3 Hours Private Boat Tour of Syracuse and Ortigia with skipper

If you’re visiting Sicily and want to see the stunning coastlines of Syracuse and the island of Ortigia from a different perspective, this 3-hour private boat tour might catch your eye. While I haven’t done this exact experience myself, I’ve looked into what it offers, and I think it’s worth sharing the details with anyone considering a sea adventure in this area.

One of the things I love about this tour is its personalized nature—you’re not just on a crowded boat, but with a dedicated skipper guiding your small group, making it feel more like a private getaway. Plus, the chance to swim in beautiful spots and do some snorkeling sounds like a relaxing way to enjoy the Sicilian coast. On the flip side, one possible consideration is that since the guide speaks only Italian, you might miss out on some of the local stories unless you speak the language or have a translator.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for an intimate, flexible experience with a mix of sightseeing and swimming. If you’re after a laid-back day on the water, want to explore lesser-known spots, and appreciate the chance to customize your stops, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Private tour ensures intimate experiences and flexibility.
• Skipper-led means you’ll get local insights and tailored stops.
• Swimming and snorkeling are available at multiple scenic spots.
• The tour covers Ortigia from the sea, offering unique views of its historic architecture.
• Cost is $434.10 for up to six people, offering good value for a private experience.
• Weather-dependent; bad weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Why You Might Love This Tour

We loved how this tour blends sightseeing with spontaneous swimming stops. The chance to admire Ortigia’s ancient palaces and churches from the water makes the experience feel special—seeing a city from the sea offers a different appreciation than walking its streets. Plus, the skipper’s local knowledge, even if limited to Italian, was appreciated for the sense of authenticity and trustworthiness, especially according to one review where the captain was described as “trustworthy.”

The swimming stops at Plemmirio and the Grotta Della Pillirina give you solid opportunities to cool off and explore the seabed—snorkel goggles are available upon request, which is a nice touch for those interested in marine life. The water at certain stops is described as green and crystalline, making for a memorable swim.

The small boat with shade was praised for comfort and intimacy, perfect for families or small groups seeking a relaxed outing. The inclusion of cushions, a shower, and radio means you’re set for a comfortable journey, and the moderate duration (about 3 hours) keeps it manageable without feeling rushed.

What the Itinerary Looks Like in Practice

Starting Point: Syracuse’s Shoreline

The tour begins from Viale Montedoro in Siracusa, which is fairly easy to reach, especially if you’re already exploring the city. You’re greeted by your skipper and the boat, which is described as cozy and well-equipped.

Sightseeing Around Ortigia

The first part of the tour is a 40-minute cruise around Ortigia, providing a fresh perspective of its historic architecture from the water. This is a highlight for many travelers, as you get to see the old city walls, palaces, and churches from an angle few visitors experience.

The Castle Overlooking the Sea

Next, if weather permits, you’ll stop for about 45 minutes at a majestic castle overlooking the sea. The flexibility of this stop is a plus—since it’s a private tour, you can decide whether to explore more or swap the stop for a dive. One reviewer appreciated the “trustworthy captain” and the fact that the stop could be tailored, making this part of the tour quite personalized.

Swimming at Plemmirio and Grotta Della Pillirina

The Plemmirio area is a standout: a beautiful spot for swimming, especially in calm weather, with about 30 minutes allocated for a dip. The Grotta Della Pillirina offers a slightly longer swim (about 40 minutes), giving you time to explore underwater or just relax in the water. The fact that these are admission ticket-free spots adds to the value.

Hidden Waters Near a Tuna Fishery

The final stop is a secret location near a tuna fishery, characterized by crystal-clear waters that invite a quick swim or snorkel. This “hidden” gem is praised for its beauty and tranquility, adding a special touch to the experience.

Round Trip

The remaining time is spent traveling back to the starting point, allowing for some reflection and photos of the coast. The total trip duration, including all stops and travel time, is roughly 3 hours, which is just enough to enjoy the highlights without feeling too rushed.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This tour is designed as a private experience for up to six people, making it ideal for small groups, families, or friends. The price of $434.10 might seem high at first glance, but considering it covers a customized, intimate experience, it offers good value. Think of it as paying for quality time and flexibility rather than a cookie-cutter group tour.

The boat is equipped with radio, cushions, and a shower, which makes the journey comfortable, especially if you plan to spend time swimming or just lounging. Goggles for snorkeling are available upon request, which is a nice option if marine exploration interests you.

Since the tour is weather-dependent, it’s worth noting that bad weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling. The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving some peace of mind if weather looks uncertain.

Booking and Availability

Most travelers book this tour about 26 days in advance, which indicates it’s popular and well-regarded. The mobile ticket makes it easy to manage, and the flexibility to cancel or change plans adds a layer of convenience.

Accessibility and Travel Ease

The meeting point is centrally located in Siracusa, near public transport options, making it easy to access if you’re already exploring the city.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that the main appeal of this tour is its personalized approach. One traveler described their guide as “fun” and flexible, which aligned with the idea that you can decide how long to spend at each stop. Some wished for more historical commentary—one noted that the skipper only spoke Italian, which made it harder to get detailed info about the sights.

Another review highlighted the well-organized nature of the trip and the comfort of the small boat. The inclusion of fresh fruits and drinks was a welcome touch, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for small groups or families looking for a relaxed, private outing on the water. It’s perfect if you value customization and want to avoid large crowds. If you’re keen on swimming in scenic spots and enjoying a laid-back cruise with stunning views, this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re looking for an in-depth historical narration or an activity in multiple languages, this might not be the best fit.

The Sum Up

This private boat tour of Syracuse and Ortigia offers a personalized, scenic, and relaxing way to explore the Sicilian coast. Its highlights—like the swimming stops, beautiful views of the historic city, and the flexibility to customize your experience—make it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a laid-back day on the water.

While it’s a bit on the pricier side, the private nature and thoughtful amenities provide good value, especially for those who want an intimate experience without the crowds. Plus, the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, combined with the unique perspective of Ortigia from the sea, makes it a memorable addition to your Sicily trip.

If you’re comfortable with a small, Italian-speaking skipper and enjoy the idea of a flexible, private cruise, I think you’ll find this tour offers plenty of moments to cherish.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the small boat with cushions and shade makes it comfortable for families, and swimming stops can be enjoyed by all ages, weather permitting.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private boat with a skipper, snorkeling goggles upon request, and the stops listed in the itinerary.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can decide whether to spend more or less time at certain locations, like the castle or swimming spots.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including travel time and stops.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sun protection, and possibly snacks or drinks, although some refreshments are mentioned as available.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling; the provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

How many people can join?
Up to 6 people per group, making it ideal for small parties.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Viale Montedoro in Siracusa, easily accessible by public transportation.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

Is there a guide commentary during the trip?
The skipper primarily leads the trip, and one review notes that the guide only spoke Italian, so detailed commentary might be limited.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the 3-hour private boat tour of Syracuse and Ortigia. It’s a laid-back, scenic, and flexible way to enjoy Sicily’s coast—perfect if you’re after a personalized adventure with plenty of chances to relax and take in the views.