15 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 $35

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.Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, and Sea Caves Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 348 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Spend two hours cruising around Ortigia and the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area with an Italian or English-speaking guide. Expect sea caves, Castle Maniace, swimming, snorkeling, music, and room to move on board. Some guides use a translator app when English is limited.

“the water is crystal clear,the captain is funny, sweet and helpful! I had a great time!”

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6.Syracuse: Coast and Sea Caves Full Transparent Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 330 reviews · 50 min · from $47

Board Crystal Boat outside A Surgiva for a 50-minute cruise along Siracusa and Ortigia. Skippers such as Antonino, Antonio, and Stefano guide you past sea caves and coves, with clear views below the boat, a swimming stop, and time for underwater photos.

“It was amazing-definitely the best boat ride in Siracusa!”

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7.Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia, Sea Caves and snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 133 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Set out from Ortigia with an Italian-speaking skipper and English audio guide, cruise past Arethusa Spring, Castello Maniace, and Syracuse’s karst caves, then swim near Pillirina Grotto. Goggles and drinks are included, but bring your own snorkel tube.

“Loved, loved, loved our guide and boat driver. Aldo and Antonio. Aldo was very knowledgeable and super friendly. I would definitely recommend this tour. Well worth the money”

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8.Syracuse: Ortigia and Sea Caves Excursion by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 112 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

Join the captain at Dolphin Excursion and Rental for a one-hour cruise around Ortigia. You’ll see Arethusa Spring, Maniace Castle, the Mitoraj sculpture, and Syracuse’s sea caves, with music, fresh water, English or Italian commentary, and a swim stop.

“It was a great trip, we loved every moment of it!”

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9.Siracusa: Ortygia Island Boat Tour with Grotto Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 106 reviews · 1 hour · from $29

Cruise around Ortigia with an Italian or English-speaking skipper, passing Maniace Castle, Fonte Aretusa, and Syracuse’s old fortifications before entering four sea caves. A short swim stop is offered when weather allows. Choose a shared or private boat, with Salvo, Beppe, and Stefano among the named skippers.

“Awesome boat trip to the grottos and around the castle, very informative and relaxing!”

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10.Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Boat Tour with Sunset Apertif

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 94 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $77Top rated

Set out from Ortigia with a skipper such as David, Chris, or Antonio for a 2.5-hour cruise past Syracuse’s sea caves and landmarks. Swim in clear water, hear local stories, and finish with Sicilian snacks and Prosecco at sunset. Bring a jacket and note that the fixed menu cannot handle dietary restrictions.

“This was the best part of our trip. I would recommend this highly to everyone. Antonino was a very good guide and the food was fabulous.”

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11.Syracuse:Tour Ortigia,caves with local skipper explanation

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 82 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

Circle Ortigia with an Italian or English-speaking skipper, passing Arethusa Spring, Castello Maniace, sea caves, harbors, and coastal viewpoints. You get live commentary, a 10-minute swim stop, and time for photos. Nunzio is one guide named in guest feedback.

“Veramente una bella esperienza nel mare di Siracusa. Complimenti a Nunzio, ottima guida”

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12.Syracuse: Ortigia Boat Trip with Caves and Pillirina

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 77 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

See Ortigia from the water with guides such as Ninni and Nuncio, passing Castello Maniace, Arethusa Spring, sea caves, the Ortigia canal, and Plemmirio. The two-hour trip includes swimming stops, life jackets, and live commentary in English or Italian.

“The entire trip was fantastic, and our tour guide, Nini, was a very positive and cheerful person who made our boat excursion even more enjoyable. Thank you! ✨”

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13.Syracuse: Picnic boat tour of Pillirina, Ortigia & sea caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 59 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

Spend 2.5 hours on a shaded boat from Ortigia, seeing Fonte Aretusa, Castello Maniace, Pillirina Bay, and Syracuse’s sea caves. Swim in clear water, enjoy Sicilian food with prosecco or wine, and choose music or quiet time at sea. Guides speak English and Italian.

“Our skipper, Antonino was brilliant and very knowledgeable. The picnic and drinks were fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed our 2.5 hours boat trip. Highly recommend.”

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

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

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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