Taormina

Snorkeling

Relax on this 2-hour boat tour of the Taormina coastline. The tour will depart from the Giardini Naxos port before taking you out into the expansive turquoise sea, sailing past many beautiful sights along the way. The tour includes visits to some stunning places around Taormina, such as Cape Schisò, Cape Taormina, Cross Rock, Prickly Pears Rock. See the Cave of the Mermaids, Grotta Azzurra, the Coral Cave, the Ziu Innaru Rock and the Bay of Mazzaro. You have the chance to stop at the breathtaking Isola Bella bay and plunge yourself into the crystal clear waters for some swimming or snorkeling. You will enjoy a snack and a drink at the bay before returning back to the port. This is a truly unmissable way to see the natural beauty of Taormina from the sea. 

Your tour will begin when you meet your captain and board your boat at the Port of Giardini Naxos before setting sail on an unforgettable adventure. Your first stop will be at the Bay of Spisone, where you’ll have the chance to take your first swim of the day and to snorkel independently. You’ll marvel at the stunning stone islets that emerge from the waters and the Atlantis Bay hotel built in Gaudi style. Next, you’ll set sail to Mazzarò Bay, widely considered one of the true treasures of the Sicilian and Taormina coasts. You’ll then stop off at Isola Bella, a historical pearl of Taormina, where you’ll have the chance to explore the Blue Grotto and to discover its gorgeous reflections of light. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Taormina, you'll then be served a tasty selection of local cold cuts, cheeses, and seasonal fruit, all washed down with a fine local white wine. Finally, you’ll have the chance to take another swim before beginning your journey back to the Port of Naxos Gardens.

Be enchanted by the beauty of Sicily on a cruise from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella. Discover the “Mediterranean Pearl” that the German Baron, Wilhelm von Gloeden introduced to the world. Given to the mayor of Taormina by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon in 1806, the tiny island of Isola Bella was purchased by the British philanthropist Florence Trevelyan and has been a World Wildlife Fund for Nature natural reserve since 1998.  Relax and swim at this wonderful spot, and look for the many different birds and marine species it attracts. Get a great view of Taormina and the mighty Mount Etna in the background. Drop anchor at the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) and nearby Grotta del Giorno, where the water is clear blue and provides ideal conditions for snorkeling.  Cherish this day to just relax and be cradled by the waves and summer breeze.

Your experience will start at the port of Giardini Naxos, where you will meet the skipper who will welcome you on board of the sailboat. Once on board, you will sail toward the bay of Villagonia where you will stop for the aperitif (it will take approximately 30 minutes); during the sail the skipper will tell you about the beauties and wonders of the Sicilian coast. Depending on the effective weather and sea conditions, navigation will be either sail or engine powered. During the stop at the bay of Villagonia you will be offered a delicious aperitif with local products paired with a glass of wine; if you feel like it, you can also have a swim or practice a brief self-guided snorkeling. You will then return at the port of Giardini, while still admiring the sun setting over Taormina and the majestic Mount Etna.