Boat Tour, Aperitif And Caves

Boat Tour, Aperitif and Caves, 4 hours, rated 4.7 across 627 traveller reviews.

Overview

Four hours on the water with SEICA BOAT, starting from via Filippo Patti at Palermo's tourist port. The route runs along the Palermo coast before reaching Mondello Bay, where the first swimming and snorkelling stop takes place. Further stops follow at Spiaggia Vergine Maria and the Grotta Regina, the Queen's Caves, where the aperitif of typical products and wine is served.

The tour runs on either a sailing boat or a motor boat, both following the same itinerary. Groups of up to six guests go out on the sailing boat, while larger groups use the motor boat, so travellers can request a preference but the final vessel depends on numbers. Both boats carry a toilet and the listing includes water and wine in an open bar alongside the skipper, snorkelling gear, music and insurance.

This suits travellers who want a relaxed half day combining coastline views, several swims in clear water and a casual aperitif, rather than a full meal. Reviewers frequently describe friendly crews and scenic swim stops, and one traveller noted the crew helped a disabled friend board and disembark. Note that the aperitif is a tasting, not lunch or dinner.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting pointMeet at via Filippo Patti, Palermo. There is no pickup; travellers make their own way to the port.
2. Coastal cruiseBoard the boat and cruise along the Palermo coast, with commentary on the landscape along the way.
3. Mondello Bay snorkelingA 40-minute optional swimming and snorkelling stop in the Gulf of Mondello.
4. Spiaggia Vergine MariaAn optional one-hour stop at this beach for photos and snorkelling.
5. Grotta ReginaAn optional one-hour stop at the Queen's Caves with photo time, a short hike, snorkelling and the typical aperitif with wine.
6. Return to portSail back to the Seica Boat base at the Palermo tourist port.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers get the most from this outing.

• Bring sun gear. The listing strongly recommends sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing and water to stay hydrated in the season's heat. Several reviewers describe the trip as a good way to escape the heat of the city, so protection matters.
• Pack a towel. Towels are not included, the only item listed as excluded. Bring beachwear and a daypack, plus a camera, as the listing suggests.
• It is a tasting. The aperitif is a tasting of typical products with a glass of wine, not a lunch or dinner. Extra aperitif drinks can be bought on board, and the open bar covers water and wine only.
• Group feel. Up to six guests sail on the sailing boat, larger groups on the motor boat, and travellers can request a preference though assignment depends on numbers. Both boats are spacious and carry a toilet, according to the listing.
• Swim stops vary. Swimming stops depend on sea and weather conditions and any local maritime restrictions, and the captain can change the itinerary, timing or swim locations for safety. One reviewer reported a scheduled beach stop being skipped because of special events, with the crew offering alternatives in advance.
• Getting on board. The listing makes no formal accessibility promise, so anyone with mobility concerns should check specifics with the operator before booking. One reviewer did report that the crew helped a disabled friend board and disembark.

Common issues. Swim stops and the exact itinerary depend on sea and weather conditions, and the captain may change plans for safety, so the caves or a beach stop are not guaranteed. One reviewer found the water rougher than expected, and another said the itinerary had to change because of local events, though the crew offered options ahead of time. The boat type may differ from the one requested, since vessels are assigned by group size. The aperitif is a tasting rather than a meal, and towels and extra drinks beyond water and wine cost extra.

Common Questions