Island & Sea Caves: Explore Syracuse's Hidden Gems

Discover Ortigia’s sea caves on a 2-hour boat excursion. Swim, snorkel, and explore stunning limestone formations. Perfect for a quick, unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Isola di Ortigia - Departing from our office at Via Eritrea 2, we will guide you to our boarding point just 100 meters away on Via Riva Forte Gallo. Your boat excursion will begin here with our experienced skippers.
  • Maniace Castle - We will pause beneath the castle for a refreshing swim and to take in the stunning scenery.
  • Province of Syracuse - Our journey continues to the sea caves of Syracuse, where we will explore the magnificent stalactite cave.
What's Included
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
Additional Information

If you have merely 2 hours to spare, we suggest the ‘Island & sea caves’ adventure - we set sail towards the massive harbor post embarking. You will be awestruck by the scale of the gigantic port, one of the most extensive natural ports in the Mediterranean almost instantly. Following this, you will encounter the captivating Arethusa fountain viewed from the sea and the vast Maniace castle that marks the port’s exit.

As we leave the island behind, the journey takes us to the northern coast of Syracuse where you can enjoy some fresh juice and taste sumptuously fresh fruits. Our journey then navigates us closer to the caves, punctuated by a refreshing 10-minute swims stop.

Now relaxed and invigorated, we begin our exploration of the various caves: the capuchin cave, the coral cave, and finally the large cave, also known as the stalactite cave. Inside, you’ll discover magical limestone formations, a secret that we will unveil only once you are onboard.

Location
Via Eritrea, 2g
Via Eritrea
Ortigia island excursion office we will see you there and then we will accompany you to the boarding point.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(77 Ratings)
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Rocket_17_paola
Sep 12, 2024
Great experience - The experience was great. 2h tour, with a discreet, prepared and professional Guide. Very good Guide and open to answer all our curiosity. It is a nice tour of the coast of Syracuse, with several caves. They offered us fresh fruit, prosecco and snorkel masks. They left us 15 minutes to swim in a really beautiful bay full of fish. Ultimately, I highly recommend this tour of Ortigia Island Excusion, especially for its great value!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulrice5
Sep 6, 2024
2 hour boat trip - Late morning 2 hour boat trip with Salvo and his 1st mate. 12 passengers in total and any more would have been a squeeze. My wife, son and I all thoroughly enjoyed the trip, including a swim over away to the right of Ortigia and then a trip to the caves.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannah_p
Aug 24, 2024
Gianni was a great guide,... - Gianni was a great guide, he made us all feel totally at home. Delicious fruit and a lovely glass of Prosecco to finish the trip. A highlight of our short visit to Ortigia. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Silvia
Aug 10, 2024
Great tour - Ride with Salvo .. what about a great nice captain. He gave us a good tour Too bad the rough sea and nn could not swim in a more pleasant place. Cmq tour to admire Syracuse and Ortigia from the sea. Absolutely recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stribe23
Aug 4, 2024
Orgy from a different perspective - Conrad is the classic Norman beauty who involves you and overwhelms you with her sympathy. We did the 2-hour tour with several snorkel stops and lots of fruit and prosecco on board. Beautiful experience super recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
554rachels
Jul 28, 2024
Clear blue waters - Honestly an amazing experience - it was like being on a private boat tour! Excellent opportunities to swim with no rush and good vibes and tunes (only when requested - it was perfectly tailored for our group). Would highly recommend for anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glenn
Jul 27, 2024
Excellent 2 hr tour - Booked the day before with ease. On the day itself, parked in the big car park by where the big cruise ships dock - Ortygia Parking - and the meeting point was a 5 min walk from there. This was at Ortygia Island Excursions offices. Our skipper for the day was Salvo. Boat was good and we were treated to an informative tour around the sea caves and history of the island. Wind was up so the sea was a bit choppy at times but Salvo was an excellent pilot. Went inside a few caves. Then we were taken to the opposite side of Ortygia into the natural harbour where we enjoyed some swimming in several places in the calm tranquil waters. Once done, it was back to base via a very low bridge where you had to duck to get through - all very enjoyable and the two hours flew by. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Svea
Jul 15, 2024
Thank you again! - A great boat tour with great explanations. We went with Salvo and he was extremely accommodating and friendly. Has told us great tips for the next few days and we had all the time in the world to snorkel and swim! Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborah
Sep 5, 2024
Not entirely as expected - It was very nice, but we had to pay for towels, and there were no sanitized snorkeling tubes or masks. Our snack was fruit and prosecco. The boat was small...fit 14 people, including the one captain who was pleasant and only spoke Italian.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Severinec507
Aug 29, 2024
It's OK, nothing super special - A nice boat tour around caves (some really massive!) but nothing extraordinary...So much that I am struggling to write more about it! The staff was OK, but again nothing special
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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