Catania: Cyclops Coast Cruise with Appetizer & Snorkeling
About This Experience
This is the flagship cruise on the Cyclops Coast: a 4-hour half-day sail out of Catania's old port that combines the classic Faraglioni run with a proper stop to swim, snorkel and eat.
You'll leave from the Vecchia Dogana in central Catania aboard a small sailboat (a Bavaria 46 or Dufour 41, capacity 12 guests), heading first along Catania's black volcanic shoreline before the first swim and snorkel stop.
Back on board, the crew lays out a Sicilian appetizer — home-made bread, local cheese, marinated vegetables and pistachio specialties — while the boat continues toward Aci Trezza. Here you'll pass close to the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi and the old Arab lookout towers built into the lava cliffs, with Mount Etna typically visible behind them, before heading back to Catania.
Highlights
- Admire Catania's unique lava coastline
- Snorkel in crystal-clear Sicilian waters
- Sail in a small group on a comfortable boat
- Enjoy a delicious aperitif with high-quality local products
- Relax with an expert crew at your disposal
What's Included
- ✓ Sailing tour
- ✓ Fuel
- ✓ Snorkeling gear
- ✓ Appetizer with typical Sicilian products
- ✓ Typical Sicilian sparkling wine
- ✓ SUP
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Boarding fee (15€ p.p.)
What to Bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
Good to Know & Caveats
- Terms of use: The itinerary may change due to weather and sea conditions, force majeure, or maritime authority requirements. For safety reasons, the captain's judgement and decision are final
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
Meeting Point
Vecchia Dogana Via Cardinale Dusmet, 2, 95121 Catania CT, Italia
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 946 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Kind stuff! nice journey. modern boat and good equipment. hoped a little bit of more fishes at snorkeling :)
— Szoboszlai, 2026-09
The excursion was great fun and Giacchino (skipper) and Sofia were excellent hosts. Viewing the Aci towns from the sea was an excellent experience. We also had some time for a swim, followed by prosecco, cold meats and cheese.
— Lawrence, 2026-09
We had a fantastic boat trip in Catania and it was one of the highlights of our holiday! 🌊⛵ Our young captain, Ernesto, was very friendly and professional, and Carlotta, our tour guide, was absolutely lovely. They were both so welcoming and made us feel comfortable from the very beginning. They also told us lots of interesting stories, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The weather was beau
— Palne, 2026-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Cyclops Coast Cruise with Appetizer & Snorkeling?
The tour runs 4 hours, with two daily departures (09:00-13:00 and 14:30-18:30). It includes sailing time, one swim/snorkel stop, and the on-board aperitif.
Is the boarding fee really not included?
No — this tour charges a mandatory boarding fee of around €15 per person, paid directly at the dock. It covers port and mooring costs and is standard practice for small sailing operators on this coast.
What does the Sicilian appetizer actually include?
Expect home-made bread, local cheese, vegetables preserved in oil, and Sicilian pistachio specialties, served with a glass of sparkling wine while the boat is underway.
Will I see the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi up close on this tour?
Yes — the return leg sails close to the Faraglioni di Aci Trezza and the old Arab coastal lookout towers, with Mount Etna visible behind them on a clear day.
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Catania: Sail Tour of Cyclops Coast with Sicilian Aperitif
