Aci Trezza: Private Boat Tour with Lunch on Board, Swimming in Caves
About This Experience
A private, 3-hour boat charter that goes further into the Cyclops Islands than the shared group cruises — including swimming inside sea caves that most tours only sail past.
Your guide, Arturo, meets you either in Aci Trezza or via pickup from Catania or Taormina, then takes you out on a traditional Aci Trezza fishing boat to Isola Lachea, the largest of the Cyclops archipelago's outcrops and part of a protected nature reserve since 1998. You'll swim beneath the old Norman castle and inside the lava sea caves locals call Ulysses' Sea — named for the same stretch of coast Homer wrote the Cyclops myth into.
Lunch is served on board: a small Sicilian spread with dessert and coffee, eaten at anchor after the swimming stops. Because it's a private charter, the pace and stops adjust to your group rather than a fixed itinerary.
Highlights
- Swim in characteristic, exclusive caves with a tour guide
- Sail on an ancient Aci Trezza fishing boat
- Enjoy a small Sicilian lunch on board after swimming in the Ulysses Sea
What's Included
- ✓ Swimming in Ulisse's Lava Caves
- ✓ Swimming under the Norman Castle
- ✓ Small Sicilian lunch on boat board
- ✓ Sicilian dessert
- ✓ Italian coffee
- ✓ Boat tour with tourist guide
- ✓ Boat fuel
- ✓ Boat driver
- ✓ Options: pickup from Catania or from Taormina
What to Bring
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Beachwear
- Provide a valid WhatsApp telephone number
- Inform us about any heart problems or other serious illnesses
- Inform us about any food allergies
- Inform us if you are vegetarian
- Warn if you suffer from seasickness
- Small children must sit on their parents' lap
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
- Wheelchair users
- People prone to seasickness
Meeting Point
Office Arturo Carelli Travel
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 70 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
We had a great moment with Arturo. The tour was instructive and we were able to enjoy a nice swim. The lunch was very good. You can trust Arturo to discover the history of the place and have an unforgettable moment.
— Prisca, 2026-08
A beautiful evening out with a great guide. Arturo was very friendly and very informative of local ancient and recent history. The trip was private and very peaceful without any rushing. We were taken to famous coastal landmarks and to some stunning swimming spots and topped off with a perfect perfect meal and wine just off Aci Trezza marina under Mt. Etna. Would highly recommend Arturo for a frie
— KHILLDESIGN, 2026-08
we had a great time on the tour. Arturo was a great guide. The boar was comfortable and the scenery was lovely. swimming in the cave was a wonderful experience. lunch was great too. would recommend this trip.
— Sinead, 2026-08
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this tour different from a shared group cruise?
It's a fully private charter — the boat, guide and skipper are exclusive to your group, the pace is unhurried, and it includes swimming inside sea caves that group tours typically only sail past.
Is lunch actually included, or just a snack?
A proper small Sicilian lunch is served on board after the swimming stops, including a dessert and Italian coffee — not just a light snack.
Can I be picked up from Catania or Taormina?
Yes — pickup options from both Catania and Taormina are available when booking, in addition to meeting directly in Aci Trezza.
Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?
The operator notes it isn't ideal for people prone to seasickness, with heart conditions, or with mobility impairments, since it involves swimming from the boat into sea caves.
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