Taormina’s stunning coastline makes it a natural for boat tours and cruises. Whether you’re craving a quick snorkel, a leisurely sunset sail, or a full-day island hopping adventure, the waters around Taormina serve up unforgettable views and unique experiences. I personally love the Naxos: Taormina Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Prosecco (see here) for its combination of lively marine exploration, scenic caves, and the cheerful inclusion of Prosecco and Sicilian sweets. It captures the essence of relaxing Sicilian days on the water—plus, it’s highly rated at 4.9/5 from 225 reviews, making it a dependable pick.
While some prefer quick dips and snacks, others seek full-day adventures, cultural insights, or romantic sunsets. The list below covers a wide variety—from snorkel safaris and sunset cocktails to private tours that combine Etna and the coast, always with a splash of Sicilian charm. Each offers something special, tailored to different interests and travel styles.
What Types of Tours Make the List?
Our selection includes half-day, full-day, private**, and specialty cruises. You’ll find tours with snorkeling gear, wine tastings, dolphin spotting, and visits to iconic sites like Isola Bella or Blue Grotto. For example, the Taormina: Boat Tour with Sicilian Wine Tasting combines food, drink, and stunning scenery in a 3-hour trip. Meanwhile, the Lipari and Vulcano Mini Cruise offers a full day exploring the Aeolian Islands, perfect for those wanting a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Below, I’ll detail each tour, highlighting what sets them apart, and helping you decide which fits your style and budget.
1. Naxos: Taormina Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Prosecco
Starting from Giardini Naxos, this 2-hour guided boat trip offers a lively introduction to Sicily’s coast. The tour includes fruit and Prosecco on board, making it perfect for a casual, fun outing. What makes it stand out is the chance to snorkel in the Isola Bella Nature Reserve and explore sea caves like Grotta dell’Amore, Grotta Azzurra, and Grotta. The boat glides past filming locations from the hit series “White Lotus,” adding a pop culture touch. The reviews praise the energetic guides, spacious boats, and the right balance of sightseeing and free time to jump in the water.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a quick, enjoyable taste of the coast with plenty of photo stops and marine fun. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and Prosecco makes it a lively, social experience. The only downside is the 2-hour duration, which might leave some craving more time; still, it’s excellent value at around 4.9/5 ratings.
Bottom Line: A quick, fun, and social introduction to Taormina’s coast—perfect for those short on time but eager for marine sights and bubbly.
2. Giardini Naxos: Taormina & Isola Cruise Bella with Aperitif
At number 2, this 2-hour tour hits the sweet spot for those who want sightseeing with a relaxed vibe. It covers Naxos bay, Isola Bella, and the Blue Grotto, with the added bonus of a Prosecco aperitif. The highlight is the chance to swim in protected waters at Isola Bella Marine Park, with dolphins often spotted during the cruise—an unexpected and delightful bonus. The tour also includes a guided visit of the Blue Grotto, making it educational as well as scenic.
Guests mention that feeling the sea breeze and watching dolphins play adds to the appeal, and at just $43 per person, it offers solid value. It’s well suited for travelers who want a balance of sightseeing, swimming, and local drinks. Keep in mind, the tour is only 2 hours, so don’t expect a full day.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a short but enriching experience with plenty of chances to relax, swim, and enjoy Sicilian snacks.
3. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour
This 7-hour guided day combines cultural exploration of Taormina—with its Greek-Roman theatre and charming streets—and a boat trip to Isola Bella. It’s a true all-in-one experience, perfect for travelers who want history, scenery, and a boat adventure in one day. The boat tour around the bay offers views of Baia di Naxos and Grotta Azzurra, with some guests noting it’s a great way to see the coast without the crowds. The tour includes free time in Taormina for shopping and sightseeing, plus optional guides to deepen your understanding.
Guests praise the smooth organization and the fact that it offers both land and sea experiences. For around $139, it offers a comprehensive taste of Sicily, especially for those who prefer guided tours with flexibility. The only limit is the duration—longer days require more planning.
Bottom Line: A perfect mix for those who want a bit of everything—beautiful sights, cultural insights, and a relaxing boat ride—in one well-organized trip.
4. Taormina: Boat Tour with Sicilian Wine Tasting
This 3-hour cruise combines the beauty of Sicily’s coast with the tastes of local wines, cheeses, and cold cuts. You’ll explore bays and caves, swim and snorkel in crystal waters, then sit back and savor Sicilian delicacies. What makes this tour special is its focus on culinary delights paired with stunning scenery. Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes on board and the chance to see Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto.
This tour is ideal for food lovers who also want to experience the sea. It offers a good balance of active and relaxing moments, making it good value for its duration. The guided narrative about the caves and coast enhances the experience, and the included wine tasting rounds it out nicely.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who love food and drink and want a scenic cruise with tastings included.
5. Isola Bella-Blue Grotto: Boat Tour, Snorkeling & Aperitif
A 2-hour trip focusing on caves, snorkeling, and dolphin spotting, this tour is for those who want an active yet relaxed experience. Expert guides share stories about the coast’s natural and cinematic features, and the dolphin sightings add excitement. The boat’s modern, safe design makes snorkeling accessible, and you’ll end with a Sicilian aperitif at sunset, making it a memorable finish.
Reviewers mention how engaging the guides are and the thrill of encountering dolphins. The high ratings—4.8/5—reflect its popularity. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to combine underwater adventure with scenic sights and a relaxed social atmosphere.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a compact, active tour with snorkeling, cave exploration, and dolphin watching, all topped with a sunset drink.
6. From Naples: Procida Transfer with Island Boat Tour
Although a bit further afield, this 8-hour tour offers an immersive experience of Procida, a colorful and less touristy island. The trip starts with a hydrofoil from Naples, then a 1-hour boat tour around Procida’s volcanic coast with a local skipper. You get to see dramatic tufa cliffs, sea-carved caves, and the fishing village of Corricella.
This option is best if you’re combining Sicily with a visit to Naples. The small group size and private boat make it intimate, and the optional swim stops are a bonus. The trip is more expensive but offers a distinct experience of Italy’s lesser-known islands.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a private, scenic island exploration with cultural flair beyond Sicily’s mainland.
7. From Taormina: Lipari and Vulcano Mini Cruise Aeolian Tour
A full-day cruise to the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands, this trip is ideal for those seeking island hopping. You’ll visit Lipari’s old town, cruise turquoise waters, and relax on Vulcano’s black sand beaches. The tour includes free time in Lipari and Vulcano, plus views of Capo Taormina and Grotta Azzurra.
Rated 4.2/5 from 281 reviews, it’s praised for its beautiful scenery and relaxed pace. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring charming villages.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to see multiple islands in one day, with plenty of time for swimming and wandering.
8. Half Day Sailing Tour Taormina Bay
This 4-5 hour sailing tour offers a peaceful way to see Taormina’s coast away from crowds. With just nine people on board, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience. Highlights include bays of Spisone and Mazzarò, Blue Grotto, and Isola Bella. You’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel, with equipment provided.
Guests rate it 4.5/5 and rave about the friendly captain and the small-group atmosphere. Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water with the chance to learn about local history.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a quiet, small-group sailing experience with swimming and snorkeling.
9. Boat trips with Ocirne in the Bay of Naxos and Isola Bella
This 2-hour trip offers a quick, scenic ride along Taormina’s coast, focusing on dolphins, sea stacks, and Isola Bella. The chance to see dolphins at sunset makes it special, and the boat is well-rated at 4.9/5.
Good for travelers wanting a short, memorable cruise with a chance to spot wildlife. The reviews confirm it’s a top choice for nature lovers.
Bottom Line: Short but sweet, perfect for those who want a quick marine highlight with wildlife spotting.
10. Taormina: Sunset Boat Tour with Aperitif
This 2-hour sunset cruise offers a romantic way to experience Taormina’s coast. You’ll visit caves and beaches while enjoying typical Sicilian aperitifs. The tour includes scenic stops at Mazzarò, Blue Grotto, and Isola Bella, with stunning sunset views.
Reviews mention the storytelling about local villages and dolphin sightings as highlights. It’s ideal for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic evening on the water.
Bottom Line: A romantic, laid-back cruise perfect for sunset lovers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian coastal beauty.
11. From Volcano to Sea: Private Tour of Etna and Taormina Boat Tour with tasting
This private tour combines scaling Mount Etna with a coastal boat cruise and tasting of Sicilian arancini. It’s ideal for those wanting an exclusive experience, with personalized attention. The private car transfer takes you from the volcano to the coast, with plenty of time to enjoy both environments.
Guests love the customizable itinerary and the chance to avoid crowds, making it perfect for travelers who prefer tailored experiences. The trip is lengthy but packed with adventure and flavor.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a private, customizable adventure that combines Sicily’s volcano and coast, with tastings to match.
12. Taormina: Dolphin Tour and Sunset Aperitif Boat Tour
This 2-hour sunset tour offers the chance to spot dolphins and enjoy the coast’s scenic beauty. You’ll cruise around Naxos Bay, passing landmarks like Isola Bella, and finish with a local aperitif. The dolphin sightings are a highlight, and the relaxed pace makes it great for unwinding at the end of the day.
Rated 4.9/5, travelers love the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views. It’s suited for those who want a peaceful, wildlife-focused cruise with a social vibe.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for dolphin-loving couples or small groups seeking a calm, scenic sunset experience.
13. Giardini Naxos: Dolphin Catamaran Sunset Tour with Aperetif
This 2.5–3-hour catamaran cruise is the largest in Taormina’s area, offering plenty of space to spot dolphins and enjoy the sunset. It features regional snacks and drinks, and guests appreciate the large, comfortable boat. The focus on dolphin sightings makes it exciting, and the relaxed pace lets you soak in the scenery.
Rated 4.2/5, it’s perfect for those seeking a family-friendly, spacious trip with wildlife encounters and a festive atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for groups or families wanting a spacious, dolphin-focused sunset cruise with local food.
14. Taormina: Coastline Boat Tour with Aperitif and Snorkeling
This 2-hour tour is perfect for snorkelers and explorers eager to see Taormina’s beaches and caves. It includes snorkeling gear, local snacks, and scenic stops around Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto. The small group and personalized nature of the tour make it a favorite for underwater enthusiasts.
Guests mention how the crystal-clear waters and interesting caves make it a memorable outing, especially for snorkelers looking to explore Sicily’s marine life.
Bottom Line: A top pick for snorkeling fans wanting a focused, scenic boat tour with plenty of underwater action.
15. Giardini Naxos and Taormina Sailing Tour
This 4-hour sailing adventure is a relaxed way to see Taormina’s coast from the sea. You’ll swim in Isola Bella, explore the Blue Grotto, and enjoy local Sicilian wines and snacks on board. It combines scenic sailing with casual gourmet moments.
Rated 4.9/5 with just a few reviews, it’s perfect for those seeking a laid-back, scenic, and tasty experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who love sailing and relaxing.
Bottom Line: A gentle, scenic sailing trip ideal for wine lovers and those wanting a peaceful day on the water.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour
Choosing the right boat experience depends on your interests, budget, and timing. If you want a quick splash of the coast with snorkeling and Prosecco, the Naxos: Snorkeling and Prosecco Tour is excellent. For full-day island hopping, consider the Lipari and Vulcano mini cruise. If you’re after romantic sunsets with local drinks, the Sunset Boat Tour would be perfect.
Budget travelers will find good value in shorter tours like the Giardini Naxos: Isola Bella & Aperitif, while those seeking exclusivity should consider the Private Etna & Coast Tour. Book early during peak season, especially for popular trips like the Dolphin Cruise, as they fill up quickly.
In summary, whether you’re after a lively snorkeling trip, a romantic sunset sail, or an adventure with wine tasting, Taormina’s coastline offers plenty of options. Each tour delivers a unique perspective of Sicily’s waters—so pick one that suits your travel style, and don’t forget to book ahead to secure your spot on this beautiful blue adventure.
