Type of tour: Boat & Sail
Type of tour: Boat & Sail
Set sail from Catania on a 4-hour boat trip along the Cyclops Riviera, with Mount Etna as your backdrop. Swim in crystal-clear coves, snorkel at the Caves of Ulysses, sail past the Norman Castle of Acicastello and reach the Cyclops Islands — all wrapped up with a aperitif on board.
Discover Sicily from a different angle on a half-day sailing tour departing from Catania. Aboard our Sun Odyssey 44 yacht, you’ll leave the Port of Catania with Mount Etna rising behind you and set course along the legendary Cyclops Riviera (Riviera dei Ciclopi).
Your first stop is the Caves of Ulysses, carved into a stunning wall of volcanic rock. Here the seabed shifts through shades of blue, green and turquoise in remarkably clear water — perfect for your first swim of the day, or for snorkeling if you bring your own mask and fins.
Sailing on toward Aci Trezza, you’ll pass beneath the Norman Castle of Acicastello, with the chance to dive into the sea framed by the castle. Below it you’ll spot the distinctive “lava pillows”, formed when molten rock from underwater volcanic eruptions cooled rapidly on contact with the sea.
At Aci Trezza, in the heart of the Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area, the boat pauses: step ashore for a short stroll through the seaside village, or take another swim. Back on board, you’ll be treated to an aperitif of white wine and a selection of Sicilian appetizers.
On the way back to Catania, weather permitting, there’s time for one last dip in the sea — with the silhouette of Mount Etna on the horizon. The tour ends back at the Port of Catania.
Good to know: bring sunscreen, swimwear and a beach towel. A light windbreaker and a hat are handy once offshore, and if you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared. Snorkeling gear (mask and fins) is not provided.
On request, with a supplement, it is possible to request pick-up service also outside of Catania / Taormina. Other pickup examples: Syracuse, Noto, Messina and more.
This tour is also available in a PRIVATE version.
Exclusive setup
Boat and skipper will be available exclusively for you.
Catania Sailing Tour: Cyclops Coast & Aperitif
5 out of 5 stars
Reviews in all languages: 28
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Smooth sailing, no stress, exactly what we wanted. The skipper explained the lava pillows below Acicastello which I'd never have noticed otherwise. The aperitif of local wine and snacks was generous. A really well run little tour.
We took our teenagers and they loved it — jumping off the boat near the castle was the moment of the day. The skipper was patient and made everyone feel safe. Beautiful coastline, clear water and a friendly atmosphere throughout.
Highlight of our week in Sicily. Departure right from Catania port made it easy, no long transfers. The Sun Odyssey is a comfortable boat and the skipper was knowledgeable about the marine reserve. Swam three times, ate well, came back happy and sun-kissed.
Such a relaxing afternoon. We brought our own masks and the snorkelling at the Caves of Ulysses was brilliant — lots of fish and amazing rock formations. The group stayed small so it never felt crowded. Sicilian appetisers and wine on the way back rounded it off perfectly.
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