Exploring the island of Elba

Exploring the island of Elba

If you’re seeking a comprehensive boat experience around Elba Island, this 6-hour tour offers a fantastic way to see the island’s diverse landscapes and swim at its most beautiful beaches. Starting from Marina di Campo, the tour takes you along Elba’s southern, eastern, northern, and western coasts, with four designated swimming stops at some of the most iconic beaches. Priced inclusively with lunch (rice salad), it provides a relaxed and scenic way to explore Elba’s natural beauty without the hassle of land transport.

This tour is perfect for those interested in coastal scenery, marine life, and hidden beaches only accessible by sea. While the 3.7-star rating suggests some room for improvement, the itinerary’s variety and the chance to see sites like the Blue Grotto make it a worthwhile choice for families, groups, and solo travelers alike.

Key Points

• Duration: 6 hours, starting at 9:35 am from Marina di Campo
• Highlights: Swim stops at Sansone and Fetovaia beaches, visit to Porto Azzurro, Cavo, and Portoferraio
• Unique features: Swimming in the heart of the Calamita Mine and exploring coastlines only reachable by boat
• Included: Lunch (rice salad), with guides available in Italian and English
• Departure & Return: Board 30 minutes early, return around 3:30 pm
• Provider: TRISCOVERY SRL, rated 3.7

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Set out on a Full Coastline Voyage via Boat from Marina di Campo

This boat tour begins at Marina di Campo, where the Motonave Principe sets sail at 9:35 am. Over the course of six hours, the vessel cruises along the coast of Elba, providing panoramic views of Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Cavo, and Cavoli Bay. The route includes a detailed exploration of Elba’s southern, eastern, northern, and western coasts, each offering distinct scenery and geological features.

The journey is designed to maximize scenic cruising, with multiple swimming stops and opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and rugged coastline. The tour’s pacing ensures a relaxed experience, with plenty of time to enjoy the sea, sun, and landscape.

Discovering the Beaches Only Accessible by Sea

The tour’s first stop is at the wild Cannello beach, located within the Calamita Mine area. Here, travelers can take a dip amidst excavations and the abandoned industrial laundry structure. This stop offers a chance to swim in a less crowded spot and experience the industrial history blending with natural beauty.

Later stops include Sansone beach, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and granite cliffs, and Fetovaia, one of Elba’s most visited beaches, famous for its sheltered location, white granite sand, and vibrant water colors. Each swim stop is carefully chosen to showcase Elba’s diverse coastal scenery, from red ferrous beaches on the eastern side to white sandy beaches on the north.

Visiting Porto Azzurro and Cavo for Coastal Views

The tour passes Porto Azzurro, a charming town where the vessel cruises along the Rio Mines Coast, highlighting Elba’s mineral-rich history. Continuing north, the boat reaches Cavo, called the ‘Shining Coast’ due to the black mineral dust that makes some beaches sparkle. These stops allow travelers to appreciate Elba’s geological diversity and abundant mineral deposits.

The cruise then ventures into the Costa Verde, characterized by white cliffs plunging into clear waters, with views extending to the Scoglietto Marine Reserve. This marine protected area boasts a variety of marine life, adding a layer of natural interest to the scenery.

Exploring the Northern Coast and Marine Reserves

The tour continues to Sansone beach, another excellent swimming spot, with calm waters and impressive granite formations. From there, the vessel heads toward Biodola Bay and Procchio Bay, two of the longest sandy beaches on Elba, providing scenic views and opportunities for relaxation.

Portoferraio, the island’s main port and historic center, marks the last port on the northern coast before the boat makes its way westward. Travelers can enjoy views of white cliffs and turquoise waters, making this stretch visually stunning.

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The Highlight: Sant’Andrea Beach and the Western Coast

One of the tour’s most celebrated stops is Sant’Andrea, known for its crystal-clear seas and granite cliffs that drop into the sea. Located on the western side of Elba, this beach offers a dramatic landscape with high, rocky coastlines. Visitors can take a refreshing swim in waters famous for their clarity and serenity.

The voyage also passes Chiessi and Pomonte, where the Evilscott shipwreck from the 1970s rests just 12 meters underwater. This shipwreck adds a bit of curiosity and interest for those keen on marine exploration or snorkeling.

The Final Stop at Fetovaia: One of Elba’s Most Photographed Beaches

The last swim stop is at Fetovaia, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches on Elba. Its sheltered bay, with protected white granite sand, offers calm, transparent waters ideal for swimming and relaxing. Its backdrop of high cliffs and contrasting colors between the sapphire and turquoise water make it a favorite for photographers and beach lovers alike.

This stop is perfect for closing the day’s adventure with a peaceful, scenic swim before the boat heads back toward Marina di Campo.

Practical Details and Logistics for a Smooth Experience

The tour departs from Marina di Campo, with guests advised to arrive 30 minutes early for boarding preparations. The group size is not specified, but the vessel’s capacity allows for a comfortable cruise experience. The tour operates in Italian and English, accommodating international visitors.

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for changing plans. The provider, TRISCOVERY SRL, maintains a rating of 3.7, indicating a generally positive experience with room for improvement.

The Food and Beverage Experience on Board

A highlight of this tour is the included lunch, which features rice salad. This simple yet satisfying meal complements the scenic cruising and swimming perfectly, giving travelers an opportunity to refuel without leaving the boat.

Comparing Similar Experiences on Elba

This boat tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Elba’s coast, unlike more specialized activities like guided e-bike tours or fishing excursions. The focus on scenic cruising with multiple swimming stops makes it ideal for those wanting an overview of Elba’s coastline without extensive walking or land-based activities.

Other experiences listed include guided bike tours, fishing days, and diving options, but this tour’s sea-focused approach and multiple beach stops distinguish it as a relaxing, scenic day at sea.

Exploring Elba’s Coastal Diversity with a Practical Boat Trip

This 6-hour cruise around Elba Island stands out for its variety of stops and scenic vistas. From white sandy beaches like Fetovaia to granite cliffs at Sant’Andrea, each swimming spot offers a different view of Elba’s geological and marine richness. The marine reserve and the shipwreck add unique touches that enrich the experience.

While the rating of 3.7 suggests some room for refinement, the well-planned route and included lunch make this tour a solid option for those wanting to see and swim at Elba’s top beaches.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most

This boat trip appeals most to families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy coastal scenery and swimming. Its relaxed pace and multiple stops make it suitable for anyone looking for a comfortable and scenic day at sea. The tour’s focus on marine landscapes and hidden beaches makes it especially appealing for those curious about Elba’s diverse coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 6 hours, starting at 9:35 am and returning around 3:30 pm.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Marina di Campo.

Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch with rice salad is included in the ticket price.

What language are the guides available in?
Guides operate in Italian and English.

How early should I arrive for boarding?
Guests should arrive 30 minutes early for boarding.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What are the highlights of the tour?
Main highlights include swimming at Cannello, Sansone, Fetovaia beaches, and visiting Porto Azzurro, Cavo, and Portoferraio.

Are there any marine reserves visited?
Yes, the Scoglietto Marine Reserve is part of the cruise.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour’s pace and stops suggest it’s suitable for families and individuals comfortable with sea and walking.

Are there other activities similar to this on Elba?
Yes, there are options like guided e-bike tours and fishing trips, but this boat experience emphasizes coastal cruising and swimming.

This boat tour of Elba combines scenic coastlines, beautiful beaches, and marine exploration into one memorable day at sea. Its focus on diverse stops and natural beauty makes it an appealing choice for those eager to see Elba from the water with convenience and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby