Elba Island boat trips

If you’re considering a boat excursion around Elba Island, you’ve come across options that promise crystal waters, caves, and memorable swimming spots. We’ve reviewed a popular half-day trip operated by Motonave Principe, which offers a chance to see some of the island’s scenic highlights from the comfort of a boat. While this tour is generally appreciated for its beautiful vistas and friendly crew, it’s also worth knowing what to expect — and what might disappoint — before booking.

What we love about this experience include the chance to see spectacular sea caves like Grotta del Vescovo and Grotta Azzurra, the opportunity for refreshing swims in pristine waters, and the overall relaxing vibe on the boat. The views along the coast are undeniably gorgeous and make for excellent photo opportunities.

However, a potential drawback is the distance from the shore at swimming stops. Several reviewers note that the boat tends to stay fairly far from the beaches, which might limit the experience for those eager for a close-up view or quick access to the sand.

This tour could be particularly appealing to travelers who want a short, scenic cruise with a taste of Elba’s natural beauty without extensive hiking or sightseeing. It’s suitable for families, couples, or anyone looking for a relaxed, eye-catching way to experience the island from the sea.

Good To Know

• Stunning Coastline: The tour offers incredible views of Elba’s southern coast, perfect for photography.
• Sea Caves: Passages like Grotta del Vescovo and Grotta Azzurra add a touch of adventure and intrigue.
• Swimming Opportunities: Two stops are included for swimming, though they might be farther from the shore than expected.
• Short & Scenic: Ideal for a half-day outing, especially if your schedule is tight.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers are delighted by the scenery, others disappointed by the distance from beaches.
• Practical Aspects: Tour lasts about 2 hours, departs in the late afternoon, and is suitable for all ages and wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Departure and Route

The boat departs from Marina di Campo at approximately 4:20 p.m., giving you a late-afternoon window to enjoy the coast as the sun begins to lower, casting warm hues over the water. The vessel, the Motonave Principe, cruises clockwise along the southern coast, which is famed for its rugged cliffs, hidden caves, and colorful waters.

Sea Caves: Grotta del Vescovo & Grotta Azzurra

Your journey begins with a passing glimpse of Grotta del Vescovo, a notable sea cave often visible from the boat. Next up is the Grotta Azzurra, a highlight that dazzles with its light reflections and blue hues — although, according to reviews, it’s more of a small inlet seen from afar rather than an up-close exploration. One traveler noted that “the Grotta Azzurra is basically a small cove you see from the boat,” which suggests that if you’re craving an immersive cave experience, this trip might feel somewhat limited.

Colle di Palombaia & Seccheto

The boat then sails past the beach of Colle di Palombaia, a quiet stretch known for its natural beauty. The next stop is Seccheto, famous for natural pools that are perfect for swimming. These crystal-clear waters attract many, especially since they’re accessible from the boat, and the rocky formations create pleasant spots to relax and cool off.

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Fetovaia Bay: The Final Highlight

The last destination is the bay of Fetovaia, often cited as one of Elba’s most beautiful beaches. Its sandy seabed and transparent waters display varying shades of turquoise and blue, perfect for a scenic photo or a relaxing float. Here, travelers typically enjoy the longer swimming break, although some reviews suggest the boat remains quite far from the shore, which might dilute the beach experience somewhat.

Swimming Stops & Water Activities

You’ll get two swims during the tour, a feature many travelers appreciate. But reviewers like one who said, “the stops are in open sea,” indicating that these aren’t close-in beach stops. If you’re eager to be right on the sand or snorkel right off the beach, this might not satisfy that craving. Also, note that the tour doesn’t include snorkeling equipment, so if you want to explore underwater, you’ll need to bring your own gear.

Practicalities and What’s Included

The tour is priced to offer a quick, scenic experience, with no meals or drinks included. You’ll want to bring your own sunscreen, water, and possibly a snorkel if you want to explore underwater. The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it friendly for those with mobility challenges.

Board 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start, and remember, this is a live Italian-guided tour. While the commentary is in Italian, the view alone makes it worthwhile, and an engaging crew can enhance the experience.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, giving peace of mind should your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

One traveler’s honest feedback reflects common themes: “The crew was friendly and the views beautiful, but the boat was far from the beaches, and the caves were small”. They appreciated the friendly crew, but felt the sea stops lacked proximity to the shoreline, which limited the overall swimming and lounging experience.

Another reviewer highlighted that the island itself is stunning, making the trip worthwhile, but also pointed out that the bathing stops felt too long and too far from the beaches, which could be frustrating if you’re eager for a more beach-centric experience.

These reviews suggest that while the scenery is undeniably beautiful, the distance from the shore during stops can be a letdown for beach lovers or snorkelers expecting closer proximity to the coast.

Is This Tour Worth It? Analyzing the Value

For around two hours, the tour offers a superficial but scenic overview of Elba’s southern coast. The cost can be justified if you’re seeking a relaxing, photo-friendly cruise with good company, and you aren’t expecting to snorkel directly from the boat or spend hours exploring caves.

However, if your priority is close-up cave exploration or beach lounging, you might find this tour somewhat limiting. It’s best suited for travelers who prefer a quick overview and are happy with viewing the caves and beaches from the boat rather than getting directly into the water nearby.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

• Casual travelers wanting a scenic overview of Elba’s coast in a short timeframe.
• Those who value relaxing boat rides over extensive physical activity.
• Visitors interested in photo opportunities and caves from a distance.
• Travelers with limited time who want a quick, visually stunning trip.
• Families or seniors who appreciate easy access and a wheelchair-friendly boat.

It might be less appealing for adventurers seeking snorkeling, closer beach access, or cave exploration up close.

Final Thoughts

This half-day boat trip around Elba offers a taste of the island’s beautiful coast, with memorable views of sea caves and turquoise waters. Its relaxed pace and friendly crew create a welcoming atmosphere that many travelers enjoy, especially those who love scenic cruises.

But, the notable distance from beaches at swimming stops and the limited cave impressions mean that it’s more of a snapshot experience rather than an in-depth exploration. It’s best suited for view-seekers and those wanting a gentle, picturesque cruise rather than adventure-driven travelers.

If your goal is to see Elba from the sea without breaking the bank or spending hours on the water, this tour provides solid value — just keep your expectations aligned with what’s offered.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly, especially since the boat is wheelchair accessible and the route is relaxed. Just keep in mind the duration and the fact that stops are in open sea.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, departing at 4:20 p.m. and returning around 6:20 p.m., making it a convenient late afternoon activity.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, water, and possibly snorkeling gear if you wish to explore underwater. Since drinks and food aren’t included, packing a snack is also a good idea.

Are the sea caves accessible for exploring?
From the boat, you get a glimpse of caves like Grotta del Vescovo and Grotta Azzurra, but they aren’t accessible for close-up exploration during this tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour offered in English?
No, the tour is conducted in Italian, but the scenic views are universally appreciated.

To sum it up, this boat trip serves as a lovely, relaxing way to see parts of Elba’s coast and enjoy some swimming in clear waters. It’s best for those wanting a quick, scenic escape rather than deep-sea spelunking or beach proximity. With friendly crew and lovely views, it’s a nice addition to your Elba itinerary — just manage your expectations about how close you’ll get to the caves and beaches.

You can check if your dates are available here: