Tropea: Costa Degli Dei Tour with Aperitif

The Blue Grotto and wild coves are only reachable by water.

A 3-hour coastal boat tour from Tropea travels 6 miles along the Costa Degli Dei to Capo Vaticano, stopping at the Blue Grotto, Bay of Riaci and Praia i Focu for snorkelling in clear water and swimming at natural pools. The tour includes snorkelling equipment, an aperitif, water and soft drinks; a live guide speaks English and Italian, and children from age 1 are welcome.

The Experience

Tropea looks different from the water. The boat leaves the town and heads south along the Costa Degli Dei, passing the sandstone cliffs and white sand beaches that line the coast. Over the next three hours you cover about 6 miles of shoreline, stopping at spots you cannot reach on foot — the Blue Grotto carved into the rock, the Bay of Riaci with its wild coves, and Praia i Focu, where the sea stays clear enough to see the bottom.

Snorkelling gear is on board, so you can drop into the water at any of the stops. The ancient Roman port has natural pools built into the rock where the water sits still and shallow. At Capo Vaticano, the cliffs rise straight up from the sea, and the view back toward Tropea frames the whole arc of coast you have just traveled. An aperitif waits at the end of the tour, along with water and soft drinks throughout the morning.

The boat holds small groups, and a guide who speaks English or Italian narrates the route and points out the geology and history as you go. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one. The pace is steady but not rushed — you are on the water for three hours, with time to swim and look around at each stop.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment.
• aperitif at the end of the tour.
• bottled water and soft drinks throughout.
• live guide in English or Italian.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tropeasub Diving

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to swim and snorkel at sea-accessible coves and the Blue Grotto without bringing your own gear—the boat stops at narrow inlets where a small group can move easily in and out of the water.

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Top questions

What is the Blue Grotto and why can't you reach it from land?

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave carved into the rock face along the Costa Degli Dei, accessible only by boat. The tour stops there so you can see inside and snorkel in the water around the entrance.

How long is the boat ride and how much of the coast do you cover?

The tour runs 3 hours total and covers about 6 miles of coastline from Tropea south to Capo Vaticano, with stops at multiple coves and natural features along the way.

Is snorkelling equipment included, and do I need to know how to snorkel?

Snorkelling gear is included with the tour. The stops include shallow natural pools and clear water suitable for all swimming levels, so experience is not required.

Can I bring my infant or toddler on this boat tour?

Children are welcome from age 1. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you request one when you book.

What's included in the aperitif at the end?

The tour includes an aperitif served at the end of the excursion, plus bottled water and soft drinks throughout the 3 hours on the water.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat departure point?

Public transportation options are available near the departure point in Tropea. The tour itself departs from Tropea and returns there at the end.