Boat Tours in Taormina

Located on eastern Sicily’s glamorous coast and perched on the side of Mount Etna, this breathtaking resort town was a favorite of the renowned English poet D.H.Lawrence, who came here for a taste of La Dolce Vita and to enjoy a peaceful ambiance that oozes Italian elegance.

Taking a boat trip in Taormina is one of the best ways to take in this Sicilian paradise where crystal clear waters and spectacular vistas await.

You will find here everything you need to know about boat tours, one of the most picturesque outdoor activities in Taormina.

What are the most popular boat tours in Taormina?

There is a range of boat excursions to take in Taormina, depending on how much time you would like to spend on the water and how many attractions you want to visit during your trip.

Sailing tour around Taormina bay

If you fancy cruising around Taormina away from the flocks of crowds, then this is the boat tour for you. On this half-day boat journey that takes up to nine people, you can admire Taormina’s highlights, such as the bays of Spisone and Mazzaro, the Blue Grotto and Isola Bella.

Your personal skipper will be on hand to show you the sailing ropes, as well as answer any questions that may arise about Sicilian history, culture and way of life during your trip. You can enjoy plenty of swimming and snorkeling stopovers along the way.

Small-group boat tour of Taormina coastline and Isola Bella

Join this boat tour in Taormina to discover the jaw-dropping beauty of its coastline and see why it’s dubbed “the Pearl of the Ionian.” On this half-day boat trip, you can expect to see dramatic sea caves, grottoes and cliffs on a luxury boat with a skipper onboard, and swim in its refreshing crystalline blue waters.

You’ll visit the small island of Isola Bella – a nature reserve that can only be reached via a small patch of sand before tucking into a delicious seafood lunch. At the end of your excursion, you’ll return back to your same meeting point in Taormina.

Taormina and Isola Bella day and boat tour

Embark on an adventure on this combined land and water excursion. On this full-day, small-group sightseeing tour in Taormina, you’ll begin by catching a bus that will take you to visit this resort town’s top attractions. You will stop at several ancient landmarks and monuments, and relish a thriving shopping and bar scene against the backdrop of the mighty Mt. Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano.

When you’ve finished taking in the town’s glorious charm, you’ll hop on a boat to Isola Bella, where you can unwind and enjoy a bit of swimming. A knowledgeable guide will be on board to tell you tales of this enchanting part of Sicily.

Lipari and Vulcano mini cruise Aeolian tour

Set sail from Taormina on this day trip to the UNESCO-protected Aeolian islands of Lipari and Vulcano – which offer a wealth of opportunities to unwind, splash in the stunning turquoise waters, and enjoy plenty of outdoor fun.

On this full-day boat tour, you will cruise in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to Milazzo, where your boat trip to the island of Lipari will begin. From here, you’ll have time for yourself to roam the Old Town and gape at its awe-inspiring architecture and vibrant townhouses.

You’ll then hop back on your boat to Vulcano island, where you can throw your towel over the black sanded beach and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Private boat tour of Taormina bay

If you’re seeking privacy and customization, then opt for a private boat tour of Taormina. Private cruises offer you the opportunity to take as much time as you want on each stopover.  Your very own skipper aboard will tell you tales of this revered land, as well as teach you the Sicilian fishing style that has been passed on for many generations.

You can expect to dive into some of the most spectacular and exclusive bays dotted across the coastline, including Scoglio dell Elefante, Bay of Spisone, Mermaid Bay and Capo S. Andrea. As the day comes to an end, you’ll then savor an aperitif made from local delicacies prepared especially by your boat Captain.

How much do boat tours in Taormina cost?

The price of boat tours in Taormina depends on the duration of time spent on the water and type.

• Sailing tours around Taormina Bay cost around €70 per person and include refreshments, snacks and use of snorkeling equipment. Tours of this nature typically last 4 to 5 hours.
• For small-group boat trips in Taormina and Isola Bella, prices range between €40 to €80 per person, which includes a boat trip, a skipper and snorkeling equipment on most tours. This tour typically lasts for 2.5 to 4 hours.
• A Taormina and Isola Bella full-day bus and boat tour costs around €100 per person, and includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, a boat tour and an expert guide who gives live commentary during the trip.
• A Lipari and Vulcano mini cruise Aeolian tour costs around €75 per person and includes transportation by bus and boat, and a knowledgeable guide.
• A private boat tour of Taormina costs around €350 per person and includes a skipper, snorkeling equipment, insurance and an aperitif onboard. This tour typically lasts around 4 hours.

Which places are seen on a boat tour in Taormina?

Isola Bella

On the majority of boat tours in Taormina, you’ll make a pit stop at the teardrop-shaped island of Isola Bella, which offers ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

This nature reserve is set in a beautiful cove surrounded by fishing boats and is famed around the globe for its Italian style-baroque garden.

Mt. Etna

Mount Etna is Sicily’s Mordor-like attraction and the tallest active volcano in Europe. The imposing landmark makes for magnificent vistas on your boat trip from the bay of Taormina and can be visited on some selected tours with an expert guide.

Blue Grotto

A popular cruise stop, the Blue Grotto is a sea cave with a spectacular play of light and blue hues – the water’s reflection illuminates the cave entirely.

It’s located just a short journey away from Isola Bella on the beach of Mazzaro and is a popular tourist hotspot for scuba diving.

Corso Umberto

If you decide to take a combined land and boat trip, then you’re bound to visit Corso Umberto – a charming pedestrian-friendly street filled with boutique stores, bustling restaurants and bars, and the perfect spot to people-watch and engage in some retail therapy.

Admire centuries-old architecture before stopping to grab a gelato at one of the many ice cream stores dotted across the street.

How long does a boat trip last?

Boat trips from Taormina last for half to a full day, around 4 to 9 hours. The duration of your boat trip depends on how much you want to see and how far you venture away from Taormina.

Half-day trips are sufficient to enjoy the crystalline waters and see the most popular highlights, but full-day trips typically offer more stopovers, as well as more time to relax.

Some boat trips also offer sunset boat tours that last around 2 hours and tend to stay around the bay of Taormina. Private boat tours typically last from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the number of locations visited on the tour.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Most boat tours in Taormina depart from the port of Guarani Naxos – a short 20-minute drive or taxi ride from the center of Taormina. Some tours offer direct hotel pickup, but this isn’t always included.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Taormina?

The best time for a boat trip in Taormina is in summer, as it has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot and muggy summers, and cold, windy and cloudy winters. However, if you’re looking to avoid the peak summer crowds, then spring from March to May is a pleasant time of the year to visit.

Travel tips

• Bring comfortable slip-on beach shoes for the pebbled beaches and scorching sands.
• Make sure to book tickets well in advance during the summer season – tickets sell out quickly.
• Apply sunscreen and bring a bathing suit for swimming and beach excursions.