SNORKELLING · SEA CAVE SNORKELING TOURS IN ITALY
Warm, clear and worth the boat ride. These 15 sea cave snorkeling tours in Italy are priced and timed so you can decide in a couple of minutes and get back to planning the rest of the week.
Join Captain Mirko or his local crew at Riva della Posta for a 90-minute cruise around Ortigia. See Maniace Castle, the Aretusa Fountain, forts, churches, and the Umbertino Bridge, then enter sea caves and stop for swimming. Masks and fresh water are included, with English and Italian tours available.
“Wonderful experience with friendly guide and very skilled boat operator.”
Spend two hours circling Ortigia by boat with an Italian, English, or Spanish-speaking skipper. See Arethusa Spring, Castello Maniace, the Umbertino Bridge, and sea caves including the heart-shaped Cave of Love. The trip includes snorkeling time, seasonal fruit, juice, prosecco, and onboard photos.
“Really pleased with the operator- we had a VERY windy day & Captain gave us an option to pass or go out. We agreed to go & waves were enormous- after a quick dip in a secluded area, he took us on the other side of Ortigia where the wind created a calm ride. Lots of fun & the prosecco & fruit were a nice touch!”
Cruise Palermo’s coast with a skipper and English or Italian guide, stopping at Mondello Bay, Vergine Maria, and Grotta Regina for swimming and snorkeling. Choose a sailing boat for smaller groups or a vintage motor yacht for larger parties. Giuseppe, Gabriele, and Stefano are among the guides who may lead the trip, with wine and Sicilian snacks served aboard.
“Totally worth it.A very relaxing experience with aperitif at the end.We were 10 people in total and two guides with us. If you don't have a car to go around the beaches but want to go for a swim this is the experience for you”
Paddle east from Maiori with local guides such as Danilo, Salvatore, and Nicola, stopping at Torre Normanna, Acquachiara beach, and Grotta di Pandora. You’ll get kayak and snorkeling gear, a dry bag, fruit, water, a hat, and photos sent by email. Swimming ability is required.
“It was my first and by far the best activity in Amalfi coast, the lads are brilliant. The whole tour was very well taken care of. Can’t recommend this enough, also no better way to see the coast than with your kayak and so close to the water.”
Sail from Amalfi toward Positano aboard a 10 to 12 metre traditional gozzo with an English-speaking guide, captain, drinks, snacks, towels, and snorkeling gear. Choose a 2, 4, 6, or 7-hour outing, with swimming stops, coastal caves, and free time in Positano on longer tours. Crew members may include Juna, Noemi, Marco, Desy, or Chiara.
“Absolutely worth every penny! The tour guide was fantastic and so accommodating. We stoped at several beautiful places to swim and were able to even do some cliff jumping! Highly Recommend”
Set out from San Vito with Venture Vibes for a two-hour cruise past Polignano a Mare’s caves, cliffs, Lama Monachile, and Grotta Palazzese. You’ll hear live or recorded commentary, stop for a swim and snorkeling, and enjoy Prosecco, soft drinks, and taralli. Captains such as Piero guide the boat carefully through narrow coastal inlets.
“Funny and fresh captain. Beautiful coastline. Nice chauffeur who drove the minivan from and to the center of Polignano a Mare.”
Join local guide Alessio for a small-group kayak trip from Minori toward Pandora Cave and Dead Horse Beach. Paddle past coastal forts, enter a sea cave, snorkel in clear water, and enjoy fruit, lemonade, and a freshly mixed lemon spritz on a beach reached only by sea. Equipment, photos, water, and luggage storage are included.
“Our guide was excellent with lots of history and stories to tell The scenery was amazing from the coast line and buildings to the snorkelling and kayaking in and out of the caves. Nothing was a problem for Alezio and we thoroughly enjoyed this day.”
From Maiori, you paddle east with local guides such as Dani, Nicola, Federico, and Carmelo, stopping at Acquachiara beach and Pandora Cave for swimming and snorkeling. Expect about 3.5 hours on the water, clear safety instruction, fresh fruit, photos sent by email, and a steady workout suited to beginners who can swim.
“Kayaking with this group of local men starting their own business was fantastic. They are kind, enthusiastic, and fun. We had four guides and about 10 paying guests. The facilities for meeting up and getting ready to go out on the water are great. I'm very glad we did it!”
Start in Minori with guide Alessio, then paddle along the coast past Maiori’s Norman Tower to the Sulfur Cave and Pandora’s Cave. You’ll have time to snorkel at Dead Horse Beach, enjoy fruit and an aperitif, and use kayaks, safety gear, dry bags, and an action camera. Open-sea kayaking requires swimming ability and moderate fitness.
“Alessio was an excellent host. He instructed us on the use of our kayaks, provided the necessary safety equipment including cold water and dry bags. He also shared with us his local knowledge and life on the Amalfi Coast. We had a perfect day on the water and our 3 & a half hour tour turned into 5 hours. Thoroughly recommend.”
Join Domenico and his crew at San Vito for a two-hour eco catamaran trip along Polignano a Mare. Expect quiet sailing past Grotta Palazzese, Lama Monachile, Cala Paura, and Grotta Ardito, plus a swim, snorkeling gear, snacks, and soft drinks. The boat carries up to 12 people and includes shaded seating and sun decks.
“This boat tour was one of the most beautiful experiences of the summer! I’m beyond satisfied – everything was absolutely perfect from start to finish. The sea, the sun, the breeze in my hair, and that feeling of freedom while cruising… simply priceless! What made it even more special was knowing we were sailing in a way that doesn’t pollute our beautiful Adriatic Sea. It felt so good to be part of something that respects and protects nature. All compliments to the amazing crew – such friendly, professional, and relaxed guys who made sure we had everything we needed and more. I would recommend this to absolutely everyone, and I…”
Set out from Ortigia with an Italian skipper and English audio commentary for a two-hour cruise past Arethusa Spring, Castello Maniace, and Syracuse’s karst caves. Swim near Pillirina Grotto, spot fish with provided goggles, and enjoy chilled drinks. Guides such as Marco and Aldo have been praised for adding friendly, useful commentary.
“We really enjoyed the boat ride and the swimming. After we swam for a Suffolk while, we went to the caves and went into one. Our guide was friendly and a great pilot. He pointed out different landmarks for us to see. it was a wonderful tour.”
Spend 2.5 hours aboard Étolie with Captain Alex and his family, viewing Cefalù’s churches from the sea, swimming and snorkeling near Mazzaforno and Kalura, and sharing a fresh Sicilian aperitivo with prosecco. Morning, afternoon, and sunset departures let you choose between cooler water, brighter views, or golden-hour scenery.
“Perfect morning on the boat with great direction from our captain about local monuments and the coastline”
Join White Lotus Taormina for a two-hour coastal cruise from Giardini Naxos. Your English- or Italian-speaking guide leads you past Lover’s Cave, Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, and quiet bays, with time to swim and snorkel. Captain Tinauro is known for lively commentary and music, and the trip ends with Sicilian snacks and drinks at sunset.
“Un moment inoubliable avec un capitaine au top — attentionné, drôle et vraiment génial avec les enfants 👏 Pause baignade, explications avec références cinéma, apéro fruits frais et prosecco … tout simplement parfait Une expérience à ne pas manquer pour découvrir Taormine autrement !”
Paddle west from Amalfi in a stable double kayak with a small group of up to 10. Your English or Italian-speaking guide leads you past the Arc of Lovers, Conca dei Marini, watch towers, and Runghetiello Grotto, with time for snorkeling, swimming, fruit, and photos.
“Absolutely breathtaking: the views and vibes were out of this world!”
You’ll circle Ustica by dinghy in about 2.5 hours with an Italian or English-speaking guide, visiting sea caves and quiet coves with several swim stops. Mario often leads the trip, sharing island stories and lending snorkel masks when needed. Choose a morning, afternoon, sunrise, or sunset departure.
“When you visit Ustica there is a private beach on one side of the island where you can pay to sit in chairs and when I say beach there is no sand on Ustica. The boat tours is the best way to see the island and swim. The only reason this gets a 4 is because all of the sites about Ustica say great for snorkeling but aside from as few tiny fish there isnt much life there. The company was great. Guide was lovely mostly multiple stops to swim. Bring your own snorkeling equipment they did have a couple on the boat but nothing fancy. And book it for…”
Pick a coastline, an animal or a kind of boat.
