6 Syracuse Cave Tours Worth the Trip

1.Syracuse: Boat Tour with Captain Mirko, Snorkeling & Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 746 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $35Our pick

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!”

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2.Siracusa: Ortigia Boat Tour with Marine Grotto & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 726 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

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!”

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3.Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Boat Tour w/ Prosecco & Fruit

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 723 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35Top rated

In 90 minutes, cruise from outside A Surgiva around Ortigia with an English or Italian skipper. See the Umbertino Bridge, Maniace Castle, Fonte Aretusa, and coastal caves, then swim with provided masks before fruit, prosecco, soft drinks, and music.

“Our tour guide Davide was extremely friendly and a great tour guide. Water, fruit, prosecco, and other soft drinks were provided as described. The Ortigia coastline was beautiful and you do a complete lap around the island. The boat goes into a few small caves and we found a calm spot to swim for a few minutes as well. Snorkels are provided for those interested, but it’s not a big part of the trip. Great value for the money. Grazie!”

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4.Syracuse: Ortigia Island & Sea Cave Boat Tour with Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 418 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

You’ll circle Ortigia from Via Malta, pass Syracuse’s sea caves and heart-shaped cave, then cruise beneath a low bridge toward Maniace Castle, Fonte Aretusa, and Porta Marina. A live Italian or English guide, onboard audio, swim stop, freshwater shower, and Prosecco are included.

“Wonderful. Saw the caves, jumped in the sea and went under a low Bridge. Was one of the holidays highlights!”

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5.siracusa boat tour with visit to sea caves and ortigiaisland

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 34 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

Cruise around Ortigia with an Italian- or English-speaking skipper, passing the Arethusa Spring, Maniace Castle, Umbertino Bridge, and Syracuse’s sea caves. You’ll get a 10-minute swim stop, music on board, and a photo stop at the heart-shaped Cave of Love. Steven is one guide named in guest feedback.

“Molto piacevole, peccato che un’ora sia veramente poca”

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6.Catacomb of St. John: Entrance ticket and guided tour with VR viewer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 34 reviews · 45 min · from $16Best value

Enter the Catacomb of St. John beneath Syracuse with an Italian or English-speaking guide. Walk through galleries, arcosoli, rotundas, and decorated tombs, then use a VR viewer to picture the city’s early Christian past. The visit lasts 45 minutes and costs $16 per person.

“Guide was good but spoke very fast. As I understand both Italian and English I managed to get a good understanding of their speech as it was effectively repeated. VR goggles did not add much to the understanding and were a pain to use. Not worth bothering with.”

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