Catania: Cyclops Coast Cruise with Appetizer & Snorkeling

About This Experience

This sailing trip leaves from the old customs building at Catania's port and follows the coast north past black volcanic rock. The first stop is for swimming and a bit of snorkelling, after which the crew serves a spread of Sicilian products on board: home-made bread, local cheese, vegetables in oil and pistachio specialities. From there the boat continues towards Acitrezza, with Mount Etna visible behind the coastline.

Near Acitrezza you get a close view of the Faraglioni, the basalt sea stacks linked to the story of Ulysses and the Cyclops, along with old Arab lookout towers built into the volcanic rock. The trip sails on a Bavaria 46 or Dufour 41 yacht, with a maximum of twelve guests on board, and runs twice a day: a morning departure at nine and an afternoon one at half past two.

The itinerary can change with the weather and sea conditions, and the skipper has the final say on safety grounds. Snorkelling gear and a stand-up paddleboard are provided for the swim stop at Lachea Island, and the whole round trip, from leaving Catania's Vecchia Dogana pier to returning, takes about four hours. A boarding fee is charged locally on top of the ticket price.

Highlights

• Sailing along Catania's black volcanic coastline
• A swim and snorkel stop off Lachea Island, with stand-up paddleboarding available
• Close-up views of the Faraglioni and old Arab lookout towers near Acitrezza
• Mount Etna in view across the water
• A small-group sailing yacht, maximum twelve guests

What's Included

• ✓ The sailing trip along the Catania coast to Acitrezza
• ✓ Snorkelling gear and stand-up paddleboard for the swim stop
• ✓ An appetizer of Sicilian bread, cheese, vegetables in oil and pistachio specialities
• ✓ A glass of Sicilian sparkling wine
• ✓ Fuel and boat costs
• ✓ A crew who work in Italian and English

Not Included

• A boarding fee of €15 per person, paid locally
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities

What to Bring

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen

Good to Know & Caveats

• The boat is a Bavaria 46 or Dufour 41 yacht, up to twelve guests, and the model used can vary by availability.
• There are two daily departures: 9am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm.
• The route and stops can change with the weather and sea conditions; the captain has final say for safety.
• The boat isn't suited to travellers with mobility impairments.

Meeting Point

Vecchia Dogana, Via Cardinale Dusmet 2, 95121 Catania.