Tailored private boat tour near Syracuse and Ortigia
A boat tour in Syracuse may be breathtaking, but for those seeking a truly private experience, the city can feel a bit overcrowded. The real magic is found in the southern reaches of the Province of Syracuse, just 50 minutes from the city center, where the landscape transforms into a wild, pristine paradise.
4-hour guided experience
While the harbor of Ortigia is rich in history, it can feel too “touristy”. For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, most of our guests prefer to trade the city buzz for the wild, desert islands and crystal-clear shallows of Portopalo. We specialize in full-day escapes that make the scenic 50 minutes drive absolutely worth it: think of it as the ultimate boat tour in a place where the Ionian and Mediterranean seas collide.
Quick Details
Duration
4 Hours
Meeting Point
Marzamemi (the exact meeting point and parking point will be provided upon booking)
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 marina, where Capt. Andrea and his 1st mate, Luca, will be waiting to welcome you. After a relaxed chat about the day’s route and a quick look at safety, we cast off the lines and leave the dock behind, as everyday noise fades away—no clock to watch.

Historic Tonnaras
View the ancient, hauntingly beautiful 'Tonnara' of the south—abandoned tuna processing sites that furthermore tell the raw story of Sicily’s sea-faring heritage

The Desert Islands
In no time, we’ll drop anchor by silent, uninhabited islets where nature follows its own rhythm. If the timing is right, you’ll witness a rare spectacle: newborn seabirds taking their very first flight in the salt air.

Hidden Limestone Caves
Experience exclusive access to marine grottos. Using whisper-quiet electric propulsion and advanced GPS positioning, we navigate these natural cathedrals with zero noise and maximum respect for the environment.

Underwater Archaeology
Relax is the priority, but make sure to keep your eyes open! Right from the deck, you’ll drift over silent Roman ruins and the sunken traces of a lost Greek colony from the 8th century BC. In fact, it’s history in the wild - no glass cases, no ropes, and no crowds - just you and the ancient soul of the Syracuse province.

Snorkelling and Octopus Experience
Snorkelling in the province of Syracuse is great–but this isn't just snorkelling. Andrea is a fishing Captain and his family's tradition is to find and catch octopus bare-handed. You can try it with him or just do some snorkeling on the best spots.
Why this boat tour near Syracuse and Ortigia is different
- Wildest Syracuse: Most boat tours in Syracuse stay within sight of the city. Our tour is for those who want to go further.
- Luxury of Silence: Forget the constant hum of tourist boats. We trade it for the rhythmic sound 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
Snorkelling 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.
Tailored private boat tour near Syracuse and Ortigia
Duration: 4 Hours or 6 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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