her snorkel.

We moved to another bay after about 45 minutes. It’s funny how different the sea floor looks just a short ride away — here there were more rocks and these weird orange corals clinging to them. I kept thinking about how quiet it gets underwater; you can hear your own breath echoing in your mask. When we finally climbed back onto the boat, everyone just sprawled out in silence for a bit, sun drying our hair. The whole thing lasted maybe two and a half hours but it felt longer somehow — not rushed at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour from Giardini Naxos port

• Depart from Giardini Naxos port
• Sail along Giardini Naxos and Taormina bays
• Admire coastline and Etna volcano views
• Enter Isola Bella nature reserve
• Receive snorkeling briefing from staff
• Snorkel and observe Mediterranean marine life
• Move to second bay for snorkeling
• Enjoy snorkeling at second seabed
• Return after two and a half hours tour

Top questions

How long does the snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts about two and a half hours from departure to return.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from the port of Giardini Naxos.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for use during the tour.

Are there multiple snorkeling stops?

Yes, there are two separate snorkeling stops in different bays along the coast.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and includes a safety briefing.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this snorkeling trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed onboard.

Will we see marine life during snorkeling?

You may see starfish, corals, sponges, octopus, sea bream, parrot fish, and other Mediterranean species.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling equipment provided by friendly staff at departure; two guided stops for swimming among Mediterranean marine life near Taormina and Isola Bella; plus time to relax on board as you sail between scenic bays with views of Mount Etna always nearby.