Giardini Naxos offers some of Sicily’s most scenic coastlines, making it a perfect spot for dolphin watching. The combination of clear waters, rugged caves, and panoramic vistas creates an ideal backdrop for wildlife enthusiasts and sunset lovers alike. Personally, we love the Giardini Naxos: Dolphin Searching Sunset Boat Tour because it expertly combines dolphin spotting with a relaxing sunset cruise, along with visiting stunning caves and filming sites from well-known movies. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances wildlife encounters with scenic beauty and a taste of Sicilian hospitality.
While there are several options, we’ve focused on two tours that stand out for their unique offerings, reviews, and value. Whether you’re after a quick, intimate experience or a more extensive exploration of the coast, these tours cover a lot of ground—both figuratively and literally.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each tour, including what makes them special, their highlights, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Giardini Naxos: Dolphin Searching Sunset Boat Tour
This sunset tour is the most highly rated in our list, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from nearly 500 reviews. Priced at $65 per person for 2.5 hours of scenic sailing, it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a mix of wildlife, caves, and a relaxing evening on the water. The tour departs from Porto di Giardini Naxos and takes you along the coast toward Taormina, with stops at notable spots like Grotta dell’amore and the Blue Grotto. The guide makes an effort to search for dolphins in the wild, which adds an element of unpredictability—sometimes you spot a pod, and sometimes not, but the thrill is part of the fun.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on wild dolphin sightings at sunset, a magical time when the light hits the water just right. Along the way, you’ll explore caves featured in film classics like “WHITE LOTUS” and “LE GRAND BLEU,” giving you a taste of cinematic Sicily. The tour also includes swimming in crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off after sightseeing. The combination of a scenic cruise, cave visits, dolphin searching, and a Sicilian aperitif makes this tour an excellent value.
Bottom line: If you want a highly-rated, balanced experience that highlights Sicily’s natural beauty and wildlife, this tour delivers at a reasonable price. Perfect for travelers who love sunset views and wildlife.
2. Sunset Tour and Searching Dolphins
This slightly more expensive option at $71 per person also lasts about 2.5 hours but offers a more dynamic experience, starting from La Sirena. It earned a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews—still positive, though with fewer overall opinions, indicating a more niche or less commercialized offering. The tour features a 30-minute speedboat ride that swiftly takes you along the coast, with stops at Capo Taormina and Isola Bella, where you’ll enjoy photo opportunities and a relaxing aperitif.
The highlight is the combination of dolphin searching and scenic coast exploration. During the cruise, you’ll search for dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat—an exhilarating experience when successful. The itinerary includes a visit to the Blue Grotto and multiple stops for photos and swimming. The tour emphasizes the emotional impact of seeing dolphins in the wild, making it a favorite for wildlife lovers. The sunset timing enhances the experience, as the light creates stunning reflections on the water.
The tour’s unique aspect is its more active pace with speedboat rides and multiple stops, giving travelers a sense of adventure. It’s well-suited for those who want a bit more thrill and scenic variety in their dolphin-watching experience.
Bottom line: If you’re after an energetic, scenic trip with dolphin searching and a good dose of photo stops, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal if you want to combine wildlife with coastal exploration.
How to Choose
When selecting between these dolphin tours, consider your budget, interest in adventure, and what kind of experience you seek. If a highly-rated, relaxing sunset cruise with cave visits is your priority, the Giardini Naxos: Dolphin Searching Sunset Boat Tour offers excellent value and comfort. For those craving a more energetic, fast-paced exploration with multiple stops and photo opportunities, the Sunset Tour and Searching Dolphins may be a better fit.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak summer months, to secure your spot. Both tours are suitable for most fitness levels, as they involve moderate walking and swimming; however, if you prefer a more leisurely experience, the first option’s calmer pace might be preferable.
To sum it up, Giardini Naxos offers two standout dolphin watching tours that cater to different preferences. The highly-rated sunset cruise with cave visits combines wildlife viewing with sightseeing and Sicilian charm—perfect for romantic evenings or first-time visitors. The more active tour offers a lively pace, multiple coastal stops, and a greater focus on dolphin encounters.
For a relaxing, scenic experience, the first tour is hard to beat. If you’re after a bit more adventure with lots of photo ops, the second option provides a memorable, dynamic outing. Whichever you choose, booking early will help ensure you don’t miss out on the magic of Sicily’s coast and its playful dolphins.
