Elba Island boat trip to the Elviscot wreck

Exploring the coastlines of Elba Island by boat offers a fresh perspective on its natural beauty and hidden treasures. This half-day trip aboard the Motonave Principe combines scenic views, crystal-clear waters, and intriguing wreck diving—all within a relaxed three-hour window. For anyone craving an authentic maritime experience without the fuss, this tour hits the sweet spot.

What sets this experience apart? First, the chance to see the Elviscot wreck up close—an intriguing piece of maritime history. Second, the stops at some of Elba’s most photographed beaches, like Cavoli and Fetovaia, promise stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for a quick swim. Lastly, the snorkeling at two key locations offers a glimpse into the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. That said, the tour does not include a bar service, so if you’re looking to sip drinks while cruising, you’ll need to bring your own.

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking manageable, well-organized excursions that showcase Elba’s coast and underwater charm. It’s a great fit if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful taste of the island’s marine environment.

Good To Know

• Short and Sweet: Perfect for a quick yet immersive experience of Elba’s coastal highlights.
• Snorkeling & Wreck: Offers the chance to swim around a historically significant shipwreck and explore underwater life.
• Scenic Stops: Includes stops at Cavoli, Fetovaia, and Grotta Azzurra with opportunities for photos and relaxing swims.
• Family & Accessibility: Suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most travelers.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours, with options to reserve now and pay later.
• No Bar Service: Bring your own refreshments to stay hydrated during the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Complete Guide to the Elba Island Boat Trip

Starting Point and Duration

The adventure begins at the Marina di Campo port, with departures scheduled around 4:20 p.m. The 3-hour cruise offers a compact window to explore the southern coast without feeling rushed. Knowing the timing is crucial—check availability as starting times can vary. The tour concludes back at the marina around 7:20 p.m., making it an excellent option for an afternoon activity after a morning of sightseeing or lounging.

The Vessel: Motonave Principe

Travelers are aboard the Motonave Principe, a comfortable boat designed for relaxed cruising and close-up views. Its stable platform provides an excellent vantage point for photos and enjoying the scenery. While it doesn’t feature a bar, the boat’s open deck and shaded areas make it a pleasant space to sit back and soak in the views.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

First Stop: Cavoli Bay

As you leave Marina di Campo, the boat drifts clockwise along Elba’s southern coast, heading toward Cavoli Bay. This beach is a favorite thanks to its crystal-clear waters and fine, grainy sand. The bay’s microclimate keeps it inviting year-round, which explains its popularity even outside peak season.

What makes Cavoli special? Its vibrant turquoise hues and the dramatic backdrop of Monte Capanne create perfect photo moments. You might also enjoy a quick swim, with calm waters ideal for snorkelers.

Additional highlight: The nearby Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), accessible only by boat or pedal boat, is a must-see. This cave is renowned for its shimmering blue light and is open to visitors, adding an element of adventure and discovery to your trip.

Second Stop: Fetovaia Beach

Next, the boat heads toward Fetovaia, one of Elba’s most photographed beaches. Its sheltered position makes for calm waters, perfect for swimming, especially if you’re new to snorkeling. The white granite sand contrasts beautifully with the sapphire and turquoise waters, creating postcard-perfect scenery.

Why is Fetovaia popular? Its seabed is famed for being exceptionally clear, revealing marine life and rocks just below the surface. This stop is also highly photographed, so be sure to have your camera ready.

Third Stop: The Elviscot Wreck

The main event for many on this tour is the Elviscot wreck near Pomonte. Sinking in the 1970s, this ship sits just 12 meters below the surface, making it an accessible snorkeling site for most swimmers.

Authentic maritime history: The wreck is a fascinating sight, and you’ll get a chance to snorkel around it, taking in the rusted structure and imagining what stories it could tell. According to one reviewer, “we loved the way the wreck was just enough below the surface to swim around comfortably—great for a second swim stop.”

Marine life: Although specific details about the wildlife aren’t provided, wrecks often attract an array of fish, crustaceans, and underwater flora. It’s an engaging spot for underwater photography and a highlight for those interested in maritime history.

Final Stop: Grotta Azzurra Revisit

The tour ends with a second visit to Grotta Azzurra, giving everyone a chance to see the shimmering blue light and explore the cave’s entrance. This flexibility in the itinerary allows for a relaxed pace, ensuring you don’t miss out on this stunning natural wonder.

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Practical Details and What’s Included

The trip includes the boat ride and snorkeling stops. You’ll be able to jump into the water at each stop, with ample time to swim and explore. The bar service isn’t included, so bringing your own drinks and snacks is a good idea for staying refreshed.

Wheelchair Accessibility: The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility concerns.

Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

Pricing and Value

Though not explicitly priced here, the value of this tour lies in its combination of scenic beauty, historical wreck exploration, and snorkeling—all within just three hours. Considering the inclusion of multiple stops, the opportunity to see renowned beaches, and the ease of booking with flexible payment options, this experience offers good value for a half-day adventure.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Other Travelers

One reviewer, Valeria, summed it up with “Mi e piaciuto tutto,” emphasizing her satisfaction. She also noted the tour’s overall smooth organization and the highlights that made her trip memorable. The shared sentiment is that this experience is well-structured, enjoyable, and offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and underwater exploration.

What makes this tour stand out?

• The short duration makes it suitable for those with limited time but eager to see Elba’s coast.
• The multiple snorkeling spots allow for different underwater experiences, especially with the wreck as a focal point.
• The scenic stops at Cavoli and Fetovaia give a taste of Elba’s diverse beaches and microclimates.
• The ability to customize the experience with flexible booking and no bar service means you can personalize your trip.

Who should consider this tour?

It’s perfect for travelers who want a manageable, guided boat trip with snorkeling and sightseeing. Families, couples, and even solo travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed sea experience will find this appealing. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time on Elba or visitors who prefer organized excursions over self-guided adventures.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This boat trip offers a balanced look at Elba’s coast, combining natural beauty, history, and marine fun in a compact package. It’s most valuable for those who want a relaxed, guided experience with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and take photos of iconic beaches and shipwrecks.

Travelers who appreciate easy accessibility, flexible booking, and a well-organized itinerary will find this trip a good investment. While it doesn’t include extras like drinks or meals, the scenic stops and underwater sights make up for it, delivering a fulfilling short adventure.

This tour is best suited for those wanting a taste of Elba’s coastal charm without overcommitting. It’s an authentic, straightforward, and enjoyable way to experience the island’s marine environment—perfect for creating memories that last long after you leave.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Departure is typically at 4:20 p.m., but it’s best to check availability for exact times, as they can vary.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, ending around 7:20 p.m., providing a well-paced afternoon activity.

What is included in the tour?
The trip includes the boat ride and snorkeling stops at the Elviscot wreck, Cavoli, Fetovaia, and Grotta Azzurra.

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

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

Is there any bar service onboard?
Bar service isn’t included, so consider bringing your own drinks or snacks for the trip.

This Elba Island boat trip combines the best of coastal scenery, underwater discovery, and maritime history—all packed into a manageable, enjoyable three-hour adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a casual explorer, you’ll find plenty to love about this guided cruise.

You can check if your dates are available here: