Catania: Boat tour to Aci Trezza with the chance to see dolphins

About This Experience

This sunset boat tour follows the volcanic coast between Aci Castello and Aci Trezza, an area known locally as the Riviera dei Ciclopi. It runs for about two hours in a small group rather than on a large tour boat, with a local skipper narrating in Italian and English. As the light fades, the sea often takes on the warm, evocative colours the operator describes, and the slower pace suits travellers who want a quiet, unhurried way to see the coastline rather than a packed sightseeing run.

The boat makes a photo and sightseeing stop below the Norman castle at Aci Castello, where the crew points out the cliff-top setting and the view back along the coast. From there it continues towards Aci Trezza, passing close to the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi sea stacks, with Mount Etna visible behind them as the sun goes down. Guests can swim off the boat at Aci Trezza, and depending on the day and on availability, try a stand-up paddleboard or a jet ski before heading back.

Dolphins are sometimes spotted in these waters during the crossing, and several recent guests have mentioned seeing them, though sightings are never guaranteed and depend entirely on the day. There's no formal bar on board, but past guests have often been offered fresh drinks and snacks informally during the trip, served as a courtesy rather than a fixed part of the package. The overall feel is closer to a relaxed evening outing than a tightly structured excursion with fixed stops.

It's a low-key format aimed at travellers who want the coastline and the sunset rather than a long itinerary, with the whole outing wrapped up in around two hours. Because the group is kept small, there's more room to move around the boat and easier access to the skipper for questions about the coast, the castle and the volcanic stacks passed along the way.

Highlights

• Sunset light over the sea as the boat rounds the volcanic coast towards Aci Trezza.
• A close pass of the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi sea stacks with Mount Etna visible behind them.
• A photo and sightseeing stop below the Norman castle at Aci Castello.
• A swim stop in calm water off Aci Trezza.
• Commentary from a local skipper, given in Italian and English.
• Fresh drinks and snacks often shared informally during the crossing.

What's Included

• ✓ Two-hour boat tour of the Aci Castello and Aci Trezza coastline
• ✓ Small-group excursion rather than a large tour boat
• ✓ Photo and sightseeing stop at Aci Castello
• ✓ Swim stop at Aci Trezza, weather permitting
• ✓ Stand-up paddleboard and jet ski use, subject to availability on the day
• ✓ Commentary in Italian and English

Not Included

• A formal bar service on board (complimentary drinks may be offered informally, but this isn't guaranteed)
• Transport to and from the Aci Castello meeting point
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities for the skipper

What to Bring

• Swimwear, for the swim stop at Aci Trezza
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes for getting on and off the boat

Good to Know & Caveats

• Dolphin sightings are reported fairly often in these waters but are never guaranteed.
• The tour runs in a small group rather than on a large tour boat.
• Use of the stand-up paddleboard and jet skis depends on conditions and availability on the day.
• Timings are built around sunset, so the departure time shifts with the season.
• There's no formal bar on board; any drinks offered are a courtesy rather than a fixed inclusion.

Meeting Point

Via Lungomare Dei Ciclopi, 173, 95021 Aci Castello, on the seafront promenade in Aci Castello, a short drive north of Catania.