Messina offers some of the most compelling boat tours and cruises along Sicily’s northern coast. Its strategic location makes it a perfect launchpad for exploring nearby bays, caves, and historic sites by water. Whether you’re after a quick swim, a scenic cruise, or a private tour with a touch of movie magic, Messina’s boat excursions deliver. For instance, the Giardini Naxos: Boat Tour with Swim Masks and Aperitif combines snorkeling in crystal waters with tasting traditional Sicilian drinks, making it ideal for those who want both adventure and local flavor. Meanwhile, the Private Godfather Tour offers a full immersion into film history with visits to iconic film locations—perfect for movie fans.
Messina’s boat tours are especially attractive because of their variety and accessibility. You can choose a short 2-hour boat trip or indulge in a full-day private experience. The area’s landscape—full of caves, bays, and notable landmarks—shines brightest when viewed from the water, making these excursions memorable for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we cover scenic boat trips like the Giardini Naxos: Boat Tour with Swim Masks and Aperitif that blend snorkeling, caves, and local tastings, as well as specialized tours such as private Taormina visits and film-inspired Godfather excursions. Others focus on marine adventures like snorkeling at Isola Bella or dolphin watching. Whether you’re looking for a quick scenic cruise, a family-friendly snorkeling trip, or an exclusive private outing, Messina’s boat tours cover it all.
1. Giardini Naxos: Boat Tour with Swim Masks and Aperitif
This 2-hour boat tour explores the bays of Giardini Naxos and Taormina, with a highlight being the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy an authentic Sicilian aperitif on board. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, light adventure, and local flavors. The tour includes visits to Grotta Azzurra and other caves, as well as a chance to search for dolphins at sunset—an unforgettable moment.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on natural beauty and film locations. It visits spots from “WHITE LOTUS” and “LE GRAND BLEU,” making it attractive for fans of cinema. The itinerary includes stops at Isola Bella and Blue Grotto, with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing. Reviewers praise the friendly crew and the value, especially given the inclusion of marine life viewing.
Bottom Line: If you want a balanced experience with caves, snorkeling, and local drinks, this tour hits all the marks and offers excellent reviews for its friendly guides and scenic stops.
2. Naxos: Isola Bella, Blue Grotto, & Mazzarò Bay Boat Tour
This 2-hour tour from Giardini Naxos takes you along the coast of Taormina with stops at Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, and the Bay of Mazzarò. It’s a great choice for those who want to see multiple highlights in a short time. The boat cruise offers breathtaking views, especially from Capo Taormina, with ample opportunities to swim and snorkel.
What makes this tour stand out is the detailed itinerary and the emphasis on marine sightseeing. You’ll get up close to the Faraglioni rocks and admire the Blue Grotto’s enchanting interior. The boat captain is praised for his enthusiasm and local knowledge, with reviews highlighting the fun and relaxed atmosphere. The inclusion of free time for swimming makes it a popular pick among families and couples.
Bottom Line: For around $43, this tour provides a packed, scenic experience with plenty of opportunities for swimming and photo stops—a solid choice for short but memorable trips.
3. Giardini Naxos: Isola Bella and Grottos Cruise with Aperitif
This 2-hour cruise combines a delicious aperitif with visits to enchanting bays, caves, and the Isola Bella Marine Park. The highlight is the chance to swim in pristine waters and capture stunning views of the Taormina coastline, including sights of Mount Etna. The skipper provides commentary, making this tour not just scenic but also educational.
Guests enjoy the prosecco and local snacks on board, making it a relaxed way to experience Sicily’s coast. The stop at Isola Bella offers a chance to snorkel and observe marine life, which many reviews praise. It’s an excellent option for those who want a taste of everything—snacking, swimming, and scenery.
Bottom Line: If small-group intimacy and a focus on sea life and local flavors appeal to you, this cruise offers a charming and well-rated experience.
4. Taormina Private Tour from Hotel or Cruise Terminal of Messina
This private 4- to 5-hour tour takes the stress out of sightseeing with personalized transport. Perfect for cruise passengers or travelers who prefer a flexible schedule, it allows you to explore Taormina’s highlights—including the Greek Theatre, Isola Bella, and the scenic Messina viewpoint—at your own pace.
The guide handles all the logistics, so you can focus on taking photos and soaking in views like the Votive Temple of Christ the King. The tour is highly customizable and suitable for small groups seeking a tailored experience. Reviewers emphasize the professionalism and flexibility of the guide, citing the ease of visiting many sites without rushing.
Bottom Line: For travelers valuing privacy and flexibility, this tour provides a comprehensive, personalized look at Taormina and Messina in one smooth outing.
5. Giardini Naxos: Boat Trip Isola Bella with Snorkeling
This 2-hour trip focuses on snorkeling at Isola Bella, giving you the chance to explore underwater marine life. The boat cruise includes snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks, creating a relaxed atmosphere for both experienced snorkelers and first-timers.
Reviewers mention enjoying the vivid underwater scenery and the well-maintained boat, with some describing snorkeling as “the highlight.” The boat stops at Isola Bella, where marine life is abundant, and the environment is protected. The tour is suitable for families and individuals eager to combine water fun with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: If snorkeling is your priority, this tour offers a quality experience with all necessary gear included and excellent reviews for its underwater encounters.
6. From Messina Cruise Terminal: Private Godfather tour + Lunch
This full-day private tour is a hit with film fans. It takes you through Savoca and Forza d’Agro, filming locations from The Godfather. You’ll visit Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone proposed to Appolonia, and enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch with local cheeses, salami, and lemon sorbet.
The guide handles transportation, entrance fees, and storytelling, making it ideal for those who want a personalized experience and deep dive into film history. Reviews praise the professional guide and the authentic local cuisine. Be prepared for a longer day—up to 9 hours—but for movie buffs, this is a memorable journey.
Bottom Line: Best suited for film enthusiasts and those wanting a private, immersive experience with great food in picturesque villages.
7. Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola: The Best Excursion for Cruise Passengers
This 6- to 7-hour tour covers Mount Etna’s craters, the medieval village of Castelmola, and Taormina’s highlights. It’s perfect for cruise passengers with limited time but wanting a comprehensive view of eastern Sicily.
Guests rave about the expert guides and the spectacular views from Mount Etna’s craters. The tour includes free time in Taormina and a brief stop at the Messina Cathedral to see the astronomical clock. The itinerary balances adventure with cultural sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers craving mountain scenery and historic towns in a condensed schedule, with expert guides ensuring a smooth experience.
8. Taormina: Boat Tour to Taormina & Giardini Naxos with Drink
This 2-hour boat ride offers views of Lovers Grotto, Horse Grotto, and Letojanni beach, topped with a refreshing drink onboard. The tour emphasizes scenic cruising, with a relaxed pace suited for those who want to enjoy the coast at leisure.
Reviewers enjoy the friendly captain and the informative commentary. The inclusion of a drink makes it a laid-back experience, perfect for couples or small groups wanting to soak in coastal views without strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: For a casual, scenic cruise with a drink, this tour is a charming way to see some of Sicily’s coast.
9. Research Your Ancestors in Sicily from Cruise Terminal of Messina
This personalized ancestral search guides you through Sicilian towns where your ancestors may have lived. It includes local culinary tastings and can be customized for your family history. This is less about scenery and more about connecting emotionally with your roots.
Ideal for those with genealogical interests and willing to invest in a longer, meaningful experience. Reviews are limited but emphasize the personalized service and unique opportunity to explore your heritage**.
Bottom Line: Best suited for family historians seeking a deeply personal connection to Sicily.
10. Private Tour of Taormina from Hotel or Cruise Port in Messina
This 5-hour private tour offers a flexible way to see Taormina’s top sights without the rush. Your guide takes you to the Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto, and scenic viewpoints like Votive Temple of Christ the King. It’s perfect for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed exploration.
Guests praise the expert guidance and flexibility, especially if they want to skip certain sites or spend more time in specific areas. It’s an excellent way to avoid large tour groups and tailor the experience.
Bottom Line: For those desiring customized sightseeing with a personal touch, this private tour is hard to beat.
11. Boat excursions Isola Bella
This 2-hour boat excursion is a straightforward way to see Isola Bella and its marine surroundings. It features snorkeling, dolphin watching, and meals onboard.
Reviewers describe it as wonderful, with the crew showing great attention to detail. It’s suitable for families and solo travelers wanting a relaxed, fun-packed trip focusing on marine life and scenic views.
Bottom Line: An affordable, friendly option for dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and enjoying Sicily’s coastal charm.
$34 per person
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Messina
When selecting your boat experience, consider your priorities: are you looking for a quick scenic overview (example) or a full-day private adventure (see here)? If snorkeling or marine life is your passion, tours like the Snorkeling at Isola Bella may suit you best. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the dolphin-watching boat, while history buffs might opt for the Godfather film locations. For those short on time but wanting a personalized experience, the private tour from the cruise port offers unmatched flexibility.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Messina’s boat tours cover a broad spectrum—from short scenic cruises and snorkeling adventures to luxurious private outings and film location tours. For families, tours with marine activities like snorkeling or dolphin watching offer fun and relaxation. History and movie fans will love exploring the film locations and scenic towns in private or group settings.
Whether you want a quick taste of Sicily’s coast or an immersive day exploring Mount Etna and Taormina, there’s a boat experience for you. Plan ahead, choose the tour that matches your interests, and enjoy Sicily from the water—an unforgettable way to see this beautiful island.