SICILY · ORTIGIA BOAT TOURS
Syracuse’s old town is an island, and the best hour of it is spent going round the outside. These 12 trips run the limestone cliffs and nose into the sea caves; below, which ones stop to swim, what each costs and how long you are on the water.
One-hour boat trip around Ortigia and Syracuse sea caves with live commentary, port views, and a swim stop in clear Mediterranean water.
“Ottavio was a great guide and the sights were breathtaking”
A small-group boat tour around Ortigia and into Syracuse sea caves, with a short swim stop and a local skipper’s coastal commentary.
“Boat tour was relaxing & wonderful! The water was beautiful! Franco was extremely informative and nice. Caves we’re cool!”
See Ortigia’s marine grottos and the Arethusa spring from a boat, with a swim, snorkeling, Prosecco, and photo stops in 2 hours.
“Outstanding services, very professional guide. The sea trip was interesting, with beautiful sea moment, long enough and really pleasant 😊 Thanks for our Mickie”
See Ortigia from a speedboat, cruise past Fonte Aretusa and Castello Maniace, then swim at sea-cave stops on Sicily’s Siracusa coast.
“We had a great charter around the Island of Ortigia and into the sea caves with Antonio. He was a considered guide and happy to share lots of information about what we were seeing. We do recommend.”
Boat tour around Ortigia in Syracuse with sea-cave stops, up to three cave entries, and a short swim, guided in English.
“A great way to see Ortigia and Syracuse from a different perspective. Enjoyed a quick swim, though take note it is in the middle of the sea, ie not near to the shore, so those not super confident at swimming might not want to do so. Our guide Ninni was very knowledgeable about local history, giving good recommendations for those on board following the tour.”
2-hour Ortigia boat tour through Plemmirio Marine Protected Area with sea caves, Pillirina swimming, and snorkel masks included.
“Absolutely brilliant- Francesco was warm, funny and experienced! 9am tour we were the only 4 there. Plenty of time exploring the caves, national park and having a fantastic amount of swim time. Would recommend as a highlight of anyone’s visit.”
Guided boat tour around Ortigia in Syracuse, with sea caves and the heart-shaped cave, plus a Prosecco toast and time to swim.
“Very good value for money. Capitan was excellent in telling stories and cave were beautiful. Nice glass of prosecco on the end.”
2-hour Ortigia sunset cruise with grotto stops, local antipasto, prosecco, swimming, and photos, ending under Umbertino Bridge.
“Michi was our AMAZING guide and he was chill and fun! OMG loved the food, drinks, and music! Thank you Michi!”
2-hour Syracuse boat tour from Ortigia to Plemmirio, with sea caves, major landmarks, and one or two swimming stops.
“Our guide was quite rude and singled out my husband and I several times as he was talking, to the point one of the other couples made a comment that he was picking on us. When we got out to swim the first time, he moved the boat 3 times and then was upset with all the passengers that we didn’t stay on the correct side of the boat, making the swim “dangerous.” But he moved the boat! Also I think having 1 linger swim vs 2 short ones would be more beneficial. This tour was quite expensive for what we did in 2 hours.”
Boat tour off Ortigia with sea caves snorkeling, historic sights from the water, a swim stop, and a glass of prosecco on board.
“The boat trip was nice but could have been more enjoyable. The boat driver gave no instructions before departure and was quite abrupt with the passengers who did not respect them. All the comments were in Italian with no effort to translate into English... a glass of Prosecco for the adults and nothing planned without alcohol for the children. so good, but not great.”
Ortigia boat tour with sea caves and Pillirina, 2 snorkeling stops, fruit and Prosecco, plus Syracuse sights in 3 hours.
3-hour sunset boat around Ortigia and Syracuse sea caves, with aperitif, Sicilian wine, Prosecco, and a swim stop. From $82.
“Very enjoyable ride and the captains were very pleasant”
Every kind of day out on the island, and the best of each.
