Messina is a fantastic base for boat tours and cruises thanks to its prime location along Sicily’s northeastern coast. The shimmering waters, dramatic cliffs, and nearby islands make for unforgettable trips on the sea. Whether you want a quick escape to swim and snorkel or an in-depth exploration of iconic film locations, Messina offers a variety of options that cater to different interests and budgets. We particularly enjoyed the Giardini Naxos: Isola Bella and Grottos Cruise with Aperitif, which combines scenic views, swimming stops, and local snacks—all in just two hours. Watching the sunset from a boat while sipping prosecco is hard to beat.
For travelers who prefer a more personalized experience, the Taormina Private Tour from Hotel or Cruise Terminal of Messina offers the chance to customize your visit to this beautiful hilltop town, with stops at Isola Bella, the Messina cathedral, and scenic viewpoints. And if snorkeling is your thing, the Boat Trip Isola Bella with Snorkeling provides a quick, energetic way to explore underwater marine life.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best boat tours and cruises in Messina. Each offers a unique way to experience the area’s natural beauty, culture, and even film history. From short snorkeling trips to full-day private tours, there’s something for all kinds of travelers.
1. Giardini Naxos: Isola Bella and Grottos Cruise with Aperitif
This popular 2-hour cruise from Giardini Naxos is a great way to see the coast of Taormina while enjoying some relaxing moments at sea. The tour includes stops for swimming in crystal-clear waters at the Isola Bella Marine Park, which is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Your skipper shares insightful commentary, pointing out the caves and coves, and even giving you a chance to marvel at Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos from inside a cave.
What makes this trip stand out is its laid-back atmosphere, with prosecco wine and local snacks served while you soak up the sun. The highlight for many is the chance to take photos of the stunning coastline—perfect for sharing on social media. The reviews consistently praise the friendly crew, the beautiful scenery, and the included aperitif. Some guests wish the swimming time was a bit longer, but overall, it’s a fun, affordable way to see the coast in a couple of hours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for anyone wanting a quick taste of the coastline with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing. The combination of scenic views, a laid-back vibe, and good value make it a top pick.
2. Taormina Private Tour from Hotel or Cruise Terminal of Messina
For those who prefer a tailored experience, this private tour offers a flexible way to explore Taormina at your own pace. It includes round-trip transportation from Messina’s cruise port, so no need to worry about schedules or large groups. Once in Taormina, you can enjoy free time to visit the Greek Theatre, stroll along Corso Umberto, or take photos at Isola Bella.
The driver acts as your personal guide, sharing local insights and stopping at panoramic viewpoints, including Messina’s Votive Temple of Christ the King. Guests love the personalized attention and the freedom to choose their own itinerary, with 2 hours in Taormina itself. The tour also includes quick stops at scenic spots like Isola Bella and the cathedral square, making it perfect for a half-day adventure.
This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a private, hassle-free experience with flexibility. It’s relatively pricey but offers excellent value considering the personalized service and the chance to explore without the constraints of a larger group.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to customize their visit to Taormina and avoid the typical group tour. It’s a more relaxed, intimate way to see Sicily’s most famous hill town.
3. Giardini Naxos: Boat Trip Isola Bella with Snorkeling
If underwater adventures are your thing, this 2-hour cruise from Giardini Naxos offers a fantastic opportunity to snorkel in the Isola Bella nature reserve. The boat boasts a comfortable setup, and the snorkeling gear is provided, so all you need is your sense of curiosity. The trip covers the coastline, giving you beautiful views of the sea and cliffs while sailing towards the marine protected area.
The true highlight is the chance to see marine life up close—many travelers comment on the stunning clarity of the water and the vibrant fish. Snacks and drinks onboard keep your energy up, making this a great option for active travelers. Reviewers rave about the friendly crew, the quality of the snorkeling equipment, and the chance to relax on the deck after swimming.
While the trip is short, it packs in enough activity and scenery to make it memorable. Be aware that the focus is on underwater exploration, so if you’re after a lengthy sightseeing cruise, this may feel quick.
Bottom Line: Excellent for snorkelers and those wanting a quick, fun trip with underwater discovery and scenic sailing.
4. From Messina Cruise Terminal: Private Godfather tour + Lunch
This full-day private tour immerses you in the filming locations of The Godfather. Starting from your hotel or cruise port, your guide takes you through Savoca and Forza d’Agro, towns that served as backdrops for many movie scenes. You’ll visit the Church of Santa Lucia, where Michael and Apollonia tied the knot, and the famous Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone asked for her hand.
The tour also includes a traditional Sicilian lunch at a family-owned restaurant, featuring cheeses, salami, caponata, and lemon sorbet—delicious and authentic. Your guide shares stories about the movie’s filming and the towns’ histories, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. The reviews praise Marco’s extensive knowledge and the opportunity to see places that travelers often miss, all at your own pace.
This tour is perfect for movie fans or anyone wanting an in-depth look at Sicilian life, combined with excellent food. The price reflects its exclusivity and personalized nature, making it best suited for those with a flexible schedule and a love of culture and cinema.
Bottom Line: Best for film buffs and travelers seeking a personalized, immersive experience that combines scenery, stories, and authentic cuisine.
5. Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola: The Best Excursion for Cruise Passengers
This 6-7 hour tour is designed for cruise travelers who want a quick but comprehensive taste of eastern Sicily. You’ll start with a walk around Mount Etna’s craters, standing at 2000 meters, where you can see the volcanic activity and enjoy spectacular views. Then, a stop in Castelmola offers panoramic vistas and a chance to sample their famous almond wine.
The afternoon is spent exploring Taormina, with free time to wander along Corso Umberto, visit the Greek Theatre, or stroll through the charming alleys. The tour also includes a brief stop at Messina’s cathedral and astronomical clock.
Guests appreciate the expert local guide, Filippo, who shares interesting facts about the region’s geology and history. The trip balances scenic drives, short walks, and cultural highlights, making it suitable for travelers pressed for time but eager to see key sights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise passengers seeking a well-rounded half-day tour with highlights of volcano, towns, and scenic views.
6. Taormina: Boat Tour to Taormina & Giardini Naxos with Drink
This 2-hour boat trip offers a relaxed way to see the coast from the water. Departing from Messina, you’ll sail past notable spots like the Blue Grotto in the Taormina Marine Park, Lovers Grotto, and Letojanni beach. The tour includes a complimentary drink and a chance to dive into clear waters for a swim.
The highlight for many is the spectacular scenery combined with a leisurely pace. Passengers enjoy the onboard almond paste and often spot dolphins or marine life, adding a touch of magic to the trip. Reviewers praise the friendly crew, especially the captain Carmelo, for making everyone feel welcome.
While not as detailed as a full-day excursion, this tour provides a perfect quick escape for those who want to combine sightseeing with some swimming and relaxing. It’s also very budget-friendly.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a short, scenic boat ride with opportunities for swimming and dolphin watching.
7. Private Tour of Taormina from hotel or cruise port in Messina
If you’re after an exclusive, luxurious experience, this private tour takes you from Messina to Taormina with personalized attention. The guide offers insights into the ancient theater, the Greek origins of the town, and local landmarks. You’ll explore famous streets, shops, and scenic viewpoints, with ample time to soak in the atmosphere.
The tour includes visits to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and Via Teatro Greco, showcasing the city’s enduring history. Reviewers commend the guide’s patience, especially for larger groups or families with diverse interests. The cost is high, but the personalized service and flexibility are unmatched.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a full, hassle-free day without rushing, especially if you want to focus on history and culture in a private setting.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an intimate, in-depth exploration of Taormina with a tailor-made itinerary.
8. Boat excursions Isola Bella
For a classic Sicilian boat experience, this 2-hour excursion is a simple, affordable way to see Isola Bella and the surrounding bays from the water. Departing from Porticciolo Saya Giardini Naxos, you’ll enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and dolphin watching. The trip includes almond pastries, prosecco, and marine life viewing, making it a delightful way to spend a couple of hours.
Reviewers love the friendly crew and the chance to relax while taking in the scenery. The boat is well-maintained, and the itinerary allows plenty of time for photos and swimming. This trip is ideal for families or travelers on a budget who still want an authentic experience.
While it doesn’t include extensive sightseeing, it offers a lovely mix of nature, fun, and relaxation in one compact trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for anyone wanting a straightforward, enjoyable boat ride with opportunities for swimming and dolphin sightings.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Messina
When selecting a boat tour, consider your interests first: for underwater exploration, snorkeling trips like Boat Trip Isola Bella with Snorkeling are ideal. If you prefer a personalized, private experience, the Private Godfather Tour+Lunch offers immersive storytelling and authentic Sicilian cuisine. Budget travelers might enjoy the Boat excursions Isola Bella, which combines affordability with scenic beauty.
Think about your schedule too—if you only have a few hours, a quick cruise like the Giardini Naxos: Isola Bella and Grottos Cruise provides a taste of the coast. For longer, more in-depth explorations, the full-day private Godfather tour or Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola are excellent choices.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment. Many tours offer online booking and detailed schedules, so plan accordingly.
To sum it up, Messina offers a broad spectrum of boat experiences—whether you’re after quick dips into the sea, detailed explorations of film locations, or private, bespoke adventures. For a quick, scenic cruise with swimming, the Giardini Naxos: Isola Bella and Grottos Cruise with Aperitif is hard to beat. If you want to combine sightseeing with culture and the best Italian cuisine, the private Godfather tour is a top choice. For those on a budget or seeking underwater fun, the Boat excursions Isola Bella delivers excellent value.
No matter your preference, booking early ensures you’ll get the experience that suits your style. Each of these tours offers a unique way to enjoy Sicily’s stunning coastline and rich culture—so pick your favorite and get ready for a memorable day on the water.
