Boat Tour & Snorkeling at the Cyclops Islands with Aperitif

About This Experience

This snorkelling trip departs from Aci Castello rather than central Catania, on a 13-metre boat that covers close to 20km of volcanic coastline. The route runs between the La Timpa Nature Reserve and the Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area, taking in basalt cliffs, rocky headlands and small coves along the way, with a pass near Ulysses' Caves. Departures run through the day, weather permitting.

A marine biologist and an underwater guide are on board throughout, explaining the geology and marine life before each snorkelling stop. In the water you can expect seagrass meadows, patches of white sand against dark volcanic rock, and marine life that can include groupers, bream, octopus and various sponges, depending on the day. Snorkel equipment is provided, and the guides tailor their explanations to the group's interests and experience level.

Drinks and light snacks, aperitifs, fruit and bottled water, are served during the trip, and there's time built in for photos of the Cyclops Islands from the water as well as a couple of shorter, quieter swim stops. The boat returns to Aci Castello at the end of the roughly three-hour trip. Because it starts south of the main Cyclops coastline, this route reaches the marine reserve more directly than some of the trips that begin at Catania's city port.

Highlights

• A marine biologist and underwater guide on board throughout
• Guided snorkelling in the Cyclops Islands Marine Protected Area
• A route through the La Timpa Nature Reserve and past Ulysses' Caves
• Views of basalt cliffs, rocky headlands and hidden coves along nearly 20km of coast
• Marine life that can include groupers, bream, octopus and sponges

What's Included

• ✓ A marine biologist and underwater environmental guide
• ✓ The boat tour along the volcanic coastline
• ✓ Snorkel equipment
• ✓ Aperitifs
• ✓ Fruit
• ✓ Bottled water

Not Included

• Gratuities
• Transport to the meeting point in Aci Castello
• Hotel pickup

What to Bring

• Camera
• Beachwear or swimwear
• A towel

Good to Know & Caveats

• The tour departs from Aci Castello, north of Catania's centre, not from the city's main port.
• A marine biologist and underwater guide lead the trip and the snorkelling stops.
• This is an open-sea snorkelling trip, so the exact stops can vary a little with conditions on the day.
• The trip isn't suited to wheelchair users or travellers prone to seasickness.

Meeting Point

Etna & Sea Excursions, Via Provinciale 23, 95021 Aci Castello. Despite the tour's Catania branding, it departs from Aci Castello, not central Catania.