CAVE SNORKELING AND SWIMMING IN ITALY
Every trip has one free day too few. These 10 cave snorkeling and swimming in Italy justify the slot, priced and timed, with the stairs, the temperature and the wet bits stated plainly.
Join a small group of up to 10 on the Dorino boat for a 1.5-hour cruise past Polignano a Mare’s famous caves, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, and Cala Port’Alga. Guides such as Nicolas, Valerio, and Enzo add humor and local stories, with a swim stop, snorkeling mask, Prosecco, and Apulian taralli included.
“Funny, friendly guide, nice prosecco break at the end of trip!”
Cruise from Sorrento to Capri in a small group of up to 12, stopping at coastal coves, sea caves, the Faraglioni, and swimming spots. You get a Caprese sandwich, snacks, drinks, and 3 to 4 hours on Capri. Guides such as Francesco, Rosella, and Yana add local color.
“It's a small group tour, therefore a small boat. The water between Sorrento and Capri is generally not smooth. Having said that, I'm slightly susceptible to feeding the fish on this type of trip. No worries this time, some ginger pills with breakfast and all good. It fit our timeline for seeing the highlights, but I would suggest an earlier morning ferry ride over, smoother and less costly, and spend time at your leisure exploring. Our guide Francisco was highly enthusiastic, very engaging and knowledgeable, giving us a multitude of tidbits along the way. Open bar is always a plus. A wonderful daytrip, highly recommend it.”
Spend 90 minutes cruising around Ortigia with Captain Mirko or another local crew member. See Maniace Castle, the Aretusa Fountain, sea caves, forts, and the Umbertino Bridge, then stop for a swim with masks and fresh water provided.
“We had a great tour with Captain Mirko. He was knowledgeable and funny. We were able to stop and swim which was great since it was super hot! Great way to see a little of the island!”
Cruise around Ortigia with an English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking skipper. Pass under Umbertino Bridge, view Arethusa Spring and Maniace Castle, enter sea caves, stop to swim and snorkel, and enjoy seasonal fruit, juice, and prosecco. Guides such as Michelangelo, Gaetano, Salvo, and Gianni are known for adding plenty of personality.
“I liked every moment of this trip. Our guide was extremely friendly, we had a really good time. The water, caves and swimming were all perfect. I absolutely recommend this activity for every age group. He spoke English which was a big help, moreover I think all of the people on that boat became a little community at the end of the trip. We got fruits, drinks and equipments. I will come back if I come to Sicily next time. Thank you for everything!”
Paddle east from Maiori with guides such as Danilo, Salvatore, Nicola, and Danny, stopping at Torre Normanna, Acquachiara beach, and Grotta di Pandora. You get kayak gear, snorkeling equipment, fruit, water, photos, and a 3.5-hour view of the coast from sea level.
“The experience was designed for both experience kayakers and complete novices, it felt safe throughout. the guides were knowledgeable, gun and relaxed....worth every penny”
Sail from Amalfi on a 10 to 12 metre gozzo with an English-speaking host and captain. Stop at caves, beaches, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano, and Positano for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks. Longer options include two hours to explore Positano on foot.
“Great, both attendants were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Plus, very friendly.”
Join local guide Alessio for a small-group sea-kayak trip from Minori to Pandora Cave and Dead Horse Beach. You will paddle past coastal forts, swim and snorkel in clear water, and enjoy fruit, lemonade, and a lemon spritz. Equipment, photos, water, storage, and changing facilities are included.
“Liked the historical inputs from our guide Alessio, about the cities we passed along the way and the pace of the kayaking. The cave we saw was amazing, and very much enjoyed the beach we ended up on as it was very few people there besides our tour and a beach that only was reachable from the sea. Very good drinks also, both with and without alcohol. A very chill and relaxed excursion. Highly recommended.”
Spend 2.5 hours aboard Étolie with Captain Alex and his crew, cruising from Cefalù’s port past beaches and churches. Swim and snorkel at Mazzaforno and Kalura, then enjoy prosecco, local snacks, music, and a freshly prepared Sicilian aperitivo. Morning, afternoon, and sunset departures are available.
“Was so amazing being on the boat, learning about Cefalu, and soaking in the sun. Definitely was the highlight of our trip and I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone wanting a relaxing beautiful adventure. We got to jump off deck and sunbathe as well.”
Set out from Tonino’s Beach Club with English or Italian-speaking guides, using stable double kayaks and supplied snorkeling gear. Paddle past the Arc of Lovers, Conca dei Marini, Sophia Loren’s villa, and Runghetiello Grotto, then stop at a sea-access beach for swimming, fruit, and water.
“My husband and I had amazing time! It was so much fun! Thank you!”
Join Mario or another Italian and English-speaking guide for a 2.5-hour boat trip around Ustica. You will enter sea caves, stop to swim in clear coves, hear island stories, and use the supplied masks and snorkels. Choose a daytime, sunrise, or sunset departure.
“When you visit Ustica there is a private beach on one side of the island where you can pay to sit in chairs and when I say beach there is no sand on Ustica. The boat tours is the best way to see the island and swim. The only reason this gets a 4 is because all of the sites about Ustica say great for snorkeling but aside from as few tiny fish there isnt much life there. The company was great. Guide was lovely mostly multiple stops to swim. Bring your own snorkeling equipment they did have a couple on the boat but nothing fancy. And book it for…”
By boat, by ladder, by staircase or on a rope.
