Taormina & Isola Bella: Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Aperitif

Summary

Taormina’s secret bays caves and Isola Bella by boat with Sicilian snacks

You’ll glide along Taormina’s coast by private boat with a local skipper—swimming in quiet bays like Baia delle Sirene, snorkeling above seagrass beds, tasting Sicilian snacks and wine near Isola Bella, and hearing stories only locals know. There’s time to relax in the sun or jump straight into clear water—this half-day trip leaves room for surprises.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day boat tour of Taormina bays

• Depart from Taormina coast
• Pass by Spisone Bay
• Stop at Bay of Mermaids for snorkelling
• Visit Bay of Mazzarò and swim
• Explore Beautiful Island and snorkel
• Relax at Bay of Villagonia beach
• Enjoy aperitif with local products onboard

Top questions

How long does the Taormina private boat tour last?

The tour is a half-day experience along the coast of Taormina and Giardini Naxos.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this boat tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included on board during your trip.

Which bays are visited during the Taormina boat tour?

You’ll visit Spisone Bay, Baia delle Sirene, Mazzarò Bay, Isola Bella, and Villagonia Bay.

Are drinks and snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, an aperitif with local snacks plus Prosecco, wine, beer, soft drinks and water are included.

Can you customize stops on this private boat tour?

Yes—you can choose where to stop or spend more time at each bay or cave along the route.

Is pickup included for this Taormina boat trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby if needed.

Is this suitable for families or beginners?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional skipper as your guide along Taormina’s coast with fuel covered; use of snorkeling equipment whenever you want to jump in; an aperitif featuring local appetizers plus drinks like Prosecco or Sicilian wine; soft drinks and water always available; and plenty of time to relax or swim before heading back ashore.

What’s the experience like?

I was already half-laughing when we pulled away from the little dock below Taormina—our skipper, Salvo, had just handed me a cold drink and said something about “mermaid luck” for the day. I’m not sure if he meant good weather or just not falling overboard. The sea was that clear green-blue you see in postcards, but real life is messier—there were tiny fish darting under the hull, and someone’s radio drifting over from another boat. We passed Spisone Bay first; pebbles instead of sand, and those big rocks poking out of the water like they’d been dropped there by accident. I kicked off my shoes and let my feet dangle over the side.

We stopped at Baia delle Sirene next. It’s quieter than I expected—just a few fishermen waving from their boats, and this gentle hush except for Salvo pointing out the posidonia (I’d never heard of it before) waving under the surface. He handed us masks and fins—snorkeling gear included—and I slid into the water. It’s colder than you think at first, then perfect. I floated above these little forests underwater while Salvo told stories about sirens luring sailors. Maybe that’s why people come back here so much.

Mazzarò Bay was busier—some fancy hotels up on the cliffs, but we just drifted close to the rocks and watched kids jumping off them like they had no fear at all. At Isola Bella, which everyone calls “the Pearl,” we got as close as you can by boat. There’s this wild tangle of plants on the island itself, but mostly I remember how light bounced off the water in weird colors—almost gold near sunset. Salvo set out an aperitivo with local wine (dry, a little salty) and snacks that tasted like someone’s grandma made them. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “arancini”—I definitely didn’t get it right.

I still think about that feeling—the sun on my shoulders after swimming, salt drying on my skin while we cruised past Villagonia beach where locals waved from shore. We could choose where to stop or linger longer; it never felt rushed or touristy. Maybe that’s what makes this private guided boat tour around Taormina different—you get these small slices of Sicily that stick with you long after you’ve dried off.