Private boat tour with aperitif at Scala Dei Turchi

Discover Sicily’s Coast on a Private Boat Tour with Aperitif at Scala Dei Turchi

Imagine cruising along Sicily’s rugged coastline, feeling the warm sun on your face, and dipping into crystal-clear waters at some of the most iconic spots. This private boat tour, priced at around $126 per person, lasts about three hours and takes you to highlights like Scala Dei Turchi, Faro di Capo Rossello, and Monterosso Tower. Led by a friendly captain and crew, you’ll enjoy fresh water, drinks, and snacks onboard, making for a laid-back, luxurious experience.

Two things we love about this tour are its personalized approach—only your group participates—and the chance to swim at several picturesque locations without feeling rushed. Plus, the included aperitif adds a special touch, turning a regular boat trip into a memorable outing.

One consideration: the itinerary involves several short stops, so if you’re seeking a more extensive swimming experience or a full-day adventure, this might feel a little compact. Also, weather can be unpredictable, so it’s worth noting that trips are canceled if conditions aren’t safe, as one reviewer experienced.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a comfortable, intimate experience and want to explore Sicily’s coast at a leisurely pace. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a small group or family and enjoy both sightseeing and swimming in scenic spots.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring exclusivity and personalized service.
• Scenic Stops: Includes popular spots like Scala Dei Turchi and Faro di Capo Rossello, with time for swimming.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Snacks, drinks, and fresh water onboard—no need to bring much besides your swimsuit and sunscreen.
• Short Duration: About 3 hours, making it a manageable outing without feeling rushed.
• Weather Cancellations: Tours are canceled in bad weather, but full refunds are offered.
• Great Value: At around $126, the experience offers a balanced mix of comfort, scenery, and authentic Sicilian coastal charm.

A Closer Look at the Experience

This private boat tour sets a relaxed yet engaging pace for exploring Sicily’s coast. We found that the itinerary balances sightseeing with enough swimming time to truly enjoy the environment. Each stop is carefully chosen to showcase Sicily’s natural beauty, from the striking white cliffs of Scala Dei Turchi to the lighthouse at Capo Rossello, a perfect spot for soaking up the sun and panoramic views.

Meeting Point and Start

The tour begins at Forte Mare – Escursioni Scala Dei Turchi & Noleggio barche, in San Leone’s port. From here, you’ll meet your guide and captain, likely Francesco or another friendly crew member, who will be your host for the duration. The ride from the port to the first stop takes about 20 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and get acquainted with your crew.

The Stops and What to Expect

San Leone: The starting and ending point, this lively port area is the gateway to your adventure. Expect a casual meet-and-greet where the captain shares a bit about the day ahead.

Spiaggia Maddalusa: From the boat, you’ll get a broad overview of this scenic stretch of coastline. While you won’t disembark here, the view alone makes it worth a quick glance.

Scala dei Turchi: The highlight for many, this iconic white cliff formation is famous for its striking appearance and inviting waters. You’ll stop here for about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to swim and snap photos. One reviewer described this as a “stop to cool off in the particular waters”—a perfect moment to relax and splash around.

Faro di Capo Rossello: Another scenic stop, with plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. The lighthouse provides a stunning backdrop, and you’ll have around 30 minutes here to unwind in the sun.

Repubblica Delle Pergole: A brief sail past this peaceful part of the coast, with a quick stop before the final swimming spot. It offers a good view of the sea and shoreline.

Torre di Monterosso: The last swimming opportunity, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes diving in, exploring the depths of the Mediterranean, and enjoying the tranquil waters. A reviewer mentioned, “you will have another 30 minutes to swim and observe the depths,” emphasizing the relaxing nature of this stop.

The Return and Overall Timing

After this last swim, the boat heads back towards San Leone, with the journey taking another 20 minutes. The total tour lasts around 3 hours, including transit times and stops, making it a manageable half-day outing.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Unlike large group excursions, this private experience focuses solely on your group, making it perfect for couples, families, or friends seeking intimacy and personalized service. The crew’s attentiveness and the inclusion of drinks and snacks aboard elevate the experience, turning it into more than just a boat ride—it feels like a small, floating celebration of Sicily’s coast.

The scenic stops are well-chosen, giving you ample time to relax, swim, and take photos. The quality of the vessel and crew seems to be highly regarded, with some reviews praising Francesco’s excellent service. As one traveler put it, “We spent wonderful hours on the boat and had the best skipper.”

The Cost and Value

At approximately $126, this tour provides a lot of value for a three-hour, private outing. The inclusion of amenities like snacks, drinks, and water means you don’t have to worry about extra costs. The personalized nature of the trip, coupled with stunning scenery and convenient stops, offers a good balance of comfort, scenery, and activity.

Practical Tips

• Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel—most stops are for swimming.
• Confirm weather conditions before booking, especially if you’re traveling during a season with possible rough seas.
• Since the tour is private, it’s ideal for those who prefer a flexible, uncrowded experience.
• Book at least 4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date, especially in peak season.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, intimate way to explore Sicily’s coast, this is a solid choice. It’s especially great if you enjoy swimming at scenic spots and want a touch of luxury with snacks and drinks included. Families with children over one year old, couples, or small groups will find this experience both enjoyable and memorable.

Travelers who appreciate authentic, personalized service and the chance to avoid crowded tours will find this private boat trip a worthwhile addition to their Sicily itinerary. Just keep in mind that if you’re craving a full day or more extensive swimming, you might want to look for longer tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including transit times between stops and swimming periods.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Forte Mare – Escursioni Scala Dei Turchi & Noleggio barche in San Leone’s port.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks, drinks, and fresh water are onboard. The tour also includes multiple scenic stops and swimming opportunities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for children under 1 year old.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour can be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 28 days before the scheduled date, especially during the busy season.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

To sum it up, this private boat tour around Sicily’s coast offers a relaxing, scenic, and intimate way to enjoy some of the most beautiful places along the coast. It’s ideal for those who value personalized service, want to swim in iconic locations like Scala Dei Turchi, and prefer a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure. With included snacks and drinks, friendly crew, and breathtaking views, it provides good value for a memorable half-day experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a peaceful escape into nature, this trip can add a touch of Sicilian magic to your travels.