Syracuse offers some of Sicily’s most accessible and beautiful waters for snorkeling. The combination of clear seas, marine parks, and dramatic caves makes this city a prime spot for underwater adventures. We particularly enjoy tours that balance scenic boat rides with opportunities to swim and explore marine caves, like Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, Sea Caves and snorkeling, which offers a relaxed, comprehensive experience. Its 4.6-star rating from 74 reviews highlights how well it delivers on value, with a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and cultural stops. From floating near the Pillirina Grotto to exploring Ortigia’s historic streets, it hits many high notes.
Other favorites include Boat tour of Ortigia, sea caves, Pillirina and snorkeling, which combines a scenic sail with stops for swimming, and Sailing tour and guided snorkeling a Siracusa, for those looking to combine sailing with underwater exploration. For a shorter, more budget-friendly option, the Syracuse: 90-Minute Boat Tour with Caves and Snorkeling provides a quick burst of sea cave adventure. Each offers a different flavor of Sicilian water and is suited to different kinds of travelers.
1. Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, Sea Caves and snorkeling
At number one, this scenic boat tour combines cultural sightseeing with underwater fun. Starting at Viale Montedoro, the tour takes you through the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, where the clear waters invite you to snorkel near the Pillirina Grotto. It then visits the island of Ortigia, famous for its ancient architecture and lively streets.
What sets this tour apart is its balance of relaxation and adventure. You’ll sip chilled drinks and spritzes on a comfortable boat as your skipper navigates along the coast. The highlight is exploring the Karst sea caves, which reveal the raw beauty of Syracuse’s coastline. The tour includes stops at Arethusa Spring and Castello Maniace, offering cultural insights alongside marine exploration. The snorkeling stop near Pillirina Grotto allows for a refreshing swim in beautifully transparent waters.
Reviews emphasize the friendly guides, the well-paced itinerary, and the quality of the water. “It was super interactive and our guide was so friendly,” one reviewer notes. This tour offers excellent value at $51.24 per person and is perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a combination of cultural sights and underwater exploration in a comfortable setting.
2. Boat tour of Ortigia, sea caves, Pillirina and snorkeling
This 2-hour boat tour offers a different perspective on Syracuse’s coast, with an emphasis on sea caves and scenery. Starting from Viale Montedoro, the tour takes you along the perimeter of Ortigia, providing a panoramic view of its historic architecture and the impressive Castello Maniace.
The real highlight is entering sea caves where the marine flora creates mesmerizing colors. The tour includes a swim stop in crystal-clear waters, with fresh fruit and prosecco served onboard, making it an especially relaxing way to enjoy the Sicilian sea. It’s a good choice for travelers who love a leisurely pace combined with sightseeing and underwater fun.
Guests describe the captain as “fabulous,” and reviews mention the enjoyable swim and the opportunity to see Syracuse from a unique vantage point. At a competitive price of $51.86 per person, this tour packs a lot of value into its short duration, perfect for a quick exploration or for those with limited time.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a scenic sail with caves and a relaxed swim, especially solo travelers or couples.
3. Sailing tour and guided snorkeling a Siracusa
For around 2.5 hours, this sailing adventure offers a more tranquil, intimate experience. With a certified guide leading the way, you’ll sail along the coast in search of the perfect snorkeling spots. The focus here is on quality over quantity—swimming in crystal-clear waters and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of sailing.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to experience the sea with a professional guide who shares insights into the local marine life and coastline. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a less crowded, more personalized outing. The sailing vessel provides a different vibe from motorboats, with ambient music and the gentle sway of the boat adding to the experience.
Reviewers mention the “unforgettable experience” and highlight the sail along Sicily’s beautiful coastlines. Since the tour lasts longer, it’s suited for those who want a more relaxed, immersive day—ideal for couples or small groups. Price is not specified, but the focus on guided snorkeling makes it more of a premium choice.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a serene, guided sailing experience with personalized snorkeling.
4. Syracuse: Snorkeling + Pillirina, Ortigia & sea caves boat tour
This 5-star rated tour offers an all-in-one experience. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll explore the marine caves along Ortigia’s coast, stop at the Pillirina Bay, and enjoy swimming in turquoise waters. The tour emphasizes fun, with multiple stops to jump into the water, plus onboard relaxation with fresh fruit and prosecco.
What makes this tour unique is its emphasis on hidden caves and marine protected areas, ideal for underwater photography or just soaking in the natural beauty. The guide, Cris, gets rave reviews for being “fun and engaging,” making the experience lively and memorable. The inclusion of music and the option to relax enhance the appeal.
For $56.94 per person, this tour offers a good mix of adventure and comfort. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting a lively, interactive day. The focus on snorkeling, caves, and marine scenery makes it stand out in Syracuse’s tour lineup.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want a lively, full-spectrum snorkeling adventure with a friendly guide.
5. Snorkeling in the Plemmirio marine protected area
This simple yet effective 2-hour snorkeling session takes place in the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area. Known for its crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life, it’s a straightforward option for travelers who want to focus solely on snorkeling.
While the tour doesn’t include a boat ride or cultural stops, the appeal lies in the quality of the water and the chance to see local marine fauna up close. It’s suited for snorkelers of all levels, especially those who prefer to skip the longer boat trips and jump right into the water for a quick, immersive experience.
One review highlights the excellent visibility and abundant marine life, making it a practical choice for solo snorkelers or those on a tight schedule. This tour provides the best value for pure underwater immersion.
Bottom Line: Ideal for water lovers wanting a dedicated, accessible snorkeling experience in a protected marine park.
6. Syracuse: 90-Minute Boat Tour with Caves and Snorkeling
Rounding out the list, this shorter boat tour offers a quick but exciting glimpse into Syracuse’s sea caves and snorkeling spots. Designed for travelers short on time, it still manages to include the highlights: sea caves, the Arethusa Spring, and a snorkeling stop, all with ambient music on board to enhance the experience.
Its main advantage is the compact timing—perfect for cruise travelers or those with limited availability who still want a taste of Syracuse’s marine environment. Although brief, reviews note the professional staff and the scenic, sunny sailing experience that leaves you feeling refreshed.
At its core, this tour is about efficient exploration—a quick but satisfying introduction to the coast’s caves and snorkeling opportunities.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers after a swift, scenic experience, or those with tight schedules.
How to Choose the Best Snorkeling Experience in Syracuse
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your preferences for time, budget, and activity level. If you want a comprehensive day with cultural stops and multiple swims, the Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, Sea Caves and snorkeling is hard to beat. For a more relaxed sailing with guided snorkeling, the Sailing tour and guided snorkeling a Siracusa offers a peaceful escape.
If your goal is pure underwater immersion without much fuss, the Snorkeling in the Plemmirio marine protected area is straightforward and affordable. Short on time? The 90-minute boat tour offers a quick taste of caves and snorkeling.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid missing out on the best weather.
Final thoughts
Syracuse caters to a wide range of water lovers, from those seeking a full day of exploration and culture to travelers after a quick splash. The top options include the Pillirina, Ortigia, Sea Caves, and snorkeling tour for its mix of scenery and underwater fun, and the Sailing tour and guided snorkeling for those craving serenity. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the dedicated snorkeling in Plemmirio, while those short on time can opt for the 90-minute adventure.
Each of these tours offers a chance to experience Syracuse’s stunning coast, whether via boat, sail, or just snorkeling in protected waters. Book your spot early, bring your swim gear, and prepare to enjoy Sicily’s incredible maritime environment.
