Tour in barca Riserva dello Zingaro da San Vito Lo Capo

If you’re headed to Sicily and craving a day out on the water, a boat tour around the Riserva dello Zingaro and the iconic Scopello Faraglioni is hard to beat. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, countless reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a memorable, value-packed experience. It’s one of those excursions where you can relax, explore, and learn, all wrapped in the stunning scenery of this protected marine area.

There are three main reasons this tour stands out: the chance to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, the opportunity to visit unique caves like the Grotta degli Innamorati and Grotta Azzurra, and the laid-back vibe with an onboard aperitif. One possible consideration might be the tour’s length—being around four hours, it’s a perfect half-day adventure, but those looking for a full-day experience might want to consider options with more stops or longer durations. This tour is ideal for travelers who love scenic coastal views, enjoy water activities, and appreciate informative guides sharing local stories.

Good To Know

• Scenic sailing along the Sicilian coast with views of cliffs, caves, and the Faraglioni.
• Three swimming and snorkeling stops to enjoy the clear waters of the reserve.
• Insightful commentary from the captain, enriching the experience with local facts and stories.
• Visit notable caves like Grotta degli Innamorati and Grotta Azzurra, adding a touch of adventure.
• Relaxing on the boat’s sun deck with an onboard aperitif.
• Value for money with included snorkeling gear, WC, shower, and sunbeds, all for less than $60.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Look

The adventure begins at the pontile “CENTRO MARE SPORT” in San Vito Lo Capo, where you’ll meet your crew from Poseidon Escursioni in Barca. The relaxed, friendly vibe starts immediately, with the captain—often Luigi, based on reviews—welcoming guests and sharing some of his knowledge about the area.

Once aboard, the boat gently sets sail along the coast. You’ll immediately be drawn to the scenic beauty of the landscape: rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and the distant silhouette of the Faraglioni rocks. The cruise itself is a slow, pleasant ride, giving everyone the chance to take in the views and snap photos of the coastline.

First Stop: The Zingaro Nature Reserve’s Coves

The first swim stop offers a great opportunity to cool off in the famously transparent waters. Here, you can snorkel to see colorful fish and underwater rock formations. The clarity of the water is often highlighted in reviews, with guests marveling at how perfect it is for snorkeling. The captain provides snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer.

Exploring the Caves: Lover’s Cave and Blue Grotto

The boat anchors near two of the reserve’s most famous caves: the Lover’s Cave and the Blue Grotto. As you approach these natural wonders, the captain is usually ready with interesting anecdotes—based on reviews, Luigi is praised for his engaging commentary and detailed explanations. The caves add a sense of mystery and adventure, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Second and Third Stops

The tour makes two more stops in different coves, each one carefully spaced to give you enough time to swim, snorkel, and relax. Reviewers like Yoeri appreciated the well-distributed swimming stops, noting they allowed for a comfortable pace without feeling rushed. You can expect to find calm, inviting waters perfect for floating around and exploring marine life.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Final Stop: Scopello and the Aperitif

As the tour winds down in the late afternoon, you’ll reach the bay of Scopello. Here, guests often enjoy the onboard aperitif, a nice perk that adds a relaxed finish to the day. The boat’s sun deck becomes a favorite spot for soaking up the last rays while taking in the scenic views of the coast and the iconic Faraglioni rocks.

The tour ends back at the starting point, with many guests feeling satisfied that they’ve experienced a true slice of Sicily’s coastline—without the hassle of driving or navigating.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The price of around $56.94 per person offers excellent value, considering the inclusions. You’ll get snorkeling equipment, three swimming stops, an aperitif on board, WC, shower, and sunbeds on the boat’s bow. All these amenities make the trip comfortable, especially in warm weather.

However, it’s worth noting that meals are not included and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, which might be inconvenient for some travelers. You’ll need to meet directly at the pontile, so planning your transport to San Vito Lo Capo in advance is recommended.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, which is enough time to explore the most notable sights without feeling rushed. It’s also flexible—check availability for specific start times, and remember that you can reserve now and pay later, allowing you to keep your plans adaptable.

Accessibility and Suitability

Based on reviews and tour details, this experience isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness. The boat is primarily designed for those comfortable with small vessel travel and being in the water.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly and engaging nature of the captain, often Luigi, who provides “detailed explanations” and “interesting facts” about the caves and coastline. Many appreciated the well-spaced swimming stops, which allowed them to enjoy the water without feeling overwhelmed.

One guest described the apertif as a relaxing way to end the day, especially when enjoyed in the calm bay of Scopello. Others highlighted the crystal-clear waters as perfect for snorkeling, making the entire experience both fun and visually stunning.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

This boat tour offers a great balance of scenic beauty, water activity, and relaxation, all packed into four hours. The affordability and inclusivity make it stand out among Sicily excursions. Plus, the opportunity to explore hidden caves and swim in pristine waters makes it a memorable highlight for anyone visiting the region.

It’s particularly suited for water lovers, curious explorers, and those seeking a laid-back way to see Sicily’s coastline. However, if you prefer longer excursions or need accessible facilities, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

The Riserva dello Zingaro boat tour from San Vito Lo Capo packs a lot into a relatively short trip. The combination of scenic sailing, swim stops, cave exploration, and onboard snacks makes it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a taste of Sicily’s coastal beauty without breaking the bank.

This experience is best for those who value authenticity, comfort, and scenic adventure. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers eager to discover the hidden corners of Sicily’s coast with a friendly guide and a relaxed pace.

If you’re after a fun, picturesque, and reasonably priced boat trip filled with water fun and natural wonders, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
Approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity to enjoy Sicily’s coast without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at pontile “CENTRO MARE SPORT” in San Vito Lo Capo and returns to the same point.

What is included in the price?
You get three swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, an aperitif on board, WC, shower, and sunbeds on the bow.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, but the onboard aperitif provides a light snack and drinks.

Can I reserve and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for swimmers comfortable with boat trips; not recommended for those with mobility issues or seasickness.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water for the trip.

Are there any restrictions on pets or smoking?
Pets and smoking are not allowed on the boat.

Do I need to know Italian to enjoy the tour?
Yes, the live guide speaks Italian, so some understanding of the language will enhance the experience.

In summary, this boat tour offers an enjoyable slice of Sicilian coastal life, blending scenic cruising, water fun, and cave exploration—all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re looking to relax, snorkel, or learn about Sicily’s natural beauty, it’s a trip that’s likely to leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: