Sunset Boat Tour Giardini Naxos: Dolphins & Isola Bella

Sail past Isola Bella at sunset, watching for dolphins while the volcano glows.

A 2.5-hour boat tour departing from Giardini Naxos that follows the Taormina coastline to Isola Bella and the Cave of Love, includes a swim stop with prosecco and Sicilian arancini, and sails into deeper water where dolphins often appear. The guide provides commentary in English, Italian or Romanian as the boat returns to port with views of Mount Etna at sunset. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, as the animals move freely in their habitat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset boat tour and dolphin search

• Depart from Giardini Naxos port
• Admire Taormina coast and Isola Bella
• Visit the Cave of Love
• Swim in the Ionian Sea
• Taste rotisserie with prosecco
• Sail out to search for dolphins
• Enjoy sunset and Etna views

The experience

The boat leaves Giardini Naxos (the site of Sicily's first Greek colony), and heads along the Taormina coast with the captain narrating the landmarks and history as you move. You'll pass Isola Bella, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Cave of Love before the boat slows for a swim stop in the Ionian Sea. Here you get prosecco and Sicilian arancini, a chance to cool off, and time to take in the aquatic life around you.

Once back on board, the tour heads farther out to search for dolphins in their natural habitat. They're not always there (the animals move freely and their presence depends on conditions no operator can control), but when they do appear, you'll watch them jump and play near the boat. The return journey times itself to the sunset, with Mount Etna visible across the water as the light fades.

The whole outing runs 2.5 hours. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome. Public transport reaches the port, and the boat suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Prosecco and Sicilian arancini during the swim stop.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• boat ride with captain's live commentary in English, Italian or Romanian.
• stops at Isola Bella and the Cave of Love.
• a swim break in the Ionian Sea.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (6 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Italian and Romanian

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kristal Boat

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Italian or Romanian, so choose the language that works for your group. The tour moves at a relaxed pace with one swim stop and time on deck watching the coast and sky, making it comfortable for mixed fitness levels and families with small children.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Italian and Romanian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): 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.

Can I bring my infant on the sunset boat tour from Giardini Naxos?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult's lap during the 2.5-hour tour. Service animals are also allowed on board.

What is Isola Bella and why is it part of this tour?

Isola Bella is a small island off the Taormina coast and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long history. The boat passes it early in the tour as one of the main landmarks along this stretch of Sicily's coastline.

Are dolphins guaranteed to appear on this tour?

Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. The tour sails to areas where dolphins live and often appear, but the animals move freely in their natural habitat and their presence depends on conditions the operator cannot control. You will still see the Taormina coast, Isola Bella, and the sunset regardless.

What's included in the 2.5-hour tour price?

The tour includes prosecco and Sicilian arancini served during the swim stop, bottled water, and the boat ride with captain's commentary. Entry to the water and all stops are part of the experience.

How do I get to Giardini Naxos port for this tour?

Giardini Naxos has public transportation options nearby, so you can reach the port by bus or car. The port is the departure point for all sailings.