2 hours Tour boat tour : Scilla – Costa Viola

Exploring Calabria’s Stunning Coastline on a 2-Hour Boat Tour from Scilla

Imagine setting sail along the picturesque coast of Calabria, passing dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and crystal-clear waters. This 2-hour boat tour from Scilla offers a wonderful way to experience the region’s natural beauty and coastal charm without taking up your whole day. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a vivid picture of what you can expect—especially if you’re looking for a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on the water.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, it’s a great way to see iconic sights like the Rock of Ulysses and the Ruffo Castle from a unique perspective. Second, the stops for swimming at Favazzina or Oliveto Beach promise refreshing dips in clear waters—perfect after a warm day exploring. Third, the inclusion of storytelling about the local sites adds a layer of cultural interest. That said, a potential consideration is the sea conditions, especially for those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues, as it involves a boat ride and swimming. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, family-friendly outing with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of authentic Calabria coastal life.

Good To Know

• Authentic Coastal Views: See iconic landmarks like the Rock of Ulysses and Ruffo Castle from the water.
• Family-Friendly: Activities like snorkeling with masks and tubes make it suitable for all ages.
• Relaxing Swim Stops: Enjoy crystal-clear waters at Favazzina and Oliveto Beach.
• Informative Tour: Includes detailed stories and explanations of local sites.
• Refreshments Included: A cold drink and chips help you unwind after swimming.
• Limited Group Sizes: Small groups (up to 15) ensure a more personal experience.

The Experience: What to Expect on the 2-Hour Boat Tour from Scilla

This boat tour provides a well-rounded mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing without feeling rushed. Starting at the charming port of Scilla, your journey begins with a quick greeting from your skipper, who is responsible for navigating, storytelling, and ensuring your safety. The small group setting—capped at 15 participants—guarantees a cozy, intimate atmosphere where you can ask questions and enjoy personalized attention.

The Itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize your experience. You’ll first cruise past some of Calabria’s most striking sites—the legendary Rock of Ulysses, a towering limestone formation steeped in local legend, and the Ruffo Castle, offering a glimpse of medieval history from the boat. As you glide along, you’ll see the bustling Marina Grande beach, the Tre Croci Cliff, and Capo Paci, all with the backdrop of grand villas overlooking the Strait of Messina. The narration, told in Italian, provides context and stories about each landmark, giving you a richer appreciation of the region’s history and legends.

Next, the boat turns toward Chianalea, a beautiful fishing village known for its colorful houses and narrow streets. The boat continues on to Oliveto Beach, a quieter stretch perfect for a quick dip or some relaxation. The highlight for many travelers is the stop at Favazzina, where you have around 25 minutes to swim in the pristine waters. From the reviews, we learn that the water quality here is excellent, and the experience is made even better by the inclusion of masks and snorkels, which are provided on board for those who want to explore underwater life.

The Refreshment Break is a simple but thoughtful touch—your hosts offer a cold drink and chips, making it easy to unwind during your swim. The drinks are a nice way to stay hydrated and add a bit of comfort to the experience. After the swim, you’ll retrace your route back to Scilla, passing more coastlines, villas, and scenic views.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Stops in Detail

Stop 1: Starting point at Scilla
The tour kicks off from the familiar harbor of Scilla, a picturesque fishing village made famous by its dramatic cliffs and mythic connections. Meeting at the “Scilla in Barca” kiosk, you’ll check in 15 minutes early—it’s handy to arrive on time since the boat departs promptly. The boats used for this tour are Galea, Itaca, and Nerea, each offering a cozy space for your cruise.

Stops 2-8: Cruising along the coast
During this stretch, the boat glides past stunning rock formations, historic castles, and upscale villas. The storytelling aspect makes the scenery more meaningful—your guide, speaking Italian, shares insights into the legends and history of each landmark, like the myth of Ulysses or the significance of the Ruffo Castle. The boat ride itself is a relaxing way to see the coastline from a different perspective, with plenty of opportunities for photos and the chance to learn about Calabria’s maritime past.

Stop 9: Swimming and Relaxation at Favazzina
This is the highlight for many. The waters here are described as crystalline and inviting, perfect for a quick swim or some snorkeling with provided masks and tubes. The review from Antonio emphasizes that this stop is a “relaxing moment,” and the inclusion of refreshments makes it more enjoyable. For those who aren’t interested in swimming, there’s the option to simply lounge on the boat and soak up the sun.

Return to Scilla
After about 25 minutes at Favazzina, you’ll head back, passing more scenic vistas and villas before returning to the harbor. The journey offers a good balance of sightseeing and leisure, leaving you feeling refreshed and enriched.

The Practicalities: Pricing, Group Size, and What’s Included

This tour costs a reasonable amount considering the experience—covering the boat ride, storytelling, snorkeling gear, and refreshments. It’s a two-hour tour, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want a taste of Calabria’s coast without dedicating a full day. The small group size (max 15) ensures a more personalized experience, which is often appreciated in such scenic, story-rich excursions.

Included in the price are the detailed explanations about local landmarks, snorkel masks, and a refreshing drink with chips. The boat ride covers fuel, and the skipper is there to keep things running smoothly.

It’s important to note what’s not included: meals or transfers. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the port of Scilla, and if you want a longer or more elaborate experience, there are other tours available that extend beyond the two hours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, thanks to the safe swimming stops and the casual, friendly atmosphere. It’s also suitable for anyone interested in local stories and landmarks, as the narration provides depth beyond just scenic views. If you’re someone who enjoys relaxing on the water, with the possibility of dolphin or manta ray sightings (if luck is on your side), this tour offers a fun and laid-back way to enjoy Calabria’s coastline.

Travelers with mobility issues or those prone to seasickness should consider their comfort, as the tour involves boat travel and swimming in open water. But for most, this boat tour strikes a great balance between sightseeing and leisure, making it a memorable part of any Calabria trip.

The Sum Up

This 2-hour boat tour from Scilla offers a well-balanced experience combining beautiful scenery, engaging storytelling, and refreshing swims. It’s a fantastic way to see highlights like the Rock of Ulysses, Ruffo Castle, and the charming village of Chianalea from a unique vantage point, all while enjoying some downtime in crystal-clear waters. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and refreshments adds value, making it suitable for families and solo travelers alike.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, the compact length and small group size make it an ideal choice for those seeking a taste of Calabria’s coast with minimal fuss. If you love scenic boat rides, authentic stories, and a chance to cool off in gorgeous waters, this tour is likely to leave you with lasting memories—and perhaps a few new underwater friends.

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FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is family-friendly with activities like snorkeling and swimming, but children should be comfortable in open water and be supervised at all times.

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear, a charged smartphone, sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear. The tour provides masks and snorkels, but any personal gear is optional.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including all stops and swimming time.

Are the tours available in English?
The tour is offered in Italian, so some understanding of the language is helpful, but the scenic views and experience are enjoyable regardless.

What if I get seasick?
The tour involves boat travel, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions or consulting your doctor beforehand. This activity isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

This boat tour provides an engaging, scenic, and relaxed way to experience Calabria’s coast, with enough included to keep everyone comfortable and entertained. Perfect for those who want a slice of the sea, stories, and sun in one short outing.

You can check if your dates are available here: