Mondello is one of Sicily’s most charming seaside spots, renowned for its soft sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. It’s also a fantastic place to explore by boat, with options ranging from relaxing sunset cruises to full-day adventures. Why do we love these tours? Because they offer a chance to escape the crowds of Palermo, learn about the Mediterranean’s calm waters, and discover hidden spots like the Lovers’ Cave or the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve. Some tours even include snacks, drinks, or Sicilian aperitifs, turning a simple boat ride into a memorable experience.
Among the many options, a few stand out for their combination of scenery, comfort, and local insight. The Palermo: Mondello & Isola delle Femmine Boat Tour with Drink is a top choice for a longer, scenic cruise that includes swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin spotting. Meanwhile, the Palermo: HALF-DAY TOUR ON BOAT offers a shorter but equally engaging way to explore Palermo’s coast with all the essentials. For a more luxurious experience, the Palermo Coast Morning & Sunset Tour on Catamaran delivers both daytime and sunset views from a comfortable vessel, complete with an aperitif. Whether you’re after a full-day adventure or a quick sunset escape, these tours provide authentic ways to enjoy Sicily’s maritime beauty.
Below, I’ll walk you through each of the nine best boat tours in Mondello, highlighting what makes them unique and helping you decide which fits your style and schedule best.
1. Palermo: Mondello & Isola delle Femmine Boat Tour with Drink
At number 1, this luxury RIB boat tour combines scenic beauty with comfort, making it a favorite for those seeking a more refined experience. Over 4 to 5 hours, you’ll cruise along Palermo’s coast, passing the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve and the Lighthouse, with plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in the Gulf of Mondello and Isola delle Femmine. The boat is equipped with a sun awning, music, and a ladder for easy water access, ensuring a relaxed day on the sea. Guests often mention the chance to see dolphins and take stunning sunset photos as highlights.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of high-quality service and natural beauty. Snacks, drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere elevate it beyond a simple boat ride. It’s perfect for travelers who want a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience and don’t mind a slightly longer outing. The reviews, rating it 4.9/5 from 190 reviews, confirm it’s highly popular among those who value comfort and scenic value.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a leisurely, well-equipped cruise with snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sunset views.
2. Palermo: HALF-DAY TOUR ON BOAT
Coming in at number 2, this half-day boat tour offers a shorter, more intimate way to explore Palermo’s coastline. Covering around four hours, it includes snorkeling gear, a skipper, and a fresh fruit aperitif—perfect for those who want a quick escape from city sightseeing. This tour emphasizes the crystal-clear waters and hidden coves around Palermo, letting you relax and soak up the sun without feeling rushed.
What sets this experience apart is the focus on immersive water activities like swimming and snorkeling, along with a small-group atmosphere. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a relaxed but active outing, with the chance to discover marine reserves you might not find on your own. The highly-rated reviews (4.9/5 from 76 reviews) reflect its appeal for those seeking genuine leisure and natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, relaxing escape, especially if you love snorkeling and discovering less crowded spots.
3. Palermo by Sea: Relaxing Boat Tour with Aperitif
Ranking third, this luxury boat tour provides a peaceful way to see Palermo’s coast. Over four hours, you’ll glide past iconic landmarks like Casa Florio and the Addaura, stopping for swimming and snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots like Mondello and Grotta Regina. The boat is an 8.5-meter Sorrento gozzo, offering an intimate, comfortable experience.
What makes this tour special is the exclusive atmosphere and small group size, limited for maximum comfort. The addition of a Sicilian aperitif while enjoying the views adds a refined touch. The guide shares insights about Palermo’s coastal sights, enriching the experience. Guests have praised the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups wanting a relaxing, refined cruise with a focus on scenery and local stories.
4. Sicani Boat Tour Palermo – Full Day
At number 4, this full-day boat tour is the most extensive option, lasting around 8 hours. It’s ideal for those who want to truly enjoy Sicily’s coastline, with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing stops. The tour is aboard a comfortable Cranchi Cruiser 32 with an experienced crew, which means you’ll be well taken care of during your long day at sea.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary—covering multiple scenic spots like Capo Gallo and the Lovers’ Cave. It offers excellent value for those eager to spend a whole day exploring. The review rating of 5/5 from 2 reviews indicates this is a premium, well-organized trip. It’s best suited for travelers with a full day to spare, families or groups who want to maximize their time on the water.
Bottom Line: For those who want an all-day, comfortable, and activity-rich experience exploring Sicily’s coast.
5. Palermo Coast Morning & Sunset Tour on Catamaran
Number 5 on our list is the catamaran tour, which offers both morning and sunset options. Lasting around five hours, this experience combines sightseeing with relaxation, including stops at Mondello and Tonnara Florio. It’s perfect if you want to see Palermo from the sea at different times of day.
This tour excels with its modern catamaran comfort, the opportunity to enjoy Sicilian scenery, and an onboard aperitif. The guide shares stories about Palermo and its Gulf, adding an educational element. Its popularity is reflected in rave reviews, and the focus on safety and quality makes it a safe bet for families and couples.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a flexible, scenic cruise with the chance to enjoy both sunrise/sunset and daytime views.
6. Palermo: Mondello at Sunset with a Swim and Aperitif
In sixth place, this short sunset cruise offers an intimate two-hour experience. It’s designed for those who want to combine a relaxing swim with watching the sunset over Isola delle Femmine. The boat features cushions, a shower, stereo, and a lounge ladder, making it comfortable for all.
The highlight is the aperitif as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, creating a classic Sicilian moment. The small group size ensures an exclusive, personalized experience, which is perfect for couples or small groups celebrating a special occasion. The tour’s simplicity and focus on sunset views make it a popular choice among those seeking romance and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Best for sunset lovers, romantic couples, or anyone wanting a quick but memorable seaside experience.
7. Private Palermo: Day Tour Palermo Mondello
Ranking seventh, this private full-day tour offers the flexibility to customize your itinerary. Up to 12 people can enjoy multiple swimming stops, snorkeling, and relaxing in the most scenic spots like Mondello and Capo Gallo. It includes a Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant, adding a culinary touch.
This tour is perfect for families or groups wanting a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities to swim and explore. The guide shares insights about the coast and local culture, making it both an active and educational trip. The reviews highlight its flexibility and attentive service.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups who want a private, customizable day on the water with local cuisine.
8. Palermo: Boat tour to Capo Gallo with a skipper
Coming in at number 8, this skipper-led tour offers a more personalized experience exploring Palermo’s coast and the Capo Gallo Reserve. It lasts around four hours and includes swimming in clear waters away from crowds. The skipper knows every hidden corner, making this a tailored adventure.
This option appeals to those who value a private guide’s expertise and want to avoid busy tourist spots. It’s perfect for couples, families, or friends who prefer a flexible schedule and direct interaction with an expert. The comfort and insider knowledge make this a memorable choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, flexible tour with a local skipper leading the way.
9. Palermo: Boat trip on a traditional Sicilian gozzo
Finally, at number 9, this authentic Sicilian wooden gozzo offers a genuine experience of local maritime tradition. Lasting from 4 to 8 hours, it’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, traditional day at sea with scenic views and a Sicilian aperitif onboard.
What makes this tour unique is the chance to sail aboard a classic wooden vessel that’s a symbol of Sicily’s seafaring history. It’s suitable for small groups or families, with a focus on authenticity and culture. The itinerary includes stops at Mondello, the long-tail boat ride, and scenic sailing along the coast.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking an authentic, traditional boat experience with a small group.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal Mondello boat experience, consider how much time you have and what kind of experience you want. If you’re after a full day of exploring, the Sicani Boat Tour offers extensive coverage. For a romantic sunset, the Mondello at Sunset tour is hard to beat. If comfort and a personalized experience are your priorities, the Private Palermo or Capo Gallo Skipper Tour are excellent options. For those on a tighter schedule, the half-day or sunset cruise give a taste of Sicily’s stunning coastline without taking up the whole day.
Also, think about your interests—whether it’s snorkeling, sightseeing, or enjoying local food and drinks. Booking early is recommended, especially for the top-rated tours, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
From quick scenic snapshots to full-day explorations and authentic sailing aboard a traditional gozzo, Mondello’s boat tours offer a diverse range of ways to experience Sicily’s coast. For couples wanting romance, the sunset cruises deliver unforgettable moments. Families or groups eager for adventure will find plenty of options, especially the full-day Sicani tour or the private charter.
No matter which you choose, these tours are your best bet for seeing the coast from a different perspective—and making stories you’ll tell long after you leave. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking early, especially during peak season. Now, all that’s left is to pick your perfect boat and enjoy the sea.
