Snorkeling tour near Syracuse and Ortigia
While a snorkeling tour in Syracuse and Ortigia is a convenient classic, the true, untouched magic of the coast lies just a 50-minute drive south, in the pristine waters of Marzamemi and the Portopalo archipelago. For those willing to go just a little further, the reward is the authentic soul of Sicily—quiet, raw, and entirely yours.
4-hour guided experience
Forget the stiff boat tours. Join Andrea and Luca for a relaxed journey to the spots where the Ionian and Mediterranean collide. It’s all about the thrill of the find—whether we’re tracking down an octopus or scouting for sea urchins. We provide the gear and the local secrets; you just bring your curiosity and get ready to see Sicily’s wild side.
Quick Details
Duration
4 Hours
Meeting Point
Marzamemi
Vessel
Private 23ft RIB
Ages
Perfect for all ages, from toddlers to seniors
Highlights of the Journey

Welcome on Board
Your journey begins at the port, where Andrea and Luca await. After a relaxed briefing, we cast off. As the coast of Marzamemi recedes, the sound of the sea becomes the true protagonist of your day. There is no clock to watch—only the horizon.

Anchor in the Crystal Shallows
We drop anchor in secluded spots with legendary visibility, specifically chosen because we know where Octopuses might hide. While you get ready with our high-quality snorkeling gear, Capt. Andrea will share the "best practices" for spotting these masters of disguise. This is the moment you transition from a tourist to an explorer.

The Octopus Experience
Experience the sea through the eyes of a local expert. Andrea keeps his family's fishing tradition alive, teaching you to decode the sea's hidden language to find the octopus—from its 'decorated' homes to the vibrant pulse of the reef. Explore an ecosystem rich with cuttlefish, groupers, and iridescent shoals, where every dive tells a story.

Barehanded Interaction with Octopus
Under Andrea’s watchful eye, experience a rare, respectful encounter with the sea’s most intelligent residents. Observe their masterful transformations—from vivid color shifts to their defensive ink—before they retreat into the shadows of their rocky dens. This is wildlife at its most intimate, guided by a philosophy of total environmental respect.

The hidden Life of Sea Urchins
Learn to scan the seabed for these vibrant marine jewels, ranging from electric violet to sun-drenched gold. When the season is right, we’ll teach you the art of ethical sea urchin harvesting, allowing you to savor the ocean’s freshest harvest directly on deck—the purest expression of Sicilian "sea-to-table."

Sicilian Aperitivo on the Boat
Soak up the sun as we serve a curated selection of Sicilian delicacies, seasonal fruits, and chilled refreshments. Whether you prefer the timeless voice of Andrea Bocelli or your own personal soundtrack, our premium audio system creates the perfect acoustic backdrop for an unforgettable moment of relaxation.

Discover Secret Caves & Coves
Experience a coastline without noise. Our electric propulsion and GPS positioning allow us to glide effortlessly into shallow sea caves and hidden bays, leaving larger boats behind.

Coastal Sightseeing
The journey concludes with a breathtaking sweep past the iconic Tonnaras and the majestic Castello Tafuri. These monumental sites of Sicily’s industrial past frame your return to Marzamemi, providing a powerful, scenic end to a journey that captures the true essence of the Syracuse province.
Why this Snorkeling Tour near Syracuse and Ortigia is different
- Wilder Routes: We show you Syracuse at its wildest, reserved for those who crave the unexplored.
- Pure Immersion: Trade the constant hum of tourists for the rhythmic breath of the Mediterranean.
- 100% Private: No strangers on board. Just you and your loved ones.
- Expert Guiding: You don’t just get a driver; you get a certified guide who knows the hidden gems.
- Weather-Smart: We choose the most sheltered and calm bays based on the day’s wind. This part of Sicily has so many.
- Ultimate Flexibility: Want to stay longer in one bay? No problem. It’s your day.
- Electric engine to move silently and anchor with precision where other boats can't!
Professional Certified Guide (Andrea Giardina)
Fuel and Insurance
Snorkeling gear
Refreshing drinks and light snacks
The exact meeting point and parking point will be provided upon booking.
What happens in case of bad weather?
If you have a booking and the weather conditions are unsuitable for conducting the activity safely (according to the guide's expert opinion), the activity will be rescheduled or you will receive a full refund.
If I cancel my booking, can I get a full refund?
A full refund is guaranteed if you cancel at least 15 days before the activity start date. If you cancel within 15 days of the start date, you will not receive a refund of the booking amount.
How early should I arrive at the port?
We recommend arriving at least 20–30 minutes before departure time. Please get in touch with us if you require a transfer to reach the port.
Snorkeling tour near Syracuse and Ortigia
Duration: 4 Hours
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance







Your reviews
I have to start by saying that Andrea was not good, not excellent, he was superb! We started our day the day before in Catania with him, and we did half a day tour walking through the city. Andrea took us to places that we would’ve never been able to see if it wasn’t because of him. Moreover, he was not only knowledgeable and very explicit about the tour itself, but he was also very particular on details and history. The highlight came when he took us to visit the volcano. Prior to starting that leg of the tour, Andrea took us around the city and through the skirts of the volcano. He gave us a thorough history of how the city evolved from the first eruption and on the present day. Andrea there was definitely a perfect 10!!!
Salvador B.
Absolutely wonderful experience with Andrea. A perfect day of exploring Mount Etna and Taormina area. Very flexible and accommodating guide with lots of good information and palpable passion for this beautiful part of Sicily. Highly recommend for everyone: those who want to hike to the highest reachable areas, or those like us , who prefer less strenuous activity. Lots of great memories made. Very much enjoyed stops at smaller towns and villages and learning about history and also modern life on the slopes of active volcano. Don’t miss this when in Sicily.
Liya T.
We met as agreed at the port of Marzamemi at 6 a.m., about 50 minutes from Syracuse, for an offshore trolling trip. Andrea had already said that it would be difficult to catch a bluefin tuna at this time of year, but that it was still possible, as well as other tuna species and swordfish. There is also a good chance of catching mahimahi, amberjack, and other predators while light game trolling. After about 3 hours with the heavy gear and no activity from the large tuna, we switched to light game tackle and promptly caught some beautiful mahimahis up to about 80cm, pilot fish, amberjacks, and finally, a small bluefin tuna each. If you have never done it before, you have to experience it. It was a truly wonderful experience that I'dd warmly recommend to everyone.
Till S.
The best fishing experience we could have ever wished for! Andrea went above and beyond to make our week in Sicily super special!
From squids, to sea bream, and up mount Etna he was at our complete disposal for our entire trip!
His knowledge is incredible, and fishing skills unmatched!
We can’t wait to return next year!
Sophie S.
This tour was an exceptional experience, certainly true to its title of a "Grand Tour of Sicily" and exceeding our expectations in every way. Andrea's knowledge of Mt. Etna and Taormina was impressive, his warm welcoming nature, and introduction to his country was outstanding! This tour was one of the highlights of our trip!
TeresaRose M.
Our family tour with Andrea was fantastic! He is so knowledgeable about all things Etna. We learned so much! He never rushed us and was so pleasant to be around. He took us off the beaten path so that we were not mired in big tourist crowds. A very personal tour that we highly recommend.
Jane R.
Our guide was amazing. Super fun and educational. He loves his country and it shows! Highly recommend. BTW: Etna is really high. Pack warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
David T.
We had a wonderful day with Andrea. Our focus of the trip was to go to Bronte where our family came from. That was a total success. On the way from Catania to Bronte, and from Bronte to Taomina and back to Catania, Andrea gave us an interesting and beautiful tour around Mount Etna.
Peter M P.
Andrea organized a wonderful tour of Mt Etna for my family of four, incorporating a visit to my grandparents' towns of Giarre and Pennisi. Andrea is a warm & welcoming person with a vast knowledge of the geography & history of the Etna region. He went above & beyond, communicating with me in advance to best plan our day and then maximizing our fun, learning, & interaction with locals during our tour. Andrea is a very special person with whom we hope to have another adventure when we return to Sicily.
David P.
Get in touch and check availability
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